The Markha Valley Trek is one of the wide-ranging and gorgeous trek in the Himalayas. Since 1974, when Ladakh first became accessible to foreign visitors, this high and arid region has captured the imagination of adventure travelers. This itinerary between Ladakh and Zanskar offers a large diversity of landscapes, from the jagged Kongmaru La pass (5000m) to the green oasis of the Markha valley with breath-taking views of the Korakoram snow-capped peaks. Many scattered high villages, each with irrigated fields of barley and potatoes, add color to this otherwise quite barren environment, and provide the chance to meet the Ladakhi peasants in the simplicity of their daily life. Markha will be an opportunity to visit the old monastery, famous for its paintings.
Duration : 15 Nights / 16 Days.
Destination : Delhi – Leh – Spituk – Zinchen – Yuruste – Ganda La – Skiu – Markha – Hankar – Nimaling Kongmaru La – Shang Sumdo – Hemis – Thiksey – Shey – Leh – Delhi.
The Markha Valley Trek is one of the wide-ranging and gorgeous trek in the Himalayas. Since 1974, when Ladakh first became accessible to foreign visitors, this high and arid region has captured the imagination of adventure travelers. This itinerary between Ladakh and Zanskar offers a large diversity of landscapes, from the jagged Kongmaru La pass (5000m) to the green oasis of the Markha valley with breath-taking views of the Korakoram snow-capped peaks. Many scattered high villages, each with irrigated fields of barley and potatoes, add color to this otherwise quite barren environment, and provide the chance to meet the Ladakhi peasants in the simplicity of their daily life. Markha will be an opportunity to visit the old monastery, famous for its paintings.
Destinations Covered :-
Delhi – Leh – Spituk – Zinchen – Yuruste – Ganda La – Skiu – Markha – Hankar – Nimaling Kongmaru La – Shang Sumdo – Hemis – Thiksey – Shey – Leh – Delhi.
Day 01 :- Arrive Delhi
After arrival at International Airport in Delhi, Swagat Tours Representatives will greet and assist you to transfer to the hotel.
Day 02 :- Delhi – Leh (3500m) by plane.
Morning proceed to leave for Leh, the capital of Ladakh, by plane. Afternoon at leisure. Walk to the colorful bazaar. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 03 :- In Leh
Free day in Leh. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Leh is administrative, commercial and cultural capital of Ladakh. It is based on the bank of the river Indus at the height of 11,000 feet.
Day 04 :- Leh – Spituk – Zinchen (3200 m) in 4 h.
Drive 10 km to Spituk from where you start your trek. Cross Indus river and enter in the Valley of Zinchen river. Near the village in the Valley we will have our first camp after 4 hr walk.
Day 05 :- Zinchen -Yurutse (3844 m) in 5 h.
After by passing this beautiful stopping valley, we ascent up to 4900 m. by very steep zigzag, difficult footpath, by now it is 3 h. Now steep descent to summer pastures of Stok and follow the river which comes from Stok – Kangri massif.
Day 06 :- Yurutse – Ganda La (4900 m) – Skiu (3510 m) in 6/7 h.
Yurutse follow path along the mountainside, then cross a small valley and follow zigzag steep path. Thereafter cross Gandala. Then long descent towards Shingo. After 2 Hrs. descents arrive in the valley of Markha and then after few hundred meters further arrive Skiu.
Day 07 :- Skiu – Markha (3850 m) in 7 h.
From Skiu, follow a good path on the right bank of Markha where one can find great vegetation. Then cross right bank of river and cross through barren plain and arrive at Chaluk. Thereafter walk along the left bank of river and after another crossing climb towards Markha village. Good camp site outside the village and near river.
Day 08 :- Markha – Hankar (4000 m) in 4 h.
Start trek towards the main valley on the right bank. The path is sometimes difficult in the river bed and passes the monastery of Humlung. Then carry on trek along the right bank and arrive in Hankar where there are several houses.
Day 09 :- Hankar – Nimaling (4650 m) in 4 h.
Trekking in Ladakh The path improves and cross a broad valley on the right side. The valley becomes narrow and higher and cross bridges on to the left bank and then reaches Tchatchuste. We climb pastures to reach Nimaling. This is one of most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh dominated by the Kang Yaze.
Day 10 :- Nimaling
A time to have a break at Nimaling. Explore the surrounding areas and enjoy the superb panorama.
Day 11 :- Nimaling – Kongmaru La (5150 m) – Shang Sumdo (3750 m) in 7 h.
Cross the Markha valley and follow long climb along the mountain side, then zigzag road leads towards Kongmarula. Follow steep descent into gorges and then keep walking on the left bank to Chukirmo. Thereafter crossing right and left bank and arrive Shang, a beautiful camp in groves and there is a monastery an hour away from the village.
Day 12 :- Shang Sumdo – Hemis (3600 m) in 3/4 h.
Hemis is located in Ladakh, situated at distance of around 40 km southeast of Leh. Hemis is the most important monastery of Ladakh, 360 years old. The gigantic Tankha, one of the largest in the world, is displayed once in 12 years. Last was in 1992. Himis is best known to tourists because of its colorful festivals held in July.
Day 13 :- Hemis – Thiksey – Shey – Leh.
Visit Hemis monastery, then drive to Shey Monastery, situated on a small hill 15 km south of Leh. Shey Gompa was previously the summer palace of the Ladakhi kings. This one has a 7.5m copper statue of Buddha plated with gold, the largest of its kind. This statue was installed by a prince of Ladakh. We drive to Thikshy Monastery, situated on a hill top. There are several temples and wall paintings of Buddha. Close by is the summer palace of the old king of Leh. This monastery is 800 years old, Silver and Gold statues are seen in it.
Day 14 :- Leh – Delhi by plane.
Day 15 :- At leisure in Delhi.
Safety day for your international flight.
Day 16 :- Transfer to airport and fly back home destination.
