Markha Valley Trek

Summer trekking in the Markha Valley

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

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Delhi around midnight. You will be met at the Indira Gandhi International airport and transferred to the domestic terminal to connect 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 monasteries, 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 sense of achievement.

Day 11: Trek to Nimaling 4700 m. We leave the last of the settlement behind today and trek up onto the Nimaling Plains 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 Leh’s hotel.

Day 14: Leh

Day 15: Fly to Delhi. Tour Ends.

Cost Includes:

• ‘A’ class hotel in Leh
• All meals, as mentioned on the trip, as mentioned.
• Experienced regional leader or hire Raj
• Porters or pack animals on the trek
• Trek permit
• Park fees
• Staff insurance
• Non a/c transport
• Accommodation a mentioned in the program.
• Sightseeing as indicated

Cost Excludes:

• International airfare and airport tax
• Hotel in Delhi. The cost of a hotel room in Delhi ranges from US$50 to a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the standard chosen.
• Internal airfare for Delhi / Leh / Delhi sector in economy class. The airfare can cost from US$60 to $500, perhaps even higher each way. July and August are the busiest months. It is best to book the flights in advance.
• Travel insurance
• Any extra activities & optional tours
• Riding horse during the trek
• Personal bills like drinks, bar & beverages, tips, telephone, laundry, any additional and optional trips then the above, etc.
• Anything which is not included in the includes section
• Tips (suggested amount US$75 per week for staff only; leader’s tips at your discretion)

Trek FAQ

Am I too young or old?
From 3 years old to some in their 70s, most of our clients 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 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 will 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 must bring the referral number and the required documents on the interview’s scheduled date.

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 offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.

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