Markha Valley Trek

Summer trekking in Markha Valley

Trekking through Markha valley of Ladakh in India involves crossing over two high passes, namely Gandala at 4980 meters and Gongmaru-la 5100 meters. The trekking trail passes through a vast swathe of high altitudes sheltered from rain-bearing clouds of the Indian monsoon, making it an ideal summer trekking destination in the Himalayas.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Delhi around midnight. You will be met and transferred to the domestic terminal for the connection flight to Leh.

Day 02: Fly to Leh and explore at 3500 m. The morning of the day you arrive in Leh, it is best for you to rest and allow your body to acclimatize. You will be taken for a walk around the city center.

Day 03: A full day’s sightseeing tour. We visit some of the area’s most important monasteries at Shey and Thikse, for example.

Day 04: Today, we drive up to the Khardung La (5380 m/17,650 ft), one of the world’s highest road passes. Great views of the Karakoram peaks, then return to the hotel in Leh.

Day 05: Drive to Spituk Monastery; begin trek camp at Jingchen 3400 m. It is just a short drive via Spituk Monastery and the start of our trek at Lato. We have a comfortable first day via the Jingchan Gorge to our camp at Rumbak (3800 m/12,467 ft).

Day 06: Trek to Ganda-La Base 4650 m. Another short day of trekking as we pass through the village of Yurutse to a camp at the foot of the Ganda La (4380 m/14,370 ft).

Day 07: Trek to Shingo Via Ganda-La Pass 4890 m. Today, we make the steep hike up to the Ganda La (4900 m/16,076 ft) and a short 5-hour trek to Shingo. On this day, we will miss most of the other trekkers as they go further on a rather long day till Skiu.

Day 08: Trek to Pentse 3500 m. We start our morning trekking downhill in the deep gorge till we reach the Markha Valley at Skiu. We will walk along a flattish path to once again a lesser-used camping ground avoiding most of the other trekkers.

Day 09: Trek to Markha. 3700 m. What is another long day for most trekkers is shortened by the previous day’s walk. The trek beside the Markha River leads through several isolated hamlets to Markha Village (3800 m/12,476 ft).

Day 10: Trek to Tachungtse 4200 m. Still following the river and crossing it on a couple of occasions, we trek past the highest village in the valley at Hangkar, continuing to Tachungtse. We camp much higher than all the other trekkers high above giving us a sens

Day 11: Trek to Nimaling 4700 m. We leave the last of the settlement behind today and trek up onto the Nimaling Plain, to a camp (4600 m/15,100 ft) beneath the peak of Kang Yatze.

Day 12: Trek to Chuskirmo Via Gonmaru-la pass 5100 m. Trekking on a zig-zag trail, we cross the Kongmaru La (5100 m/16,732 ft) and descend through a rocky gorge to Chuskirmo.

Day 13: Trek to Martselang, visit Hemis Monastery and return to Leh. Descending the steep, rocky valley to Hemis, there is time to explore this vital monastery before driving back to the hotel in Leh.

Day 14: Leh

Day 15: Fly to Delhi. Tour Ends.

Cost Includes:

• ‘A’ class hotel in Leh
• All meals throughout the tour
• Experienced regional leader or Hire Raj
• Pack animals on the trek
• Trek permit
• Park fees
• Staff insurance
• Transport
• Accommodation
• Sightseeing as indicated

Cost Excludes:

• International airport taxes
• Visas
• All optional additional tours or activities during free time
• Transfers outside of the tour program
• Travel insurance (buy insurance)
• Tips (suggested amount US$75 per week for staff only); Leader’s tips at your discretion
• Domestic flight Leh – Delhi- Leh (Book early for cheaper airfare)

Trek FAQ

Am I too young or old?
Most of our clients, from 3 years old to some in their 70s, have done and completed their treks with almost no exercise or training.

Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?
We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel name.

Do I need a visa?
All foreign nationals who want to enter India need to possess a valid international travel document such as a passport with a valid visa that is obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad. All visa applicants are requested to apply for the Indian visa online by filling the online application form.

The duly signed hard copy of the completed application form is to be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to the Indian Mission or Post. The instructions to fill the form and appointment scheduling can be seen at the Instructions for Regular Visa Application. The applicant is required to bring the referral number and the required documents on the scheduled date of the interview.

The status of the visa application can be checked on the link for Visa Enquiry. The applicants are also requested to visit the website of the Indian Mission for detailed information about the Indian visa.

What should I bring on a trek?
Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip. Please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.

Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will be able to offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.

If you have more questions, please check the FAQ section or contact us