Overview
Max Altitude: 5150 Mts. | Best Time: June – Sep
The Markha valley trek is considered as one of the most popular trek in entire Ladakh region. This trek provides 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.
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi and after meeting and assistance at the airport by our company representative transfer to hotel for overnight stay. Overnight: Hotel.
Day 2 :
Delhi - Leh (Flight)
Early morning transfer to Delhi airport to board the flight to Leh. On arrival at Leh met our representative and transfer to pre booked hotel/Guest house for relax and acclimatisation. In the evening you may take a stroll to see the colourful Leh Market. Overnight: Hotel.
Day 3 :
Sightseeing of Shey - Thiksey - Hemis
Today we will visit the three important monasteries of Leh, Shey, Thiksey and Hemis. Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. 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. Return to hotel for overnight stay. Overnight: Hotel.
Day 4 :
Leh - Spituk (drive) - Trek to Zingchan (3200 mts/10496 ft)
Today after breakfast we drive to reach Spituk (1 hr). upon arrival we visit the Spituk Gompa, built about 500 years ago. Later we start the trek by heading to south west of Indus river by crossing a bridge. The gorge section leads to the confluence of Indus and Zingchan. Camp near the village of Zingchan. Overnight: Tents.
Day 5 :
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: Tents.
Day 6 :
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: Tents.
Day 7 :
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: Tents.
Day 8 :
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: Tents.
Day 9 :
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: Tents.
Day 10 :
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: Tents.
Day 11 :
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: Hotel.
Day 12 :
Leh - Delhi
Transfer to the airport for the spectacular flight across the main chain of the Himalaya to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to hotel for overnight stay. Overnight: Hotel.
Day 13 :
Delhi Departure
In time departure to Delhi airport to board the flight to your onward destination.
Tour and Services ends here
The Itinerary Includes :
- Stay in chosen hotel / guesthouse / Camp
- Surface transportation as per the itinerary including toll, tax, parking and driver
- Arrival / Departure assistance at chosen station
- Necessary railway station transfers
- Trekking: Complete Trekking arrangements with English speaking guide, porters/ponies to carry your baggage (10 kg each), Tent for sleeping with mattresses, kitchen tent & utensils, toilet tent and All Meals during trek (Chinese, Indian & continental)
- Trekking permit, camping & wildlife fees & Current government taxes.
Does not Include :
- Tips to trekking staff
- Air Fare, & Travel insurance
Expenses of personal nature like drinks, mineral water, telephone & Laundry etc - Personal equipment for trek
- Expenses due to bad weather, Land Slide, Road block and any other natural reason beyond our control.
