Markha Valley Trek Adventure

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Markha Valley Trek is one of the most popular and easily accessible trek from Leh and it leads to a large diversity of landscapes. There is a green sanctuary of the Markha Valley guarded by Kang Yatse (6400mts from east and Zanskar range from the south west).You can also have breath-taking views of the Korakoram Saser Kangri peak (7670mts) Stok Kangri (6150mts) Kang Yatse 6400mts.and Nun Kun (7135mts.) while moving or trekking one finds scattered high villages, each with irrigated fields of barley, wheat and mustard which dazzles the landscape of this broken moon land, and Markha valley trek is a part of Hemis National Park. It is said that one can spot animals at any time. The Markha Valley Trek in Ladakh is one of the most varied and beautiful Himalayan Trek.

The trail leads us past hilltop monasteries, elaborate Tibetan "chortens" (shrines) and "mani" (prayer) walls. One can chance upon the Himalayan Blue Sheep, Ibex and, if you’re luckier then you can spot the rare snow leopard. The views are spectacular and towards the end of this trek one will be able to see the snow capped peaks of Tibet and the Karakorum Range of mountains.

Day 01: Fly Delhi – Leh (3500m)

On reaching Leh we will transfer to hotel. Relax and acclimatise here. Visit Leh market in the evening. Overnight stay is in Hotel.

Day 02: In Leh (3500m)

Visit Leh palace, the Shey / Thikse / Hemis gompas. Overnight Hotel

Day 03: Drive Leh to Spituk and trek to Zingchan (3380m) 4-5hrs

The trail goes through a flat and desolate plain along the river Indus and swings into the mountains along the pretty, willow-lined Zingchan gorge.

Day 04: Trek Zingchan to Ganda La Base Camp (4380m) 6-7hrs

We enter the Hemis National Park and the valley soon narrows and widens just before Rumbak (3800m) revealing the snow-topped peaks of the Stok Mountains. Carry on walking upstream past the settlement of Yurutse. Camp just at the base of the Ganda La

Day 05: Trek Ganda La to Skiu (3400m) over the Ganda La (4850m) 6-7hrs

The walk up to the pass has some good views of the Stok La and Stok Kangri dominates skyline as we climb. Wide open views of the Zanskar and the Stok range from the pass. Keep an eye out for marmots. On the descend we go through a spectacular gorge with beautifully coloured and eroded rocks before we enter the tiny village of Skiu. Overnight stay is in Camps.

Day06: Trek Skiu to Markha (3700m) 5-6hrs

The trail to Markha is not too strenuous, rising about 300m over the 22km,crossing the Markha river a couple of times .There are a few ancient chortens along the trail, and a number of wolf pits used to trap wolves when they roam the valley during the winter months. Markha is a substantial village, complete with a derelict fort on the hillside and a small village monastery. Camp.

Day 07: Trek Markha to Thachungtse (4150m) 5-6hrs

KangYatze (6400m), a magnificent snow clad mountain commands the views for the next two days. On the walk there are sights of some fascinating geological creations of large boulders balanced precariously on top of consolidated earth spikes. Continue down over a bridge to Thachungtse, a lovely valley to camp in. A popular place to spot herds of blue sheep slide up and down the steep cliffs with incredible agility. Overnight stay is in Camps.

Day 08: Trek Thachungtse to Nimaling (4720m) 3-4hrs

We will pass several mani walls and suddenly come across a small lake. The view is wonderful from here - both of KangYatze, whose bulk gets reflected in the still waters of the lake, and also of the Markha Valley which we are now well above. We descend slowly to the flat-bottomed valley of Nimaling which has a semi-permanent population of villagers who come from the Markha Valley to graze their live stock on the summer pastures.

Day 09: Rest day at Nimaling.

It is a beautiful and remote place to camp and one could easily spend a day or two relaxing or exploring the surrounding ridges and valleys. Optional walk up to the base of the KangYatze.

Day10: Trek Nimaling to Shang Sumdo(3660m) over the Kongmaru La (5130m) 6-7hrs

As we climb the last short but steep slope to the top there are good views over the Zanskar Range and of the vertical ice walls on the north face of Kang Yaze. Its about a 3hrs climb to the top. The descent initially is quite steep and then eases out to reach the river bed at Shang Sumdo.

Day11: Trek Shang Sumdo to Martselang (3450m) 2-3hrs & drive 2 hrs to Leh.

Leave Shang Sumdo by walking down stream to a bridge and follow the jeep track to Martselang. A little beyond get into vehicles to go to Hemis (optional) or continue directly to Leh. Overnight stay is in Leh Hotel.

Day 12: In Leh (3500m)

The day is reserved for relaxing and visiting nearby places in Leh. Overnight stay in Hotel.

Day 13: Fly Leh – Delhi

Early morning transfer to Airport for Leh - Delhi flight.

Package Includes:

- Pick up from the Airport / Railway Station

- Breakfasts, lunches and dinners

- Airport transfers

- Group medical kit

- Good quality accommodation

- Trek pack including sleeping bag, down or fiber filled jacket and insulated mat

- Private transportation

- All park entrance fees and trekking permits

- Porters to carry all personal and group equipment.