India: Trekking in Ladakh
14 Days Starting and ending in Delhi
Visiting: Delhi, Leh, Zingchen to Rumbak, Rumbak to Ganda La Base, Ganda La Base to Skiu, Skiu to Markha Village, Markha Village to Thachungtse, Thachungtse to Nimaling, Nimaling to Leh
Tour Overview
Leave the tourist track for an incredible trekking experience in Ladakh – from Delhi to Leh, you’ll hop on the Markha Valley trek and hike through almost untouched lands. Look out for wildlife like eagles, goats and the rare blue sheep and spend most days in the wilderness of this wild land, surrounded by the Himalayas. Camp almost every night under a night sky with no light pollution and meet warm locals who will give you a unique insight into their daily life. See mysterious ancient ruins, wander through Buddhist monasteries with incredible scenic views and tuck into some of the most delicious authentic cuisine in India – this is what you’ve been looking for in a trekking trip!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your trekking adventure kicks off in Delhi – the capital territory of India’s north. Meet your trip leader and new travel buddies at a 6 pm welcome meeting tonight. If you arrive early, there's plenty to do in this wonderfully chaotic city. Maybe wander the streets, sip on your first chai or practice haggling in one of the many markets. Tonight, ask your leader for the best nightlife spots and maybe grab a drink with your group.
Day 2: Leh
Location: Leh
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Take a flight to Leh this morning – the joint capital of Ladakh, in the Himalayan region, sits framed by the towering peaks of the mountains. When you arrive at the airport, transfer to your hotel, then the rest of your day is free. It might be a good idea to take is easy today as you acclimatise to the altitude (Leh sits at 3500 m above sea level). This afternoon, head out for a gentle orientation walk around the city and its bazaars.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Leh
Location: Leh
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today after breakfast, you’ll explore Leh’s gorgeous scenery and main sites with your leader. First, head to the Shey Monastery and Palace – this complex, sitting on a high hill, is best known for the one-of-a-kind three-storey statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Next, you’ll visit the Thiksey Monastery. Also resting on a hill, this site overlooks the Indus Valley with a full view of the Stok Range in the Himalayas. Directly across, you’ll see the Matho Monastery in the village of Matho. Sitting at the mouth of a deep gorge that runs out of the Zanskar Range, this Tibetan Buddhist monastery features red and gold inlays and beautiful views. Later this afternoon, you’re free to wander at your own pace or head back to the hotel and rest.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Leh
Location: Leh
Accommodation: Hotel
Today, you’ll hike in and around Leh to continue to acclimatise to the altitude. Time in this city is crucial to properly get used to the high altitude! You’ll set off after breakfast with your leader on a hike around the Leh Valley. Visit the Ruins of Royal Palace – an outstanding example of monumental architecture akin to the Potala of Lhasa, which was built between 1645 and 1695 by the fifth Dalai Lama. Then, visit the Tsemo Monastery for views of Leh and the surrounding villages. From here, continue your walk via Sankar to the recently built Shanti Stupa – this stupa also overlooks Leh and the Stok Range across the valley. If you’re lucky, you might even see the sunset from here!
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Zingchen To Rumbak
Location: Zingchen to Rumbak
Accommodation: Fully supported camping
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, drive to the small village of Zingchen where your trek begins. Meet your crew, then start the gradual climb to Rumbak. You’ll be walking through epic mountain scenery, blanketed in snow in winter and green grasses in summer. Rare snow leopards live in this area, but the chance of a sighting in summer is very rare. When you arrive near the village, you’ll set up camp for the first time. After setting up and helping out, you’ll visit the village Rumbak and meet some members of the local community. Watch the sun go down and maybe help out with dinner tonight, which you’ll enjoy as a group around the campfire.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Rumbak To Ganda La Base
Location: Rumbak to Ganda La Base
Accommodation: Fully supported camping
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
From your camp site, you’ll take a short trek this morning to the village of Yurutse in the Rumbak Valley. This remote village is home to only one large house and the family here are considered very hospitable hosts. When you arrive, you’ll set up your tents at the base camp of Ganda La, soaking up the natural landscape and watching the stars as they come out, uninterrupted by light pollution.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Ganda La Base To Skiu
Location: Ganda La Base to Skiu
Accommodation: Fully supported camping
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Today will be one of the longer hiking days of the trip. After breakfast, you’ll climb the 4900-m-high pass of Ganda La. Take in the amazing view and the clean, clear air. It will then be a long descent to Shingo village. When you arrive in the village, continue through a narrow gorge to Skiu in the Markha Valley. Here, there’s a small monastery, part of which is assumed to be over 1000 years old!
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Skiu To Markha Village
Location: Skiu to Markha Village
Accommodation: Fully supported camping
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Today is another long trekking day, but on mostly flat trails. Walk through the scenic Markha Valley in the middle of the Hemis National Park and check out the old ruins that are on many hill tops here. These show the former importance of this ancient route and little is known about the origin of these ruins! Most likely, they are from the fortresses of Darden, who colonised the first sedentary inhabitants of Ladakh. If you’re lucky, you might see the wild blue sheep on the slopes here or an eagle circling in the sky. Just before the village of Markha, you’ll cross a stream to reach tonight’s campsite. Then, you can set up and settle in for the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Markha Village To Thachungtse
Location: Markha Village to Thachungtse
Accommodation: Fully supported camping
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Your trek continues up to the valley this morning. After a few hours of taking in the wild landscape, you’ll reach Hankar – the last village in the Markha Valley. When you arrive and if you feel up to it, you can take the short but very steep hike up to the small monastery in Tetsa – the view from the top is breathtaking and you’re well rewarded for the effort! Spend the night in the wilds of Thachungtse at 4200 m.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Thachungtse To Nimaling
Location: Thachungtse to Nimaling
Accommodation: Fully supported camping
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
This morning, you’ll trek to the high plateau of Nimaling. When you arrive, you can take in the flat, green plains of the area, surrounded by the white-capped mountains. Nimaling is known as one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh and the views of the 6400-m-high Kangyatze are simply breathtaking. In the evening, the villagers bring their herds of sheep, goats and yaks to these plains to graze in the summer and you can watch them as the sun begins to set! This is your final night with your crew, so soak it up and celebrate an amazing adventure together.
