Markha Valley Trek: A Journey Through Ladakh’s Hidden Gem
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About the Tour
The Markha Valley Trek is one of Ladakh’s most famous and scenic treks, offering a perfect blend of adventure, cultural exploration, and breathtaking landscapes. This trek takes you through remote villages, Buddhist monasteries, and high-altitude passes, providing stunning views of the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges. With its rich Tibetan culture and striking natural beauty, Markha Valley is an unforgettable experience for trekkers looking to explore Ladakh beyond the usual routes.
Tour Details
- Region: Ladakh
- Altitude: 5,250 meters (17,224 feet)
- Duration: 7-9 Days
- Trek Distance: 65-75 km
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- Temperature: Day: 10°C to 20°C | Night: -5°C to -10°C
- Start & End Point: Leh
Tour Challenges
- Crossing high mountain passes like Kongmaru La (5,250m).
- Steep ascents and descents along rugged trails.
- High-altitude acclimatization is necessary.
- Limited access to modern facilities in remote areas.
Tour Facilities
- Experienced trek leaders and local guides.
- Camping accommodations with quality tents and sleeping bags.
- Nutritious vegetarian meals throughout the trek.
- Emergency medical aid, oxygen cylinders, and evacuation support.
Food
- Vegetarian meals with a focus on energy-rich foods.
- Breakfast: Porridge, bread, tea/coffee.
- Lunch: Rice, lentils, vegetables, chapati.
- Dinner: Soup, rice, vegetables, dessert.
Who Can Participate?
- Trekkers with moderate to good physical fitness.
- Age limit: 18 years and above.
- Recommended for those with prior high-altitude trekking experience.
- Not suitable for individuals with severe respiratory or heart conditions.
How to Reach Leh?
Meeting Point: Leh
Nearest Airport:
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh (flights from Delhi, Srinagar, etc.).
Nearest Railway Station:
Jammu railway station, around 700 km from Leh.
By Road:
Leh is accessible via the Manali-Leh Highway and Srinagar-Leh Highway.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Information
- Pick-Up Point: Leh (airport or bus station).
- Drop-Off Point: Leh (airport or bus station).
Latitude and Longitude
- Latitude: 33.8633° N
- Longitude: 77.5225° E
Key Highlights
- Walk through one of Ladakh’s most picturesque valleys.
- Explore ancient monasteries and Buddhist villages.
- Cross the challenging Kongmaru La Pass at 5,250m.
- Witness stunning views of the Stok Kangri and Zanskar ranges.
- Experience the authentic culture of Ladakh’s remote settlements.
Join the Markha Valley Trek for an unforgettable Himalayan adventure!
Included/Exclude
Inclusions in the Tour Package
- Accommodation: Camps (Sharing Camp for two people), Home Stay.
- Guides & Support Staff: Qualified & experienced Trek Leader, Guide, and Support staff to assist trekkers.
- Sleeping Gear: Sleeping Bags.
- Meals: All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner – only vegetarian).
- Permits & Fees: Trekking Permits and Forest Fees.
- Trekking Equipment: Tent, Mattress, Sleeping Bag, Dining & Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Cooking Utensils, and Crampons (if required).
- Medical Assistance: First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
- Guide & Support Staff Expenses: Guide Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Potters: Potters will carry only trekking equipment.
- Potter's Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Kitchen Staff: Included for cooking and meal preparation.
- Kitchen Staff Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Cook: Responsible for preparing meals.
- Cook's Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Transportation: As per the trek itinerary.
Exclusions in the Tour Package
- Any other facilities that are not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Potters for carrying your personal luggage.
- Extra meals like lunch during the journey by cab and stay at hotels (lunch is only provided during the trek).
- Personal expenses such as Water Bottles, Laundry, Phone Calls, etc.
- Insurance.
- Gaiters.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under "Inclusions."
Tour Amenities
Certified Trek Leader
Hassle-Free Permits
Warm Meals, Always
Itinerary
Overview
Altitude: 3,500 meters / 11,500 feet
Detailed Plan
- Arrive in Leh by flight or road.
- Rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.
- Explore local markets and nearby attractions if energy permits.
- Overnight stay in a hotel.
Overview
Activities: Local sightseeing and acclimatization
Detailed Plan
- Visit monasteries such as Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis.
- Explore the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers.
- Return to Leh for an overnight stay in a hotel.
Overview
Drive Distance: 65 km (approx. 3 hours)
Trek Distance: 9 km (approx. 4 hours)
Altitude: 3,400 meters / 11,150 feet at Skiu
Detailed Plan
- Morning drive along the Zanskar River to Chilling.
- Cross the Zanskar River via a suspension bridge to begin the trek.
- Trek through a narrow gorge with stunning rock formations.
- Arrive at Skiu village; set up camp near the Markha River.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Trek Distance: 20 km (approx. 7-8 hours)
Altitude: 3,700 meters / 12,200 feet at Markha
Detailed Plan
- Follow the Markha River, crossing it multiple times.
- Pass through picturesque villages like Sara and Chalak.
- Witness terraced fields, willow groves, and ancient monasteries.
- Reach Markha village, the largest settlement in the valley.
- Overnight stay in a homestay or tents.
Overview
Trek Distance: 11 km (approx. 6 hours)
Altitude: 4,100 meters / 13,450 feet at Hankar
Detailed Plan
- Continue along the Markha River, with views of the Kang Yatse peak.
- Pass through Umlung village and visit the ancient Umlung Gompa.
- Arrive at Hankar, a quaint village with stone houses and ruins of old forts.
- Overnight stay in a homestay or tents.
Overview
Trek Distance: 9 km (approx. 6 hours)
Altitude: 4,800 meters / 15,750 feet at Nimaling
Detailed Plan
- Ascend steadily, leaving the Markha Valley behind.
- Traverse through high-altitude pastures where shepherds graze their livestock.
- Arrive at Nimaling, a vast plateau with panoramic views of Kang Yatse and the Zanskar range.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Trek Distance: 16 km (approx. 8-9 hours)
Altitude: 5,260 meters / 17,250 feet at Kongmaru La Pass
Drive Distance: 50 km (approx. 2 hours)
Detailed Plan
- Early morning ascent to Kongmaru La Pass, the highest point of the trek.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the Indus Valley and distant peaks of the Karakoram range.
- Descend sharply through narrow gorges and rocky terrain.
- Reach Shang Sumdo, where a vehicle will be waiting for the drive back to Leh.
- Arrive in Leh by evening and check into a hotel.
- Celebration dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
Overview
Activities: Departure
Detailed Plan
- Have breakfast and check out from the hotel.
- Transfer to Leh Airport for your onward journey.
- End of an unforgettable Markha Valley adventure!
Important Notes
- Best Time to Visit: The trek is best undertaken between June to September.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging – suitable for fit trekkers with some high-altitude trekking experience.
- Weather Conditions: Temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C during the day but can drop to -5°C at night in higher camps.
- Altitude Considerations: Proper acclimatization in Leh is essential to avoid altitude sickness.
- Permits and Documentation: Indian and foreign trekkers require an Inner Line Permit for the trek.
- Eco-Friendly Trekking: Follow Leave No Trace principles – do not litter and respect local customs.
- Essential Gear: Good trekking shoes, warm clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
- Network Connectivity: No mobile network after Leh; satellite phones may be available at some villages.
