Lamayuru to Hemis Monastry Trek

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A very interesting route beginning at the famous Lamayuru Monastery, you walk up the less travelled Ripchar Valley with its small villages, nomadic settlements and pastures where you see a wide variety of flowers and many species of birds from the end of July to end of August.

We will cross some high passes with excellent views of the Karakorams and the Zanskar mountains. The initial part of the trek ends at Chilling, a small village and the only one where Ladakhi metal work is carried out. From Chilling, we cross the river by a cable pulley. A different set of ponies are on the other side of the river to carry our gear. We then continue on to Markha Valley - considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Ladakh.

Here we pass through several Ladakhi settlements as we walk through their fields and observe their lifestyle. Several river crossings are involved, but these are not dangerous. Crossing several more passes, through gorges and wide open pastures, we end the trek at Matho village. Here we visit the monastery built on a hill between Stok and Stakna, the only monastery belonging to the Sakyapa order. This monastery is worth visiting for the beautiful view it has over the valley.

Day 01: Leh – Lamayuru 3420m – Wanla 3250 m (3 hrs)

We will leave Leh by taxi in the morning for Lamayuru, following the Indus River through Sham Valley. After visiting Lamayuru monastery, we will pack our backpacks and set off for our first day's adventure. We will follow a stream for some time, and gradually climb up to the pass of Prinkti La (3750m). We will later pass through the small village of Shilla (3700 m) before reaching our campsite at Wanla (3250m), where we will spend the afternoon either relaxing in the sun or visiting the monastery.

Day 02: Wanla – Hinju 3720m (4-5 hrs)

Following a dusty road we will reach the small village of Phenjilla (3410 m) and the scattered village of Ursi. We will then walk through a narrow gorge until we reach a traditional Rangthak (flour mill) at the far end of the village .The trail will then cut through the village of Hinju (3720 m), roughly 2 km below our campsite in a yak herder's encampment.

Day 03: Hinju – Sumda Doksa 4430m (5-6 hrs)

From the encampment, we will continue along the trail and ascend the ridge below Kongskil La (4950m). If lucky, we will get a glimpse at some of the wildlife of the area. We will then climb gradually until we reach Kongskil La, where we will be surrounded by dizzying views of the Karakoram and Stok ranges. The descent down the trail is quite steep, with loose moraine causing the difficulty. The trail then follows the left side of valley floor, passing a yak herders' hut (4500m), before we reach our campsite. This valley is occupied mainly by the villagers of Sumda Chenmo.

Day 04: Sumda Doksa – Dung Dung Chan la base 4430m (4-5 hrs)

After a short walk and a few river crossings, we will reach the village of Sumda Chenmo. From there we head towards the true left side of the valley, which provides us a beautiful view of the village, with its lush greenery. Further on, the trail cuts through the valley's wild rose bushes and leads us to another river crossing (this stream originates from the high snow-capped peaks of Photoksar (5685m). Before making a steep, challenging ascent over Lanak, we will see Edelweiss and some of the other rare wild flowers of Ladakh. From the campsite, there is a splendid view of Konskila.

Day 05: Dung Dung Chan La base – Chilling 3550m (5 hrs)

We will begin the day with a straightforward climb to Dungdung Chan La (4820m), which offers views of the beautiful vistas of the Stok Range in the east, and the Zanskar Range in the south. From the pass, the trail gradually descends down a ridge towards the valley, continually tapering before reaching the village of Chilling

Day 06: One day rest at Chilling.

Chilling is the only village in Ladakh that has provided metal work such as copper, bronze, tin, silver and iron to the Leh market through the centuries. From Chilling, You can have a light walk around the village and their lifestyles. Stay overnight at Chilling.

Day 07: Chilling to Skiu (5-6 hours)

After a light breakfast, we will begin our 2-hr ascend to Skiu. Views of the lofty Zanskar and Stok Ranges will leave you breathless and crossing the Zanskar river by a trolley would be a life time experience. You can encounter wild life in the form of Blue sheep and Marmots roaming the hills. After a short rest we will finish the day by hiking through a spectacular gorge before pitching camp at Skiu (3300m). Within this idyllic village lies an old monastery and ruins of an old castle (once a rest stop for the Royal family on their way to Srinagar).

Day 08: Skiu to Markha (7-8 hours)

Following the Markha River, we will hike through the lovely valley on a fairly level path. The trail crosses the river at various points, and passes through winter settlements that contain Lhatos (religious shrines for local deities) and Mani walls (stones inscribed with Buddhist prayers). During peak season, a number of tented teahouses will be open, providing hearty refreshment. After crossing the river for the last time, we will arrive in Markha, the largest village in the valley, consisting of around 20 houses, an old monastery and a ruined fort.

Day 09: Markha to Thachungtse (5-6 hours)

The Markha valley trail continues past old stone-mills, a ruined castle and the auspicious monastery of Techa, which is proudly perched on a towering cliff that looms above Markha, well worth visiting if we have the energy. The path then intersects the river several times before cutting through the last hamlets in the valley. After leaving the village of Umlung, we will have our first view of Kang Yatse (6400m), which will stay in sight until we cross Kongmaru La. After we break for lunch in the village of Hangkar (the last in the valley), we will press onward to the lovely green pasture of Thachungste, where we will camp.

Day 10: Thachungtse to Nimaling (4 hours)

On this particular day the trail will lead us up to the beautiful plateau of Nimaling, where the people of the Markha Valley bring their herds to graze during the summer months. At 4700m, Nimaling is the highest camp on the trek, giving us spectacular views of Kang Yatse to the right, the Zangskar Range and the Markha Valley below.

Day 11: Nimaling to Shangsumdo via Kongmarula 5200 m (7 hours)

After a hearty breakfast, we will cross Kongmaru La, the highest pass on the trek. Here we have a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The 2-hour descend is quite steep, but will be gradually level as we enter Shang Gorge, with its strange and peculiar rock formations. More river crossings bar our way before we arrive at the sour-spring of Chuskurmo (used in traditional medicine by the Amchi doctors). After a break, we will pass through a couple of villages before reaching Shang Sumdo, where we will spend our last evening together.

Day 12: Shangsumdo to Leh via Hemis (3 hours trek, 1 hour drive)

With our spirits lifted by a successful trek, we will enjoy a pleasant 2-hr walk along a jeep road to Martselang, where the jeep will pick us up. On the way to Leh, it will be possible to visit some of the great monasteries of Ladakh such as Thikse, Hemis and Shey.

Travel facts:

Price: INR 38500 per person

Size Of group: Min 3

Highest Point: Kongmarula 5150mts

Grade: Medium