The Ity – Homestay Tour offers a captivating journey through the rugged and mesmerizing landscapes of Ladakh. This tour is a perfect blend of trekking, cultural immersion, and adventure, providing an authentic experience of local Ladakhi lifestyle by staying in traditional homestays.
You’ll start in Leh, the heart of Ladakh, and gradually explore the stunning terrain, including Shey, Thiksey, Hemissukpachen, Temisgam, and Lamayuru. As you trek through Markha Valley, you’ll encounter breathtaking views of the Zanskar and Himalayan ranges, visit ancient monasteries, and witness the warm hospitality of the locals.
Throughout the tour, you’ll walk through scenic gorges, cross beautiful passes like Ganda La (4,900 m), and enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks. The highlight of the journey is experiencing the serene beauty of Nimaling Plateau and the grandeur of Kongmaru La (5,150 m), which offers panoramic views of K2 and the Karakoram range.
The flight over the Himalayas and the landing in Leh is an adventure in itself and even when you are tired from your long journey, that experience will wake you right up. Our guide is already waiting for at the airport in Leh and will bring you to your guesthouse/Hotel. On the first day you can relax and only relax to better acclimatize to the high altitude. (It is a conscious decision not having planned any activities on the first day, it is crucial for your adaptation to the high altitude!) Overnight : Hotel. Meals : BB Elevation : 3500 m
Today go for sightseeing trip to some ancient monasteries / palace, like Shey Gompa / palace is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by King Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17th century AD. Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Gompa. And next to Thiksey Gompa, about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order. After lunch around 2 / 3 hrs drive toward south of Leh to Hemisshukpachen village, the village takes its name from Juniper forests which serve to offering to lcoal dieties. On the way many small chorten remind that in a Buddhist countery, where religion is part of everyday life Ladakhi. After drinking tea guide will take to visit the small monastery, where view of overlooing the village. This is an opportunity to meet the locals when they are bussy with their different works. Overnight : Hotel Meals : BB Elevation : 3500 m
Today first hour walk on flat and after a shrot descent, we climb to the col de `Metak La ( 3890 m ). Then descent to Ang and Temisgam village the trail is carved into the rock ocher, Pink and purple remaining that the Himalayes apperared. On the way visit 14th century palace of the Temisgam from where onc can enjoy a panoramic view of the village of Tia, Temisgam and sonwy peaks to the north of the Indus valley. And drive continues to beafutful winding road to Lamayoru, then visit Eleventh century monastery which was three improtant tempel perched on a rock overlooking the village. Overnight : Hotel Meals : BB Elevation : 3500 m
This is the most beautiful day of hiking in terms of secenery. The color of the rocks changes depending on daylight and contracts with the green of the village of Lamayoru. We climb up Prinkiti La ( 3700 M ). After a good rest descent to Wonla village. Here after lunch visit the monastery of Richen Zangpo perched on a hill overlooking the village of Wonla. And drive back to Alchi, after check in Heritage Home resort visit the sacred site Alchi composed of four temples, the oldest were built in the eleventh century. These temples are known for its frescoes of the Indo-Kashmiri style and are classified world heritage of UNESCO.Markha Valley is located between the Zanskar and Leh region of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir State. This valley runs parallel to the Himalayan range and is at a short distance from Leh. Markha Valley trek has beautiful, wild and barren landscapes and therefore it is often called as Little Tibet. Strategically located, the valley offers the stunning views of Ladakh and Zanskar ranges, the 21,000 ft Kang Yissay and the 20,086 ft Stok Kangri peaks. One of the most popular treks in the Ladakh region is the Markha Valley Trek that allures adventurists across the world. It is a trek that passes through places with different landscapes. The Markha Valley Trek when winds onto the Hemis National Park and Rumbak Valley, will give the opportunity to witness rare species of animals of the Himalayan belt and if you are fortunate enough you might encounter a Snow Leopard. Nonetheless the valley is the home of several species like the lynx, Ladakhi Urial (a type of goat), Arghali (great Tibetan sheep), Blue sheep, Red fox, Tibetan wolf, Dhole (wild dog), Marmot and Mountain hare. Moreover this trail in Ladakh region also offers birding opportunity. The Markha Valley Trek covers some remote human settlements like Rumbak village followed by Yurutse and Markha that leave the explorers mull over the rich indigenous culture of the Indo-Tibetans. One may also live get a chance to enjoy a home stay in one of these remote villages. Further the trekking trail in Ladakh region also lead your way up to the shrines like Lhatos and Mani before entering the Markha village. The journey winds and trails up to the Kongmaru La at 5100 meter, wherefrom one can capture the spectacular view of the hulking high Kang Yatze Peak and the Tibetan border. The traditional Markha Valley Trek commences from Spituk and heads up to Ganda La en route Zingchen and thereafter to Skiu, which is an isolated village and houses an old monastery and ruins of an old castle that was once a rest stop for the Royal family on their way to Srinagar. From Skiu, the tracks lead to Markha and thereby to Shang Sumdo via Kongmaru La. Overnight : Hotel Meals : BB Elevation : 3200 m
