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Markha Valley Trek
Considered as one of the most popular trek in entire Ladakh region, the Markha Valley trek is one of the amazing trips to get introduced to magical and remote Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh. The Markha Valley trekking is a memorable journey towards the “Little Tibet” to glorify the place with major attractions of peaceful Buddhist monasteries, mountain villages, high altitude pastures of Nimaling and high altitude peak- Kangyatse.
The area of Markha Valley remains alienated most of the time due to heavy snowfall specifically in winters. In summers, the panorama of this area brings the amazing attractions of the Markha stream, small blissful towns of the mustard areas of Stok Kangri, Matho and Zanskar to make the more oriented background of the trekking. The trekkers can often find the species of Blue Sheep and Ibex over the shaky slopes of the snow-bound hills and dry mountains.
The trekking trails are often illustrated with chortens"(shrines) and "Mani"(prayer) walls to highlight the region's total absorption of the Buddhist culture. As the trekkers proceed towards the upper end of the Markha Valley, they will visualize the spectacular scenes of snow capped peaks before crossing the 5150m Kongmaru La (Pass) and descending to the famous Hemis Monastery to end the trek. Besides, there are greater opportunities of exploring the fascinating town of Leh and rafting in the Indus River.
On the way towards the Hemis Monastery through the trekking, one can find the magnanimous spots like Kang Yatse (6400 m), Karakoram, Saser Kangri (7670m), Stok Kangri (6150m) and last but not the least the Nun Kun (7135meters). In a whole, this is an incredible journey from Leh to find the amazing natural landscape with the pleasures of adventurous, spiritual, wildlife and natural activities. With moderate to challenging climbing, the Markha Valley Trek attracts the trekkers at its peak timings of mid- June to mid-October to reach the maximum altitudes of 5150 mts.
Day 01 : Delhi – Leh (Complete Rest in Leh for acclimatisation)
Take the morning flight for Leh from Delhi. On arrival at Leh met our representative and transfer to pre booked hotel/Guest house for relax and acclimatisation. This is necessary for getting acclimatised at high altitude. Evening one can visit the color full market of Leh. Overnight in the hotel/guesthouse.
Day 02 : Leh – Shey – Thiksey - Hemis
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 17’Th 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 17’Th 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.
Day 03 : Leh - Spitok (drive) – Trek to Zingchan (3200 mts/10496 ft)
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 Zingchan. Camp near the village of Zingchan. Overnight in Tents.
Day 04 : Zingchan - Yurutse (3900 mts/12792 ft) via Rumbak
It's a gradual climb from Zingchan 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 the Tents.
Day 05 : Yurutse - Skiu (3100 mts/10168 ft) via Ganda La
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 the tents.
Day 06 : Skiu - Markha (3800 mts/12464 ft)
It’s 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 the tents.
Day 07 : Markha – Thochuntse
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, enroute, is the highest village in the Markha valley. Overnight in the tents.
Day 08 : Thochuntse - Nimaling (4700 mts/15416 ft)
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 the tents.
Day 09 : Nimaling – Kongmaru La (5150 mts/16892 ft) – SUMDO
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 the tents.
Day 10 : Sumdo - Hemis (4 hrs trek) – Leh
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 the hotel.
Day 11 : Leh – Delhi
Transfer to the airport for the spectacular flight across the main chain of the Himalaya to Delhi.
Trip & Services Ends Here.
