Markha Valley Trek

Introduction of Ladakh

Known as little tibet and the land of the lamas, Ladakh is a seat of Buddhist culture of the middle ages. It was here that the most important carvan routes of the Himalaya met: northwards, the way leads over Thekashgar and Varkand, in the west of Baltistan, Kashmir and further on to Afghanistan and Persia ; in the east it is, via Demchock, the main route to Lhasa and in the south, one can reach Manali in Himachal Pradesh across the valleys of Spiti & Lahoul. The most important trade route was however the caravan route from Lhasa in Tibet to India. Ladakh with its incomparable natural landscape has its Head Quarters at Leh "the capital of Ladakh". The common people are fond of songs, dances and merriment's. Ladakh nature is a bunch of varieties. Its monasteries are a treasure house of Buddhist art with richly decorated Thankas, scrolls and wall paintings, gold & copper statues and icons. Ladakh is an eternal invitation to the tourists.  

Transfer to domestic airport to check in for the highly spectacular Flight over the Himalayas to Leh - 3500 Mts. Meet upon arrival & transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest and acclimatisation. Overnight at hotel.

Fullday sightseeing of Shey, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. Thiksey : the great monastery of Thiksey towers on a steep rocks at the periphery of an oasis on the right bank of the Indus. This monastery belongs to Elugpa order (Yellow sect). The foundation of Thiksey in the middle of 15th century has been attributed to Palden Chang Whoes uncle Shasrab Zangpo was a dispel of the reformer guru Tsongkhapa "founder of the yellow sect". The layout of the monastery complex resembles the Potala palace in Lhasa. Shey : the Shey palace also known as Khar Chung was built by Senge Namgyal in the beginning of the 17th century. It was erected on the ruins of an already existing castle. Shey monastery belongs to red hat order. Shankar: this monastery belongs to Gelugpa order (Yellow sect) and was founded by the last Skushog Bakula as a branch monastery of Spituk during the turn of the century. Overnight at hotel.

Half day sightseeing of Phyang & Spituk monasteries. Phyang : lies away from Indus to the far right at the ridge between Nimu & Leh. Phyang belongs to red hat order and was founded in the 16th century by Kungda Grangs-Pa. Spituk : the origins of which date back to the a.d. 11th century, was built in its present form in the 15th century. Afternoon visit Leh palace and bazzar. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast we drive to Stok village. Visit Stok Palace: this palace was built in the beginning of the 19th century. It is the residence of queen of Ladakh - the widow of last king who died in 1974. The museum treasures numerous priceless articles of ancient times. We start our first day of trek following the main trail to the out skirts of the village and then follow on the left bank of the river which comes from the massif of Stok Kangri- 6160 Mts.climb gently, then leave a small pass on the left and go up a small valley. Overnight in camp. 

A long and the steep ascend to the Stok la - 4800 Mts. with breath taking Views back into the Indus valley. From here a sharp descent of 02 hrs will take us to the out skirts of Rumbek village. Overnight in camp.

From here the trail ascends to Yurutse village. Good path along the mountainside, then cross a small valley and zigzag steeply up to a flat then go along the mountain side to Ganda la - 4950 Mts. An easy descent of 02 hrs we arrive Shingo. Overnight in camp.

A long descent through a wooden ravine to Skiu village where the trail meets the Markha valley. Here we turn left to the Markha river and another 02 hrs easy walk we arrive our camp. Overnight at hotel.

After two hours the Trailcrosses the river by a newly built bridge, then recrosses up stream at Chalak. Beyond this settlement there is an impressive line of Chortans & a huge mound of goat horns, probably to ward off any evil sprits trying to enter the valley. From here we cross the Markha River two times & then short climb towards Markha. Overnight in camp.

Go up to the main valley on the Right bank then main trail follows the valley through Umlung & Hankar village and the site of more impressive fort ruins. The valley narrows and goes higher. Cross onto the left bank over a wooden bridge to reach the pastures of Thaungtse. Overnight in camp.

The trail climbes quite steeply to the Nimaling Plateau, offering impressive views of Kang Yaste - 6400 Mts. Nimaling - 4700 Mts. is one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh. Overnight in camp.

Day to explore the surroundings or their are some climbing options along the ridges opposite Nimaling plateau. Overnight in camp.

Steep climb along the mountainside, then some Zigzagging up to the Kangmaru la 5200 Mts. The Supurb views across the Stok ranges and down to the Indus valley. The descent down through the gorges to the first village Chakdo takes about 03 hrs. From here easy walk of 02- hrs takes us to Sumda. Overnight in camp.

Descend the valley, until the trail meets the jeep track at Martselang. Turn left by the large Chorten above the Marstselang village, from where it takes one our to ascend the dusty trail to Hemis. Overnight in camp.

Morning visit Hemis monastery: this monastery is regarded as the most Important of the Drukpa - Kagyupa (Red sect) in whole Ladakh. Hemis Monastery was founded by the Tibetan monk Stagtsang Raspa during the Reign of the Senge Namgyal in 17th century. Drive to Leh. Overnight at hotel

Day free for independent activities. Overnight at hotel

Transfer to airport to connect flight for Delhi.