Drive from Leh airport, then transfer to the hotel for welcome drinks followed by breakfast. Overnight stay at Leh.

Have breakfast and spend the rest of the day at leisure to acclimatize. There are optional visits to the Leh palace, Shey, Hemis gompas, and Thikse. Head for some last-minute shopping in the Leh market and return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After having breakfast, leave Leh and transfer to Chilling (3200 m), from where the trek to Skiu begins. The trail goes through a flat and desolate plain along the river Indus and swings into the mountains along the pretty, willow-lined Zingchen gorge. Stay at the camp in Skiu for the night.

Start for Markha village on the fourth day of the trip. Cross the river and trek up to Markha village (the longest valley). This will be the longest day of the trek. The beautiful green fields and irrigation canals can be seen along the way. There are a few ancient chortens along the trail and a number of wolf pits used to trap wolves when they roam the valley during the winter months. It is worth walking along the trail where the Shgri Nala meets the Markha to visit the small monastery.

Kang Yatse commands the views for the next two days. On the walk, there are sights of some fascinating geological creations, like large boulders balanced precariously on top of consolidated earth spikes. Continue down over a bridge to Thachungtse, a popular place to spot blue sheep sliding up and down the steep cliffs with incredible agility.

Today we pass several mani walls and come across a small lake. The view of Kang Yatse, whose bulk gets reflected in the still waters of the lake, and of the Markha Valley, which we are now well above, is wonderful. Descend slowly to the valley of Nimaling, which has a semi-permanent population of villagers who come from the Markha Valley to graze their livestock on the summer pastures.

Make your way to the top of Kangmaru La Pass (5260 m) by climbing the final short but steep slope. There are good views over the Zanskar Range and of the vertical ice walls on the north face of Kang Yatze. It is a 3 hour climb to the top. The descent initially is quite steep and then eases out as we reach Chuskirmo, where we board waiting vehicles for the transfer back to Leh. Stay in Leh for the night.

Transfer to Leh airport in the early morning for your flight home.