The Markha Valley trek is a moderate trek offering an insight into the rich cultural heritage and the unique landscape of the ladakh region. Ladakh is a remote trans-himalayan region in the extreme north of India. Trek alongside the Markha river, in a visually stunning landscape, set in an arid region sculpted over millennia of erosion in the shadow of the high Himalayan and Karakoram ranges. Lying within the Hemis National Park, the region is home to populations of himalayan sheep and the famed yet shy snow leopard.
MARKHA VALLEY MAP
QUICK ITINERARY
Day 01: Fly into Leh (3500m)
Day 02: Sightseeing around Leh and acclimatize.
Day 03: Drive Leh to Skiu and trek to Sara (3500m; 4-5 hrs)
Day 04: Trek Sara to Markha (3700m; 4-5 hrs)
Day 05: Trek Markha to Thachungtse (4150m; 5 hours)
Day 06: Trek Thachungtse to Nimaling (4720m; 4 hrs)
Day 07: Trek Nimaling to Chuskirmo over the Kongmaru La (5280m; 6hrs). Drive to Leh (90min).
Day 1: Fly Delhi – Leh (3500m). Rest and Acclimatize
Day 2: Acclimatize around Leh and some sightseeing.
A minimum acclimatisation period of 48 hours is mandatory before the start of this trek.
Day 03: Drive Leh to Skiu and trek to Sara (3500m; 4-5 hrs)
We drive to Skiu (62km, 3 hrs). Enroute we cross the confluence of the Zanskar and the Indus rivers near the village of Nimmu. We follow the former upstream to Chilling and drive onward to Skiu, the first village of the Markha valley.
The trek to Sara goes through unique Ladakhi countryside as we follow the Markha river upstream. Overnight in tents at Sara campsite.
Day 04: Trek to Markha (3700m; 4-5 hrs)
Markha village is home to a gompa (monasatery) and even a decrepit fort perched precariously on a nearby hill. Overnight in tents.
Day 05: Trek to Thatchungtse (4150m; 5 hours)
Enroute you may visit the auspicious monastery of Techa perched on a cliff above Markha. The mighty Kang Yatse (6400m) is visible after crossing the village of Umlung. Our destination today is Thatchungtse which is the beginning of meadow country.
Day 06: Trek to Nimaling (4720m; 4 hrs)
After passing mani walls (stones with prayer inscriptions), come across a small lake with inspiring views of the snow-clad Kang Yatse and also of the Markha Valley which you are now well above. Nemaling is a vast grazing ground with views of the Kongmaru La. Overnight Camp.
Day 07: Trek to Chogdo over the Kongmaru La (5280m; 7-8 hrs)
The climb of the Kongmaru La offers views over the Zanskar range and of the vertical ice walls on the north face of Kang Yatse. Fluttering with prayer flags, the summit rewards us with wide open views of the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges on the north, the Zanskar range on the west and a bird’s eye view of the Indus valley. The initially steep descent from the pass eventually eases out to reach a deep gorge. We follow the stream in this gorge downstream, crossing it several times as the terrain eventually opens up into the wider Chuskirmo followed by Chogo roadhead 30 min away. From here we drive back to our hotel in Leh (90min).
Cost Details
₹ Cost on request
INCLUSIONS:
- An experienced and specialized guiding team, leader, camp, staff, cook, porters
- Hotel stay in Leh for 3 nights with breakfast and dinner
- Trekking equipment (3 season tents, sleeping bags, kitchen and dining tents, toilet tents, basic camping furniture)
- Personal porterage of your trekking gear (upto 12kgs per person)
- Meals and snacks on the trek
- Ground transfers from hotel to trailhead and back to Leh from roadhead
- Leh sightseeing on Day 2; Visits to Thiksey and Shey Monasteries
- Forest and Camping Permits
- High-altitude first aid kit and oxygen cylinder
- GST
EXCLUSIONS:
- Air fare and air transfers
- Local sightseeing other than what is specified in itinerary
- Items of personal clothing and personal porterage
- Tips for guides, cooks & porters
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control
- Insurance (Medical, Personal, Evacuation)