Markha Valley Trek
14 Days | Trekking 07 Days
For trekkers Ladakh is an inspirational destination where spectacular high-altitude world with breathtaking vistas and captivating scenery provide a chance also to see those elusive snow leopards, mountain goats, marmots and vultures, not seen anywhere else. We also experience Buddhist culture in remote monasteries while on the move.
Tour Profile
To provide an interesting beginning to this moderate-graded trekking holiday, we spend a few days in Leh visiting local sights including some spectacular monasteries to get some insight into the local culture – an interesting way to acclimatize for the trek. We set out from the picturesque Spituk village on the banks of Indus, the boisterous silted river that flows through this region. Our efforts in climbing to the top of Ganda La (4,970m) are rewarded with truly breathtaking views across Zanskar and Stok ranges and the snow-capped Karakoram before the trail descends into a willow and wild rose-filled gorge to enter the picturesque Markha Valley.
The route then follows the Markha River, passing through lush farmlands and traditional villages. The head of the valley is dominated by the glaciated Kang Yangtse peak (6,400m) rising high above the pastures of Nimaling - an idyllic camp site for one night.
Kongmaru La (5,265m) marks the highest point of our trek with excellent views of Kang Yangtse, the distant Nun-Kun peaks and northwards to the shimmering peaks that mark the Tibetan border. After a day’s descent we return by road to Leh for some much deserved down-time before flying back to Delhi.
Tour Highlights
- Remote villages and ancient Buddhist monasteries on the route.
- Stunning Kang Yangtse peak (6,400m) from Kongmaru La (5265m) the highest point on the trail.
- Hemis Monastery - the richest and the most famous monastery in Ladakh.
- Nimaling – a scenic valley dominated by impressive Kang Yatze peak (6,400m).
- Markha River – a treat to walk along.
Tour Itinerary
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Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places visited, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
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DAY 01 - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. Arrive Delhi at night. Get professional assistance in boarding early morning flight to Leh after the traditional welcome by company’s representative at Delhi airport. Overnight No Hotel
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DAY 02 - Leh
Delhi – Leh (3500m). Catch early morning flight to Leh and enjoy the flight that provides amazing overhead view of the Himalayan Range. Full day is free for acclimatization. Take a short evening walk in the market. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 03 - Leh
Leh – Thiksey – Hemis – Matho – Leh. In the local sightseeing programme in Ladakh visit Thiksey Monastery perched on the top of the hill; Hemis Monastery, once the biggest and the richest of all monasteries in Ladakh; and Matho monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 04 - Leh
Shankar Gompa – Shanti Stupa – Leh Palace. In the local exploration of Leh city today visit the main bazaar, Shanti Stupa (the Buddhist Dome) and Leh Palace, situated on Namgyal Hill in the heart of the city. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 05 - Rumbak
Leh – Zingchen via Spituk – Rumbak (3870m); Trek Starts (3-4 hrs). This morning transfer to Spituk. Visit the local monastery there. Then transfer to Zingchen to start trek to Rumbak Village. Overnight Camp
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DAY 06 - Yurutse
Rumbak – Yurutse (3900m) – Ganda La Base (3900m ;3-4 hrs). Easy and short walk for further acclimatization today. Walk from Rumbak to a queer one house village of Yurutse. Overnight Camp
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DAY 07 - Skiu
Ganda La Base – Cross Ganda La (4970m) – Skiu (3400m ; 6-7 hrs). From here trek uphill to Ganda La following a zigzag trail to the top. Enjoy majestic views of Stok mountains from here. Overnight Camp
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DAY 08 - Markha
Skiu – Markha (3850m; 5-6 hrs). A fairly long but easy walk to Markha village following the Markha river. The terrain is not so demanding, and therefore, there are lots of opportunities to admire the magnificent scenery around. Overnight Camp
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DAY 09 - Thachungtse
Markha – Hankar – Thachungtse (4300m;6-7 hrs). Just beyond Markha the trail meets the Chacham Valley where there is the Umlung Gompa on the cliff face. Visit this monastery and then walk uphill to Hankar village and Thachungtse. Overnight Camp
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DAY 10 - Nimaling
Thachungtse – Nimaling (4800m; 3-4 hrs). Today is a short walk to Nimaling. The trail climbs steeply to the plateau where the valley opens out. Ahead are the spectacular views of Kang Yangtse at 6,400m - the highest peak in the valley. Walk on the green pastures and enjoy the fabulous views around. Overnight Camp
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DAY 11 - Shang
Nimaling – Kongmaru La (5265m) – Shang Sumdo (3810m ;7-8 hrs). The walk today begins by climbing to Kongmaru La, a fairly long and steep ascent through a zigzag trail winding across to the top of the pass at 5,265m, but the views from the top are worth the effort. Then descend to Shang Sumdo village. Overnight Camp
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DAY 12 - Leh
Shang – Martselang – Hemis – Leh. Meet the transport here for a drive to Hemis Monastery. Hemis is the largest and richest of all the Ladakhi Monasteries. Visit monastery and museum and continue to Leh. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 13 - Delhi
Leh – Delhi (By Flight) – Agra (220 kms-4 hrs). Early morning transfer to Leh airport to board the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi drive straight to Agra, where after check-in, enjoy a free evening to explore some beautiful bazaars. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 14 - Delhi
Agra – Delhi & Departure Transfer. Visit Taj Mahal at sunrise and return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast check out and visit Agra Fort. Then drive back to Delhi. After dinner departure transfer to International Airport.
Send an enquiry
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
