Markha valley trek is one of the most beautiful treks in India. It ventures high into the Himalayas crossing two passes over 4575 m, as it circles from the edges of the Indus valley, down into parts of Zanskar, and passes through terrain changing from incredibly narrow valleys to wide-open vast expanses.
Markha Valley Trekking is made all the more interesting by the ancient form of Buddhism that flourishes in the many monasteries that dot the landscape perched high atop hills. The trails are decorated by elaborate Chortens (Buddhists shrines) and Mani (Buddhists prayer) walls that further exemplify the region's total immersion in Buddhist culture.
As we trek to the upper end of the Markha valley, we are rewarded with spectacular views of jagged snow capped peaks before crossing the 5150m Kongmaru La (Pass) and descending to the famous Hemis monastery, where we end our trek. Furthermore, we have few days more to explore the fascinating town of Leh and raft the Indus River.
Day 01: Arrival in Delhi
Day 02: Delhi to Leh (3500 m)
Day 03: Around Leh
Day 04: Stok to foot of Stok La (4820 m): Trek Day 1: 3 hrs
Day 05: Foot of Stok La to Yurutse (4180 m): Trek Day 2: 6 hrs
Day 06: Yurutse to Skiu (3400m): Trek Day 3: 6 hrs
Day 07: Skiu to Markha (3710m): Trek Day 4: 7 hrs
Day 08: Markha to Tchatchutse (4250 m): Trek Day 5: 6 hrs
Day 09: Tchatchutse to Nimaling (4730 m): Trek Day 6: 4 hrs
Day 10: Nimaling to Shang : Trek Day 7: 8 hrs
Day 11: Shang to Leh; Drive: 60 km
Day 12: Free Day in Leh
Day 13: Leh to Delhi
Day 14: Exploring Delhi and Departure
Day 01: Arrival in Delhi
Transfer to and O/N in hotel.
Day 02: Delhi to Leh (3500 m)
Transfer to domestic airport, flight to Leh. Transfer to hotel. In the afternoon visit Tsemo Gompa, Shanti Stupa and old fort of Leh. O/N in hotel.
Day 03: Around Leh
Drive to Spituk monastery close to Leh, and Phyang 13 km west of Leh. Back to hotel for lunch; afternoon at leisure. O/N in hotel.
Day 04: Stok to foot of Stok La (4820 m): Trek Day 1: 3 hrs
Reaching Stok after a 10 km drive from Leh, visit Stok Palace and its museum, which has beautiful Thangkas and a large collection of jewellery. Follow the left bank of the river flowing from Stok Kangri massif for 2 hours. Leaving the riverbed, climb gently to the camp near a sheepfold.
Day 05: Foot of Stok La to Yurutse (4180 m): Trek Day 2: 6 hrs
From the sheepfold, long and steep ascent to the Stok La (4900 m) for 3 hours. A steep descent, the trail then going quite flat till Rumbak. Go through the village, cross the bridge over the Jingchan River, and follow the easy trail to Yurutse.
Day 06: Yurutse to Skiu (3400m): Trek Day 3: 6 hrs
Ascend from Yurutse through pastures, crossing a small valley and zigzagging steeply up to the pass Ganda La (4900 m); it takes approximately 3 hours to the pass. Long, easy descent toward Shingo village, then into splendid gorge. After descending for about 2 hours arrive in Markha Valley and after a few hundred metres, you are at the campsite of Skiu.
Day 07: Skiu to Markha (3710m): Trek Day 4: 7 hrs
Move along the easy trail on the right bank of the Markha; there is plenty of vegetation along this stretch. You will cross the river several times, arriving in the small settlement of Chaluk at one point, and eventually making a short climb toward the large village of Markha. Campsite near the river.
Day 08: Markha to Tchatchutse (4250 m): Trek Day 5: 6 hrs
The trail goes up to the main valley on the right bank, along a sometimes difficult trail over the riverbed. Visit the monastery of Humlung, then move along the right bank and arrive at Hankar village, sprawling over several valleys. From the highest point of Hankar, follow the trail along a stream, then cross the bridge to reach the pasture of Tchatchutse.
Day 09: Tchatchutse to Nimaling (4730 m): Trek Day 6: 4 hrs
The trail is gradual along several small inclines; the river is quite far to the left. Cross a pasture to reach Nimaling Plain. This is one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh dominated by the Kongyatse peak (6400 m). Several fairly difficult routes lead to the summit.
Day 10: Nimaling to Shang : Trek Day 7: 8 hrs
Cross Markha Valley by a zigzag ascent of about 2 hours to the panoramic Kongmaru La (5150 m), then descend, again in zigzag fashion, to the other side of the base of the pass. The trail goes through a narrow gorge. After several stream crossings arrive in Shang, camping on a beautiful site in a grove. One can visit a small Gompa out of the village.
Day 11: Shang to Leh; Drive: 60 km
On the drive back to Leh stop for visits to some of Ladakhs most well-known monasteries Hemis and Thiksey, and Shey Palace. O/N in hotel.
Day 12: Free Day in Leh
O/N in hotel.
Day 13: Leh to Delhi
Transfer to the domestic airport, flight to Delhi. Transfer from airport to hotel, afternoon at leisure. O/N in hotel.
Day 14: Exploring Delhi and Departure
Visit Old and New Delhi (full Day sightseeing). Evening transfer to international airport for flight to onward destination.
Please click on thumbnail pic to have larger view.
Duration: 14 Days
Activity: City Sightseeing, Trekking
Grade: Moderate Trek
Maximum Height: 4820m
Meal: Full board on trek
Accommodation: Hotel
Land transportation: Private Car / Van / Hiace
Best Months: March -April & Sept - Nov
Prize: Please contact us in our E-mail
