Quick itinerary:

Day 1: Delhi - Leh flight, rest

Day2: Guided tour

Day3:  Drive to Skyu and Trek to Sarah

Day4: Trek Sarah to Markha

Day5: Trek Markha to Thachungtse

Day6: Trek Thachungtse to Nimaling

Day7: Rest day at Nimaling

Day8: Trek to Chokdo via Kongmarula Pass and Drive to Leh

Day9: Leh

Day10: Fly Leh - Delhi

 

General trekking Period:

July to October - Contact us to organise specific dates

 

Duration:

10 days total, 6 days trekking

 

Grade:

Moderate - hiking only

 

Accommodation:

Hotel, camping on trek

 

Detailed itinerary:

 

Day 1: Fly Delhi to Leh (3,500m/ 11,482ft), rest

Your early morning 75 minute flight to Leh over the Himalayas will be one of the most picturesque flights you’ll ever experience. On the Northern horizon you will see K2 (8,611m / 28,251ft), the world's second highest peak, and other 8,000m peaks of the Karakoram Range. If you sit on the left side of the plane, you will see Nun (7,135m / 23,408ft) and Kun (7,077m/23,218ft), the two highest mountains in Ladakh.

We will greet you at Leh airport and drive you to your hotel. The rest of the day depends on your jet lag and acclimatization to Leh’s high altitude.

 

Day 2: Guided tour in Leh (3,500m/11,483ft)

Ladakh is the only place besides Tibet where almost all the different sects of Tibetan Buddhism still exist. You will see architecture and a lifestyle similar to Central Tibetan traditions and visit Hemis Monastery and Thiksey Monastery.

Hemis Monastery, belonging to the Drukpa Kagyu sect, is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Ladakh. It was first built in the 11^th century. Stories of Kalachakra and the Lords of the Four Quarters are etched on the walls of its ancient corridors. There are golden statues, precious stones and a library with Tibetan books, relics and manuscripts.

The Hemis Festival is a dazzling celebration of the birth of the Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). The Cham Dance (masked dance by the monks) should not be missed at Hemis Monastery.

Thiksey Monastery, belonging  to the Gelugpa sect, is 12 stories high. It has 10 temples, showcases stunning Ladakhi architecture, a 15m high statue of Maitreya (future Buddha), fierce paintings and statues of deities and other Tibetan Buddhism artifacts.

Overnight stay at your hotel or home stay.

 

Day 03: Drive from Leh to Skyu, trek to Sarah (3570m 2 hrs drive, 3 hrs walking approx)

We will be driving to Skyu Village early in the morning. Today would be a short walk for the first day. It’s better to keep it easy for the first day of walking.

Overnight stay in tents.

 

Day 04: Trek Sarah to Markha (3750m 3-4 hrs)

You will trek one of the loveliest sections of the Markha Valley. Nonetheless, be aware that this part of the Markha Valley can get quite hot. The powerful Markha River rushes through a gorge that is decorated by willow and wild rose. Several bridges cross the Markha River and you will trek over them. We will camp beyond the village of Thinlespa camp, next to Markha River.

Overnight stay in tents.

Note: we will be crossing the Markha river just before reaching the village.

 

Day 5: We trek to Thachungtse (4,200m/ 13,800mft, 7-8 hours)

We continue to trek through Markha Valley. It is cooler here. You will discover a ruined fort between the twin villages of Lower and Upper Hankar. The walls of this fort climb sharply up to an aerie of a lookout tower – if you enjoy heights, you will love exploring this place. Afterwards, we will follow the Nimaling River to camp at Thachungtse.

Overnight stay in tents.

 

Day 6: We trek to Nimaling (4,700m/ 15,419ft, 2-3 hours)

We will trek through Markha Valley to reach a picturesque alpine lake. The majestic Kang Yatse (6,400m / 20,997ft), the highest mountain in the Zanskar range, will be right in front of you. Afterwards, we will reach Nimaling plain, a broad, undulating alpine meadow that reaches the base of Kang Yatse. Nimaling’s rivulets provide pasturage for yaks, sheep, goats, dzos and horses that come from the Markha and other villages. There may even be wild white-tailed hares, blue sheep or wolf. We will make camp in the early afternoon and relax, explore and view the wildlife for the rest of the day.

Overnight stay in tents.

 

Day 7: Rest day on Nimaling plains

You will spend this day recuperating and enjoying the landscape, geology, animals and plant of Nimaling plain. You can walk upto Kang Yatse Base Camp today.

Overnight stay in tents.

