THE MARKHA VALLEY - LADAKH

Markha Valley - Pradise For Trekkers

Markha Valley is lying in South of Indus Valley, between Stok range and Zanskar. This beautiful area is included in Hemis National Park, and its trans-himalayan ecosystem has a unique biodiversity of wild flora, avi-fauna and mammals. It is particularly well-known to be home to snow leopard, protected specie.

Bluesheep above Rumbak

Markha Valley is also one if the most famous trekking in Ladakh. During summer, many trekkers go through the villages of the area. They are attracted by natural beauty of the valley, but also by its rich cultural heritage and way of life of the inhabitants.

Trekker in Markha Valley

Although all families of Markha Valley still depend on agriculture and livestock for their subsistence –the valley is one of the most remote of Ladakh- tourism is an increasing part of households’ income.

A classic trek in 'Little Tibet', combining stunning mountain panoramas and barren hillsides with pretty villages and lush meadows Isolated for many months of the year by snow, Ladakh remains one of the best places to experience the unique culture of the High Himalaya. Crossing the Ganda La we follow the Markha River, climbing through gorges, barley and mustard fields and picturesque Ladakhi villages. We hope to spot blue sheep and Ibex scrambling over the rocky slopes, with the stark peaks of the Stok, Matho and Zanskar ranges towering above. From the high-altitude yak pastures we have time to explore some of the surrounding peaks, and from the top of the highest pass, the Gongmaru La (5200m) we can enjoy incredible views of the Karakorum, the Himalaya and into Tibet. We end the trek with a spectacular walk down a gorge to Hemis, the largest and most famous of the Ladakhi monasteries.

Markha Valley Trekking Tour Itinerary

Duration : 12 Nights / 13 Days
Destination : Delhi - Leh - Spituk - Zinchen - Rumbak - Stok-la Base - Mankarmo - Lharsi - Mankarmo - Zoorlus - Matho - Leh - Delhi

Day 01 : Delhi/Leh
Arrive Leh and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for acclimatization. Lunch, Dinner overnight hotel.

Day 02 : In Leh
Morning free. Afternoon excursion to Phyang Gompa. This Gompa is 20 kms from Leh on the right side of Leh-Srinagar road. The beautiful statues and Thankas are worth seeing. Also visit Spituk Gompa which lies on the right side of Srinagar-Leh road about 6 kms short of Leh Proper. Some very interesting Thankas are pride of this monastery. Overnight in hotel. Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 03 : In Leh at leisure
ACTUAL TREK

Day 04 : Leh / Stok / Base of Stok-la
Drive to Stok via Choglamsar and start trekking towards base of Stok-la. It is a gradual walk with a few kms of ascending path, which will be covered in about 4 hrs. Dinner overnight in tents at Stock-la base.

Day 05 : Stok-la/ Rumbak
Trek to Rumbak over Stok-la (4800 Mts.). The trek upto Stok-la of about 3 kms is of steep ascend then it is a deep descent upto Rumbak. The total distance of 12 kms will be covered in about 6 hrs. Rumbak is a small shepherd village with few houses. Dinner overnight in tents at Rumbak.

Day 06 : Rumbak / Ganda-la/Skiu (3380 Mts.)
Trek towards Skiu over Ganda-la (4930 Mts.). It is an ascending upto Ganda-la top and then a descending path upto Shingo. A distance of 18 kms will be covered in about 8 hrs. Dinner overnight in tents.

Day 07 : Skiu / Markha
Trek to Markha via Hermoger and Saser. An easy walk of about 15 kms will be covered in about 6 hrs. Markha is main village at the height of about 4500 Mts. And has a school. Dinner overnight in tents.

Day 08 : Markha / Hankar
Trek upto Hankar via Omlung. A distance of about 12 kms of gradual walk will be covered in about 6 hrs. Dinner overnight in tents.

Day 09 : Hankar / Nimaling
Trek to Nimaling a gradual walk of about 12 kms will be covered in about 6 hrs. Dinner overnight in tents at Nimaling.

Day 10 : In Nimaling
Full day free to explore the surroundings. One can trek upto glacier of Kangyatse peak (6030 Mts.), one needs permit from IMF to climb this peak. Dinner overnight in tents at Nimaling.

Day 11 : Nimaling / Chugdo Over Kongmor-la
Trek over Kongmor-la (5200 Mts.) to Chugdo. First four to five kms are quite steep and then a descend right upto Chugdo. One feels fresh on reaching the top of Kongmor-la after viewing the beautiful range of Mountain peaks and forgets the tiredness of steep ascent. Dinner overnight in tents.

Day 12 : Chugdo / Hemis/Leh
Trek down to Hemis via Oza and Sumdo. A gradual walk of about 13 kms will be covered in about 6 hrs. After visiting the Hemis monastery, drive back to Leh. Dinner overnight hotel.

Day 13 : Leh / Delhi
Transfer to airport to catch flight for Delhi.