Leh - Ladakh

Leh was the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, now the Leh District in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakh is a region of India in the state of Jammu and Kashmir that lies between the Kunlun mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south, inhabited by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent. Ladakh with the area of 95,000 square kilometers has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with 2 inhabitants per square kilometer. An old Ladakhi saying: The passes are so high and land so barren; only a dear friend or a serious enemy will reach here. This land for the longest time, has been known for its beauty. One can opt for various routes and means to explore Leh- Ladakh. The best way to explore this terrain is by driving through Manali to Leh. Manali to Leh – once restricted route, is now one of the most exciting drive which takes you across high Himalayan passes. This gives one the perfect chance to witness the mountains, culture, forests and adventure of the region. Those who want to reach Leh directly can fly from Delhi, only to land in Leh and start exploring. Once at Leh, one can understand the culture by visiting monasteries and monks. For photographers, the brilliant landscapes give the perfect photographic opportunities. read more read less

The Markha Valley Trek is a popular trekking route in Ladakh, a region in the Northernmost part of India. The trek takes you through the heart of Ladakh region, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains, barren landscapes, and traditional Ladakhi villages. The trek usually starts from the town of Stok, which is about 15 kilometers from the city of Leh, the capital of Ladakh. From there, trekkers follow the Markha River, passing through a number of small villages such as Skiu, Markha, and Hankar. The trek usually takes around 6-7 days to complete and covers a distance of approximately 75 kilometers. Trekkers will be required to cross several high-altitude passes, including the Gongmaru La Pass, which is the highest point on the trek at an altitude of 5,270 meters. One of the highlights of the trek is the chance to interact with the locals and experience their unique way of life. Trekkers will also have the opportunity to visit several ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples along the way. read more read less