Overview
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, Gandala 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 which 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 acclimatization as it is vital for a healthy trip ahead. In the meanwhile unravel monasteries, a museum, a fort, the local marketplace, and Leh Palace. Cross over Ganda La (4800 m) and arrive at the winsome Markha Village which 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 Kangyatze Peak, and more. Till the final day, there is something to revel in every step of the way.
Places covered
Leh, Zingchen, Yurutse, Ganda La, Skiu, Markha, Thochuntse, Nimaling, Kongmaru La, Sumdo
Highlights
- Explore Hemis National Park and also the Gandala La and Kongmaru La passes
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Witness views of Nimaling, surrounded by ponds and streams
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Stunning view of Kang Yatze
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Meal Types: Importance is given to nutritional needs and a menu of vegetarian dishes is prepared accordingly
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Difficulty Level: Moderate
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Total Trekking Distance: 80km
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Temperature: During the day: 20°C - 30°C and During the night 0°C - 10°C
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Inclusions
- Accommodation in standard rooms in a family-run guesthouse in Leh on single/double occupancy
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High-Quality Camping Arrangements
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Toilet tent with portable toilet seats
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First Aid / Medical kit
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Charges of 2 guides for the group of maximum of 12 trekkers so 1 guide for 6 group members
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All meals start from dinner on Day 1 till breakfast on Day 9. (8 Dinners, 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches) We have a system of providing 6 small meals along with tea/coffee in between
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Porter/mule charges for carrying camping equipment & rations
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Porter/mule charges for carrying personal baggage (up to 10 kgs per person)
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Forest entry charges, permits & camping fee (if any)
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Permits & camping fee (if any)
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First aid kit (our guides are certified in Handling first aid situations)
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Pricing
Starts from ₹ 19,500
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive at Leh(3500m)
Meet at Leh and check in to the hotel. This day is reserved for relaxation and acclimatization as it is vital for a healthy trip ahead.
Overnight will be spent in the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 2Day at Leh
Day Highlights: Sightseeing, Acclimatization.
Spend one more day at Leh. Unravel the ancient monasteries, palaces, and museums that the place is famous for. Visit Shey and Thiksey Gompa and also Stok Gompa. Being in the same destination will assist in getting acclimatized well for high altitude. Towards the evening, enjoy a hike to Leh palace. The remaining evening will be spent at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3Leh to Zingchen(3400m) to Yurutse(4150mTrek/ 4hr)
Day Highlights: Rumbak Village, Stream crossing, Barely fields.
Today; on the first day of the Markha Valley trekking, indulge in an early breakfast and drive through Spikut Village to reach Zingchen. This is where your hike of short stage and moderate gradient begins. Enjoy the trail through Rumbak Village to reach Yurutse and come across several stream crossings. Pass the village before setting up camp. The site is a winsome one with barley fields all around.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4Yurutse(4150m) Ganda La(4800m)-Skiu(3400mTrek/ 7-8hr)
Day Highlights: Ascending and descending trek, Zanskar range, Shingo Village.
On this balmy day, in the initial stretch of the trek, ascend to Ganda La (4900 m). Expect a steep climb and strong winds towards the latter half. From the pass, enjoy views of valleys on both sides, the Zanskar range, and some distant summits of the Himalayan range. Commence descending to Shingo Village, after which, the trail makes its way into a narrow gorge leading towards Skiu, where a confluence of the rivers comes from Markha Valley and Shingo.
Overnight will be spent in tents.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5Skiu(3400m) to Markha(3800m/ 6-7hr)
Day Highlights: Moderate hike, Streams.
Brace yourself for a long and moderate hike to the charming Markha Village. Cross several streams along the way. Reach the hamlet that is a trove in the middle of this cold and arid desert. The place is laced with green fields, willow trees, and a deserted palace. Camp beside a gurgling stream.
Overnight will be spent in camps.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6Markha(3800m) to Thochuntse(4150mTrek/ 4-5hr)
Day Highlights: Stream and river crossings, Kangyatze Peak, Hankar.
Today lap up fetching views all around and come across many streams and river crossings. Make way through settlements and grazing ground. Take in the stunning view of Kangyatze Peak (6400m) when walking towards Hankar. We will select a great camping ground and set tent there.
Overnight will be spent in tents.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7Thochuntse(4150m) to Nimaling (4700 mTrek/ 4hr)
Day Highlights: Open valley, Kangyatze Peak, Constant wind.
Wallow is a short walk to arrive at the Nimalaing campsite. The place is a beguiling one with a wide open valley with unbridled grazing grounds and the backdrop of Kangyatze Peak. Do note that there is a constant wind blowing in the area making the situation slightly uncomfortable. If you wish, you can also avail yourself of a side trip today toward the base camp of Kangyatse.
Overnight will be spent in tents.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8Nimaling(4700m) to Kongmaru La(5150m) to Sumdo (3800m) to Leh (3500mTrek/ 7hr)(Drive-2hr)
Day Highlights: Steep climb, Flat walk, Nun Kun, Saser Kangri.
Dig into an early breakfast and take on a steep climb to reach the top of the highest pass on the trail - Kongmaru La (5200m). Take in the great sights of Nun Kun in the West and Saser Kangri to the North. Cherish some moments here before climbing down to Sukarno, from where your trail is a flat walk along the river till you come to the road and head to Sumdo. From here, hop on to a vehicle to drive back to Leh.
Overnight will be spent at a hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9Departure from Leh
Day Highlights: The trip ends here
The charm and allurement of the Markha Valley trekking ends here as you go ahead with your onward journey or stay back in Ladakh
Meals: Breakfast
Package Price Includes
Welcome drinks on arrival in hotels. (Non alcoholic).
Transport services by an exclusive vehicle as per itinerary.
Airport, Railway Station and Hotel Pickup and drop back at the end of the tour.
Assistance on arrival.
Inclusive of all the Taxes (Parking, Toll Tax, Luxury Tax, Green Tax , Fuel Exp., and Driver Exp. etc.).
Package Price does not include
5% service tax on Total Bill.
Heater charges will be extra.
Any monument entry fees / camera fees.
Any meal, which is not mentioned above.
Any air / train fare.
Any guide charges.
