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Markha Valley Trek Highlights

  • Get amused with the unexplored beauty of Hemis National Park and also the highest passes Gandala La and Kongmaru La
  • Enjoy the sightseeing in Leh that will help you know the culture and Buddhist traditions prevailing in the town
  • Capture the astounding views of Nimaling, surrounded by ponds and stream that will soothe your soul
  • Witness the Greenfields, willow trees, and quaint villages that can be seen as you reach the altitude of 16,830ft
  • Behold the stunning view of Kang Yatze Peak that is the reward you get from Markha

Markha Valley Trek Overview

About Markha Valley Trek:

An arid cold desert trekking area that offers the best views of Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges has admirers worldwide. It is also known as a tea-house trek, as it is filled with the local culture of Ladakh. Witness the 21000 feet Kang Yissay and 20086 feet Stok Kangri peaks also while embarking on this trek.

Hemis National Park and Gandala La and Kongmaru La are the promising attractions one gets while taking the Markha Valley trek route. Another factor that makes this trek amusing is the waist-deep river crossing which helps us to cross the Markha River to reach the trails to Buddhist villages and rock structures. Markha Valley is in very close proximity to Leh which makes it more accessible for trekkers.


Quick Facts About Markha Valley Trek:

Duration: 9D/8N

Markha valley trek altitude:17100ft

Markha valley trek Difficulty level: Difficult

Trek distance: 75kms

Temperature: During the day: 20°C - 30°C and During the night 0°C - 10°C

Best Time To Travel: July to Mid September

Airport : Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh

Basecamp: Leh

Atm: The last ATM where the travelers can withdraw cash is at Leh

Start point / End Point: Leh

How to reach Leh:

By Air:

The easiest way to get to Leh is to fly in, Leh is accessible by air from all major Indian airports. If you do fly in, you should rest in Leh for at least a day in order to acclimatize to the altitude (11,560 ft). 

By Road:

The more adventurous but time-consuming way to get to Leh is by taking the road, either from Manali or from Srinagar. The Manali-Leh route is arguably more scenic than the Srinagar-Leh route, though it is also higher. Buses, as well as shared taxis, run on both Manali- Leh and Srinagar-Leh routes. 

Traveling by the HRTC bus is the cheapest way to get to Leh from Manali. It takes two days and costs about Rs. 800, halting at Keylong for the night. Keylong is a nice town in itself and it would be a good idea to stay there for a day. A slightly more expensive but convenient option is the HPTDC run deluxe bus which stops at tourist locations along the way. It costs around Rs. 3000, which includes tented accommodation and food at Keylong. 


Inclusions:

  • Accommodation- Camping/Home stay during the trek. Guest house in Leh on Day 1, day 2, and day 8 as per the itinerary.
  • Meals- All meals while on trek ( Veg ) Starting from Day 3 breakfast.
  • Trek equipment- Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dining tent, toilet tent, utensils, and crampon (if required).
  • Safety Equipment- First aid medical kits, stretcher & oxygen cylinder.
  • Guide- Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook, and Support staff.
  • Staff- Mules to carry the central luggage.
  • Permits- Forest entry charges, permits & camping fee (if any)Permits & camping fee (if any) for Indian National
  • Transport- from Leh guest house to Zinchen and return from Sumdo to Leh as per the itinerary.


Exclusions:

  • Airport transfers from Leh airport to the guest house Can be availed at an extra cost.
  • Any kind of personal expense is not included in the package

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Available dates:

