Ladakh itinerary, information and alternatives

Hi,

I will be in Kashmir shortly for a couple of weeks, and plan to go trekking in Ladakh on my way back to Delhi (in July).

My profile/criteria:
(a) have got 1.5 to 2 weeks for my entire journey from Srinagar to Manali.
(b) experienced hiker, but with limited mountaineering (route-finding, compass-wielding, knot-tying) experience
(c) currently in good shape
(d) limited altitude experience (highest point until now was Mt Fuji: no problems there, but it's only 3800m, sleeping at 3000m)
(e) in terms of Charlie Loram's trichotomy of how to go, I would probably prefer solo backpacking, or perhaps joining a small group making its own arrangements if it were straight-forward and cheap, but not so keen on (or financially equipped for) a fully organised trek
(f) would be keen, ideally, on a culturally flavoured trek (e.g., remote villages) and on staying away from overly touristy routes
(g) would also like to climb a higher mountain or two (6000m+), but the actual height isn't as crucial as the pleasantly tired feeling with reaching a summit and getting some nice views.

Putting these together makes me think that it isn't possible to satisfy all these at once, and in particular, that keeping (a) and (e) probably means abandoning (f). So, here's what I'm thinking: taking the 2-day bus from Srinagar to Leh, staying a full extra day in Leh, doing (solo) an abbreviated version (i.e., from Chiling) of the Markha Valley trek with minimal gear, returning to Leh and, if I'm up for it, either solo or joining a small group, doing the Stok Kangri trek with more gear. (These 2 trek ideas come mainly from here: http://trek.micahimages.com/Ladakh/ladakh_trekking.htm.) The overnight spots and approximate altitudes would thus be something like this:

0: Srinagar 1600m
1: Kargil 2700m
2: Leh 3500m
3: Leh 3500m
4: Skyu 3600m
5: Markha 3700m
6: Hankar 3900m
7: Nimaling 4200m
8: Nimaling 4300m (resting or climbing a ~6000m peak, depending on feeling)
9: Shang Sumdo 3700m
10: Leh 3500m
11: Stok Kangri base camp: 5000m
12: Stok Kangri base camp: 5000m
13: Leh 3500m
14: Manali 2000m

So my questions are:
(1) Is this seem like a reasonable plan, especially in terms of timing and acclimatisation?
(2) Am I right to believe that I would need to provide my own food and shelter for the Stok Kangri trek, but in contrast would be able to depend entirely on homestays (and are bookings necessary?) during the Markha Valley trek?
(3) If I decide to try to join a small self-organising group, is this generally easy, quick and satisfying?
(4) Where in Leh could I leave some of my redundant stuff while I go do a trek for a few days?
(5) Do you think there are much better options for me in Ladakh, given the criteria I have listed?
(6) What kind of temperatures and weather conditions should I expect? Would prefer not to have to bring my fleece and goretex trousers, for example.
(7) Would I need any technical equipment, and if so, is it easy and cheap to rent? (Not sure that I want to carry my iceaxe around India for 6 weeks if I'll just be using it for half an hour. )

Sorry for the long read and numerous questions, and thanks in advance for any comments/hints/information!


Cheers,

cyp

I can answer one minor thing, you can leave non essential things and non valuables with the hoetl you stay with. They usually agree to keep it.

Acclimatization is fine, subject to possibly needing an extra day at the top before the ascent of any 6000 peak. marrkha can be home stayed these days.
You will need a fleece and a warm bag, even in July, nimaling can be sub zero at night.
Consider dzo Jongoor or the 6000 trekking peaks in the kang Yatse massif. More logical if you are coming outs at the kongmaru la end of marka.
Organizing is easy in leh and you can hire an ice axe

Thank you both for the useful answers!