 

Day 8: Trek to Kongmaru La (highest point of trek at 5,200m/ 17,060ft), reach the sulfur springs of Chuskyurmo (3,750m/ 12,303ft, 6-7 hours) and descend to Chokdo. Drive back to Leh.

After crossing the Nimaling River you will climb Kongmaru La, the highest pass on this trek. You will be rewarded with the stunning vista of the Himalayas. On a clear day, you will see K2 and other giant 8000m+ mountains of the Karakoram Range. Afterwards, we will descend steeply into the Martselang Valley. Our final camping spot for the Classic Markha Valley Trek is near the sulfur springs of Chuskyurmo. And a little descend takes us to Chokdo. From Chokdo Village, we will be driven to Leh. This marks the end of the Classic Markha Valley Trek.

Overnight stay in homestay or hotel.

 

Day 11:

Rest and shopping day in Leh.

 

Day 12: Fly Leh - Delhi

We will drive you to Leh airport so you can fly back to Delhi.

 

Please note:

This itinerary is approximate. Clients are embarking on adventure travel in a remote mountain region and the itinerary is subject to weather, road conditions, vehicles and local availability of horses or mules. Ri Guides will make every effort to see that clients acclimatize completely, and complete and enjoy their trip.

Please read རི RiGuides Terms and Conditions and Legal. Prices are in US dollars and are subject to change.

Inclusions:

• Experienced local trekking guide who has completed this trek multiple times
• Experienced guide for the monasteries
• Safety and health precautions:
• InReach satellite messaging system (when allowed)
• Oxygen saturation monitoring system
• Full medical kit
• All accommodation in Leh with breakfast
• Camping accommodation during trekking
• All camping equipment including sleeping tent, foam mattress, kitchen tent, dining tent and toilet tent
• All meals and drinks during trekking
• High quality food serviced by an experienced cook and attendants during the trek
• Service of horse/mule drivers and horses or mules
• Entry fee into Hemis National Park and camping fees
• Airport transfers.

Exclusions:

• Flights – please ask us if you need help with arranging your domestic flights
• Medical and evacuation insurance
• Lunch and dinner in Leh (breakfast is included with accommodation)
• Laundry services
• Other services not mentioned in the package
• Tipping our crew.

 

If you require any other assistance, please let us know and we will accommodate accordingly.

 

Note:

1. Single Room during your stays can be booked at an additional cost of $220
2. Tips and Extra Cash: Allow approximately $500-$800 for meals (while not on trek), drinks (on trek) and cash for tips
3. We suggest 5% of the trip cost per person for the crew tips pool.

Base Layers

• Synthetic Short Underwear (2-3 pair): non-cotton style underwear
• Lightweight Long Underwear (2-3 pair): long sleeve shirt and long pants
• Heavyweight Long Underwear (1 pair)
• Short Sleeve Synthetic Shirt (1-2)

Mid Layers

• Soft Shell Jacket: to be worn over other layers
• Soft Shell Pants: very breathable and water repellant
• Lightweight Nylon Pants (1-2 pair)

Windproof/Rain Layers

• Hard Shell Jacket with hood: waterproof and breathable shell jacket
• Hard Shell Pants: waterproof and breathable shell pants

Insulation Layers

• Heavyweight Insulated Down Jacket with hood
• Insulated Pants
• Down Suit (optional): worn on summit day

Headwear

• Warm Hat: synthetic or wool hat (ski hat)
• Balaclava: to protect your neck and face in high winds
• Baseball Cap or other sun hat: to shade your face/neck from the sun on a hot day
• Bandana or Buff: to protect your neck/face from the sun

Eyewear

• Glacier Glasses: full protection with side covers or wrap around
• Ski Goggles: to be worn in the event of high winds

Gloves

• Lightweight Synthetic Liner Gloves: for wearing on warm days
• Soft Shell Gloves: to wear for moderate cold/wind
• Shell Glove with Insulated Liner: to wear for severe cold/strong wind
• Expedition Mitts: large enough to fit a liner glove inside

Footwear

• Liner Socks (3 pairs)
• Wool or Synthetic Socks (3 pairs)
• Mountaineering Boots
• Hiking Shoes/Boots: comfortable hiking boots or shoes for the trek to base camp
• Camp Boots (optional): comfortable boots for wearing in camp
• Gaiters (optional)
• Booties (optional)

Sleeping Equipment

• Sleeping Bag: rated to at least -20°F
• Self-inflating Sleeping Pad: full length is preferred
• Closed-cell Foam Pad: to be used in conjunction with the inflating pad for warmth and comfort when sleeping
• Earplugs

