Markha Valley Trek
If you had to choose just one trek to do in Ladakh, it must be the Markha Valley Trek. It’s not “the most popular trek” in Ladakh without reason. Right from ease of access, remoteness of valley, wilderness experience and just the feel of trekking in Ladakh – it is all there on this trail. The long hours of walking in wind swept arid landscape with green villages suddenly appearing as a welcoming Oasis, is exactly how trekking in Markha is. Right in between the valley is the quaint Tacha Gompa perched high up on a cliff adding some mystic to this trek. What really adds to the experience is the presence of little hamlets along the way affording a high degree of interaction with the hardy natives. This is the first valley where the concept of homestays was pioneered in the 2000s and later replicated across other trekking valleys in Ladakh. The high altitude grazing grounds at Nimaling with splendid views of snowcapped Kang Yatse is yet another highlight.
The Markha Valley was connected to the mainland via a steel bridge across the Zanskar river in Feb,2016. This bridge was sadly washed off later that year from the Tsarap Chu floods. A new bridge has been proposed here and will soon see the light of day. It gives the trekkers the last few years to enjoy trekking in this fabulous valley sans vehicles! Make the most of it, when you can.
₹50,000
Overview
Markha Valley Trek – Overview
If you had to choose just one trek to do in Ladakh, it must be the Markha Valley Trek. It’s not “the most popular trek” in Ladakh without reason. Right from ease of access, remoteness of valley, wilderness experience and just the feel of trekking in Ladakh – it is all there on this trail. The long hours of walking in wind swept arid landscape with green villages suddenly appearing as a welcoming Oasis, is exactly how trekking in Markha valley is. Right in between the valley is the quaint Tacha Gompa perched high up on a cliff adding some mystic to this trek. What really adds to the experience is the presence of little hamlets along the way affording a high degree of interaction with the hardy natives. This is the first valley where the concept of home stays was pioneered in the 2000s and later replicated across other trekking valleys in Ladakh. The high altitude grazing grounds at Nimaling with splendid views of snow capped Kang Yatse is yet another highlight.
The Markha Valley was connected to the mainland via a steel bridge across the Zanskar river in Feb,2016. This bridge was sadly washed off later that year from the Tsarap Chu floods. A new bridge has been proposed here and will soon see the light of day. It gives the trekkers the last few years to enjoy trekking in this fabulous valley sans vehicles! Make the most of it, when you can.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- The most popular and scenic trek of Ladakh
- Nimaling grasslands and views of Mt. Kang Yatse
- Ladakhi Village life and local experiences
- Ancient monasteries and palaces around Leh
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Markha Valley Trek: 9 Days Itinerary – INR 54600/USD 815 + 5% GST
Day 01:Arrive Leh(3500m). Rest & Acclimatization
Day 02:Sightseeing and Acclimatization
Day 03:Drive to Kaya Do(3150m). Trek to Skui(3350m)
Day 04:Trek to Markha(3800m)
Day 05:Trek to Thachungtse(4200m)
Day 06:Trek to Nimaling(4700m)
Day 07:Trek to Chu Skyurmo(4000m)
Day 08:Trek to Shang Sumdo(3670m). Drive to Leh
Day 09:Depart
Markha Valley Trek: 12 Days Itinerary – INR 72800/USD 1150 + 5% GST
Day 01:Arrive Leh(3500m). Rest & Acclimatization
Day 02:Sightseeing and Acclimatization
Day 03:Sham Valley sightseeing and back
Day 04:Drive to Zingchen.Trek to Rumbak(4050m)
Day 05:Trek to Ganda la Base(4540m)
Day 06:Cross Ganda La(4900m) and descend to Skui(3350m)
Day 07:Trek to Markha(3800m)
Day 08:Trek to Thachungtse(4200m)
Day 09:Trek to Nimaling(4700m)
Day 10:Trek to Chu Skyurmo(4000m) over Kongmaru La(5200m)
Day 11:Trek to roadhead. Drive to Leh
Day 12:Depart
Cost Inclusions
Markha Valley Trek – Cost Details
COST:
09 Days – INR 54600/USD 815
12 Days – INR 72800/USD 1150
+ 5% GST
COST INCLUDES
- Entire Accommodation during the trek
- Experienced Trek Crew: Qualified Trip Leader, Local Guide, Cook, Kitchen Helpers and Horsemen
- Food:
- All Meals on the trip except lunches at Leh
- 3 meals per day – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and beverages
- Porterage – 15 Kg/person
- Road Transportation: All Transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Permits and Taxes:
- ALTOA Fee and trekking permits
COST EXCLUDES
- Personal equipment and sleeping bags
- Airfares to and out of Leh
- Any additional transport or activities apart from the trip itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses rising through unforeseen conditions like bad weather, natural calamities, flight cancellations, etc
- Rescue and evacuation services
- Expenses of any personal nature like phone calls, drinks, cigarettes, souvenirs, laundry, etc
- Tips
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in Cost Includes
- 5% GST
Itinerary
Markha Valley Trek – Itinerary
Day 01:Arrive Leh(3500m). Rest & Acclimatization
Fly into one of the world’s highest airports in the World – Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport. Our representative will receive you at the airport and will escort you to our hotel in Leh. Since Leh is very high, it is paramount to let your body get used to the high altitude and the rarefied oxygen levels. It takes about 2 days to acclimatize to this altitude and only then would we be properly ready for our action.The trip leader will meet you at the hotel and give a comprehensive briefing at noon.
