Shambhala trekking terrain traverses some of the most breathtaking trails in the West Himalayan regions of Ladakh and Zanskar; Spiti and Kinnaur; Kangra and Kullu. While Ladakh, Zanskar and Spiti lie in the rain shadow and are home to nomadic and monastic cultures, Kinnaur, Kangra and Kullu are home to a more agriculturally dependant people and lie in the alpine belt.

This less demanding trail goes through the Markha Valley and has in the past decade proved to be one of the most popular treks in Ladakh due its spectacular views of the Ladakh and Karakorum ranges. The village of Markha is at an altitude of 11,500ft (3,500m) and has an ancient monastery with some fascinating frescoes. From Markha you also have options to head into lower Zanskar and head onto Manali or return to Leh.

DAY 01: SPITOK / ZINGCHAN 5 hours.
Leave Leh by Jeep/coach for Spitok village and then start trekking for Zinchen easy walk and river crossing 3 times. Camp at the Zinchen village.

DAY 02: ZINCHEN / KANDA-LA BASE 5 hours.
River crossing few times, the walk is little hard, lunch stop at Rumback village, Overnight camp at the base.

DAY 03: KANA-LA BASE / SKIU 6 hours.
Go along the mountain side up to the Kanda-la (4850 Mts.) Long easy descent towards Shingo village, after easy fords camp at Skiu.

DAY 04: SKIU / SARA 5 hours.
Today we have several river crossing the trek is easy. Camp at Sara.

DAY 05: SARA / HANKAR 7 hours.
will cross the Markha village enroute to Hankar Yugma. We will stop at the Markha village and visit the monastery of Markha.

DAY 06: HANKAR / NIMALING 5 hours.
A bit beyond Hankar leave a broad valley on the rightside. The valley narrows and goes higher. The river is far to the left Walk near a small lake, then cross pastures to Nimaling. This is one of the most beautiful high valleys of Ladakh (4700 Mts.)

DAY 07: NIMALING / SHANG SUMDO 7 hours.
Long climb along the mountainside then some zigzag up to the Kanmaru-la (5150 Mts.). Long descent into gorges several easy stream crossing. Arrive in Shang Sumdo.

Day 08: SHANG SUMDO / HEMIS 4 hours.
Take the riverbed again, then a good footpath through large blocks. You reach the motorable trail, Pass a series of Chortens. Leave Martselling village on the right and follow a gentle rising trail to Hemis. Over night in camp.

Day 09: HEMIS / LEH
After sightseeing of the Hemis monastery, leave for Leh, enroute visit Thiksey and Shey monasteries

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