Included Activities:
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Day 11: Nimaling To Leh
Location: Nimaling to Leh
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, you’ll tackle Kongmaru La – the second pass on the Markha Valley trek. From the pass, take in the sights of Kangyatze one last time, then descend into the long, narrow gorge for spectacular natural scenery. You’ll arrive in Chokdo, then drive back to Leh through green, fertile lands. Along the way, visit Hemis Gompa – a Himalayan Buddhist monastery believed to be the wealthiest and biggest monastery in the city. Spend the night back in the city, celebrating a long and rewarding trekking adventure.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Leh
Location: Leh
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After a leisurely breakfast this morning, you have a free day in Leh to do some last-minute shopping in the bazaar for any souvenirs or gifts you might like to bring home. Tonight, why not grab dinner with your fellow travellers and swap stories.
Day 13: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Take a morning flight to Delhi today. When you arrive, settle in and relax. This afternoon, you’ll have the option to explore Old Delhi on an Urban Adventures sightseeing tour in the afternoon. Wander around the wonderfully chaotic sights and sounds, then later, why not head out with your group for one final dinner together of delicious, local cuisine.
Optional Activities:
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Day 14: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: breaksfast
With no further activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your time in Delhi, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time. Maybe consider another trip through India, like the Classic Rajasthan (trip code HHSC), India’s Golden Triangle (trip code HHSN) or Premium India Safari (trip code HHPT).
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Full Service Camping (7 nights) -
Meals
12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners -
Leh - Orientation walk
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Leh - Matho Monastery visit
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Leh - Shey Palace visit
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Leh - Thiksey Monastery visit
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Leh - Valley acclimatization hike
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Leh - Ruins of Royal palace visit
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Leh - Tsemo Monastery visit
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Leh - Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) visit
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Rumbak - Zingchen to Rumbak guided trek
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Rumbak - Fully supported camping including spacious two person tents, dining tent, common toilet and shower tents
Transport
- TRANSPORT IN INDIA:
- Main roads in India are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. if you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times.
- TRAVEL TIMES:
- Distances in India do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.
- TRAINS:
- India has a massive network of trains and millions of people travel by rail every day. Trains often travel the length of the country over several days. Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Delays and cancellations are common on trains. Your tour leader will check the train status to see if there are delays and will do their best to keep you informed of any changes.
- From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip will may to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.
- The Indian Railway system is one of the largest railway networks in the world and quite complex. Seat allocation is completely computerized on a centralized reservation system and we do not have control over seat allocations. Despite booking tickets months in advance of a departure your group's seats, or sleeping berths on overnight trains, maybe spread out within one carriage or multiple carriages of the same class. There’s a chance you’ll be sharing a compartment with local travelers of either gender.
- For a detailed look into the experience of travelling by overnight trains read more here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/
- AUTO RICKSHAWS:
- On this trip, we travel on the local style of transport called an auto-rickshaw. These small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in India and do not have seatbelts.
- FLIGHTS:
- Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- Our accommodation in Delhi and Leh is Original standard hotels. Whilst on the trek, seven nights will be spent camping in spacious two-person alpine tents. It is possible to hire a single tent for an additional cost. Group ‘mess’ tent will be set up in each camp as well.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes a Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip. You will be trekking on hilly terrain, generally on well-defined paths, walking anywhere between 2–7 hours per day. Altitude may exceed 4800 metres.
- 3. On this tour we travel from Delhi to Leh by plane. In case of unfavorable weather, we may need delay the flight by a day. On the way back, we fly from Leh on Day 13 of the trip. In case of unfavorable weather, we may need delay the flight by a day. Please book your international flights for the late afternoon/evening of day 14 of the trip as the earliest.
- 5. Passport scans are required at the time of booking to book domestic flights and trekking permits.
- 6. All trekking permits and National Parks entrance fees are included in the price of the trip.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This is a trekking trip that includes strenuous activities at high altitudes. You will need to be in great health and have excellent fitness to attempt this trip, as well as be committed to training to ensure you are suitably physically prepared for the challenge.
This trip visits places as high as 4800 m above sea level, which can cause altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Medical and health’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details on travelling at altitude and ensure you are familiar with signs of Acute Mountain Sickness.
This trip involves a full camping experience, giving you access to more remote destinations in close proximity and the joy of experiencing the elements. Expect two-person tents (single supplement available) and sleeping bags, as well as a separate mess tent, to enjoy fresh meals prepared by your support crew.
Please read our packing list for required equipment carefully, and remember that you don’t necessarily have to bring all of it with you — you can hire or buy some of it in Leh.
On this trip, we use internal flights between Delhi and Leh. We use safety-approved airlines, but please note, due to unfavorable weather conditions, these flights may be delayed, causing some interruptions and amendments to the itinerary. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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