A short market walk in the evening.
Meals: BL, Overnight Hotel.
Day 02:Sightseeing and Acclimatization
We spend a relaxed day doing a half day sightseeing of the palace at Shey and Thiksey monastery. Shey used to be the erstwhile capital of Leh. Thiksey, modeled after the Potala palace of Tibet houses a 15 m mega statue of Maitreya and is the main attraction at the temple. The scenery from its rooftop is simply breathtaking. We are back to Leh for lunch and spend the evening finishing any last minute shopping if any before the trek.
Meals: BD, Overnight Hotel.
Day 03:Drive to Kaya Do(3150m). Trek to Skui(3350m)
Starting by about 8am, we drive for about 2 hrs to Kaya Do beyond Chilling village, the start point of the trek. The starting is pretty dramatic since we have to get across the Zanskar river, onto the other side to begin our trek. And this is done with the help of a trolley attached to a cable suspension across the river, the trolley manuall pulled by ropes on either side. It’s a pretty hair-raising experience and kickstarts our trek in style. The act of getting all the trekkers, crew and the equipment across takes sometime. Our pack animals wait on the other side. The walk to Skui campsite takes about 3 hours past Kaya village. Kaya and Skui are twin hamlets adjacent to each other on the true right of the Markha river.
Trekking time: 3 hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Camp.
Day 04:Trek to Markha(3800m)
The walk to Markha is the longest day on this trek. We are well rested and acclimatized for 3 nights before taking on the walk to Markha. The valley opens up with arid scenery and sediment rich Markha river. The little green on the trail which is mostly along the river is provided by willow trees and wild rose plants called Sia. Almost midpoint of the trail is Sara village, beyond which we pass a few shepherd settlements. We walk through multiple high platforms on the trail, which are great view points to sit and admire the Valley.There are multiple short river crossings as we reach Markha and small wooden bridges pass over a few of them. Markha village is spread across 2 parts with the Markha Khar and monastery in between. Most of the beautiful campsites and homestays are as we approach Markha village. It also has a school and a health centre.
Trekking time: 8 – 9 hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Camp.
Day 05:Trek to Thachungtse(4200m)
We cross over the little hump over Markha to get onto the other side and walk a little further and get to a river crossing. A little past that, the famed Markha spires come into view. The valley just next to the spire leads to another trek. Tacha Gompa, an old monastery in built on a sheer cliff is the next attraction. We stop by to visit this ancient monastery and continue our trail to Umlung village. We get our first views of snowbound Mt. Kang Yatse(6200m) just after Umlung. A little beyond that is Hankar, with massive farming fields. Hankar is the last village, after which there are only campsites. We walk further to our campsite at Thachungtse situated at 4200m.
Trekking time: 6 – 7 hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Camp.
Day 06:Trek to Nimaling(4700m)
A short walk takes us to the grazing grounds of Markha Valley – Nimaling. Along the way there is a small lake, with Kang Yatse towering on the right. The valley is the widest at this place. All the cattle, sheep, goat, horses, mules and donkeys of Markha Valley, are bundled off to this location for the entire summer. It is almost a mini zoo of domesticated animals. A great place to go find some fresh milk and cheese among the shepherd settlements. In the evening it is a sight to watch when all the returning flocks of sheep and goat invade our campsites with non-stop bleating, with the little ones even peeping inside our tents. Magnificent views of Kang Yatse from Camp.
Trekking time: 3 hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Camp.
