This 11 to 12-day trek is perfect for adventure-seekers who are up for a challenge.

Starting from Zanskar Valley and ending at Hemis Gompa, the trail crosses three passes, each over 5000m high, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

While the trek is not heavily traveled, it is essential to hire a local guide due to the lack of habitation for most of the journey.

The trail passes through deep canyons and over barren, rugged mountains, making it suitable only for experienced trekkers.

Day 01. Padum-Zangla(3369m)

The trek begins with an easy 7 to 8-hour hike from Padum to Zangla.

The trail crosses the Tsarap Lingti River via a bridge before heading northeast towards Stongde village.

The village is home to a monastery, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

For those in need of mules, Stongd is the perfect place to hire them.

The trail continues through Tsazar before reaching Zangla, where the present king resides.

Camping grounds are available in Zangla.

Day 02. Zangla-sumdho(3940m)

Day 2 is a bit more challenging, with approximately 4 hours of steep ascent to Zangla Gonpa and a narrow river gorge to navigate.

Trekkers will cross the river multiple times while walking through the gorge.

After 5km, the valley opens up, and a side trail branches off southeast to Ningri La.

The main trail continues north towards Sumdho camping ground, situated at the foot of Charchar La, also known as Shirshir La.

Please note that due to the challenging nature of the trek, only experienced hikers should attempt it.

If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure that will push your limits, this trek is for you. With breathtaking scenery and a sense of isolation, you'll feel like you're on top of the world. Just remember to hire a local guide, and stay safe on the trail.

Day 03. Sumdho-Charchar La(5210m)-Tom tokh(4400m)

Embark on a strenuous 5 to 6 hours climb up to the Charchar La pass, towering at an impressive height of 5210m.

The trail heads west for some distance before turning north, crossing the Zumlung stream multiple times, and the route is full of boulders and stones.

As you approach the pass, the trail becomes even steeper, making it challenging to navigate.

From the top, the trail descends N-E to the Tom Tokh camping ground, offering a much-needed rest.

Day 04. Tom Tokh-Shang Kongma(3970m)

To make the most of the trek, it is advisable to start early in the morning to cross and recross the stream before the water level rises.

The trail descends to a gorge, and after 4 to 5 hours of walking, you'll reach the picturesque Shang Kongma camping ground.

Day 05. Shang Konma-Tilat Sumdho (3810m)-Rubarung(4410m)

Follow the stream for two hours until you reach Tilat Sumdho, where the stream coming from Charchar La meets Khurna River.

The path then turns southeast and climbs along the Khurna River to Khurna Sumdho.

As you turn left and pass through a narrow gorge, continue for 8 km until you reach the Rubarung camping ground at the base camp of Rubarung La.

It's a long trek of 9 to 10 hours from Shang Kongma, but the stunning scenery makes it worthwhile.

Day 06. Rubarung-Rubarung La(5020m)-Markha(3813m)

It takes approximately 7 hours to reach the Markha village from Rubarung.

For the first two hours, the trail ascends to the Rubarung La pass before descending to meet the Charcham Chu river.

After another hour, you'll reach the confluence of the Charchum Chu and Markha River.

Markha village is situated 2 km downstream, offering a chance to rest and recharge before the next leg of the trek.

Day 07. Markha - Thachungtse

Today, we will take the same route as described in Stok-Himis trek. The trek starts with a gentle climb up to Hankar village. From there, we will continue walking to Thachungtse camping ground, which is located at an elevation of 4200m. The trek will take around 6-7 hours, and the route offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 08. Thachungtse - Nimaling

The trek from Thachungtse to Nimaling is a gradual ascent, and the trail goes through beautiful meadows with plenty of grazing animals. The path continues through narrow gorges and pastures and reaches the high plateau of Nimaling at an elevation of 4700m. We will spend the night in a camping ground surrounded by magnificent peaks.

Day 09. Nimaling - Shang Sumdo

We will start our day early and begin with a steep climb to Kongmaru La Pass, which is the highest point of this trek, at an elevation of 5150m. From the pass, we will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. After spending some time taking in the beauty of the place, we will start our descent towards Shang Sumdo. The trail goes through a beautiful valley with lush greenery and several streams. We will spend the night in a camping ground at Shang Sumdo.

Day 10. Shang Sumdo - Leh

On the final day of the trek, we will continue our descent towards Martselang village, where we will visit a small monastery. From there, we will drive to Leh, which is the capital city of Ladakh. On reaching Leh, we will check into a hotel and rest for the night. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the city and its attractions.

Alternative Route No. 1: Zalung La

For those looking to explore an alternative route, the Zalung La trail is a must-see. The trail starts from Khurna Sumdo and climbs up to the Rubarung Camping ground before turning right. The trail then crosses the mountain ridge through a narrow gap that leads to Zalung La, a high-altitude pass with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. From there, the trail descends sharply to the Luntung Chu and reaches the camping grounds of Tahungtse, near Hankar. The rest of the trek follows the same route as described in Stok-Hemis trek No.1, but in reverse.

Alternative Route No. 2: Pume

Another alternative route from Khurna Sumdo branches south at Lapurba and crosses two passes before reaching Pume, situated on the main Manali-Leh route. This trail offers a challenging and rewarding journey, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail follows Lalung Topko to the southwest, crosses over Shapodak La (5335m) and meets Niri Chu near Niri Sumdo. From here, the trail turns south along Niri Chu, crosses Gautang La (4814m), and reaches Pkuktal Gompa. From here, it is an easy walk of 2 hours to Purne and a 2 to 3-day trek to Padum.

No matter which route you choose, this trek promises to be an unforgettable experience that showcases the stunning beauty of the Himalayas. With stunning views, challenging terrain, and a rich cultural heritage, the Markha to Leh trek is a must-do for any adventurous traveler.