Descending from the Zalung La pass in Ladakh | Brad Atwal

Trekking towards the Markha Valley | Brad Atwal

Crossing a bridge in the Markha Valley, Ladakh | Brad Atwal

Trek across the Zalung Karpo La and beyond the Markha Valley, where you are unlikely to see other trekkers | Brad Atwal

Trekkers making their way across the vast and awe-inspiring landscape of the Zalung La pass, framed by the majestic peaks of Ladakh. | Garry Weare

A visit to Tikse Monastery helps occupy the time while acclimatising in Leh | Brad Atwal

Ladakh High Trails

Embark on an unforgettable trek through Ladakh's breathtaking high trails, conquering the Gongmaru La (5260m) and Zalung La (5190m)

India

16 Days from

$2990 USD

Trip Code: LHT

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement - Tent Only

$180 USD

Ladakh High Trails Single Supplement

$520 USD

Duration

16 Days

Activities

11 day trek

Style

Classic Adventures

Accommodation

5 nights hotel
10 nights camping

Meals

14 Dinners
14 Lunches
15 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

5 / 10

Moderate

Carbon Footprint

35kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(529kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Explore high trails and remote passes linking the Indus Valley to the remote region of Rupshu
Head off the beaten track to Zalung Karpo La and the vast Tibetan borderlands
Traverse passes where prayer flags reflect the deep seated Buddhist heritage
Savour our fully supported trek staying in remote campsites
Explore the labyrinth of alleyways, vibrant markets and palaces of the vibrant capital of Leh

Overview

An innovative exploration across the high trails of Ladakh. We trek from Matho in the Indus valley to the high and wild region of Rupshu on the borderlands of Tibet. We traverse several high pass’s including the Gongmaru La and the Zalung La where we gain unrivalled views of the soaring Ladakh and Zanskar ranges while we encounter remote encampments many days from the nearest roadhead.

Itinerary

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On arrival in Delhi, you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and take some time to unwind, allowing yourself to adjust to the pace of India. If you arrive earlier in the day and wish to explore, optional sightseeing arrangements can be organised. As group members arrive at different times and there is an early departure to Leh the following morning, there is no formal group briefing in Delhi. Instead, you will receive a welcome letter at the hotel outlining key information, including the departure time from the hotel the next day, flight details, any additional arrangements made, and the name and contact details of your group leader, who will meet you in Leh. Your World Expeditions kit bag will be issued in Delhi, with all remaining equipment provided during the main briefing in Leh, including the distribution of sleeping bags, liners, insulated mattress and down jackets. Note: As an alternative to arriving in Delhi on a late night flight, you may wish to consider arriving the day before the trip commences. Please speak with your World Expeditions reservations consultant or your travel agent for pre-tour accommodation options. Accommodation: The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa or similar

Meals: Nil

This morning you will be transferred to Delhi airport for your early flight to Leh, where you are rewarded with spectacular views across the Great Himalaya and Zanskar ranges. On arrival in Leh, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. It is essential to rest and begin the important acclimatisation process. The schedule today is flexible, allowing time to recover from the altitude. A gentle walk is included to the main bazaar and surrounding alleyways, along with a visit to the King’s Palace to gain an insight into Leh’s rich history. Accommodation: Hotel Omasila or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we explore the cultural highlights around Leh. Visits include Shey Palace, which served as the capital of Upper Ladakh until the royal family moved to Leh in the 17th century. You also visit the nearby Tikse Monastery, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Indus Valley, an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism featuring a main Assembly Hall and a multi-denominational temple built in the 1980s. Later in the day, there is the opportunity to walk to the Shanti Stupa for expansive views across the upper Indus Valley and surrounding mountains. Accommodation: Hotel Omasila or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today you transfer by vehicle to Matho village (approximately 1 hour). After visiting the ancient Matho Monastery, you commence your trek, ascending on a well-defined trail through the valley to your campsite at Matho Phu. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

Today is spent at Matho Phu to aid acclimatisation. You ascend the trail towards the nearby La before returning to camp, helping prepare for the more demanding stages of the trek ahead. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

From Matho Phu, you begin a gradual ascent towards Shang La. The trail is not unduly steep and offers expansive views across the Indus Valley to the snow-capped ridges and peaks of the Ladakh Range. From the pass, the trail descends to a comfortable campsite at Shang Phu, located near a fresh water spring. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

From camp, you ascend across high ridges leading directly to Gyuncho La. Along the way, there are expansive views north towards the Ladakh Range. After crossing the pass, you begin a long and, in places, tiring descent to Chogdo. Following a well-earned break on the outskirts of the village, you complete a short ascent to your campsite at Chuskyumo. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

Today you trek steadily through an impressive gorge, ascending towards the base camp below Gongmaru La. The trail gradually gains elevation, allowing time to adjust to the altitude. In the afternoon, there is the option to ascend further towards the pass for panoramic views across the Indus Valley, while continuing the acclimatisation process for the next stage. From camp, there are opportunities to spot wildlife, including marmots (Himalayan hyrax) and possibly blue sheep, while birds of prey can often be seen circling above on the thermals. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