Day 07:Trek to Chu Skyurmo(4000m)
Another long day as we ascend to the highest point of the trek, Kongmaru La(5267m) and descend forever through a narrow gorge to our little campsite at Chu Skyurmo. Amazing all round views from Kongmaru La … esp of Kang Yatse and Dzo Jongo peaks. Great chances of spotting blue sheep during the descent.
Trekking time: 6 hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Camp.
Day 08:Trek to Shang Sumdo. Drive to Leh
We trek the last mile to the roadhead beyond Chokdo village to reach our waiting cars. We load the equipment and drive to Leh(1.5 hrs). A most inviting hot shower awaits us at Leh to wash of the dust and tiredness from the trek. Evening free for souvenir shopping and checking out some world cuisine in some of the vibrant restaurants in Leh.
Trekking time: 2-3 hrs
Meals: BL, Overnight Camp.
Day 09:Depart
Transfer to the Leh airport early in the morning after breakfast for departure. Trip Ends.
Meals: B
Gallery
Markha Valley Trek – Images
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- A warm native of Skui village
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- Camping equiment is carried by horses and mules
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- Horse Caravan
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- Farm fields at Markha Village
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- River Crossing ahead of Markha Village
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- The famous rock tower of Markha Valley
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- Bridge ahead of Markha Village
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- A charming shopkeeper at Umlung
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- Lush green Farm Fields near Hangkar
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- Rock Cairns
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- Rows of Mud Spires on the trail
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- Kang Yatse a little ahead of Thachungtse
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- Lush green grass at Nimaling
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- Herds of Goat and Sheep at Nimaling
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- Camping at Nimaling Campsite
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- Kang Yatse from Nimaling
Extended Gallery on Facebook
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Related Treks
Markha Winter Walk
During the middle of winter, in the high altitude arid mountains, when the peaks and valleys are covered in snow, and the trees stand all bare, it feels like the Himalaya is in deep meditative state! A state which exudes an aura of peace and serenity so profound that it pervades into the being of every traveller who cares to visit.
We discovered this trip accidentally in the winter of 2017, when our scheduled trip to Chadar got cancelled due to excessive snowfall and we had to think of alternatives and zeroed on Markha Valley. Markha Valley is generally a summer favourite and has few takers in winter with its illustrious cousin the Chadar trek drawing all the attention of trekkers. To our good fortune, what we chanced upon to our delight when we walked the Markha Valley was a ‘winter wonderland’ with exquisite scenery. Imagine a sprawling valley with huge swathes of snow, occasionally interspersed with charming villages, shepherd settlements and buddhist chortens, an ancient monastery perched high on a hill, lengthy prayer walls and colourful prayer wheels, mountain gateways erected of poplar with icy prayer flags fluttering in the cold wind. The place is at once is both elevating and calming.
Starting from Leh, the main town of Ladakh, we spend a couple of days acclimatizing before embarking on the 6 day trek which takes us to the heart of Markha Valley and back. We spend the nights at clean Himalayan homestays interacting with the locals and enjoying Ladakhi hospitality and great food prepared by our very own kitchen team. In the day time we walk from one village to the other enjoying the snow and some awe-inspiring landscapes.
The Markha Winter Walk is a classic trans-Himalayan winter trekking experience. An experience so deep it will convert you into a believer.
Spiti Village Walks
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God seemed to have created Spiti at complete leisure. There are few people in the world whose imagination is not instantly captured by Spiti at first sight…such is its beauty. As you drive down from Kunzum La, you are transported to a different world of arid lands, multicoloured mountains, impressive chortens, fluttering prayer flags, and 1000 year old monasteries built on high spurs. Between such landscape are nestled picturesque villages with toiling locals in their lush green farms of barley, buckwheat, and mustard. Solar energy has been well harnessed in the valley and it is not surprising to see entire villages subsisting on just solar power.
Spiti is cut-off from the rest of the world during its severe winters, when temperatures drop drastically to sub zero degrees. Its approach road from Shimla via the Hindustan-Tibet road is dangerous while Kunzum La, the gateway to Spiti Valley is closed under heavy snow most of the year. Spiti is open only in summers for a brief period between July and Sep, the only time you get to witness the bewitching beauty of this self sufficient valley.
Our trek takes us through some of the highest villages in Asia, staying in homestays and partaking local meals. A great way of exploring Spiti up and close, from the living rooms of the ever smiling, warm natives of Spiti.
Interestingly Spiti, and especially our trekking path has a lot of rock fossils reminding us of an age when the Himalaya used to be under the Tethys sea. This trek is also famous as the Fossil trail!
