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Markha Valley

A rather sought-after trek in the Ladakh region, the Markha Valley trek route does not disappoint anyone! It spills the chance to ascend the top of two very high passes, Ganda La (4800 m) & Kongmaru La (5150 m) and lets you feast your eyes on stunning sights from the summit. You also come across the charming Markha Village that is a trove in this cold semi-arid terrain of Ladakh. Other delights include witnessing the way of life of the region, crossing several streams and rivers and enjoying a trail through remote gorges and unbridled grazing grounds.

Your initial two days of the Markha Valley trekking will be spent for acclimatisation as it is vital for a healthy trip ahead. In the meanwhile unravel monasteries, museum, fort, the local market place and Leh Palace. Cross over Ganda La (4800 m) and arrive at the winsome Markha Village that is laced with green fields and willow trees and has barren mountains in the backdrop. Other thrills include camping beside a gurgling stream, getting the stunning view of Kangyatse Peak and more. Till the final day, there is something to revel in every step of the way.

 

8 nights / 9 days Download PDF
8+ Age
  • Region
    Leh, Ladakh,
  • Tour Starts
    Leh
  • Tour Ends
    Leh
  • Max Altitude
    5200m
  • Approx Trekking
    98 Kms
  • No of Passes
    2
  • Meals
    Breakfast and dinner in Hotels, All meals on Treks and Homestays
  • Difficulty
    Hard
1
Day 1: Arrive Leh
  • Arrival at Leh.
  • Meet us at Leh and check in to the hotel. The first day is kept for relaxation and recuperation.
  • The night will be spent at the hotel.
2
Day 2: Leh (Acclimatization day)
  • After breakfast, we will do a briefing and introduction session followed by equipment check
  • Spend rest of the day exploring Leh
  • Overnight will be spent at the hotel.
3
Day 3: Leh to Zingchen drive. Trek from Zinchen (3400m) to Yurutse (4150m)
Distance/Duration: 8 kms / 4 to 5 hours
  • This is the first day of the Markha Valley trek.
  • After an early breakfast at Leh we will drive through Spikuk Village to reach Zingchen
  • This is where the first hike begins and is of moderate difficulty. Enjoy the trail through Rumbak Village to reach Yurutse. Then come across several stream crossings. Pass the village before setting up camp. The site is a gorgeous one with barley fields all around
  • Overnight will be spent in tents
4
Day 4: Trek from Yurutse to Skiu (3366m) via Ganda La (4960m)
  Distance/Duration: 8 kms / 4 to 5 hours
  • The day will begin early, with the sunrise, as we ascend to Ganda La (15750 ft.). Expect a steep climb and strong winds towards the latter half. From the pass, enjoy views of valleys on both side, Zanskar range and some distant summits of the Himalayan range
  • Commence the descent to Shingo Village, after which, the trail makes its way into a narrow gorge leading towards Skiu, where a confluence of the rivers come from Markha Valley and Shingo
  • Overnight will be spent in tents.
5
Day 5:Trek from Skiu to Markha (3760m)
Distance/Duration: 21 kms / 7 hours
  • Be prepared for a long and moderate hike till the charming Markha Village. Cross a few streams along the way. Reach the largest hamlet in the middle of this cold and arid desert. You will discover green fields, willow trees and a deserted palace.
  • Visit the monastery and fort ruins, if time permits.
  • Overnight will be spent in camps
  • Homestay is possible for smaller groups
6
Day 6: Trek from Markha to Hankar (4030m)
Distance/Duration: 11 kms / 5 hours
  • The 4th day of the Markha Valley trek will be packed with fetching views and you will come across many stream and river crossings.
  • Make your way through settlements and grazing grounds. Take in the stunning view of Kangya Tse Peak (6400m) when walking towards Hankar. We will pick the point with the best view to set up camp
  • Overnight will be spent in tents
7
Day 7: Trek from Hankar to Nimaling (4840m)
Distance/Duration: 11 kms / 5 hours
  • A gradual trail leads to the Nimaling plateau campsite.
  • From here the view of the wide open valley with unbridled grazing grounds, and the backdrop of Kangya Tse Peak will dazzle your eyes. It is important to note that there will be cold winds blowing constantly at such altitudes.
  • Overnight will be spent in tents/homestays.
8
Day 8:Trek from Nimaling to Shang Sumdo (3680m) via Kongmaru La (5260m). Drive to Leh
Distance/Duration: 17 kms / 7 to 8 hours
  • After an early breakfast we will hike up a steep climb to reach the top of the highest pass on the trail - Kongmaru La. Take in the great sights of Nun Kun in the West and Saser Kangri to the North. Enjoy the moment before climbing down to Sukarmo, from where your trail is a flat walk along the river till you come to Sumdo. From here, hop on to a jeep to drive back to Leh.
  • Overnight will be spent at a hotel.
9
Day 9: Departure From Leh
  • Departure from Leh.
  • You can celebrate the completion of the Markha Valley trek. You can also rest assured that you will never forget the things you would have seen and learnt along the beautifully gritty journey
 Transport:
  • Airport transfers
  • Trek point transfers
  • Transport for sightseeing
Meals:
  • Breakfast and dinner at hotel in Leh
  • All meals on the trek
Accommodation:
  • Twin sharing rooms at premium hotel in Leh
  • Dome tents on trek
Equipment:
  • Camping gear
  • Safety gear
Medical Services:
  • Onsite first aid
  • Oxygen cylinder
Staff:
  • Trained and experienced guide/trek leader
  • Kitchen and support staff
  • Porters/Mules
Permits & Fee:
  • Trekking permits
  • Camping charges

