Markha Valley Trek
Ladakh is in the Trans Himalayan region north of the main Himalayan range of mountains.Ladakh is one of the few areas of the Himalaya best visited and trekked in the summer months, and while it is a favourite destination for those in the know, it remains relatively unexplored It is a high altitude desert with a low level of precipitation.Ladakh is the heaven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It sits on the lap of the majestic Himalayas and offers views that are worth dying for.
Markha Valley Trek -Most Beautiful trek in Ladakh
The Markha Valley trek is yet another popular and daring trekking trail in Ladakh. It falls in the Leh district and the trek takes you through some amazingly varied landscapes, with views that are to behold in the eyes forever. The trek is combined a hiking and landscapes with people and culture by incorporating homestays with families in villages along the way
One of the most popular treks in the Ladakh region is the Markha Valley Trek that allures adventurists across the world. It is a trek that passes through places with different landscapes. The Markha Valley Trek when winds onto the Hemis National Park and Rumbak Valley, will give the opportunity to witness rare species of animals of the Himalayan belt and if you are fortunate enough you might encounter a Snow Leopard. Nonetheless the valley is the home of several species like the lynx, Ladakhi Urial (a type of goat), Arghali (great Tibetan sheep), Blue sheep, Red fox, Tibetan wolf, Dhole (wild dog), Marmot and Mountain hare. Moreover this trail in Ladakh region also offers birding opportunity.
The Markha Valley Trek covers some remote human settlements like Rumbak village followed by Yurutse and Markha that leave the explorers mull over the rich indigenous culture of the Indo-Tibetans. One may also live get a chance to enjoy a home stay in one of these remote villages. Further the trekking trail in Ladakh region also lead your way up to the shrines like Lhatos and Mani before entering the Markha village. The journey winds and trails up to the Kongmaru La at 5100 meter, wherefrom one can capture the spectacular view of the hulking high Kang Yatze Peak and the Tibetan border.
The traditional Markha Valley Trek commences from Spituk and heads up to Ganda La en route Zingchen and thereafter to Skiu, which is an isolated village and houses an old monastery and ruins of an old castle that was once a rest stop for the Royal family on their way to Srinagar. From Skiu, the tracks lead to Markha and thereby to Shang Sumdo via Kongmaru La.
Markha Valley Trekking Tour Highlights
- Get the chance to explore the multi-hued Tibetan markets and historically rich Buddhist monasteries
- Witness some of the most sublime Himalayan sceneries throughout the picturesque trek
- Get the opportunity to stay at remote mountain villages and interact with its sweet and simple inhabitants
- Camp at scenic locations under the starry sky
Best Time to Visit Markha Valley Trek
The best time to visit Markha Valley is between June and mid-October. During this time, the weather is Ladakh is pleasant and the average temperature ranges between 20 and 30°C in the daytime. July and August are the ideal months for Markha Valley trek as during these months Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways also opens for private vehicles.
Where is the Markha Valley?
Markha Valley is located between the Zanskar and Leh region of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir State. This valley runs parallel to the Himalayan range and is at a short distance from Leh. Markha Valley trek has beautiful, wild and barren landscapes and therefore it is often called as Little Tibet. Strategically located, the valley offers the stunning views of Ladakh and Zanskar ranges, the 21,000 ft Kang Yissay and the 20,086 ft Stok Kangri peaks.
Area: Ladakh Himalaya
Duration:11 Days (3 days traveling/8 days trekking)
Best Season :Mid June – September
Grade: Moderate
Altitude : 5150 mts
Trek Distance: 85 K.M
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01
Delhi – Leh (Complete Rest in Leh for acclimatization
Board the morning flight to reach Leh. Arrive at Leh and transfer to hotel/guest house and take a complete rest. This relaxation is essential for becoming accustomed to the climate. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 02
Leh – Shey – Thiksey – Hemis
Today, we shall go on a sightseeing tour to some important monasteries in the area. We will be visiting Shey Gompa, which was once the summer capital of Ladakh kings; Thiksey Gompa, which is said to be one of the most beautiful structures in Ladakh and the famed Hemis Monastery belonging to Drukpa Order. Overnight stay at the guest house.
Day 03
Leh – Spituk (drive) – Trek to Zingchan (3200 mts/10496 ft)
Today, early in the morning, we will leave for Spituk, which is an hour journey away. We shall explore Spituk Gompa, which is believed to be 500 years old. After visiting Spituk, we will begin our trek and passing a bridge and strolling southwest of Indus River, we will reach Zingchan Village. Overnight stay in camp.
Day 04
Zingchan – Yurutse (3900 mts/12792 ft) via Rumbak
Post breakfast, we shall ascend to Rumbak from Zingchan. We shall trek along the Rumbak Nala via Yurutse Village, which has lush fields of potatoes and barley. Overnight stay in the tents.
Day 05
Yurutse – Skiu (3100 mts/10168 ft) via Ganda La
Our trek today will end at Skiu, which can be reached by crossing Reach Ganda La (4900 meters). The pass offers spectacular view of Zanskar Range and other far-flung peaks of Himalaya. From Ganda La is a long descent to the village of Shingo. The trail then leads to a gorge from Shingo Village, which is at a short distance from Skiu. At Skiu, we will witness the confluence of river from Markha Valley. Overnight stay in the tents.
Day 06
Skiu – Markha (3800 mts/12464 ft)
An easy climb today from Skiu will lead us to Markha Valley. The trekking trail passes through several streams. Overnight stay in the tents.
Day 07
Markha – Thochuntse
Our today’s trek will be from Markha to Thochuntse. It is to be noted that at Markha, there is a change in landscape and from now onwards the view of heavily forested sections will not be witnessed rather barren and rugged landscape will follow. We shall be crossing river andl come across Hankar en route to Thochuntse. Hankar is the highest village in Markha Valley. Overnight stay in the tents.
Day 08
Thochuntse – Nimaling (4700 mts/15416 ft)
In the morning today, we will begin our trek to Nimaling. We will be crossing a number of gentle slopes and a chain of glassy ridges. There is a sequence of Mani Walls and chortens on the route. This is counted among the most stunning high valleys in Ladakh and is separated by Kangyatse Peak. Overnight stay in the tents.
Day 09
Nimaling – Kongmaru La (5150 mts/16892 ft) – Sumdo
After the breakfast, we will cross to the north of Markha and shall ascend to Kongmaru La (5306 meters), which is the highest passes in the region. After taking a good view of the surrounding snowy peaks and Karakoram range, we will trek down to the Martselang Valley leading Martselang Stream to the Sumdo Village. Overnight stay in the tents.
Day 10
Sumdo – Hemis (4 hrs trek) – Leh
Our trek today will be from Sumdo Village to Martselang. At Martselang Valley, the trail broadens into the Indus Valley. We shall take the jeep waiting for us at Martselang Village. We will also be exploring Hemis Monastery and then drive to Leh via Thiksey and Shey Gompas. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 11
Reach the airport in order to catch flight to Delhi