Nubra Valley Trek
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A section of the ancient silk route that connected China to
middle Asia
Nubra - the famous ‘Valley of flowers’ of Ladakh
Crossing of the high eternally snowbound Lasermola
Pass(5400m)
Sand dunes of Hundar and double-humped Camels
Massive Maitreya statue at Deskit monastery
Ancient monasteries and palaces of Ladakh
Goechala Trek
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The trip starts with 2 days at the Tea Capital of Darjeeling, the charming hill station town built by the British. We then move on to Yuksom in West Sikkim, the start point for the 8 day trek rich in flora and fauna. There is a wide variety of orchids, ferns, rhododendrons and bamboo…the thick vegetation with snow mountains peeking through the branches, the yaks and dzos ambling along with load on their backs is a common sight along the trail. During Spring, this region is home to some of the biggest and most colourful rlooming hododendrons in the Himalaya.
Rated among the finest walks in the Indian Himalaya, the trek to Goechala and back will leave you craving for more.
Manali Winter Experience
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Manali! The name itself excites one and all for a variety of reasons :) But most of all for its chill climes and pristine Himalayan ranges. Nestled between the Pir Panjal Range and the Dhauladhar range is Kullu Valley, the gateway to Ladakh and the Karakoram. Manali, the most famous tourist hill town in Kullu Valley is at an altitude of 2000m and enjoys salubrious weather and a steady inflow of tourists and trekkers through the year. The side valleys around Manali offer some amazing trekking options from relaxed day hikes for amateurs to tough trails for the seasoned trekker. The only time the valley sort of goes into slumber would be during the winter when the inflow of travellers thins down.
Here’s a chance to experience Manali and around in the quiet winters and have a fab Christmas and New year. Sign off 2017 and welcome 2018 with an exhilarating experience in the mountains. Lovely pine-scented forests, sprawling meadows, snow-capped mountains, and a billion stars to gaze at in the dead of the nights.
After our arrival in Manali, we set up base at the Buddhist village of Tsethan(2650m), an hour’s drive into the mountains above Manali. This is the last inhabited village after which we are totally in the mountains. This was the village which was proposed to become a ski village. A lot of heli skiing and ski touring happens around here in the peak of winters. At Tsethan, we stay at a lovely lodge and take day hikes everyday into a different valley ranging from 3-4 hrs. Have picnic lunches soaking in the Himalayan bliss or come back early for a hot lunch at base camp. Evenings are spent around the bonfire chatting away and star gazing. Its also a chance to interact with the very hospitable locals and learn a little of their simple yet rugged lifestyles. All in all a great way to say bye to this year and move on into the next with renewed hopes and dreams.
Parang La Trek
An ethereal walk traversing countries and geographies, from Indian desert mounds-of-sand like mountains of Spiti Valley to the vast expansive high altitude plateau, Changthang - the home of the nomadic Changpa’s in Tibet, is the Parang la trek. The trek reaches it crescendo, not just on one day – the day we cross the Parang la across the ragged mountains, but another – the day we soak in the serenity of the Tso Moriri. The trek is an endless walk along through green meadows where the Kiangs (Tibetan wild horses) run wild, through little bushes of green in the arid brown of the Spiti that are the rhododendrons, along the cobalt blue stillness of the Tso Moriri and then on to the vast expansive ill-populated wetlands of the Changthang plateau. This trek embodies the art of mindfulness – Vipaasana Meditation – One is truly mindful of their surrounding, their breath and the breathtaking visages.
The trip starts with a drive across the stunning landscapes and the lush green meadows of the Kullu valley to the arid mountain scapes of Lahaul and Spiti. To get acclimatised to the high altitude, the next couple of days is well spent understanding the ways of the monks and the people of Spiti in the millennial old, favourites of Dalai Lama -Toba and Kye/Key monasteries, soaking up some good energy and history. Taking the traditional trade route between Ladakh and Spiti, we cross Parang la (5580m), source of the Pare Chu River that flows from India to Tibet and final circles back to India to join the Spiti River. Then we descends to the almost never-ending plateau of Changthang and walk to the Tso Moriri (Lake Moriri) we get to sight some exotic migratory birds like the rare Great crested grebe, endangered Black-necked cranes, the lake is also the lone breeding home for the Bar-headed geese. Camping at the green grounds of Chumik Shilte and Kiangdam, we get to sleep under the stars and uninhabited lands of the Changthang, is a surreal experience of living, even if for few days, amongst the magnificent glacier peaks and still blue lakes. The trip ends with another scenic drive across Changthang to Leh, the main city of Ladakh, for a leisure day in Leh to relax the aching muscles after the challenging yet exciting walk.