Exclusions:

  • Single room accommodation
  • Lunch during stay in Leh
  • Transport for local sightseeing on day 1, 2 and 3
  • Personal porter
  • Medical check up fee
  • Personal equipment such as walking sticks, rain coats, gloves etc
  • International & Domestic flight fares, visa charges
  • Monument/monastery and Museum visit fees.
  • Any expenses of personal nature such as mineral water, laundry.
  • Any kind of insurance, such as accident, theft, medical, evacuation etc.
  • Cost incurred incase of evacuation or any emergency
  • Tips to porters, camping team, driver, guide, etc.
  • Cost incurred due to change / extension in the itinerary due to roadblocks, bad weather condition, flight delays, vehicle breakdowns, etc
  What to carry?
  • Valid ID proof (Passport/Voter ID/Drivers Licence)
  • No suitcases. Opt for 70 to 90 litre backpacks
  • Water-proof trekking shoes
  • One down jacket or warmer for chilly nights
  • Rain poncho or jacket/windcheater (a must!)
  • Thermal inner (not advisable to wear it while trekking)
  • Trekking pants (one spare)
  • Sun block
  • Hat
  • Sun goggles
  • Trekking pole
  • Spare under garments and socks (three pairs max)
  • Flashlight with extra batteries (preferably wearable)
  • Water bottle, preferably wide mouthed, with at least one litre capacity
  • Personal toiletries
  • Power bank (if you want to use phone camera)
  • That book you’ve been meaning to read
  Fine Print & Trip Specific Important Information: By signing up for a trip with Roots, you acknowledge that you have voluntarily applied to participate in this trip and that you have read the description of the trip as it appears on the website and the information below:
  • You are expected to carry your own luggage. If you need a porter/mule during treks please inform us in advance.
  • Delays are expected on account of roadblock & weather conditions. Our effort will be to continue with the trip as per the schedule & make you as comfortable as possible. But in such situations we may have to compromise on the campsite & adjust to these situations then & there. The final call will be taken by our Lead Guide on location.
  • The itinerary should be viewed as ideal & we may have to make some spot changes due various unavoidable reasons.
  • The distances & altitude mentioned in the above itinerary are to the best of our knowledge & information; marginal variance in the actual distances & altitudes is possible.
  • You are expected to be in reasonable shape and fitness, being able to walk for several hours at a normal pace as well as to take care of your own equipment.
  • You are required to produce a Medical Fitness certificate before starting the trip.
  • The minimum age restriction for this trip is 18
  • All outdoor related activities involve a certain level of risk. You are expected to sign an Indemnity Form in agreement to the risks involved through part taking in such outdoor activities.
  • Roots Ladakh reserves the right and permission to use photographs of individuals and photographs submitted by them on tour for use in promotional and publicity purposes