An early start is imperative for the Markha Valley Trek, from Spituk village drive along the south banks of the Indus River until enter the Zinchen Gorge. Here ponyman will be waiting with horses to carry bags. The trek will begin along an old un-metaled road into a barren & dried region of Ladakh with wild roses along the trail. After trekking through the parched land will enter the lush Zingchen Valley, where the Rumbak River flows into the mighty Indus. Further into the Hemis National Park and if fortunate one can will get a rare sighting of a Ladakhi Ural or Arghali and other wildlife. Hemis National park is home to the lynx, Ladakhi Ural (a type of goat), Arghali (great Tibetan sheep), Bharal (blue sheep), red fox, Tibetan wolf, dhole (wild dog), marmot etc. And gradually climb through a beautiful gorge before reaching the valley leading to the village of Rumbak ( 3900 m ). At Rumbak will stop for tea at tea house made of a parachute run by women from Rumback village. After a cup of tea continue ascend up to the house of Yurutse. Yurutse is a tiny village in Rumbak valley here a single family lives throughout the year and they grow barley and potatoes in their fields. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3100 m
A gradual ascent followed by a steep climb gets one to the Ganda la (4900 M). The ubiquitous chorten and Tibetan prayer flags mark the top of the pass, where one may see Blue sheep, Marmots and Arghali roaming the hills around. Views of the lofty Zanskar range and the distant Himalaya range are great as well. After a short rest, a gradual long descent to Shingo village. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3950m
Trek to Lharsi (4800 Mts.) via Yarlus. The first few kms are of gradual walk then the trial is ascending up to Lharsi. The total distance will be covered in about 4 hrs. Lharsi is the base of Stok Khangri Peaks. Dinner overnight at Lharsi in tents. Overnight : Camp Meal : BLD Elevation : 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 at 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
The Markha valley trail continues passed old stone-mills, a ruined castle and the auspicious monastery, which is proudly perched upon a cliff that looms above Markha. The path then intersects the river several times before cutting through the last hamlets in the valley. After leaving the village of Umlung will afforded first view of mighty Kang Yatse - 6400m, which will stay in sight until cross Kongmaru La. Hangkar is a small villager where 8 families lives, most of the families depend upon of animal like Yak, Goat and Sheep etc. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 4200 m
After breakfast will follow a trail which leads up to the beautiful plateau of Nimaling, where the people of the Markha valley bring their herds to graze during the summer months. At 4600m Nimaling is the highest fixed camping place in the Markha valley trek, where spectacular views of the huge peak of Mt. Kang Yatse – 6400m to the right. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 4600 m
Today after breakfast cross Kongmaru La – 5150m, the highest pass in the trek with its wonderful views from the top. There are snow peaks in every direction and on a clear day the giants of Karakoram, including K2, can be seen on the north-western horizon and Indus Valley and Ladakh range. From the pass descent is quite steep, but will gradually level out as enter Shang Gorge, with its fascinating rock formations. More river crossings before arrive at the sour-spring of Chuskurmo (used in traditional medicine by the Amchi / Tebitan doctors). And continue walk to Chogdo village. Overnight: Homestay Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 4600 m
Today make an easy descent along the river to Shang village to where it broadens into the valley of the Indus. On the way visit Hemis monastery and after that drive to Leh via Shey and Thiksey monastery. Overnight: Hotel Meal plan: BB Elevation: 3500 m
The ideal time for the Ity - Homestay Tour is from June to September when the weather is pleasant, and the trekking trails are accessible.
The trek is moderate to challenging. You'll walk around 4-7 hours daily, with some steep climbs and high-altitude passes. Good physical fitness is recommended.
You'll stay in homestays with Ladakhi families, providing a cozy and authentic experience. During the trek, you'll also camp in tents.
The tour ranges from 3,200 m (Leh) to 5,150 m (Kongmaru La). Proper acclimatization is planned to avoid altitude sickness.