Markha Valley is one of the most famous treks of Ladakh Region. Markha valley remains one of the most popular trekking route in Indian Himalaya. Markha valley has a very significant role in the Ladakh environment and its ecology. The first Hemis high altitude national park which is named after great monastery of Hemis was created in 1981, the first national park in North of the main Himalaya range, and second this park known as snow leopard conservancy, India's best-protected area for Snow leopard. We will discover how local people have been fully committed to conserving Snow leopard. This trek offers an abundant treasure of natural beauty, mountains with different colors, shapes, and sizes. With altitude exceeding 3000m to 6000m and its numerous small villages along the trails, pastures, and passes. High altitude pastures of Nimaling and the valley is greatly dominated by Kang yatse (6400m) and its surrounding peaks. There are great chances to observe wild species in the late afternoon and early morning.
Setting off from Leh after 2-3 days of well acclimatizing, we drive to Zingchen and ascend to Ganda La via visiting Rumbak, Rumbak area which is known for the Snow Leopard area. Descending through the narrow gorge to Skiu where Markha valley widens up, we follow the Markha River to Nimaling plains. Meeting locals and visiting their house and exploring the region finally steep descent from Kongmaru la to Chogdo near Shang. Where our trek ends.
OUTLINE TREK ITINERARY
Day 1 Drive Leh – Spituk - Zingchen (3530m), Trek to Rumbak (4050m), Climb Stok La 5 - 6 hrs.
Day 2 Trek to Yurutse (4200m) - Gandha la base 3880m
Day 3 Trek to Gandh la (4900m) – Shingo (4060m) – Skiu (3290m). 5 - 6 hrs.
Day 4 Trek to Markha (3710m), 6 -7 hrs.
Day 5 Trek to Hankar (3900m) – Thachungtse (4200m), 5 hrs
Day 6 Trek to Nimaling (4850m) 5 hrs.
Day 7 Trek to Kongmaru La (5260m) – Chuskirmo (4430m) - Chogdo (3930m), Drive to Shang Sumdo (3660m) - Leh.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 Drive Leh – Spituk - Zingchen (3530m), Trek to Rumbak (4050m), Climb Stok La 5 - 6 hrs.
Leaving Leh today after breakfast drive to Spituk which is 7 kms and has a Gelukpa sect monastery built on a hill and has a magnificent view of Indus valley, continue to drive to starting point of trekking at Zingchen, where our mules and horses will be waiting for us. Staff will load luggage as you continue to trek on a clear path. Now easy and gentle walk to Rumbak. Gradual climb to Rumbak on a well-defined trail. We pass Rumbak village. A fabulous view of snow-capped Stok Kangri can be seen. Our camp is short after Rumbak, occasionally wild animal can be seen in Rumbak area.
Day 2 Trek to Yurutse (4200m) - Ganda la base 3880m
Now we move towards the Rumbak nallah, crossing it walk along the right side leading towards Yurutse. Yurutse has only one house and has a fields of vegetables and barley crop. Gradual ascent to Gandha la base at 4500m. Overnight in camp.
Day 3 Trek to Ganda la (4900m) – Shingo (4060m) – Skiu (3290m). 5 - 6 hrs.
Today after breakfast gradual climb to Ganda la pass 4900m. The views from top Zanskar range to the south and Ladakh range to the north and Karakoram beyond Ladakh range. Soon after long descent to Shingo 4060m and then on a narrow and stunning gorge leading towards Skiu and the valley opens out. We are in main Markha valley. At a short distance beyond Skiu our campsite.
Day 4 Trek to Markha (3710m), 6 -7 hrs.
Leaving Skiu today we will have long, easy and pleasant walk up the Markha valley. We hike along the Markha River and cross numerous adjoining stream. The trail passes through willows, poplar trees and sea buckthorn bushes. Passing by Chaluk, last river to be cross before Markha. Markha is a wonderful village which has charming campsite and deserted fort can be seen from camp,Overnight camp.
