India Tours

A wonderful array of Buddhist culture, stunning Himalayan scenery and amazing mountain passes combine to make this trek a favourite.

We begin with a breathtaking mountain flight from Delhi to Leh in the valley of the Indus. Situated at an altitude of over 4000 metres the first couple of days are for acclimatisation, visiting the historic gompas at Shey and Thikse, as well as the forts and palaces of Leh itself.

The trek starts on day 5 and follows the course of the Markha River through a high Himalayan valley with varied terrain of narrow gorges and wide-open expanses. Day 7 crosses the Ganda La (4900m) and Day 11 the Kongmaru La (5100m). The trails are decorated with numerous chortens and mani stones, a testament to the rich Buddhist culture of the region. Monasteries and forts dot the landscape, perched on hilltops or ingeniously built into the sides of sheer cliff faces. The green irrigated village fields and the colourful reds and yellows of the gompas contrast starkly with the austere lunar landscape of the Markha Valley.

After a week we reach the delightful alpine meadows of Nimaling in the shadow of Kang Yatze (6400m). Himalayan blue sheep graze on the lower slopes of the mountain and rare snow leopards also inhabit these parts.

As we cross the Kongmaru La (5100m) we are rewarded with spectacular views northwards to the Eastern Karakoram and into China. On a clear day it is possible make out the huge pyramid of K2. Finally we descend to the famous gompa at Hemis and a spectacular road journey back to Leh at the end of this magical trek.