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H K L 6: T H E M A R K H A
V A L L E Y I N T O R U P S H U
P L A T E A U T R A I L -
( 1 6 D a y s )
 Southeast
of Leh this high altitude cold desert is the western extension
of the Tibetan Plateau. Previously closed to visitors, this
region offers some of the most amazing scenery to be found
in Ladakh. It is a land of monasteries and high passes,
dissected by numerous mountain ridges and traversed by a
number of ancient trading routes. We will venture in a mineral
wilderness where only a few nomads live, totally reliant
on their yak and sheep herds for their subsistence.
This trek will particularly attract those who want to get
off the beaten track and meet the utmost secret Ladakh
Day 01: Welcome at Delhi's airport and transfer
to the hotel.
Day 02: Fly to Leh in the morning. Afternoon at leisure
in Leh where we can take a walk in the colorful bazaar.
Afternoon at leisure in Leh, where we can take a walk to
the colorful bazaar.
Day 03: Drive from Leh to Hemis (3505 m). Visit of the
most famous and oldest monasteries of Ladakh (15th and 17th
century), Thikse, Shey and Hemis.
Day 04: Hemis - Shang Sumdo (3850 m) in 4 h. Today we
leave the Indus valley. We descend towards Martselang, then
go up the valley, which is fairly narrow in some places,
then continue along the riverbed to Shang Sumdo. A short
and pleasant stage, in anticipation of the next two long
following days.
Day 05: Shang Sumdo - Latza Kongmaru (4800 m) in 7 h.
We progress along the river whose banks are punctuated with
ochre rocks. From Chukirmo village, the track leads into
narrow gorges where ponies need to be unloaded twice and
go up to the base of Kongmaru La.
Day 06: Latza Gongmaru - Kongmaru La (5030 m) - Langtang
Chu (4250 m) in 7 h. From the pass, there are great views
north towards eastern Korakoram and China, whilst the southern
vista is dominated by the shapely Kang Yatze (6400 m) and
the Ladakhi range. We take a ridge trail and descend zigzagging
across scree. Afterwards the path easily descends towards
Nimaling summer pastures and Markha valley, the most beautiful
valley in Ladakh.
Day 07: Langtang Chu - Yakrupal (4700 m) in 4 h. We
climb up the large valley, and after crossing a stream follow
on along a morainic wall.
Day 08: Yakrupal - Zalung Karpo La (5200 m) - Sorra
(4200 m) in 5 h. We carry on upwards until the valley divides
and take right. From the pass, we follow a ridge trail leading
to another pass, then plunge into the valley.
Day 09: Sorra - Dat (4200 m) in 5 h. We follow gorgeous
woody gorges until they widen into a valley. Manis and shortens
are spread on the trail leading Sara and Dat rivers. Dat
is a green village, where cultivation and vegetation takes
every fragment of land.
Day 10: Dat - Yar La (5000 m) - Lungmo Che (4010 m)
in 6 h. An easy climb takes us to the pass, where we enjoy
a dramatic vista over the Rupshu. Sometimes some "Khyangs",
wild donkeys, go up to the caravans, frightening our ponies.
Day 11: Lungmo Che - Sangtha (4200 m) in 3 h. Then transfer
by jeep to Sarchu. The landscape completely changes into
a vast arid plain. Tibetan nomads mainly populate the area.
The road to Sarchu winds its way up to the Lachlung La pass
(5060 m).
Day 12: Drive from Sarchu - Manali (2000 m) by jeep.
This journey is rewarded by magnificent landscapes. The
road goes through amazing switch back roads, pass the blue
Suraj Tal lake to Darcha and pass through Rohtang Pass (3954m)
the last pass of this journey. The landscape is breathtaking.
Rohtang Pass is a very wide pass, and is one of the most
beautiful passes in the Pir Panjal. The view on both sides
is exhilarating.
Day 13: Manali. Surrounded by snowy mountain peaks,
Manali is also known as "Queen of Mountains".
It is a gloriously colorful market place for the surrounding
villages. Visit old Manali, Hadimba temple and Vashisht
village.
Day 14: Drive from Manali to Delhi.
Day 15: Day at leisure in Delhi. This is a safety for
your international flight.
Day 16: Delhi. Transfer to airport and fly back home
If you need more information please feel free to write
us at info@himalayakingdom.com
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