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.
15 days Markha Valley Trek( Maximum altitude:
5150 m )
Day 01 Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi, where you will be met and transfered to your hotel.
(Hotel B&B)
Day 02 Delhi – Leh (3500m) by plane.
Morning transfer to the domestic airport to catch the flight to
Leh (Ladakh). Upon arrival in Leh, you will be met and transfered
to hotel. Afternoon at leisure in Leh, where we can take a walk
to the colorful bazaar. Overnight Leh Hotel.
Day 03 In Leh
Free day in Leh. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04 Leh - Spituk - Zinchen (3200 m)
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.
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 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.
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 beyond 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 pass 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.
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
Free day in Nimaling to explore the surrounding areas.
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 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.
Day 12 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.
Day 13 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.
Day 14 Leh – Delhi by plane - Drive
to Agra
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.
Day 15 Agra - Delhi
Morning free in Agra. In the afternoon drive to Delhi. Upon arrival
in Delhi, transfer to the International airport to catch the flight
to onward destination
