Markha-valley
12 DAYS Markha-valley
Trekking along the Markha River through “Little Tibet,” one of the world’s highest inhabited plateaus, you take in spectacular views of the Great Himalayan, Ladakh and Zanskar ranges.
Day 01: Arrive at Leh airport by morning flight from Delhi.
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. You would take a little time to settle in and acclimatize since you have gone from a relatively low elevation in New Delhi to over 11,000 feet! Overnight in a hotel.
Day 02. Alchi/Likir / BazgoBreakfast drive to Likir monastery and Alchi monasteries on the way visit Phater Sahib, magnetic hill and the Indus & Zansker Sangam. Back to Leh. Overnight Hotel
Day 03: Leh – Spituk to Zingchen (4-5 hours)
After an early start from Leh, we will travel by jeep to Spituk, where horses will be waiting to carry our equipment. The trek will begin along an old jeep road into a parched and exposed region, so water and sunscreen are absolutely vital!. The rest of the day may be spent relaxing, or even taking a dip in the stream.
Day 04: Zingchen to Ganda La base (3-4 hours)
Today we will enter Hemis National Park, where we may be fortunate enough to get a glimpse of wild lives as diverse as the snow leopard, lynx, Ladakhi Urial (a type of goat), arghali (great Tibetan sheep), blue sheep, red fox, Tibetan wolf, dhole (wild dog), marmot and mountain hare. After paying the entrance fee, we will climb gradually through a beautiful gorge that will unveil the imposing Stok Range from time to time.
Day 05: Ganda La base to Skiu via Gandala 4900 m (6-7 hours)
After a light breakfast, we will begin our 2-hr ascend to Ganda La; views of the lofty Zanskar and Stok Ranges will leave you breathless. After a short rest, we will make a gradual hour-long descent to Shingo and break for lunch. We will finish the day by hiking through a spectacular gorge before pitching camp at Skiu (3300m).
Day 06: Skiu to Markha (7-8 hours)
Following the Markha River, we will hike through the lovely valley on a fairly level path. The trail crosses the river at various points, and passes through winter settlements that contain Lhatos (religious shrines for local deities) and Mani walls (stones inscribed with Buddhist prayers). After cross the river for the last time, we will arrive in Markha, the largest village in the valley, consisting of around 20 houses, an old monastery and a ruined fort. Note: Water and sunscreen are essential, since the valley is quite exposed.
Day 07: Markha to Thachungtse (5-6 hours)
The Markha valley trail continues past old stone-mills, a ruined castle and the auspicious monastery of Techa, which is proudly perched on a towering cliff that looms above Markha, well worth visiting if we have the energy! After leaving the village of Umlung, we will be afforded our first view of Kang Yatse (6400m), which will stay in sight until we cross Kongmaru La. After we break for lunch in the village of Hangkar (the last in the valley), we will press onward to the lovely green pasture of Thachungste, where we will camp.
Day 08: Thachungtse to Nimaling (4 hours)
Today the trail will lead us up to the beautiful plateau of Nimaling, where the people of the Markha Valley brings their herds to graze during the summer months. At 4700m, Nimaling is the highest camp on the trek, giving us spectacular views of Kang Yatse to the right, the Zangskar Range and the Markha Valley below.
Day 09: Nimaling to Shangsumdo via Kongmarula 5200 m (7 hours)
After a hearty breakfast, we will cross Kongmaru La, the highest pass on the trek. Here we have a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The 2-hour descend is quite steep, but will gradually level as we enter Shang Gorge, with its strange and otherworldly rock formations. After a break, we will pass through a couple of villages before reaching Shang Sumdo, where we will spend our last evening together. Enjoying the camaraderie and an excellent beer!
Day 10: Shangsumdo to Leh via Martselang (2 hours trek, 1 hour drive)
Our spirits lifted by a successful trek, we will enjoy a pleasant 2-hr walk along a jeep road to Martselang, where the jeep will pick us up for Leh. Upon arrival we check in at our pre arranged hotel for overnight stay.
Day 11: Leh Sightseeing
Proceed for Indus Valley monastery tour. We start with a visit to Shey, the ancient capital of Ladakh. Then we visit Thiksey Gompa, an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. Later we visit the Stok Palace, the Royal residence of the King of Stok & the Museum. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh. (Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 12: Leh – Delhi
Transfer to the Airport to catch the flight for Delhi. Upon arrival met at the airport and transfer to the hotel.In the afternoon drive towards airport for your onward journey.
Contact us for a customized itinerary –