From Lamayuru to Spituk Trek

Arrive at Leh Kushok Bakula Airport and meet one of the tour representatives before transferring to your hotel. Do note that the flight to Leh offers sensational views, so if it’s a clear day, be sure to peek out the airplane window!

After having breakfast, get ready for a day spent exploring the cultural and architectural wonders of Leh! First, you’ll head to Shey Village to check out the palace and gompa. Admire the mountain views acting as a backdrop to these stunning architectural pieces. The royal family used to live here! Next, you’ll head to the Thikse Gompa, where a collection of buildings dot a rocky slope. Soak in the views here before checking out the sleek-looking, masterpiece-worthy Shanti Stupa.

Get ready to embark on your trekking adventure! Begin your day with a drive to Lamayuru, the trailhead for your trek. But before you start your first ascent, you’ll stop at the Lamayuru Monastery, which sits precariously atop a rocky slope. Today’s hike opens with a gradual rise to Prinkti La, which sits at 3,750m. Eventually, you’ll walk through the quaint village of Shilla (3,700m), and once you reach Wanla, you’ll get a ride to Hinju, where you’ll spend the night at a camp.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before beginning your first full day of hiking. The journey starts by ascending just below the ridge of Konskila, which stands at 4,950m. Keep your eye out for wildlife! Soon, you will embark on a gradual climb towards Konskila, where breathtaking views of the Karakoram and Stok ranges sprawl below. After taking in these views, you’ll begin your steep descent. Eventually, you’ll pass a yak herders’ hut, meaning that your campsite is close!

Cross through lush scenery, bubbling rivers, and a valley of wild rose bushes before the first significant steep ascent of the day. Keep your eyes out for edelweiss as well! Once you reach your campsite, take a moment to bask in the remarkable view of Konskila.

After breakfast, begin the day by ascending to Dung Dung Chan, admiring the stunning, soaring views of Stok Range and Zanskar Range. Start the descent after reaching the ridge, following a path that continually narrows until you reach Chiling, a quaint village tucked into the mountains. Side note: Chiling has provided an array of metal (copper, tin, silver, and more) to the market in Leh for hundreds of years. Spend the night camping here.

Today’s hike has you crossing the ever-so blue Zanskar river before you reach Markha valley, where grey peaks cradle a carpet of green! Eventually, you’ll reach Kaya village, and from here, you’ll hike just one hour to Skiu and set up camp under a circle of mountains.

Begin your day with an exploration of local culture! Admire a small monastery in Skiu before tying up your laces and hitting the trail. Today’s walk carries you through the sprawling Shingo valley until you reach Gandala Base, where you’ll enjoy your last night camping out in nature!

Today marks your final day in Ladakh’s backyard! First, you will cross the Gandala Pass and eventually, the scenery will unveil the tallest peak in the Stok Range of the Himalayas, Stok Kangri. After admiring the views, you’ll descend toward the Spituk Valley and meander through the quaint village of the same name. Once you reach Zingchan, you will transfer by vehicle to a hotel in Leh.

Today grants the chance to check out the 1672-reconstructed Hemis Monastery, which sits just in front of stony slopes, helping to amplify its attention-grabbing beauty. Feel free to opt out of this optional trip and instead explore Leh at your leisure.

So long, India. The tour ends once you reach the airport.