Lamayuru to Hemis trek

Accomodation
5 Star Hotel
Admission Fee
No
Best Season
Autumn
Wifi
Available
Walking Hours
3-4 Hours
Transportation
Bus
Tour Availability
Available
Payment Method
Master Card
Meeting Point
Hotel
Guide
Guided
Arrival City
Pune
Departure City
Kathmandu
Free Cancellation
Yes
Hotel Transfer
Available
Insurance Coverage
covered 70%
Language
English
Maximum Altitude
8840m
Meals
Dinner
Mineral Water
Available

Duration: 11 days
Difficulty: level 4
Distance: 145 km
Max elevation: 5260m
Elevation gain / loss: +5632m / -5324m

This trek links Lamayuru to Hemis, two of the largest monasteries of Ladakh. It passes through remote villages tucked in deep valleys and the Hemis National Park where snow leopards and other wild animals can be found. This trek is the combination of the Lamayuru to Chilling trek and the Markha valley trek from Chilling.

Day 01 :

Lamayuru - Prinkti La - Wanla

Time: 3-4 hrs
Distance: 9.1 km
Elevation gain / loss: +369m / -592m

visit the famous Lamayuru gompa, one of the oldest in Ladakh
follow the stream and climb up the Prinkti La
homestay is available in Wanla

Day 02 :

Wanla - Hinju

Time: 6 hrs
Distance: 16.5 km
Elevation gain / loss: +639m / -0m

walk along the river bank, pass through villages amidst lush green barley fields
homestay can be arranged in Hinju

Day 03 :

Hinju - Kongskil La - Sumda Doksa

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 11.4 km
Elevation gain / loss: +1163m / -526m

follow the trail leading to the Kongskil La which offers superb views of the Karakoram and Stok ranges
walk down to Sumda Doksa

Day 04 :

Sumda Doksa - Base of Dung Dung Chan La

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 15.8 km
Elevation gain / loss: +785m / -779m

there are a few river crossings before reaching Sumda Chenmo village
walk up to the Dung Dung Chan La base camp

Day 05 :

Base of Dung Dung Chan La - Dung Dung Chan La - Chilling

Time: 3-4 hrs
Distance: 10.3 km
Elevation gain / loss: +175m / -1413m

climb to the Dung Dung Chan La and enjoy the beautiful view from the top
go all the way down to Chilling village, well-known for its skilled silversmiths

Day 06 :

Chilling - Skiu

Time: 3-4 hrs
Distance: 10.7 km
Elevation gain / loss: +189m / -18m

after crossing the Zanskar river, the trail leads to Markha valley
homestay possibility in Skiu

Day 07 :

Skiu - Markha

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 21.2 km
Elevation gain / loss: +451m / -57m

the trail to Markha village follows the river, passing through small villages on the way
around 20 families live in the village of Markha which is the largest in the valley
visit the old monastery and the ruined fort
homestay possibility in Markha

Day 08 :

Markha - Hankar

Time: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 11.2 km
Elevation gain / loss: +305m / -35m

continue walking along the river
near Umlung village, visit the cliff-side monastery of Techa
homestay possibility in Hankar

Day 09 :

Hankar - Nimaling

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 10.7 km
Elevation gain / loss: +836m / -25m

the trail leads to the plateau of Nimaling, where the people of Markha valley bring their herds to graze during summer
possibility to hike to the base of the Kang Yatse glacier in a few hours from Nimaling

Day 10 :

Nimaling - Kongmaru La - Shang Sumdo

Time: 6-8 hrs
Distance: 17.0 km
Elevation gain / loss: +439m / -1601m

cross the Kongmaru La which offers excellent views of Kang Yatze and the Karakoram peaks
steep and long descent towards the Shang gorge where you will need to cross the river several times
homestay possibility in Shang Sumdo

Day 11 :

Shang Sumdo - Hemis

Time: 3-4 hrs
Distance: 10.7 km
Elevation gain / loss: +281m / -283m

easy trail leading to Hemis monastery, one of the largest gompas in Ladakh
jeep can be arranged from Shang Sumdo

FAQs

Expand all

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

Lamayuru to Hemis trek

Lamayuru to Hemis trek

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map