Duration : 12 Days
Max Elevation : Kongmaru-La 5.100 m (16.730 ft.)
Grade : Strenous
Season : May To Oct
Best Time : Mid August to September
This is Ladakh’s most popular and beautiful trek on the other side of the valley with an easy access. The impact of the collision between the Indian subcontinent and Eurasia’s rock formation is visible at many places, with unique crusts and beautiful colors. The area is inhabited by endangered and rare Himalayan wildlife. This trek also provides an opportunity to glimpse of the traditional houses and livelihood of Ladakhi people.
Visit the village of Spituk 3,200 m with a monastery built in the 15th century. It’s a nice view from the monastery on the hilltop over the Indus valley. O/N Homestay or Camp.
after a few river crossings you reach the village Rumbak 3.800 m (12.470 ft.) and Yurutse 4.120 m (13.520 ft.). There are great views to the Stok-La (4.800 m). You have to be well acclimatized for this trek because you sleep 1.000 m higher than the last night. O/N Homestay or Camp.
You go along the mountain side up to the Ganda-La 4.900 m (15.910 ft.). You may see yak grazing here . If you are on the pass you see the Zanskar range and the Stok Mountains. It is a long but easy descent to the Markha Valley and the village Shingo (4.150 m), which you already see from the pass. May be you are lucky and see some marmots. After 3 hours you reach the village Skiu 3.400 m (11.160 ft.) with an attractive monastery on top of the cliff. O/N Homestay or Camp.
A not too strenuous path continues from the right bank from Skiu to Markha. It is all green around. After river crossings you arrive at the village Chaluk and Tunespa. There are wonderful views back all the way down. About 2 hours and you reach the beautiful village Markha 3.700 m (12.140 ft.). O/N or Camp.
There are several river crossings until passing the village of Umlung. The monastery is often closed during the summer time as the monks have to go back to assist their families with the harvest. It is a nice and easy walk to the next village Hankar with the snow-covered Kang Yatse (6.400 m) in the background. The village Taghungste 4.150 m (13.620 ft.). O/N or Camp.
You climb up until you reach a small lake. There are wonderful views down to the Markha Valley and to Kang Yatse (6.400 m) reflected in the water of the lake. You reach the yak-grazing pastures of the village Nimaling 4.720 m (15.490 ft.). Kang Yatse (6.400 m) dominates the valley from Nimaling. O/N or Camp
hours It is a long climb along the mountain to the highest pass of the trek. A zigzag trail leads you up to the Kongmaru-La 5.100 m (16.730 ft.). There are great views over the Zanskar Range and the Ladakh range. After crossing the pass it is a long descent to Chukirmo (4.070). Finally you reach the lovely village Shang Sumdo 3.660 m (12.010 ft.). O/N or Camp
The monastery of Hemis is one of the most accessible, famous and most-visited gompas in Ladakh. After visiting Hemis Monastery drive to Leh.
Possibilities of making an extra tour by way of rafting on the Indus or a day trip to Khardung La, the highest motor able road at 5602 Mts.
What to bring for the trek
Good Warm internal clothing (woolen and fleece, thermals), water proof and wind proof clothing, Comfortable hiking boots with good resistance against the snow and water with a good grip, haversack, sandals, walking sticks, gaiters, woolen/tennis socks (quite a few pairs) and stocking, gloves, cap, sunglasses (very important), Sunscreen lotion, day sack, camera and binocular (OPTIONAL), water bottle, torch and batteries, though the water is very clean and pure and we do provide boiled water once you are in trek still in order to be extra careful you can get few chlorine pills as mountain water is supposed to be hard.
Climate
Day temperature in the sun is pleasant but windy but nights are cold. The temp at night in rain and snow can really go down; sometimes below zero so you have to be well prepared.
Trek logistics/Services provided during the trek
Accommodation in two men tent (high altitude alpine tents of good quality), heavy foam pad mattress, sleeping bags, Breakfast/tea, all meals (good quality food), services of experienced guide and cook, all the camping equipment, utensils and crockery, kitchen tent, and toilet tent, ponies or porters, adequate medical kit, Transportation during the Trek.
Note
It is also possible that a route change may become necessary due to weather, inaccessibility through the mountain passes due to heavy snow, condition of the trail and physical fitness of the clients.