Day 01: Drive to Likir visit Monastery and trek to Yangthang (04-05hrs)
Morning after breakfast you will be driven by taxi to Likir which is just 58 kms away. Likir Village (3650 mts.) is the starting point of our trek. Although the distance is short, the route is warm, without any shade or water and we need to traverse two passes. From Likir the route heads west up to Phobe La (3580m) and beyond this lies Sumdo village. The trail goes steadily upwards till you get to Chagatse La (3630m). Across the pass is the village of Yangthang (3630m) where we camp for the night, next to a stream. The Ridzong Monastery lies about an hour south of Yangthang.
Day02: Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachen across Tsermangchen La (8 km.; 2/3 hours)
Today is an easy walk despite the pass because both the approach and the descent are of gentle gradients. The trail heads north, descending for a bit, crossing a stream before climbing up west again to Tsermangchen La (3750m). After a short rest at the pass we head down to Hemis Shukpachen. The village, named after the grove of cedars, is one of Ladakh’s prettiest.There are several sparkling streams surrounded by shady willows and large barley fields that provide a touch of green to the otherwise desolate, Rocky Mountains.
Day 03: Hemis Shukpachen to Ang across Mebtak La (10 km.; 3 hrs)
Again this is a fairly easy day. The trail goes upward between two hillocks west of the village upwards until it veers south and climbs steeply up to the Mebtak La (3750m) marked by prayer flags. From the pass we head down the gorge to Ang, a charming village with apricot orchards, where we camp for the night.
Day 04: Ang to Temisgam (8 km; 3 hrs.) pick-up by Jeep at Temisgam drive to Chilling via Alchi
Today is the last day and very easy as it’s downhill all the way on to the main road. Overnight camp at chilling.
Day 05: Trek Chilling to Skui (3344m/10971ft) 04hrs
We cross the Zanskar River and trek till we reach the irrigated trees and fields of the little village of Skiu, where we camp for the night at 3344m. 4hr. It is worth visiting the ancient Maitreya (future Buddha) at the Skiu gompa
Day 06: Trek Skui to Markha (3760m/12040ft) 07-08hrs
Crossing the Markha stream several times, it is a long day's walk of around 7 - 8 hours to Markha Village (c.3760m). On a hill to the north of Markha there is a small gompa.
Day 07: Trek Markha to Thachungtse (4265m/13992ft) 06-07hrs
Trekking eastwards, deeper into the Markha Valley we reach Hangkar. We can continue a little further to Thachungtse (4265m).A visit to Techa gompa high up on a cliff after Markha is recommended.
Day 08: Trek Thachungtse to Nimaling (4900m/16076ft) 04-05hrs
Leaving Hangkar/ Thachungste, we trek towards the wide meadows of Nimaling with the beautiful Kang Yatse (6400 m) peak in full view.
Day 09: Rest day at Nimaling
Exploring the higher ridges of Nimaling. One could get great view of Zanskar and Ladakh mountain ranges.
Day 10: Trek Nimaling to Chuskirmo (4000m/13123ft) 06-07hrs
We climb to the top of Kongmaru La (5100m) which offers excellent views and descend to enter a narrow gorge to our Campsite at Chuskyurmo at 4000 metres
Day 11: Trek Chuskirmo to Shang Phu (4365/14320) 05-06hrs
From Chuskyurmo, we turn into a tributary valley which leads to Gyuncho La at 4700 metres. Descending from the pass, we make camp at Shang Phu at an altitude of 4365 metres. A total of 5 to 6
Day 12: Trek Shang Phu to Gangpoche (4435m/14550ft) 06-07hrs
Today we climb to cross the Shang La (4960m) and then descend to the Tokpo River and trek further downhill contouring around spurs and over a 4550m pass to our camping place at Gangpoche (4435m). 6 to 7 hours walking.
Day 13: Trek Gangpoche – Base camp (4938m/16388ft) 07-08hrs
Again we have a steady climb in the morning, this time up to the Matho La (4965m) with views of Stok Kangri (6137m). Descend to camp near Shepherds huts at Zurlais (4544m). From here we will cross over small stream and climb on the hill side. Cross one more Shepherd camp to reach base
Day 14: Trek back to Stok village (3610m/11843ft) and Drive to Leh / 30 minutes drive
Finishing our 130km trek we descend to Stok Village at 3610m, tour Stok Palace Museum and drive to Leh. The walk is nearly all downhill taking 3 1/2 to 4 hrs through a dramatic canyon with amazing red sandstone formations.