Day 5 Trek to Hankar (3900m) – Thachungtse (4200m), 5 hrs
Leaving Markha today you cross the river several times. We follow the clear path along the right bank and pass beneath the Humlung monastery. Few hours later arrival at high village of Hankar, continue on the track leaving the broad valley and turning towards narrow valley. As the trail goes higher and higher up the landscape presents spectacular scenes. Lastly crossing the bridge and continue to higher meadows of Thachungtse.Overnight in camp.
Day 6 Trek to Nimaling (4850m) 5 hrs.
Today trek starts on an easily seen good path. Easy trail at start then gradual ascend with several small inclines and over meadows. Now you are trekking through one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh. Soon after the view of Kang Gyatse peak remain on our site while trekking. Kang Gyatse peak dominate the Markha valley. During summer numbers of sheperds lives in small doksas looking after their sheep, yak, dzo, horse and goat. Continue trek across the vast and grassy plains of Nimaling and having 360° view of impressive landscape.Overnight in camp.
Day 7 Trek to Kongmaru La (5260m) – Chuskirmo (4430m) - Chogdo (3930m), Drive to Shang Sumdo (3660m) - Leh.
Today leaving Nimaling, continue on path where small stream to cross then gradual climb to the top of the highest pass of our trek, with its wonderful views from the top as far as eye goes to all directions. On a clear sky one can see Kangyatse, far across K2 and Karakoram Range and its peak rising above 7000m. Soon after crossing the pass steep and long descent to Chuskirmo. We pass the small village of Chokdo and from here drive to the village of Shang Sumdo. leaving Shang Sumdo the road goes along the Indus River to Leh.
COST INCLUDES
ü All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary.
ü 7 nights camp with all camping facilities. 3 men spacious 4 season tents for 2, sleeping bags, foam mattresses, dining tent, trekking poles & safety gears.
ü All meal during trek - starts with bed tea to breakfast, lunch, 3 course dinner, tea /coffee, snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, Chinese to continental cuisine.
ü Support staff: Qualified climbing guide, cook & camp crew.
ü Trekking mules/horses for porterage of your luggage and trekking gear.
ü Camping fee, trekking permits, peak fee.
ü Goods and services tax.
ü First aid medical kit.
PREVIOUS MARKHA VALLEY TREK & REVIEWS
"Our experience has been truly a memorable one. The scenery has been an incredible, the interactions with other travelers most enjoyable, and the service provided by our guide, cook and pony men were exceptional. Our guide, has been without a doubt, the most accommodating and helpful in every way; our cook created fresh culinary masterpiece each day (include a surprise anniversary cake); and our pony man, was most gracious in every way. We highly recommend Potala Adventures to all world travelers."
Mrs. Kristie A. & Mr. Martin A. USA
Today morning early transfer or drive to domestic airport for the flight to Leh, but spectacular flight over the Himalaya to Leh. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatize to the altitude of 3500m as well as visit Leh palace, Tsemo gompa, Sankar and Shanti stupa.
Leaving Leh at first we drive to Likir on the Leh-Srinagar highway. Passing through magnetic hills and having view of Indus and Zanskar River confluence. Continue to drive we visit Likir. Likir meaning Lu Khil means naga encircled – a myth related to the monastery. We drive back pass Saspol where we cross bridge over Indus River and follow the road till Alchi. Alchi is at a distance of 70 kms from Leh and at Alchi we visit 1000 years old Gelukpa sect monastic complex built by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo. Finally after having our lunch at Alchi we drive back to Leh. Overnight stay in hotel
Leaving Leh today after breakfast drive to Spituk which is 7 kms and has a Gelukpa sect monastery built on a hill and has a magnificent view of Indus valley, continue to drive to starting point of trekking, where our mules and horses will be waiting for us. Staff will load luggage as you continue to trek on a clear path. Now easy and gentle walk south west of Indus River until the confluence of Zingchen and Indus. Leaving the main Indus valley and traversing to the left valley upstream along the small river to Zingchen. Ggradual climb to Rumbak on a well-defined trail. We pass Rumbak village. A fabulous view of snow-capped Stok Kangri can be seen. Now we move towards the Rumbak nallah, crossing it walk along the right side leading towards Yurutse. Yurutse has only one house and has a fields of vegetables and barley crop. Overnight in camp.
