Lamayuru to Hemis via Markha Valley Trek

Places Covered: LEH, LAMAYURU, WANLA, HINJU , SUMDA CHENMO , DUNDUNCHAN LA , SKU , MARKHA , THACHUNGTSE, NIMALING , SHANG SUMDO , HEMIS ,Hemis Monastery
Duration: 15 Nights 16 Days
Best Season: June to October
Grade: Moderate to Challenging

Lamayuru, the oldest monastery is situated on the starting point of this trek, which finishes at Hemis the Richest and most famous monastery of Ladakh. There are many Passes on this trail. It passes through Hemis national park, established to preserve snow leopard and other wild animals. But there is only 10% chance to view a snow leopard. Further it enters beautiful valley of Markha, which is overshadowed by many Peaks. The high pasturelands to graze yaks & goats are dotted with animals
 

Itinerary:

1st Day: ARRIVE DELHI. where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

2nd Day: DELHI TO LEH BY AIR.

3rd Day: LEH TO LAMAYURU (130 Km.) 7 hours. Leave Leh for Lamayuru; 125 Kms from Leh: Visit Alchi, Liker monastery on the way to Lamayuru. Arrive Lamayuru by afternoon and visit Lamayuru monastery. Overnight in Camp

4th Day: LAMAYURU TO WANLA. 4-5 hours. Start you trek after the breakfast via Pirkiting La (3700 mtrs.) from where you can have spectacular view of Zangskar Mountains and Konzske La. The steep descends leads you to first camp at Wanla a pretty village via Shellakung. Over night in Camp.

5th Day: WANLA TO HINJU 5-6 hours. Leave Wanla for Hinju after the breakfast the nice views of mountains and narrow gorges. The Hinju village comes with the prayer flags in the starting of village. Overnight in Hotel.

6th Day: HINJU TO SUMDA CHENMO 5-6 hours. Procced towards Sumda Chenmo via Konski La 4900 mtrs. From where you can have a view of back route fromPirkiti La. The Valley across the Kanski La has a few huts of shepherds from Hinju where they make butter and cheese.. Overnight in Camp.

7th Day: SUMDA CHENMO TO DUNDUNCHAN LA 5-6 hours. The trail leads to Dundunchan la Base along with Sumda chu .Arrive base of the pass after a good walk for 4-5 hours. Overnight in camp.

8th Day: DUNDUNCHAN LA BASE TO CHILLING 5-6 hours. Have a fantastic view from Dundunchan La (4700 mtrs) and trail Leads to Chilling village where the Zangskar River follows towards Nimo village. The chilling village is famous for metal works in Ladakh. Initially the people of Chilling were brought to Ladakh from Nepal Deldan Namgyal to built the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha at Shey. After completion of statue they rewarded with Land at chilling and settled down here by king. Over night in Camp.

9th Day: CHILLING TO SKU 4-5 hours. Here you need to cross Zangskar River with a cable car with you Laugges as pony cannot cross with things. May be youhave to change the ponies, as it is difficult to cross the river in mid summer.Reach Sku via Kaya Overnight in Camp .

10th Day: SKU TO MARKHA 7-8 hours. Sku is comparatively being on a lower altitude it is bit hot in Summer. Walk along the Markha River and then throne scrub. On The way passing through, you can have a wonderful view of back down valley. Markha makes beautiful by Kang- Yatse peak (6400 mtrs.) which over shadows the valley. Overnight in Camp.

11th Day: MARKHA TO THACHUNGTSE 5-6 hours. The trail splits as soon as you leave the village walk thorough a steep cliff. After double-crossing the river you can view a Gonpa up to the left. Arrive Thachungtse after a lovely walk through Umlung. Overnight in Camp.

12th Day: THACHUNGTSE TO NIMALING 4-5 hours. You can have beautiful views of Kangyatse after passing through several Mani walls. Arrive Nimaling afterdescends which is a pastureland for Markha villagers. Overnight in tent.

13th Day: NIMALING TO SHANG SUMDO 6-7 hours. Walk towards Shang Sumdo via Kongmaru La pass (5100 mtrs.), This the highest pass in this trek and good walk for around 7 hours. Arrive Shang Sumdo by evening. Overnight in Tent.

14th Day:SHANG SUMDO TO HEMIS 5 hours. Walk along the stream down to Hemis monastery, which is one of the oldest and richest monasteries in Ladakh and drive to Leh or camp at Hemis.

15th Day: LEH – Visit Hemis Monastery Thiksay Monastery and Shey Palace by car overnight Hotel in Leh

16th Day: FLY TO DELHI