Markha Valley Tour

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.

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.

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.

The secluded Markha Valley is wedged between the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges, behind the Himalaya, to which it runs parallel. The wild and barren, yet hauntingly beautiful landscapes of this hidden land are often likened to Tibet - Ladhakh used to be known as 'Little Tibet' - and are every bit as dramatic and enticing. The 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 (4575 m) 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

The trails are decorated by elaborate chortens(shrines) and Mani (prayer) walls that further exemplify the region's total immersion in Buddhist culture. As we trek to the upper end of the Markha Valley we are rewarded with spectacular views of jagged snow capped peaks before crossing the 5150m Kongmaru La (Pass) and descending to the famous Hemis Monastery, where we end our trek. There are also a few days to explore the fascinating town of Leh and raft the Indus River.

Trekking along the Markha River through Little Tibet, one of the world's highest inhabited plateaus, we take in spectacular views of the Great Himalayan, Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. We'll cross two high passes at elevations up to 17,400'. Trails wind past willow groves, alongside patches of wild roses and through pastel canyons festooned with multi-hued prayer flags undulating in the breeze. The opportunity to meet nomadic families as they herd their yaks and a visit to a small monastery where butter lamps are lit morning and evening by an elderly nun leave indelible impressions of our journey through this gloriously illuminated landscape.Experience of a traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture undisturbed by the Cultural Revolution Ancient, yet active monasteries where monks go about their daily lives, and beautiful artwork enhances rustic interiors Trekking through one of the most remote areas of the Greater Himalaya in a landscape of plunging canyons and verdant river bottoms.

Itinerary:

Duration : 11 Days / 10 Nights
Places covered : Leh- Spitul- Zinchen- Yurutse- Skyu- Markha- Thachungtse- Nimaling- Shang Sumdo- Leh

Day 1-2): Leh
Pick up from Leh airport and transfer to hotel. After lunch at the hotel we shall leave for an evening walk to the famous leh market. Overnight stay and dinner will be at the hotel.
Following day, after breakfast we shall drive to visit some of the famous monasteries that are situated at the lower part of Ladakh like Alchi, Likri and Rizong. Lotsawa Rinchen Sangpo founded Alchi monastery. Alchi being the region most unique artistic treasures dating back to the 11 century. Pack lunch will be served. Arrive at the hotel in the evening

Day 3): Spituk-Zinchen
After breakfast we shall drive to Spituk around 7 kms from Leh town. Start your trek through flat and desolate plane and arrive Zinchen through a gorge. Overnight stay will be at the Camp in Zinchen.

Day 4): Zingchen to Yurutse
Today we have to follow the trail straight towards Hemis national park .Follow a narrow trail and arrive Rumbak and camp at Yurutse below Gandala Pass.
Day 5): Yurutse to Skyu
After breakfast we shall depart to follow the trail along the mountainside and start ascent towards Ganda La pass (4900m) and descent towards Shingo village and arrive in Skyu 3980m.
Day 6): Sku to Markha
Following the Markha River, we will hike through its valley till we arrive in Markha, the largest village in the valley, consisting of around 20 houses.
Day 7): Markha to Thachungtse
We shall continue the journey to the next destination Thachungtse. The Markha valley trail continues down the path that intersects the river several times before cutting through the last hamlets in the valley Overnight stay will be in the tents at Thachungtse.
ladakh markha, leh ladakh markha valley tour, markha valley in leh ladakh Day 8): Thachungtse to Nimaling
Early morning we shall stroll towards Nimaling, the trail ascent toward to 4700m, which is the highest camp on the trek, giving us spectacular views of Kang Yatse and Zangskar Range.
Day 9): Nimaling to Shang Sumdo
After breakfast start ascend towards Kongmaru La (5100m) the highest pass on the trek. The pass offers nice views of mountains and villages of the Indus valley. As we contibue to move further the steep descend will lead us to Shang Sumdo where we will camp for last night of trek.
Day 10): Shang Sumdo- Leh
The last day of trek is very easy, as we walk down along the stream visit famous Hemis and THIKSEY monastery and drive back to leh
Day 11):
After a cup of tea, we shall drive back to leh airport for return journey with sweet memories of ladakh. Book Now

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