Today is an exhilarating stage. From camp, it takes less than two hours to ascend the zigzagging trail to Gongmaru La, marked by colourful prayer flags paying homage to the deities that guard the pass. From the top, there are sweeping panoramic views across numerous 6000m peaks, including Kang Yatse. From the pass, you descend to the expansive Nimaling plains, where villagers from Hankar—the highest village in the Markha Valley—graze their yaks during the summer months, before establishing camp. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

From Nimaling, you cross a remote pass skirting the lower flanks of Kang Yatse before descending into the valley leading towards Zalung La. This is a quieter and more remote section of the trek, with expansive mountain scenery throughout the day. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

From camp, you gradually ascend across sparse pastures to reach your campsite at the base of Zalung La. Along the way, there are several swift-flowing stream crossings, which may require a change of footwear. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

From camp, you enter a narrow gorge where snow leopard scat is often sighted, before ascending steeply in places to the colourful prayer flags marking Zalung Karpo La. From the pass, there are expansive views across the Rupshu region, with distant peaks extending towards the borderlands of Tibet. From the pass, the trail descends steeply to the valley floor, followed by a longer, more gradual ascent across mixed terrain to a grassy campsite at the abandoned settlement of Tsorka. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

After the exertion of the previous day, this is a more relaxed and enjoyable stage. You enter a narrow gorge to reach a small river flowing from the settlement at Dat. The trail then gradually ascends across grazing grounds, passing impressive side gorges, before reaching your campsite at Lagto Kamlung. Here, the remains of impressive mani walls reflect a bygone era when nomads grazed their animals in this remote part of Ladakh. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a full day as you complete the final stage of the trek to the abandoned settlement of Dat. Here you farewell your trekking crew and mule attendants before commencing the drive to Leh. The drive takes you to the Manali–Leh Highway (approximately 2 hours), followed by an ascent to Tanglang La (5350m / 17,552ft), offering sweeping views over the Indus Valley some 2000m below. From the pass, you descend steeply to the valley floor before continuing the final 1.5-hour drive to Leh. Accommodation: Hotel Omasila or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today is free to rest and unwind after your trek. You may choose to complete any additional sightseeing or shopping in Leh, or simply relax ahead of your early morning departure to Delhi the following day. Accommodation: Hotel Omasila or similar

Meals: B,L,D

An early morning flight from Leh to Delhi offers further impressive views across the mountain ranges explored during your journey. On arrival in Delhi, the trip concludes. We recommend booking your international flights for the following day in case of possible delays or cancellations due to weather conditions affecting flights from Leh. Please contact us if you require additional accommodation in Delhi or assistance with onward arrangements.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

Use of a World Expeditions trek pack including quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
15 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 14 dinners including all meals while on trek
Good quality hotel accommodation in Delhi and Leh on a twin share basis
Accommodation on trek in fully supported wilderness camps
Airport transfers if arriving on Day 1
Private transportation
Expert bilingual local guide
Comprehensive group medical kit and portable high altitude chamber
All park entrance fees and trekking permits
Daily supply of safe treated drinking water while on trek to reduce single-use plastic waste
Mules to carry all personal and group equipment
Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag

Not included

International flights
Flights Delhi/Leh/Delhi
Airport and departure taxes
Visa fees
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Lunch and dinner in Delhi
Personal expenses such as phone calls and laundry
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Tips and gratuities
Airport transfer on final day
Any items not listed as included

Responsible travel

Extra trip info

Delhi Accommodation

In Delhi, accommodation is conveniently located near major attractions, including Connaught Place, offers modern amenities, comfortable rooms, and on-site dining, ensuring a pleasant stay. It provides an ideal base for exploring the city's vibrant culture and a relaxing retreat to unwind after a day of discovery.

Leh Accommodation

Located in the Changspa area of Leh, our Hotel offers comfortable rooms with spectacular views over the Stok range. It features satellite TV and a basic Wi-Fi internet connection and is a 10 minute walk from the main bazaar. Meals while in Leh are served buffet style in the restaurant.

Single Supplements

World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we cannot match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. Please refer to our website for the additional cost. Single rooms are allocated when available, during peak periods single rooms cannot always be guaranteed.

Camping in Ladakh

Our camping equipment is of proven quality and designed for the conditions you will experience in the Indian Himalaya. We provide tents on a twin share basis with plenty of personal space and storage for your luggage. A number of these tents are available as single tents at a supplementary charge. A private toilet tent will be erected at each campsite. We also provide a kit bag including a World Expeditions duffle bag, quality sleeping bag, foam sleeping mat, and down or fibre filled jacket.

Camping in Ladakh - Meals

Breakfast and dinner are served in our communal tent, featuring porridge, eggs, local breads, tea, and coffee. Lunch, usually a rice pilau or a vegetable stew served together with fresh fruit, can be a picnic enroute or enjoyed at camp if the morning trek is completed early. Dinner features a changing menu of soups and Indian and Western-style main courses. On all our Ladakh treks, we provide three hearty meals a day to keep you fuelled and energised.