Trekking > Markha Valley Treks

Markha Valley Trek                                                                                                    

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 thatfurther 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.

Season: May - Nov Max Altitude: 5150 M No. 0f Days:  8 Trek Grade : V

Day 01: Leh - Spitok (drive) - Trek to Zinchen (3200 M)
Leave Leh early morning by Jeeps and reach Spituk (1 hr). Visit the Spituk Gompa, built about 500 years ago. Start the trek from here by crossing a bridge and walking south-west of the river Indus. The gorge section leads to the confluence of Indus and Zinchen. Camp near the village of Zinchen. Overnight in Tents.

Day 02: Trek to Yurutse (3900 M) via Rumbak
It's a gradual climb from Zinchen to Rumbak. From here one gets fabulous views of the snow capped stok mountains. From here we move along the Rumbak Nala towards Yurutse. At Yurutse village you will find fields of barley and potatoes. Overnight in Tents.

Day 03: Yurutse - Skiu (3100 M) via Ganda La
A gradual ascent followed by a steep climb gets one to the Ganda la(4900 M). From here views extend south to the Zanskar range and distant summits of the Himalayan range. This is followed by a long descent to Shingo village. From Shingo the trail heads into a narrow gorge leading towards Skiu. At Skiu there is a confluence of the rivers coming from Markha valley and Shingo. Overnight in Tents.

Day 04: Skiu - Markha (3800 M)
it's a very pleasant hike, up the Markha valley today with the trail crossing numerous streams. Markha is a quaint village with a deserted fort and a small village Overnight in Tents.

Day 05: Markha - Thochuntse
From Markha the country changes and the warm, relatively heavily wooded sections of the lower Markha is left behind. One will be required to cross the river several times as there are no bridges here. Hankar, en route, is the highest village in the Markha valley. Overnight in Tents. .

Day 06: Thochuntse - Nimaling (4700 M)
Trek starts on a good path with several small inclines and a series of grassy ridges. There are a series of mani walls (walls carved with Buddhist prayers) and chortens en route. This is one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh and is dominated by the Kangyaze peak. Overnight in Tents

Day 07: Nimaling - Kongmaru La (5150 M) - Sumdo
Today one will cross to the north of the Markha, climbing to the top of the highest of the three passes, the 5,306 M Kongmaru La, with its wonderful views from the top. There are snow peaks in every direction and on a clear day the giants of Karakoram, including K2, can be seen on the north-western horizon. The trail descends to the Martselang valley, following the Martselang stream to the village of Sumdo. Overnight in tents.

Day 08: Sumdo - Hemis 4 Hrs. Trek - Leh
Today make an easy descent along the Martselang to where it broadens into the valley of the Indus at Martselang village. Board the awaiting jeeps. Visit Hemis monastery and after that drive to Leh via Shey and Thiksey monastery. Overnight in a hotel.

(Please note that acclimatization at leh will take 2 days before the trek commences)