Group size

min. 2 persons

Leh - Lamayuru - Wanla (trek 3 hours)

In the morning drive to Lamayuru (3'420m, 11'220ft) following the Indus river through Sham valley. At Lamayuru visit the beautiful monastery, then set off for the trek. Gradually climb up to the Prinkti-La (3'750m, 12'303ft). Pass through the village of Shilla (3'700m, 12'140ft) and reach the camp site at Wanla (3250m, 10'662ft). Spent the afternoon relaxing or visiting the monastery. O/N in tent.

Wanla - Hinju (4-5 hours)

Following a dusty road reach the small village of Phenzilla (3'410m, 11'187ft) and then the scattered village of Ursi. Walk through a narrow gorge to a Rangthak (traditional flour mill), continue to the village of Hinju (3'720m, 12'204ft) roughly 2km below the campsite. O/N in tent.

Hinju - Sumda Doksa (5-6 hours)

Ascend the ridge below Kongskil-La (4'950m, 16'240ft), if lucky spot some wildlife. Climb gradually to reach the Kongskil-La from where you will have a spectacular view of the Karakoram and Stok ranges. Steep descent to the valley floor, continue the trek on the left side until our campsite near Sumda Doksa (4'430m, 14'534ft). O/N in tent. 

Sumda Doksa - base of Dungdungchan-La (4-5 hours)

After a short walk and a few river crossings reach the village of Sumda Chenmo. Trek through the lush green valley on the left side. Steep ascent over Lanak, see Edelweiss and other rare wild flowers of Ladakh, reach the base camp of Dungdungchan-La from where you have a splendid view of Konskil-La. O/N in tent.

Base of Dungdungchan-La - Chilling (5 hours)

Climb to the top of Dungdungchan-La (4'820m, 15'813ft), enjoy beautiful views of the Stok range in the East and Zanskar range in the South. Gradually descend toward the valley and reach the village of Chilling (3'550m, 11'647ft) which is the only village in Ladakh that has provided metalworks such as copper, bronze, tin, silver and iron to the Leh market through centuries. O/N in tent.

Leisure day to explore Chilling village (optional)

O/N in tent.

Chilling - Skiu (5 hours)

Cross the Zanskar river on an 80-meter cable car. On the other side of the river the second team of ponymen are waiting. Walk along the narrow path up to Skiu village (3'660m, 12'007ft). O/N in tent. 

Skiu - Markha (7-8 hours)

Cross the river and trek up to the Markha village (3'200m, 10'498ft). Markha is the longest valley with beautiful oasis-terraced green fields and small irrigation channels. Walk along the trail where the Skiu Nala meets the Markha and visit a small monastery. An old nun takes care of this monastery and lights the butter lamps at the altar of Chamba (Future Buddha). O/N in tent. 

Markha - Thachungtse (5-6 hours)

Very pleasant walk through one of the loveliest sections of Markha valley. Trek along the river over several bridges to reach Thinlespa and further to Hankar village. Good view of the peak of Gyalpo-Ri. The camp is on the bank of the Markha river at a place called Thachungtse (3'589m, 11'775ft). O/N in tent.

Thachungtse - Nimaling (4-5 hours)

The trail climbs steadily up to the narrow valley. Reach the Nimaling plain which is a broad undulating meadow which slopes upwards to the base of the ice-clad Kangyatse (6'553m, 21'500ft), the highest peak in the Zanskar range. and offers pastures for many animals like yaks, sheep, goats, dzos and horses. Spot plenty of Himalayan marmots and occasionally blue sheep or wolf. O/N in tent. 

Rest day

Relax at Nimaling, enjoy and explore the superb scenery and surroundings. If you like walk to the base camp of Kangyatse. O/N in tent.

Nimaling - Shang (7-8 hours)

Cross to the North of the Markha river and climb to the top of Kangmaru-La (5'400m, 17'716ft), the highest of the three passes. Enjoy wonderful views of snow peaks in every direction. On a clear day you can see the giants of the Karakoram including the K2. Descend steeply to the head of the Martselang valley passing through the hot water springs (Chushkarmo). Follow the Martselang river to the village of Sumdo or Shang-Sumdo at the confluence of the Snag Nala and teh Martselang. O/N in tent.

Shang - Martselang (3-4 hours) - Leh (2 hours drive)

Easy descent along the left bank of the Martselang river to where it broadens into the Indus at Martselang village. Transport is waiting for the 2-hour drive back to Leh. On the road visit the famous Hemis monastery. O/N GUesthouse in Leh.