The popular trek in Ladakh is Markha valley trek via Kongumaru la (5300 m). Travel by road from Leh to Hemis monastery (3760 m). Hemis is the richest monastery in Ladakh and an annual festival attracts lots of tourists. Large 'tankas' - painting on long cloths are displayed only during the festival. Hemis has accomodation facility. JKSRTC buses operate twice daily on this route. Trek to Chhogdo via Martselong (4100 m, 5 hour). Trek to the base of Kongumaru la (4710 m, 4 hour). On the next day trek through the gorges to top of Kongumaru la and then to Nimaling village (4900 m, 3 hour).



Markha valley

At Nimaling village, Markha valley one will find nomads and their small huts. You will not be welcomed, if you want to stay in their huts. So just camp in the open. It snows even in summer at Nimaling. Kagyash peak (6200 m) can be climbed in a day from Nimaling. Nimaling to Shang Sumdo over Kongumaru la (14 km, 7 hour trek). Trek to Martselang and then to Hemis (16 km, 5 hour). Start the trek early morning for an easy crossing of streams. Use rope as anchor for river crossing. As you become late snow melts and the river water level begins to increase quickly.



Hemis Monastery, Leh

Due to high altitude and lack of oxygen, one has to be calm and take more time to climb. Bleeding through nose, breathlessness, reduced physical performance are common due to the altitude.