Iron Horses

Trekking along the Markha River through "Little Tibet" one of the world's highest inhabited plateaus, you take in spectacular views of the Great Himalayan, Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. You will cross two high passes at elevations up to 17,400.

Day 01: Arrive Delhi - Leh

Receive from Delhi international airport upon arrival and then transfer to domestic airport to catch flight for Leh, arrive Leh receive by our local representative and drive to hotel.

Day 02: drive to Spitok, trek to Zinchen (3,530m) 5-6 hours

Our trek begins from Spitok by crossing a bridge and walking south-west of the River Indus. The trail passes through barren countryside for about 3 hours until the Indus enters a narrow gorge at its confluence with the Zinchen. Camp overnight.

Day 03: trek to Yurutse (3530-4,180m) 5-6 hrs

The trail from Zinchen ascends gradually all the way along the Rumbak Nala until you reach Rumbak. We then follow the well-marked trail on the left bank of the Rumbak Nala until we enter a side valley leading to the south. Further trek on along the river until you reach Rumbak. Here you take the right fork of the river and continue a gradual ascend towards Yurutse. Camp overnight.

Day 04: trek to Shingo (4180-4985mt) 6-7 hrs

Today we follow the trail beside the river until the valley widens at Rumbak. After 10 minutes walk from the camp you have to cross the river to the right hand side. Here you can see Golden Eagle nests up in the rocks. We make an early start today to ascend the Gangala pass (4985 mts). From here descend to Shingo for overnight camping.

Day 05: trek to Skiu. (4985-3660m) 5-6 hrs

After we leave camp, a gradual ascent followed by a steep climb gets us to the Kundu La. The trail descends steadily to the head of the Skiu Valley. We follow the trail as it leaps from bank to bank all the way to the village of Skiu on the banks of the Lower Markha.

Day 06: trek to Markha (3660-3200 mts)

Cross the river and trek upto the Markha village. It is the longest valley. A beautiful oasisterraced green fields and small irrigation canals.

Day 07: trek to Thachungtse (3,589m) 6-7 hrs

A very pleasant walk up one of the loveliest sections of the Markha valley. Woody bushes grow thickly along the river, which is spanned by several bridges over which the trail marches to Thinlespa village and further to Hankar village from where we get a goog view of Gyalpo-Ri peak. Camp overnight.

Day 08: trek to Nimaling (3500-4,800m) 5-6 hrs

The Nimaling plain is a broad undulating meadow, sloping upwards to the base of the ice-clad Kang Yatse, 21,500ft/6,553m, which dominates the area. Camp overnight.

Day 09: cross pass, trek to Shang (4800-3600m) 7-8 hrs

Crossing to the north of the Markha, climb to the top of the highest of the three passes the 5,400m Kangmaru La. Snow peaks in every direction and on a clear day the giants of the Karakoram, including K2 can be seen on the north-western horizon. The trail descends steeply to the head of the Martselang valley past the sulphur springs of Chyushkarmo, and follows the Martselang stream to the village of Sumdo or Shang-Sumdo. Camp overnight.

Day 10: trek to Martselang

Today you make an easy descent mainly along the left bank of the Martselang to where it broadens into the valley of the Indus at the village of Martselang. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11: Leh - Delhi

Transfer to Leh airport to catch flight for Delhi, arrive Delhi transfer to hotel. Late evening transfer airport to catch flight for home.