July : 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

August : 7, 14, 21, 28

September : 4, 11

Markha Valley Trek Itinerary

Day 1
Day Highlights: Arrival at Leh
  • Meet at Leh and check in to the hotel. This day is reserved for relaxation and acclimatization as it is vital for a healthy trip ahead.
  • Overnight will be spent in the hotel.
Day 2
Day at Leh
  • Spend one more day at Leh. Unravel the ancient monasteries, palaces, and museums that the place is famous for.
  • Visit Shey and Thiksey Gompa and also Stok Gompa. Being in the same destination will assist in getting acclimatized well for high altitude.
  • Towards the evening, enjoy a hike to Leh palace.
  • The remaining evening will be spent at leisure.
  • Overnight will be spent in a hotel.
Day 3
Leh - Zingchen (3400m) - Yurutse (4150m) (Trek/4hrs)
  • Today; on the first day of the Markha Valley trekking, indulge in an early breakfast and drive through Spikut Village to reach Zingchen.
  • This is where your hike of short stage and moderate gradient begins.
  • Enjoy the trail through Rumbak Village to reach Yurutse and come across several stream crossings.
  • Pass the village before setting up camp.
  • The site is a winsome one with barley fields all around.
Day 4
Yurutse (4150m) - Ganda La (4800m) - Skiu (3400m) (Trek 7/8hrs)
  • This balmy day, in the initial stretch of the trek, ascend to Ganda La (4900 m).
  • Expect a steep climb and strong winds towards the latter half.
  • From the pass, enjoy views of valleys on both sides, the Zanskar range, and some distant summits of the Himalayan range.
  • Commence descending to Shingo Village, after which, the trail makes its way into a narrow gorge leading towards Skiu, where a confluence of the rivers come from Markha Valley and Shingo.
  • Overnight will be spent in tents.
Day 5
Skiu (3400m) - Markha (3800m (Trek 6/7hrs)
  • Brace yourself for a long and moderate hike to the charming Markha Village, cross several streams along the way.
  • Reach the hamlet that is a trove in the middle of this cold and arid desert.
  • The place is laced with green fields, willow trees, and a deserted palace.
  • Camp beside a gurgling stream.
  • Overnight will be spent in camps.
Day 6
Markha (3800m) – Thochuntse (4150m, Trek /4-5hrs)
  • Today lap up fetching views all around and come across many streams and river crossings. Make way through settlements and grazing ground.
  • Take in the stunning view of Kangyatze Peak (6400m) when walking towards Hankar.
  • We will select a great camping ground and set a tent there.
  • Overnight will be spent in tents.
Day 7
Thochuntse (4150m) - Nimaling (4700 m) (Trek/ 4hrs)
  • Wallow in a short walk to arrive at the Nimalaing campsite.
  • The place is a beguiling one with a wide-open valley with unbridled grazing grounds and the backdrop of Kangyatze Peak.
  • Do note that there is a constant wind blowing in the area making the situation slightly uncomfortable.
  • If you wish, you can also avail of a side trip today towards the base camp of Kangyatse.
  • Overnight will be spent in tents.
Day 8
Nimaling (4700m) - Kongmaru La (5150m) - Sumdo (3800m) - Leh 3500m (Trek 7hrs) (Drive 2hrs)
  • Dig into an early breakfast and take on a steep climb to reach the top of the highest pass on the trail - Kongmaru La (5200m).
  • Take in the great sights of Nun Kun in the West and Saser Kangri to the North.
  • Cherish some moments here before climbing down to Sukarmo, from where your trail is a flat walk along the river till you come to the road head at Sumdo.
  • From here, hop on to a vehicle to drive back to Leh.
  • Overnight will be spent at a hotel.
Day 9
Departure from Leh
  • The charm and allurement of the Markha Valley trekking end here as you go ahead with your onward journey or stay back in Ladakh.

Select Package Options


Price Includes
  • Stay

    Standard rooms in a family-run guesthouse in Leh on single/double occupancy and high-quality camping arrangements

  • Meals

    All meals while on the trek

  • Transfers

    Transportation from Leh (start) to Leh (end) can be availed at an extra cost (choose 'Including Transport' while booking the package).

    Tempo Traveller / Toyota Innova / Mahindra Scorpio or similar vehicle.

  • Permits

    Forest entry charges, permits & camping fee (if any)Permits & camping fee (if any) for Indian National

  • Guide

    2 guides for the group of maximum of 12 trekkers so 1 guide for 6 group members

  • Activities

    Trekking & Camping

More Details about Markha Valley Trek

Know Before You Go for Markha Valley Trek

  • Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.
  • Pay heed to the guidelines given by trek leader or instructor in order to enjoy a safe and sound trekking experience.
  • Avoid trekking during the nights.
  • Consult with a physician if you are fit to undertake the trek.
  • Do not litter in the local sites or campsites.

Things To Carry for Markha Valley Trek

  • Back pack (50-60l)
  • Water bottle
  • Extra pair of socks
  • Toilet paper & wipes
  • Walking stick
  • Backpack with waterproof linings
  • Fleece jackets and thermals
  • Hiking shoes
  • Led torch (with extra batteries)
  • Mosquito & insect repellent
  • Woollen cap, socks, mittens & scarf
  • Warm clothes

Tour Difficulty for Markha Valley Trek

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