MARKHA VALLEY TREK (MODERATE TREK)
The Markha Valley Trek is certainly one of the most varied and beautiful treks in the world. It ventures high into the Himalayas crossing two passes over 15,000 ft. as it circles from the edges of the Indus Valley, down into parts of Zanskar, and passes through terrain that changes from incredibly narrow valleys to wide open vast expanses. It is made all the more interesting by the ancient form of Buddhism that flourishes in the many monasteries that dot the landscape perched high atop hills. As we trek to the upper end of the Markha Valley we are rewarded with spectacular views of jagged snow capped peaks before cross the 16500 ft. Gongmarlu Pass and descending to the famous Hemis monastery, where we end our trek.
Day 01: Delhi - Leh
Early flight to LEH. Arrival in Leh, meet and transfer to hotel. PM Sanker and Shanti Stupa. Overnight at Hotel.
SHANKAR: The Sankar Gompa is a couple of kilometers away from Leh town. It belongs to the Gelukspa school of Tibetan Buddhism . This small Gompa is branch of the Spityk Monastery, founded by the first incarnation of Skyabje Bakula (head monk of Spituk).
SHANTI STUPA
The Japanese for World Peace built the Shanti Stupa, at Changspa, on the hilltop, and was inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 1985. Its state of the art work attracts a lot of tourists to Ladakh and is spectacular to watch.
Day 02: Leh
Full day tour of Shey, Theksey & Hemis. Today we start our excursion by visiting the monastery of Thikse. Thikse is one of the most imposing monastery in Ladakh. The monastery has 12 stories, 10 temples, a nunnery and 60 lamas in residence. It contains numerous stupas, statues, tankhas, wall painting and a large pillar engraved with the teaching of Buddha. We can also see here a collection of Tibetan scripts. After the visit of Thikse we visit the village of Shey on the eastern bank of the Indus. Shey was the royal residence and was located at an important vantage point in the Indus valley. It has a large victory stupa which is topped with gold. After the visit of the monastery of Shey we visit the monastery of Hemis. The rich monastery of Hemis is the biggest in Ladakh and is perched on top of a pleasant green hill surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery
Day 03: Leh – Spituk and trek to Zinchen 3 / 4 Hrs trek
Leave Leh early morning by Jeep and reaches at Spituk. Visit the monastery and Start trek from Zinchen easy climb gently leaving a small pass on the left, continue onto a small valley, Overnight in Tents.
Day 04: Zinchen – Yurutse 4/ 5 Hrs. Trek
Easy gradual ascending and passing some interesting small pastures with shepherds and finally reaching Yurutse. Overnight in Tents.
Day 05: Yurutse – Gandala – Skiu 6/7 Hrs. Trek
Yurutse follow path along the mountainside, then cross a small valley and follow zig zag steep path. Thereafter cross Gandala. Then long descent towards Shingo. After 2 Hrs. descent arrive in the valley of Markha and then after few hundred meters further will reach Skiu. Overnight in Tents.
Day 06: Skiu – Markha 7 Hrs. Trek
From Skiu, follow a good path on the right bank of Markha where one can find great vegetation. Then cross right bank of river and cross through barren plain and arrive at Chaluk. Thereafter walk along the left bank of river and after another crossing climb towards Markha village. Good camp site beyond the village and near river. Overnight in Tents.
Day 07: Markha – Tchatchutse 6/7 Hrs. Trek
Start trek towards the main valley on the right bank. The path is sometimes difficult in the river bed and pass the monastery of Humlung. Then carry on trek along the right bank and arrive in Hankar where there are several houses. The path improves and cross a broad valley on the right side. The valley becomes narrow and higher and cross bridges on to the left bank and then reaches Tchatchuste. Overnight in Tents.
Day 08: Tchatchutse – Nimaling (4700 M) 3 Hrs. Trek
Trek starts on good path and several small inclines. The river is rather far to the other side and walk near a small lake, then cross pasture to Nimaling. This is one of most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh dominated by the Kang Yaze. Trek ascent towards other side and gradually reach Nimaling. Overnight in Tents.
Day 09: Nimaling – Knogmarula (5150 M) – Shang 8 Hrs. Trek
Cross the Markha valley and follow long climb along the mountain side, then zig zag road leads towards Kongmarula. Follow steep descent into gorges and then keep walking on the left bank to Chukirmo. Thereafter crossing right and left bank and arrive Shang, a beautiful camp in groves and there is a monastery an hour away from the village. Overnight in tents.
Day 10: Shang – Hemis 4 Hrs. Trek – Leh 1 ½ Hrs. drive
Trek starts from the riverbed, then follow a good path through large blocks and then go left bank. You reach a dusty trail suitable for motor vehicles and then pass a small house and series of Chortens. Leave Martsellang on the right and follow a gently rising trail towards Hemis. Visit Hemis monastery after that drive towards to Leh via Shey and Thiksey monastery.
Day 11: Leh – Delhi
Transfer in time to the airport to connect onwards flight for delhi.
Tour Cost Includes:
Transfers and sightseeing tours by Inovva
3 Nights Hotel Royal Ladakh, Leh
Mobile Camp for 07 nights
All camping equipments during the trekking
All meals during the trekking
Mule and Mules to carry luggage during the trekking
Service of Cook, Mountain Guide and Helpers
All taxes, permits and entrances