Markha Valley trek is a moderate grade trek and one of the most diverse treks in the western Himalayas that takes you through high altitude Himalayan mountains at over 16,500ft. The trail passes through some scenic villages, lush pastures, deep gorges blessed with rare flora and fauna. Beautiful wildflowers and frequent sighting of the rare wild animal is definitely a treat to one’s eyes. One can also get to see monasteries and mud houses adorned with colourful prayer flags and wood carvings, get into the lifestyle of locals and experience traditional Ladakhi cuisines.
The trek starts from Spituk bridge and enters into the Hemis national park, home to snow leopards, urials, blue sheep, etc. It ends at the Hemis monastery, the biggest monastery in Ladakh, from thereon you will be transferred back to your hotel in Leh.
What is included in the tour
- All transportation by Toyota Qualis, Innova or Scorpio.
- Two men tent, Kitchen and dining tents.
- Kitchen tent with kitchen equipment and Toilet Tent.
- Stool, Table and mattresses.
- Food veg and non-veg.
- Crew (Cook, Helper and Guide)
- Horses for luggage.
- Monument entrances, wildlife fees and camping charges.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Any flight tickets.
- No accommodation in Leh is included in Trekking Packages.
- Sleeping Bags, trekking shoes and clothing.
- Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “Prices Included”.
- Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone Calls.
- Any Kind of Drinks (Alcoholic, Mineral, Aerated)
- Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/ stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.
- GST 5%
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Duration : 8 Days.
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Activities: Trekking, Monasteries, Sightseeing, Camping / Homestays, villages, landscape..
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Highest: Kongmaru la(5200m)
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Suitable for: All
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Best Time: May to October
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Trek Start: Zingchen
- Tour End: Shang
DAY 01: Leh>Zingchen>Rumbak (4- 5 hours)
After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, drive to Zingchen. The trek starts towards Rumbak through a straight trail and enter the Hemis national park, habitat to one of the rarest cats on eath-Snow leopards and other wild animals like the blue sheep, Himalayan ibex, fox, marmot etc And arrive Rumbak village. Overnight camping at Rumbak.
Day 2: Rumbak > Base Gandala Pass (4500 m)
After breakfast start trek to Ganda La Base Camp follow the path along the mountains and then cross a small valley to a zigzag steep path, it’s an area for spotting wildlife and high altitude birds. Camp at Gandala Base Camp.
Leave Rumbak early morning after breakfast and trek the trail along the mountain and via the small valley to a steep twisty trail. The area frequently sees wildlife and rare birds. Overnight camping at Gandala Base camp.
Day 3: Gandala Base to Skyu 6-7 hours
Trek across the Gandala Pass(4380m) and descending towards Shingo to reach the Markha Valley. The trail via the Pass provides a spectacular view of the Zanskar range. We can halt at a village Homestay at Kayaor Camp at Skyu for the night.
Day 04: Sku to Markha 7-8 hours
Start Trekking along the bank of Makha through the lush green fields and crossover and trek through the barren landscapes to reach Chaluk. Along the bank of the river and cross towards Markha village, where there are some amazing camping sites by the river. Overnight camping by the river bank.
Day 05: Markha to Thachungtse 5-6 hours
The morning after breakfast start trek towards hanker village, along the trail one can see the ruins of old castles, monastery, and old buildings, The mighty Kang-Yatse(4800m) will also be in sight along the way. Trek further along the lush green pastures of Thachungtse. Overnight camping at Thachungtse
Day 06: Thachungtse to Nimaling 4-5 hours
Trekking towards Nimaling, at an altitude of 4900m above sea level, this vast pasture plays an important role in the life of peoples living there, it is the grazing place for their Yaks, Goats, sheep during the summer. Nimaling would be the highest camp of this trek and it provides a spectacular view of the Kang_Yatse peak.
Day 07: Nimaling to Shang Sumdo to Leh 6-7 hours
Start trekking early morning towards Kongmaru(5200m). Narrow gorges will lead to Kongmaru, the highest pass we will encounter during the trek. the top offers a spectacular view of the Ladakh ranges, Indus valley lying north. Arrive at Shang and from there a car will pick up and Transfer to Leh.
