India: Trekking in Ladakh

Best price guaranteed

No booking fees

E-ticket/Mobile-voucher

Trekking and Hiking Guided and Escorted

Carbon neutral

14 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Strenuous

Highly demanding activities designed for individuals with excellent physical fitness.

Starts

New Delhi, India

Ends

New Delhi, India

Highlights

Explore the panoramic views of the Markha Valley on this remote trek popular with avid trekkers (due to its proximity to the mountainous city of Leh) and wander through Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and remote villages, backdropped by the Himalayas.

Tap into your leader’s local knowledge during your many discoveries around Leh – also known as Little Tibet or the Land of Lamas.

Enjoy fully supported camping with expert guides and support crew. Rub shoulders with the local villagers, known for their hospitality and warmth.

Spend a night in Nimaling – one of the most gorgeous high valleys in Ladakh, at 4800 m above sea level – and watch as the locals bring their herds of sheep, goats and yaks to graze in the summer.

Discover old ruins hidden on the hill tops of Markha Village. This shows the former importance of this ancient route and little is known about the origin of these ruins. Here, you might even spot a wild blue sheep on the slopes, or an eagle circling above!

Itinerary

For the intrepid traveler craving high-altitude adventure, the “India: Trekking in Ladakh” trip offers a 14-day immersion into the raw beauty of the Himalayas. Beginning in New Delhi and venturing to remote villages, you’ll tackle the renowned Markha Valley trek, hiking through untouched wilderness and spotting rare wildlife like blue sheep and golden eagles. Camp beneath unspoiled night skies, visit centuries-old Buddhist monasteries, and connect with local communities for a glimpse into Ladakhi life. With challenging physical demands and breathtaking scenery, the unique selling point of this tour is its authentic, off-the-grid trekking adventure, ideal for those seeking deep connection with nature and culture.

day 1 - Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your trekking adventure kicks off in Delhi – the capital territory of India’s north. Meet your trip leader and new travel buddies at a 6 pm welcome meeting tonight. If you arrive early, there's plenty to do in this wonderfully chaotic city. Maybe wander the streets, sip on your first chai or practice haggling in one of the many markets. Tonight, ask your leader for the best nightlife spots and maybe grab a drink with your group.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 2 - Leh

Take a flight to Leh this morning – the joint capital of Ladakh, in the Himalayan region, sits framed by the towering peaks of the mountains. When you arrive at the airport, transfer to your hotel, then the rest of your day is free. It might be a good idea to take is easy today as you acclimatise to the altitude (Leh sits at 3500 m above sea level). This afternoon, head out for a gentle orientation walk around the city and its bazaars.

included:Leh - Orientation walk

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Leh

Today after breakfast, you’ll explore Leh’s gorgeous scenery and main sites with your leader. First, head to the Shey Monastery and Palace – this complex, sitting on a high hill, is best known for the one-of-a-kind three-storey statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Next, you’ll visit the Thiksey Monastery. Also resting on a hill, this site overlooks the Indus Valley with a full view of the Stok Range in the Himalayas. Directly across, you’ll see the Matho Monastery in the village of Matho. Sitting at the mouth of a deep gorge that runs out of the Zanskar Range, this Tibetan Buddhist monastery features red and gold inlays and beautiful views. Later this afternoon, you’re free to wander at your own pace or head back to the hotel and rest.

included:Leh - Matho Monastery visit, Leh - Shey Palace visit, Leh - Thiksey Monastery visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 4 - Leh

Today, you’ll hike in and around Leh to continue to acclimatise to the altitude. Time in this city is crucial to properly get used to the high altitude! You’ll set off after breakfast with your leader on a hike around the Leh Valley. Visit the Ruins of Royal Palace – an outstanding example of monumental architecture akin to the Potala of Lhasa, which was built between 1645 and 1695 by the fifth Dalai Lama. Then, visit the Tsemo Monastery for views of Leh and the surrounding villages. From here, continue your walk via Sankar to the recently built Shanti Stupa – this stupa also overlooks Leh and the Stok Range across the valley. If you’re lucky, you might even see the sunset from here!

included:Leh - Valley acclimatization hike, Leh - Ruins of Royal palace visit, Leh - Tsemo Monastery visit, Leh - Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 5 - Zingchen to Rumbak

After breakfast, drive to the small village of Zingchen where your trek begins. Meet your crew, then start the gradual climb to Rumbak. You’ll be walking through epic mountain scenery, blanketed in snow in winter and green grasses in summer. Rare snow leopards live in this area, but the chance of a sighting in summer is very rare. Visit the village Rumbak and meet some members of the local community. Watch the sun go down and maybe help out with dinner tonight.

included:Rumbak - Zingchen to Rumbak guided trek, Rumbak - Fully supported camping, Rumbak - Expert Licensed professional local guide

accommodation:Fully supported camping