Markha Valley Trek

About This Tour

Markha Valley Trek is one of the famous trekking areas in Ladakh to meet the magical kingdom of Ladakh. Trekking across the Markha Valley and its famous Markha River is will take the trekkers along the beautiful monasteries, quaint villages, lush greenery of Nimaling and the tall peak of Kangyatse. Markha Valley Trekking is actually an incredible journey to the "Little Tibet" where the vicinity is all set for the amazing hill vistas and dry mountains with rural parishes and lavish grazing lands altogether. Although the area remains snow-bound in winters but during the summers or rest of the season, the landscape panorama of this place, Markha Stream, mustard areas and the small towns of Stok, Matho and Zanskar attracts many people around the world for trekking.

Trekking across this region also brings an opportunity to spot Blue sheep and Ibex over the shaky slopes very often. One can also have the spectacular views of the Karakoram, Saser Kangri- peak of 7670m, Stok Kangri of 6150m, Kang Yatse of 6400m and Nun Kun of 7135 meters. While trekking up the hill you will find the overwhelming scenery of high towns, each with irrigated areas of wheat, barley, and mustard, and can also discover different species of animals at Hemis National Park which is an essential part of the Markha valley hike.

Included / Excluded

Accommodation : Leh: Hotel on bed and breakfast basis. While on trek we will use dome/alpine tents. Camp in Tsomoriri/Pangong with bed & breakfast basis
Transport : Also all sightseeing, drop and pick up for the trek in Leh by Toyota Qualis/Tavera.
Meals : Leh: Only breakfast
Trek : All meals will be provided. The meals will be a mix of Indian, Chinese & Continental.
Mules/Porters :For carrying camping equipment, rations, vegetables and some amount of personal gear of the clients (one bag not weighing more than 15 kgs).
Professional local trekking guide & cook would accompany the group
Trekking & camping fees
Monument entry fees at Leh

Air fare (Delhi - Leh return)
Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
Entrée fee if any
Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
Any meals/services not mentioned above
Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
Travel insurance

Itinerary

Take the morning flight for Leh. Check into the guest house and relax the whole day. This is necessary for getting acclimatised. Overnight at the guesthouse.

On this day you will go a sightseeing trip to some ancient monasteries in this area. Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17Th century AD. Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Dresthang Gompa. Thiksey Gompa, close to Shey is about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order. Hemis, about 45 kms south of Leh it is one of the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh. It belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17Th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls. Overnight stay at the guest house.

Leave Leh early morning by Jeeps and reach Spituk (1 hr). Visit the Spituk Gompa, built about 500 years ago. Start the trek from here by crossing a bridge and walking south-west of the river Indus. The gorge section leads to the confluence of Indus and Zinchen. Camp near the village of Zinchen. Overnight in Tents.

It's a gradual climb from Zinchen to Rumbak. From here one gets fabulous views of the snow capped Stok Mountains. From here we move along the Rumbak Nala towards Yurutse. At Yurutse village you will find fields of barley and potatoes. Overnight in Tents.

A gradual ascent followed by a steep climb gets one to the Ganda la (4900 M). From here views extend south to the Zanskar range and distant summits of the Himalayan range. This is followed by a long descent to Shingo village. From Shingo the trail heads into a narrow gorge leading towards Skiu. At Skiu there is a confluence of the rivers coming from Markha valley and Shingo. Overnight in Tents.

Its a very pleasant hike, up the Markha valley today with the trail crossing numerous streams. Markha is a quaint village with a deserted fort and a small village Overnight in Tents.

From Markha the country changes and the warm, relatively heavily wooded sections of the lower Markha is left behind. One will be required to cross the river several times as there are no bridges here. Hankar, en route, is the highest village in the Markha valley. Overnight in Tents.

Trek starts on a good path with several small inclines and a series of grassy ridges. There are a series of mani walls (walls carved with Buddhist prayers) and chortens en route. This is one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh and is dominated by the Kangyaze peak. Overnight in Tents .

Today one will cross to the north of the Markha, climbing to the top of the highest of the three passes, the 5,306 M Kongmaru La, with its wonderful views from the top. There are snow peaks in every direction and on a clear day the giants of Karakoram, including K2, can be seen on the north-western horizon. The trail descends to the Martselang valley, following the Martselang stream to the village of Sumdo. Overnight in tents.

Today make an easy descent along the Martselang to where it broadens into the valley of the Indus at Martselang village. Board the awaiting jeeps. Visit Hemis monastery and after that drive to Leh via Shey and Thiksey monastery. Overnight in a hotel.

Transfer to the airport for the spectacular flight across the main chain of the Himalaya to Delhi.