Gradual ascent to base of pass 4500m and then steep climb to Ganda la pass 4900m. The views from top Zanskar range to the south and Ladakh range to the north and Karakoram beyond Ladakh range. Soon after long descent to Shingo 4060m and then on a narrow and stunning gorge leading towards Skiu and the valley opens out. We are in main Markha valley. At a short distance beyond Skiu our campsite.Overnight in camp.
Leaving Skiu today we will have long, easy and pleasant walk up the Markha valley. We hike along the Markha River and cross numerous adjoining stream. The trail passes through willows, poplar trees and sea buckthorn bushes. Passing by Chaluk, last river to be cross before Markha. Markha is a wonderful village which has charming campsite and deserted fort can be seen from camp,Overnight camp.
Leaving Markha today you cross the river several times. We follow the clear path along the right bank and pass beneath the Humlung monastery. Few hours later arrival at high village of Hankar, continue on the track leaving the broad valley and turning towards narrow valley. As the trail goes higher and higher up the landscape presents spectacular scenes. Lastly crossing the bridge and continue to higher meadows of Thachungtse.Overnight in camp.
Today trek starts on an easily seen good path. Easy trail at start then gradual ascend with several small inclines and over meadows. Now you are trekking through one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh. Soon after the view of Kang Gyatse peak remain on our site while trekking. Kang Gyatse peak dominate the Markha valley. During summer numbers of sheperds lives in small doksas looking after their sheep, yak, dzo, horse and goat. Continue trek across the vast and grassy plains of Nimaling and having 360° view of impressive landscape.Overnight in camp.
Today leaving Nimaling, continue on path where small stream to cross then gradual climb to the top of the highest pass of our trek, with its wonderful views from the top as far as eye goes to all directions. On a clear sky one can see Kangyatse, far across K2 and Karakoram Range and its peak rising above 7000m. Soon after crossing the pass steep and long descent to Chuskirmo. We pass the small village of Chokdo and from here drive to the village of Shang Sumdo. leaving Shang Sumdo the road goes along the Indus River to Leh.
Today relax and explore local bazar.
Early breakfast at hotel and drive to airport for return flight to Delhi. Arrival at Delhi and overnight stay in hotel close to International airport and fly home.
8 days Cost includes
ü All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary.
ü 7 nights camp with all camping facilities. 3 men spacious 4 season tents for 2, sleeping bags, foam mattresses, dining tent, trekking poles & safety gears.
ü All meal during trek - starts with bed tea to breakfast, lunch, 3 course dinner, tea /coffee, snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, Chinese to continental cuisine.
ü Support staff: Qualified climbing guide, cook & camp crew.
ü Trekking mules/horses for porterage of your luggage and trekking gear.
ü Camping fee, trekking permits, peak fee.
ü Goods and services tax.
ü First aid medical kit.
Cost excludes
× Domestic flight Delhi - Leh
× Hotel in Leh, Delhi.
× Travel insurance.
× Soft or hard drinks.
× Entrance fee at monasteries
× Personal tipping to staff: Guide, cook, helper, horseman, driver. × Any unforeseen cost arises by natural hazards rain, snow, road block which cost extra lodging & boarding beyond trip Schedule.
Our experience has been truly a memorable one. The scenery has been an incredible, the interactions with other travelers most enjoyable, and the service provided by our guide, cook and pony men were exceptional. Our guide, has been without a doubt, the most accommodating and helpful in every way; our cook created fresh culinary masterpiece each day (include a surprise anniversary cake); and our pony man, was most gracious in ...
Markha trek info
HIGHLIGHTS
Visit remote villages during the classic Markha valley trek
Explore Leh, the Indus Valley and its Buddhist monasteries
One of the top trek in Ladakh
Wild life and Snow Leopard area
Discover multi colored rock formation of Ladakh
TRIP FACTS
Activities - Trekking & hiking
Region - Ladakh, India
Difficulty level - Moderate
Max altitude - 5150 meters
Max sleeping altitude - 5300 meters
Lowest trek altitude - 4580 meters
Trip length - 8 days Leh to Leh
12 days Leh to Leh
Best season: Mid June to Mid Sept
8 days of trekking
7 nights of camping
PRICE
Price on request
