Markha Valley Trek
Trip Name: Markha Valley Trek
Duration: 10 days
Markha Valley Trek is certainly one of the most varied and beautiful treks in the world. It ventures high into the Himalayas crossing two passes over 15,000 ft. as it circles from the edges of the Indus Valley, down into parts of Zanskar, and passes through terrain that changes from incredibly narrow valleys to wide open vast expanses. It is made all the more interesting by the ancient form of Buddhism that flourishes in the many monasteries that dot the landscape perched high atop hills. As we trek to the upper end of the Markha Valley we are rewarded with spectacular views of jagged snow capped peaks before cross the 16500-ft. Gongmarlu Pass and descending to the famous Hemis monastery, where we end our trek. The trek has alternative route from Spituk also
Itinerary
Day 01: Leh
Today on arrival at Leh airport, you will be met by our representative and escorted transfer to hotel. Balance day for acclimatization. In the evening short walk around Leh bazaar. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Leh
This morning after breakfast half day tour of Spituk on a hilltop above the Indus River, 8 km from Leh and the same was built in 15th century and Phyang monastery. In time back to hotel for hot lunch. In the afternoon visit to Shanker Gompa, King's Palace and Leh mosque on foot. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Leh/Stokla
Drive (4900 Mts) 3 hrs trek. Leave Leh early morning by Jeeps and reaches at Stok. On arrival visit the Gompa and museum where the last king of Ladakh died in 1974. Then it time to start trek from Stok, after passing off Stok village and following left bank of the river for two hours, climb gently leaving a small pass on the left, continue onto a small valley, It is the foot of Stokla. Overnight in Tents.
Day 04: Stokla/Yurutse
6-7 hrs trek. After by passing this beautiful valley, ascent upto Stokla 4900 Mtrs. by very steep zigzag, difficult footpath, by now it is 3 Hrs. Now steep descent to summer pastures of Stok and follow the river which comes from Stok - Kangri massif. Dinner and overnight in Tents.
Day 05: Yurutse/Gandala/Skiu
6-7 hrs trek. Yurutse follow path along the mountain side, 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. Dinner and overnight in Tents.
Day 06: Skiu/Markha
7 hrs trek. 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. Camping beyond the village and near river. Dinner and overnight in Tents.
Day 07: Markha/Tchatchutse
6-7 hrs trek. 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. The paths 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. Overnight in Tents.
Day 08: Tchatchutse/Nimaling
4700 Mts - 3 hrs trek. Trek starts on good path and several small inclines. The river is rather far to the other side and walk near a small lake, then cross pasture to Nimaling. This is one of most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh dominated by the Kang Yaze. Trek ascent towards other side and gradually reach Nimaling. Overnight in Tents.
Day 09: Nimaling/Knogmarula/Shang
Knogmarula 5150 Mts - 8 hrs trek. Cross the Markha valley and follow long climb along the mountainside, 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 in tents.
Day 10: Shang/Hemis/Leh
4 hrs + 1½ hrs trek. Trek starts from the riverbed, then follow a good path through large blocks and then go left bank. You reach a dusty trail suitable for motor vehicles and then pass a small house and series of Chortens. Leave Martsellang on the right and follow a gently rising trail towards Hemis. Visit Hemis monastery after that drive towards to Leh via Shey and Thiksey monastery. Tour ends here.
Day 11: Leh/Delhi
Free time till departure. Then in time proceed to airport to board flight for Delhi.
Cost Includes & Excludes
Cost Includes
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis with daily buffet breakfast.
- Transportation by Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Sightseeing as per package details.
- Entrances Fees at Monuments (Except in the museum visit and camera fee)
- Service of Local English Speaking Guide
- All Applicable Taxes including 4.08 % Service Tax
Cost Excludes
- Meals at hotels except those listed in above inclusions.
- Entrance fees to the museums and camera fee.
- Expenses of personal nature such as tipping, porters, laundry, telephones, etc.
- Inland / International flights any
- All other than those listed in above inclusions
- Price excludes any supplement for Christmas & New Year Eve
Note: Hotels are subject to availability, please note that due to peak season starting from Oct onwards, most of hotels in 4- 5category are already fully booked for many dates starting from october, Once you finalise the booking, we shall start booking the hotels. It may be possible that we may have to go for a higher / lower category of hotels/ rooms in any place & we shall advice you of any supplement / reduction in the price.
