Markha Valley to Summit UT Kangri

Day 1 – Welcome to Delhi!
Meet your host at Delhi Airport and transfer across town to your hotel in the centre. Depending on arrival time, you may have time to explore some of Delhi's sights before getting to know your fellow travellers over dinner.

Day 2 – Fly to Leh and meet your trek crew
Morning flight from Delhi to Leh – eyes peeled for your first glimpse of the snow-capped Himalayas from above. Arrive in Leh, the historic capital of Ladakh. Transfer to your hotel, meet your local trek crew, and have the rest of the afternoon to relax or explore the town as your body adapts to Leh's high altitude.

Day 3 – Acclimatisation in Leh

• Hiking: 2 hrs · 4 km
  Important acclimatisation day at 3500 m. Begin with a briefing on high-altitude trekking from your mountain guides. Then take a look around Leh before a 2-hour acclimatisation walk up to hilltop Thiksey Monastery – Ladakh's most iconic building. Explore the temples and meet the red-robed monks before returning to your hotel.

Day 4 – Into the Markha Valley

• Driving: 2–3 hrs

• Hiking: 2–3 hrs · 10 km · 200 m ascent
  Drive to the village of Sara at the head of the Markha Valley. Lunch under the 'tea tent', then begin trekking through the settlement of Chalak to camp at the small hamlet of Thinles Pa (3700 m). An easy first day on a good trail with magnificent Himalayan scenery.

Day 5 – Thinles Pa to Hankar (4250 m)

• Hiking: 5–6 hrs · 15 km · 550 m ascent
  Route crisscrosses the river (some crossings without bridges – chance to dip your feet!). Follow an impressive line of chortens (Tibetan Buddhist holy structures) stretching for miles. Stop in Markha village to witness the remote way of life, then continue to Tache Gompa (stunning cliff-top monastery). Climb a side valley to the ruins of Hankar Fort before descending to stream-side camp at Upper Hankar. Camp is often shared with Himalayan blue sheep.

Day 6 – Hankar to Nimaling (4854 m)

• Hiking: 4–5 hrs · 8 km · 600 m ascent
  Short but tough route climbing steeply to a plateau where the valley opens out. Spectacular views of Kang Yatse (6400 m) – the highest peak in the valley. In summer, shepherds bring flocks to graze; you can buy yoghurt or local cheese. Reach Nimaling by lunchtime. Afternoon exploration for further acclimatisation. Epic stargazing at night away from light pollution.

Day 7 – Nimaling to Chak-tsang (4700 m)

• Hiking: 4–5 hrs · 13 km · 470 m ascent · 620 m descent
  Tough climb over the high pass of Lalung La (5300 m) with jaw-dropping views of Dzo Jongo and Kang Yatse (two six-thousanders). Look out for high-altitude glaciers – the main water source for Markha Valley. Descend through grazing land with abandoned nomadic huts to camp at Chaktsang.

Day 8 – Chaktsang to Lato (4000 m)

• Hiking: 5–6 hrs · 18 km · 500 m ascent · 1200 m descent
  Steep descent into a beautiful valley with impressive rock formations, then ascend steeply over Chaksang La Pass (5200 m) before heading down towards the village of Lato. You have now left the traditional Markha Valley trail for quieter paths joined only by nomadic herders and mountaineers. Camp on the Kyamur River on the quiet outskirts of Lato village.

Day 9 – Lato to Rumtse Phu (4854 m)

• Hiking: 5–6 hrs · 17 km · 850 m ascent
  Ascend the Lato Valley on the approach to UT Kangri, following old nomadic routes between several farming villages. Explore more traditional Ladakhi culture. Locals here are known for horse riding and the traditional dance Gya-Pa-Cho. Both Lato and Rumtse Phu are connected by road, offering easy descent and evacuation options from base camp.

Day 10 – Trek up to UT Kangri Base Camp (5300 m)

• Hiking: 4 hrs · 6 km · 450 m ascent
  Short but steep morning walk to base camp, where you'll spend the next three nights. At over 5000 m, take it slowly to acclimatise. After lunch, your mountain guide delivers a session on techniques for snowy slopes: walking roped together, using crampons and ice-axes. Evening acclimatisation walk at golden hour.

Day 11 – Mountaineering practice and acclimatisation day

• Hiking: 2–3 hrs
  Practice simple but important techniques required for the summit. Walk above base camp up snow slopes and small peaks, learning to use mountaineering equipment, moving on steep terrain, and self-rescue techniques. Early dinner and rest ahead of summit day.

Day 12 – Summit day! (6070 m)

• Hiking: 10–12 hrs · 800 m ascent · 800 m descent
  Wake before dawn. Challenging climb ascending steep scree and moraine before crossing snow fields. You will be roped up with a mountain guide (1:2 guide-to-climber ratio) using skills learned. Reach the summit at 6070 m with views of Kang Yatse and many other high peaks of Ladakh. Celebrate the achievement before descending to base camp.

Day 13 – Hike out and back to Leh

• Hiking: 2–3 hrs · 6 km · 450 m descent

• Driving: 2–3 hrs
  Last morning in the high mountains – hike back down to Rumtse Phu, say goodbye to your trek crew, and transfer to Leh. One last stop at Hemis Monastery (17th century) – one of the largest and richest monasteries in Ladakh. Arrive back in Leh in the afternoon, check into hotel, and enjoy a farewell dinner with fellow summiteers.

Day 14 – Fly to Delhi
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your morning flight back to Delhi Airport. From here, connect to your onward international flight, or your host can arrange additional nights in Delhi.