Today begins with a sightseeing tour to some of Ladakh’s most iconic monasteries. First, visit Shey Palace, about 15 km from Leh, once the summer residence of Ladakhi kings. The palace, built by King Deldan Namgyal in the 17th century, houses a 12m-high Shakyamuni Buddha statue. Then, visit Thiksey Monastery, 17 km from Leh, known for its striking architecture and affiliation with the Gelukpa order. After lunch, drive 2–3 hours south to Hemisshukpachen, named after the surrounding juniper forests used in local offerings. The route features small chortens, reflective of the strong Buddhist presence in the region. After tea, visit the local monastery which offers panoramic views of the village. You’ll also have a chance to interact with locals engaged in their daily activities. Overnight: Hotel Meals: BB Elevation: 3500 m

The day begins with a flat walk followed by a short descent and then an ascent to Metak La (3890 m). Descend to Ang and Temisgam villages, where the trail winds through ochre, pink, and purple-hued rock formations, remnants of the Himalayan uplift. Visit the 14th-century Temisgam Palace, offering sweeping views of the villages of Tia and Temisgam, with snow-covered peaks in the background. Continue by road to Lamayuru, following a scenic winding route. Visit the iconic 11th-century Lamayuru Monastery, with three key temples perched atop a rocky outcrop. Overnight: Hotel Meals: BB Elevation: 3500 m

Today’s hike offers stunning scenery as the rock colors shift with the sunlight, contrasting with the greenery of Lamayuru. Ascend to Prinkiti La (3700 m), then descend to Wanla village. After lunch, visit the hilltop monastery of Rinchen Zangpo. Later, drive to Alchi and check in to the Heritage Home Resort. In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alchi Monastery, dating back to the 11th century, known for its exquisite Indo-Kashmiri frescoes. <b>Markha Valley Overview</b> The Markha Valley lies between the Zanskar and Leh regions of Ladakh and runs parallel to the Himalayas. This remote valley, often called "Little Tibet," offers dramatic landscapes, spectacular views of the Zanskar and Ladakh ranges, and peaks like Kang Yissay (21,000 ft) and Stok Kangri (20,086 ft). One of Ladakh’s most iconic treks, the Markha Valley Trek traverses changing terrain and remote villages, entering Hemis National Park—a sanctuary for Himalayan wildlife including the elusive Snow Leopard, lynx, Ladakhi Urial, Arghali, marmots, red foxes, and Tibetan wolves. The trek also provides cultural experiences through homestays in Rumbak, Yurutse, and Markha, where Indo-Tibetan heritage thrives. The trail climbs to Kongmaru La (5100 m), offering sweeping views of Kang Yatze and the Tibetan plateau. Traditionally starting from Spituk, the trek crosses Ganda La, Skiu, Markha, and Shang Sumdo, with highlights like ancient monasteries, ruined forts, and breathtaking gorges. Overnight: Hotel Meals: BB Elevation: 3200 m

Start early and drive from Spituk along the Indus River to Zingchen Gorge, where horses and porters await. Trek through arid Ladakhi terrain with wild roses dotting the trail. The dry landscape gives way to the lush Zingchen Valley where the Rumbak River joins the Indus. Enter Hemis National Park—home to rare wildlife like Ladakhi Urial, Arghali, and blue sheep. Climb gradually through a gorge to reach the Rumbak Valley (3900 m), where we pause for tea at a parachute tent run by local women. Continue to the solitary house of Yurutse village, where a single family resides year-round, cultivating barley and potatoes. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 3100 m

Begin with a gradual ascent leading to a steep climb up to Ganda La Pass (4900 m), marked with chortens and fluttering prayer flags. Sightings of blue sheep, marmots, and Arghali are common. From the pass, enjoy panoramic views of the Zanskar and distant Himalayan ranges. Descend gradually to reach Shingo village. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 3950 m

After breakfast and some light stretching, walk through a dramatic gorge to reach the village of Skiu (3300 m). Skiu, the second-largest village in the valley, is home to an old monastery and castle ruins—perfect for photography amid the striking Ladakhi landscape. The villagers cultivate barley, potatoes, and vegetables in their small plots. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 3300 m

From Skiu head east up to the Markha Valley. En route there is an abundance of willow thickets and poplars where ancient mani walls and chortens line the trail and barren cliffs rise high above the valley. The trail continues through a series of willow and gorse thickets to a bridge over the Markha River. Trekking along the Markha River, get stunning views of the valley below. We will cross the river and reach Markha (3800m). Markha is the largest village in the valley, consisting of around 20 families, an old monastery, and a ruined fort. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3800 m

After breakfast, leave Markha and follow the trail that crosses the river several times. Pass by more Mani walls, lush green barley fields, and impressive stone and wood houses. The trail leads through the Umlung village and past the Umlung monastery that stands dramatically on a cliff face. Further on, Kang Yatse peak (6400m) comes into view—a truly awe-inspiring sight. After a few more gentle ascents and descents, we reach Hangkar village, one of the highest settlements in the Markha Valley. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 4000 m

This is one of the most scenic days of the trek. After leaving Hangkar, we begin a steady climb through high pastures and yak herder camps, with Kang Yatse peak looming larger with each step. The landscape becomes more alpine and less inhabited as we reach the wide grazing plateau of Nimaling (4700m). Here, locals from the valley bring their yaks, sheep, and goats to graze in summer. Surrounded by spectacular peaks, this high-altitude plain is an excellent spot to rest and acclimatize. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 4700 m

Today’s trek is the highest point of the Markha Valley trek. We start early to ascend the Kongmaru La pass (5100m), from where you get a jaw-dropping view of the Kang Yatse, the Karakoram ranges and distant snow-capped peaks of Tibet. A steep descent from the pass leads into a narrow gorge with tall rock walls, where mountain streams crisscross the path. Continue descending until reaching the small settlement of Chogdo (4000m). Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 4000 m

After breakfast, enjoy a short and pleasant descent through the gorge until we reach the village of Shangsumdo, the endpoint of the trek. Here, our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Leh. On the way, we visit Hemis Monastery, one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries in Ladakh. Founded in the 17th century, it belongs to the Drukpa lineage and houses a massive statue of Guru Padmasambhava and precious thangkas. Later, drive back to Leh for a well-earned rest. Overnight: Hotel Meal plan: BB Elevation: 3500 m

After breakfast, transfer to Leh airport for your onward journey. With beautiful memories of high mountains, ancient monasteries, wildlife, and warm Ladakhi hospitality, the adventure concludes. Meals: BB