This trek is recommended for experienced trekkers who have had some high-altitude trekking experience or maintain an active lifestyle.
- High altitude crossing from surreal Spiti into Changthang, the
Tibetan plateau
- Turquoise Tsomoriri Lake between Kiangdam and Korzok
- Wild Tibetan wild Asses and rare birds at Tsomoriri
- Witness lifestyle and interaction with Changpa Nomads of
Ladakh
- Millennium old monasteries of Spiti
- 2 splendid high altitude drives through awe-inspiring scenery
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Deo Tibba peak at 6001m is one of the higher peaks in the Pir Panjal Range of the Indian Himalayas. Starting from Jammu and Kashmir, the Pir Panjal range extends all the way into Himachal. Mt. Deo Tibba and Indrasan mark the eastern end of this range. The Deo Tibba Valley trek takes you to the base camp of this big mountain through dense conifer forests, lush green meadows, high altitude lakes and snow-capped mountains. Starting from the beautiful hill town of Manali, we make a small circuit over 5 days starting at Shuru village and ending at Jobri, where there is a small dam. Shuru is the first and last village on the trail. Post that, the only people we get to meet on this Himalayan trail would be the Gaddi Shepherds and Gujjar cattle herders. Gaddis camp in the mountains with their huge flocks of sheep and goat throughout the Summer and Monsoons. Gujjars are few and are normally found at Tilgan and Jobri with theirs herds of buffaloes.
The trek is of moderate difficulty with a couple of tough days which includes steep ascents. Starting at 2000m, we ascend to the highest altitude of 3700m at Rourikholi, the enchanting grazing grounds for all horses of Prini and Shuru Villages in Manali. You can count about a hundred horses and mules in this sprawling meadow with views of Deo-Tibba and Indrasan on one side and Dhauladhar range on the other. Each campsite on the trail is picturesque, enhancing the joy of camping in the mountains. For first time trekkers and visitors into the Himalaya, this trek works as a classic introduction to the beauty and rigour of trekking in the Indian Himalaya. For the seasoned trekker, this is a relaxed walking holiday with a lot of #metime that will leave you totally des-stressed and rejuvenated by the end of it all.
Deo Tibba Base Camp trek is the perfect active Himalayan getaway for over stressed souls.
Slice of Ladakh
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Ladakh - a rugged land of high passes and mystic. A land that grows on you each time you visit. A land you can never get enough of.
“Slice of Ladakh”, as the name goes is designed specifically for travellers visiting Ladakh for the first time. Travellers who just want to test the waters before they invest more time into a substantial adventure. The adventure is designed to cover most of the highlights of the region in an active manner. We trek along the Sham Valley with its green villages and warm Homestays, bike down the highest motorable pass- Khardung La and take a day rafting trip down the Zanskar. A perfect trip to excite and engage you.
Garhwal Trek & Raft
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A trekking trail steeped with links to the Pandavas from the Hindu Epic Mahabharat, an ancient temple of Lord Shiva considered the highest Shiva temple in the World, a vantage point at 3700m with 360 degree views of both Garhwal and Kumaon mountains, and a rafting trip down the classic Ganges section from Devprayag to Rishikesh. Garhwal trek packs in a solid punch in the short span of a week! This adventure is for anybody who does not have the time but still wants to experience a big slice of the Himalayan pie.
Ladakh – Bike, Hike, Raft
₹79,600
This adventure is specifically designed for the active traveller, somebody who relishes a destination while being on the move. For anybody who wants to get a good feel of Ladakh up and close, and in action mode.
We spend the first 2 days acclimatizing to high altitude, something mandatory after arriving in Leh. The next 2 days are for mountain biking down the highest motorable road to Leh and then on to Likir, the start point of our trek. 2 days of trekking to follow, through Ladakhi villages with green cultivated fields and staying in homestays for the night. A great way of getting to know the local lifestyle and interact with the natives of Sham Valley.
Before going on to our last adventure, we take a long and beautiful drive through Suru and Zanskar to reach Padum, the main town of Zanskar. The next 3 days is reserved for high octane white water adventure on the Zanskar river over a class 4+ section through Zanskar canyon, famously referred to as “The Grand Canyon of Asia”. The penultimate day for visiting the famous turquoise Pangong lake at the Tibetan border and the final day to just sit and vegetate!
For energetic ones visiting Ladakh for the first time, there is no better way of soaking in the Ladakh feel in 2 weeks.