About Ladakh: “More Tibetan than Tibet”, “Moonland”, “the Last Shangri-La” are all romantic names given to Ladakh. With its stunning barren rugged terrain and untouched Tibetan culture, it is certainly a beautiful place – befitted all the above & much more.  The height of these ranges of the Western Himalayas prevents rain clouds from crossing into Ladakh and as a result, Ladakh receives only about 2 inches (5cm) of rain per year. The aridity of the area is immediately apparent to the visitor, with long vistas of stark mountains and valleys with only a few oases of green. Partially opened to visitors in 1974, Ladakh still retains its air of mystery which unerringly draws all those in search of the unknown, be it the serious scholar or the lover of adventure. A high, arid plateau with some of its mountain peaks rising to over 7000m, the wild grandeur of the land contrasts dramatically with its cheerful and warm-hearted people, the two combining to create a unique geographical, historical and cultural entity which fascinates the most casual visitor.  It is ideal country, with its intricate network of trails threading through the mountains. Ladakh was at the center of the great trade routes across Central Asia, when journeys lasting up to two or three years were not uncommon.

Day 01: ARRIVE DELHI (216m)                                                                                                                                                      Meal on Board

Fly to Delhi.  On arrival transfer to Hotel.

Day 02: DELHI – LEH (1585m)                                                       Domestic Flight                                                                                  BLD

After breakfast, transfer to domestic airport to board on your scheduled flight to Leh.  Leh, a high-desert city in the Himalayas, is the capital of the Ladakh region. Originally a stop for trading caravans, Leh is now known for its Buddhist sites and nearby trekking areas. Massive 17th-century Leh Palace, modeled on the Dalai Lama’s former home (Tibet’s Potala Palace), overlooks the old town’s bazaar and mazelike lanes.  Today we just relax at hotel to get used to the altitude to make sure you are ready to visit around Leh in the coming days.

Day 03: LEH WALK AROUND (3500m)     ACCLIMATISATION    BLD

A day to explore the surroundings of Leh town. We walk to Shanti Stupa followed by walk to Leh Palace. You can shop for turquoise and silver jewellery that come from Tibet and Burma. Main Market in Leh is a wonderful place to shop. Two of the places that are worth checking are Ladakh Art Palace and Lhasa Embroidery. Tibetan Refugee Market on Old Leh Road is another ideal place for shopping in Leh. For Tibetan-Ladakhi items of art one can head to Government Emporium. Popular souvenirs picked up by tourists include, Thangka paintings, small prayer wheels, music bowls, Ladakhi carpets, rugs, shawls and stoles.

Day 04: LEH – ZINCHEN (3500m) – URUTSE(4150m)             Around 5.5 hours walk                     BLD

Early morning after breakfast drive to Zinchin 18 Km, though the starting point of the Markha valley trek is Spituk but we will avoid walking on the road. We will start our trekking from Zinchin. Today we will cross through Rumbak Village. Here is Wildlife check point after finishing all formalities we will continue trek to Yurutse. This is the base of Gandala. Over night tent.

Day 05: URUTSE – GANDALA(4800m) – SKIU(3400m)           Around 6 hours walk                                                    BLD

Early morning after breakfast we will trek to Sku over Gandala pass (4750 Mtr). View from Gandala pass is excellent. After the pass we will descent down to Sku village. We will cross through Singoo village. Sku is situated on the bank of Markha River. You can sight few wild lifes along the trek. Over night tent.

Day 06: SKIU – MARKHA(3800m)                                                 Around 6-7 hours walk                                               BLD