Markha Valley Trek

Day 1: Arrive – Leh , Local Sightseeing Leh

On arrival at KushokBakula airport in Leh (situated at a height of 3,500 meters), you will be transferred to your hotel. Leh Flight is considered one of the most sensational flights in the world. During the day, acclimatize yourself with the weather and high pressure of Ladakh.

Shanti Stupa is situated on a hilltop in Chanspa built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist BhikshuGyomyo Nakamura. Shanti stupa provides beautiful and panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Shanti Stupa in Ladakh was built to promote world peace and a symbol of the ties between Japan and Ladakh.

In the evening, take a walk to the local bazaar in Leh and enjoy Shanti Stupa.

Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.

Day 2: Leh – Shey – Thiksey – Stok Palace – Leh

After a delicious breakfast at your camp leave for the day excursion to enjoy a comfortable

Shey Palace: The former summer palace of the King of Ladakh and erstwhile royal residence of the Ladakh monarchs, is the main attraction.

Thiksey: Spectacularly sighted, Thiksey is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive gompa. There are several temples in this gompa, containing images stupas and wall painting of Buddha’s which are exquisite.

Stok Palace Museum: Where the present day royal family resides. Stok Palace and museum was built in the year 1825, by King Tespal Tondup Namgyal. At present the place has a collection of royal dresses and crown etc. which is open for travelers. Drive back to Leh.

Drive back to Leh.Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.

Day 3: Spituk – Zinchen 05 Hours Trek

In the early morning hours we will go by jeep to Spituk. The trek will begin along an old jeep road into a parched and exposed region, so water and sunscreen are absolutely vital! After plodding through the shattered land we will enter the lush Zingchen Valley, where the Rumbak River flows into the mighty Indus. Further into the valley lies our campsite, in the two-house hamlet of Zingchen (meaning ‘big field’). Overnight in Camp.

Day 4: Zinchen – Ganda La (4545m)06 Hours Trek

Today we will enter Hemis National Park where we may be fortunate to glimpse wildlife. The National park homes snow leopard, lynx, LadakhiUrial (a type of goat), arghali (great Tibetan sheep), Bharal (blue sheep), red fox, Tibetan wolf, dhole (wild dog), marmot and mountain hare. After paying the entrance fee, we will climb gradually through a beautiful gorge before reaching the valley leading to the village of Rumbak. Here we will stop at a tented teahouse run by women from the village. After a cup of warm tea we will continue past the house of Yuruche before reaching camp at the base of Ganda La (4545m). From the campsite there are spectacular views of Stok Kangri and the whole Stok range. Overnight in Camp.

Day 5: Ganda La Base – Skiu 06 Hours Trek

After a light breakfast, we will begin our 2-hour ascent towards Ganda La (4900m). The usual chorten and prayer flags mark the top of the pass, where one may see blue sheep, marmots and arghali roaming the hills around. Views of the lofty Zanskar Range and the distant Himalaya Range are great as well. After a short rest, we will make a gradual descent to Shingo and break for lunch. We will finish the day by hiking for 2-hours through a spectacular gorge before making camp at Skiu (3300m). Within this idyllic village lies an old monastery and ruins of an old castle, once a rest stop for the Royal family on their way to Srinagar. Overnight in Camp.

Day 6: Skiu – Markaha 07 Hours Trek

A good path continue on the right bank from Skiu to Markha. It is all round green. After crossing left bank by a bridge, mountain scape changes to barren and by plain, again cross a bridge on the right bank, trekkers arrive at Chaluk village with few houses. Cross again and after a short climb is a beautiful Markha village with very good camping sites beyond house near the river.

Day 7: Markha – Nimalung 07 Hours Trek

The Markha valley trail continues pass old stone-mills, a ruined castle and the auspicious monastery of Techa, which proudly perches upon a cliff that looms above Markha. The path then intersects the river several times before cutting through the last hamlets in the valley. After leaving the village of Umlung, we will be afforded our first view of mighty Mt. Kang Yatse (6400m), which will stay in sight until we cross Kongmaru La. After we break for lunch in the village of Hangkar (the last one in the valley), we will continue onward to the lovely green pasture of Thachungste (4100m). Overnight in Camp

Day 8: Nimalung – Chokurmo – Leh 7 Hours Trek

Now path is well marked, river is quite far the left, walk near a small lake, cross pastures reach Nirmaling. It is beautiful valley in Ladakh and Kang Yaze peak dominates the valley. From Nirmaling there are so many routes leading to the summits.

Day 8: Leh –Airport

Waking up early in the morning, enjoy delicious breakfast and get to say bye to the enchanting environs of Ladakh. Pack your bags and weave all the pleasant memories of your amazing Ladakh tour, as you will be dropped at the Leh Airport for your onward journey.