Mountaineering Gear

• Expedition Backpack: approximately 75L
• Compression Stuff Sacks: for reducing the volume of the sleeping bag, down parka, etc. in your pack
• Trash Compactor Bags: to line backpack and stuff sacks as well as for separating gear
• Backpack Rain Cover (optional)
• Trekking Backpack: to carry on the trek to base camp. Simple and light.
• Trekking Poles with Optional Snow Baskets: adjustable
• Ice Axe: short ice axe (max 60cm)
• Crampons: general mountaineering crampons
• Climbing Helmet: must be able to fit over your warm hat
• Ascender: 1 right or left-hand ascender
• “Y” Rig for ascender and safety carabiner
• Accessory Cord: 30 feet (9m) of 6mm accessory cord
• Alpine Climbing Harness: mountaineering harness, with adjustable leg loops. Not a rock-climbing “sport” harness
• Carabineers: 2 regular and 4 locking
• Belay/Rappel Device
• Headlamp: with 2 extra sets of new batteries
• Pack Liner (2 pieces)

Travel Items

• Large Duffel Bag with Lock: for transporting gear to base camp, no hard sides or wheels
• Small Duffel Bag with Lock: to store items in the hotel(s) while on the climb
• Carry-on Backpack: can use trekking backpack, approximately 18” x 16” x 10” (46cm x 41cm x 26cm)
• Travel Clothes: for days in cities and towns
• Lightweight journal, sketchbook, pencils, pen
• U.S. cash: for currency exchange to purchase SIM cards or merchandise in cities and villages

Additional Food Items

• Snack Food: bring a few days’ supply of your favorite climbing snack food such as bars, gels, nuts, beef jerky, etc. variety of salty and sweet is good

Other Equipment

• Cup: plastic 16 oz. minimum cup or mug
• Bowl: large plastic bowl for eating dinner or breakfast
• Spoon: plastic spoon (Lexan)
• Water Bottles (2 or 3): wide mouth bottles with 1-liter capacity
• Water Bottle Parkas (2): fully insulated with zip opening
• Water Treatment
• Thermos: 1-liter
• Hand/Foot Warmers
• Sunscreen: SPF 50 or better
• Lip Screen (2 sticks): SPF 30 or better
• Toiletry Bag: include toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, baby wipes and hand sanitizer (2 small bottles)
• Pee Bottle: 1-liter minimum bottle for convenience at night in the tent
• Female Urination Device (FUD)
• Knife or Multi-tool (optional)
• Small Personal First-aid Kit: include athletic tape, band-aids, Ibuprofen, blister care, cough drops, etc.
• Medications and Prescriptions: bring antibiotics (Azithromycin, etc.), and altitude medicine such as Diamox, etc.
• Handkerchiefs/Bandanas (optional)

Optional Electronics

• Country-appropriate power plug adapters and power transformers
• Avalanche Transceiver
• Adventure Sports Watch: such as Garmin fēnix 6
• GPS/Personal Satellite Communicator: such as Garmin inReach Mini
• Personal Power System: such as Goal Zero Nomad 28 Plus Solar Panel and Sherpa 100AC Power Bank
• Digital Entertainment: movies, tv shows, music, books loaded on to smartphone, iPad, Kindle
• Camera: bring extra batteries, charger, and memory cards
• Portable Travel Humidifier: battery powered

རི Ri Guides is recognized for well thought out strategy in leading high altitude climbing expeditions and treks, as well as high-quality service throughout. We have a decade of experience in the planning and coordination of mountaineering expeditions and treks across the Himalayas. We strive to make each expedition and treks the best possible experience for our climbers and hikers and focus on our 3 primary goals of success in reaching the summit of peaks/high passes, returning safely, and having fun! Safety is always our number one priority.

Our guides are some of the best and most experienced in the industry, having a strong grasp of technical climbing, expedition, and high-altitude experience, guiding treks along with strong interpersonal skills. Our teams are small and equipped with the best support available to ensure the highest chance of success. We provide comfortable base camps, high-quality food, first-rate communications, and medical support services, all of which are overseen by a professional member of our team.

Most of our climbers and trekkers have either climbed or hiked with us before, been referred by a friend who has climbed/hiked with us or met one of our teams while attempting another peak/hikes and decided to join us for their next expedition/hikes. We work hard to facilitate safe, successful, and enjoyable expeditions/hikes for all of our climbers/hikers. Our track record and past climber/hikers testimonials prove we are highly competent experts in our field and love what we do!