Markha Valley Trek
Since 1974, when Ladakh first became accessible to foreign visitors,
this high and arid region has captured the imagination of adventure travelers.
This itinerary between Ladakh and Zanskar offers a large diversity of landscapes,
from the jagged Kongmaru La pass (5000 m) to the green oasis of the Markha valley
with breath-taking views on the Korakoram snow-capped peaks.
Many scattered high villages, each with irrigated fields of barley and potatoes,
add color to this otherwise quite barren environment, and provide the chance
to meet the Ladakhi peasants in the simplicity of their daily life. Markha will
be an opportunity to visit the old monastery, famous for its paintings.
A varied route which crosses two high passes and reach
es
remote villages to reveal Ladakh's colourful people within a stark landscape.
The first departure is timed to coincide with an important festival at Hemis.
From Spituk the walking starts gently and there is time to acclimatise before
the first pass, the Ganda La (4600m). Beyond are the small villages and monasteries
of the Markha valley, surrounded by barley fields. We climb up to the high pastures
of Nimaling where sheep, goats and yaks graze at over 4800m during the short
summer. Now we head for the highest pass, at 5334m on a rarely trekked route.
From its summit are magnificent views of the Indus valley stretching as far
as the Karakoram and Tibet.
Duration : 14 days
Day 01: Delhi. Airport - hotel transfer.
Day 02: Delhi - Leh (3500 m), by plane
Afternoon at leisure in Leh, where we can take a walk to the colorful bazaar.
Day 03: Leh - Spituk - Zinchen (3200 m) in 4 h
We drive 10 km to Spituk from where we start our trek. We cross Indus river
and enter in the Valley of Zinchen river. Near the village in the Valley we
will have our first camp after 4 hr walk.
Day 04: Zinchen -Yurutse (3844 m) in 5 h.
After
by passing this beautiful stopping valley, we ascent up to 4900 m. by very steep
zigzag, difficult footpath, by now it is 3 h. Now steep descent to summer pastures
of Stok and follow the river which comes from Stok - Kangri massif.
Day 05: Yurutse - Ganda La (4900 m) - Skiu (3510 m) in 6/7 h.
Yurutse follow path along the mountainside, 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.
Day 06: Skiu - Markha (3850 m) in 7 h.
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. Good camp site beyond
the village and near river.
Day 07: Markha - Hankar (4000 m) in 4 h.
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.
Day 08: Hankar - Nimaling (4650 m) in 4 h.
The
path 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.
We climb pastures to reach Nimaling. This is one of most beautiful high valleys
in Ladakh dominated by the Kang Yaze.
Day 09: Nimaling - Kongmaru La (5150 m) - Shang Sumdo (3750 m) in 7 h.
Cross the Markha valley and follow long climb along the mountain side, 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.
Day 10: Shang Sumdo - Hemis (3600 m) in 3/4 h.
Hemis is the most important monastery of Ladakh, 360 years old. The gigantic
Tankha, one of the largest in the world, is displayed once in 12 years. Last
was in 1992.
Day 11: Hemis - Thiksey - Shey - Leh
We
visit Hemis monastery, then drive to Shey Monastery. This one has a 7.5m copper
statue of Buddha plated with gold, the largest of its kind. We drive to Thikshy
Monastery, situated on a hill top. There are several temples and wall paintings
of Buddha. Close by is the summer palace of the old raja of Leh. This monastery
is 800 years old, Silver and Gold statues are seen in it.
Day 12 : Leh - Delhi by plane.
Day 13 : Delhi
Day at leisure. Safety day for your international flight.
Day 14 : Delhi
Hotel - airport transfer.
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