Jeep Safari with Markha valley trek
MARKHA VALLEY TREK:- 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.
Day 01: Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met by your Guide
and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel.
Day 02: Delhi
Morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi visiting the Raj Ghat, the
site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest
mosque in India; and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort
and palace of the Moghul Empire. Afternoon sightseeing tour of
New Delhi visiting the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar. Drive
along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India
Gate, Parliament House and the President's Residence and end the
tour with a drive through Diplomatic Enclave.
Overnight: Hotel.
Day 03: Delhi - Shimla
Early morning drive from Delhi to Shimla. Upon arrival check into
the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Shimla visiting, Tara
Devi Temple- situated 8 kms from Shimla are two temples dedicated
to Mata Tara Devi and lord Shiva. Evening explore the local markets.
Overnight: Hotel.
Day 04: Shimla- Manali
Today morning we depart for our new and exciting destination KULLU
& MANALI. Upon arrival we check into our prebooked hotel.Manali
is a major resort in the Kullu Valley . According to the legend
its name is derived from Manu and Alaya, the abode of Manu. Manali
is synonymous with streams and birdsongs, forest and orchards
and the grandeur of the snowcapped Himalaya.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 05: Manali
Today we leave for city tour of Manali, visiting the Hadimba Devi
temple set within dense Pine forest and to the Naggar Castle to
have the stunning view of the valley. Afternoon is spent walking
around the Beas river and the local market.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 06: Manali - Keylong - Sarchu
Morning : Drive to Sarchu via Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La. This
journey is the beginning of our exciting and spectacular journey
through the mountains into the lap of the Himalayas. The first
of the mountain passes, Rohtang is an experience in itself and
Baralacha-La, among other passes. The scenery here is spectacular.
Overnight: Sarchu Camp
Day 07: Sarchu - Leh
Morning: Drive to Leh passing through the very high Lachalang-la,
Pang and the incredibly high pass of Tanglang La. Upon arrival,
check in at the hotel.
Leh - is the capital of Ladakh. Sheltered in the North by the
Ladakh range and in the South by the Zanskar mountains, Leh gets
very little rainfall. The most attractive feature of the landscape
of Ladakh are the Buddhist gompas (monasteries). Situated on the
highest point of the mountain spurs or majestically sprawling
over cliff-sides, located in the vicinity of villages, these aesthetically
leasing, architecturally interesting gompas provide the focus
for the faith of the highly religious Buddhist people.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 08: Leh sightseeing
Morning free in Leh. Afternoon visit the Shanti Stupa, inaugurated
in 1983 by H.H.Dalai Lama, the peace Pagoda, whose sides are decorated
with gilt panels depicting episodes from the life of Buddha, is
one of the several monuments errected around India by peace sect
of Japanese Buddhists. Following that, you are driven to Sankar
Monastery nestled amid the shimmering coppices & terraced
fields of Barley. Sankar monestry: The Gompa (Monastery in local
language), contains a formidable collection of miniature stattues
of pure gold and ancient paintings(called Thangkas) also done
with Gold. Also visit the Leh Palace. Evening return to hotel.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 09: Leh - Spituk - Zinchen (3200
m) trek in 4 h.
We drive 10 km to Spituk from where we start our trek. We 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.
Overnight: Camp
Day 10: 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.
Overnight: Camp
Day 11: 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 zig zag steep path. Thereafter cross Gandala.
Then long descent towards Shingo. After 2 Hrs. descent arrive
in the valley of Markha and then after few hundred meters further
will reach Skiu.
Overnight: Camp
Day 12: 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 beyond the village and
near river.
Overnight: Camp
Day 13: 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 pass the monastery
of Humlung. Then carry on trek along the right bank and arrive
in Hankar where there are several houses.
Overnight: Camp
Day 14: Hankar - Nimaling (4650 m) in
4 h.
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.
Overnight: Camp
Day 15: Nimaling
Free day in Nimaling to explore the surrounding areas.
Overnight: Camp
Day 16: 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 zig zag 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.
Overnight: Camp
Day 17: Shang Sumdo - Hemis (3600 m)
in 3/4 h.
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.
Overnight: Camp
Day 18: Hemis - Thiksey - Shey - Leh.
We visit Hemis monastery, then drive to Shey Monastery. This one
has a 7.5m copper statue of Buddha plated with gold, the largest
of its kind. 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 raja of Leh. This monastery
is 800 years old, Silver and Gold statues are seen in it.
Overnight: Camp
Day 19: Leh
Free day in Leh to explore the surrounding areas on own.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 20: Leh - Delhi
Morning transfer to the Airport to catch the flight for Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi, Drive straight to Agra. Arrive Agra and
check into the hotel. We visit the incredible architectural excellence
of Taj Mahal, built by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved
wife Mumtaz Mahal. Next we visit Agra Fort. Built principally
as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, the red sandstone
Agra fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's
time. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many
more additions were made by his grandsons. This massive fort is
2.5 kms long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi
Red fort.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 21: Agra – Delhi
Morning free in Agra. Afternoon drive to Delhi. Upon arrival in
Delhi, transfer to the International airport to catch the flight
to onward destination
