Trek Fee
₹ 55000$ 634+ 5% GST | + Rs 180 Trek Insurance |
View Dates & Register |
Trek Fee
₹ 55000$ 634+ 5% GST | + Rs 180 Trek Insurance |
View Dates & Register |
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TREK DIFFICULTY Difficult |
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TREK DURATION 9 days |
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HIGHEST ALTITUDE 17,200 Feet | |
GROUP SIZE 12 People | |
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TOTAL TREK DISTANCE 65 KM | |
BASECAMP Ladakh | |
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BEST TIME June to September | |
PICKUP POINT Ladakh |
Markha Valley Trek is a moderately difficult trek, with the most challenging part being the ascent to Kongmaru La and descent to Chogdo, which requires crossing the stream more than two dozen times, in a stretch across a gorge. The trekking distance is over 10 km every day, but the ascent is very gradual, albeit prior acclimatization is important in Leh. The long walks can be tiring for those not fit enough, and at the same time, the thin vegetation and high altitude, especially from the last village, Hankar, to Kongmaru La Pass, can be challenging. As the trek has tea shops with accommodation and homestays in villages, you don't need to carry any equipment, such as a tent, or sleeping bag, and can opt to stay in these camps or homestays, which will charge you around ₹1,600 to ₹2000 per night, inclusive of Meals and Stay. This makes the trek easier for trekkers who are doing the trek by themselves, as they don't need to carry much load on their backs.
During the summer months and until September, the days are dry and warm with a bright overhead sun, enough to cause dehydration, however, the evenings and nights can be really cold, amidst the desert landscape that this valley has. The mountainsides are naked with little or no vegetation, and only the valley below has scattered trees and fields along the entire route. The campsite at Nimaling can be really cold owing to the high altitude.
The villages of Markha Valley are known for their beauty, culture, and rich historic past, the remnants of which are still to be found along the route. The ruined palace complex in village Markha, the Monastery ahead of Markha rising atop a steep cliff with its sole inhabitant, a Buddhist monk, or the remnants of a millennium-old, now abandoned fort, surrounding the Hankar village, are all a reminder of the glorious past this valley had, with its sheer beauty still intact. You will get to walk across sea buckthorn forests on your way to the Markha valley and if you're trekking in September, you can relish the freshly harvested Leh berries (sea buckthorn berries) and Leh berry Juice. The trek offers a journey across the naked mountains of Ladakh, with their ever-changing hues, and offers spectacular views of Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse peaks (I & II).
After arrival at Leh Airport, our cab will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. You will be spending the night at The Bodhi Tree, one of the best rated accommodation in Leh.
Relax and rejuvenate at the Hotel. Tomorrow we set out to explore near Leh.
After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel restaurant, we set out to explore in and around Leh.
We start with the Leh Monastery, which is an age old monument, also known as as the Lhachen Palkhar. King Sengge Namgyal built the Leh Palace during the 16th Century and it was completed by the 17th century.
The facades of the Leh palace resemble that of the Potala Palace in Lhasa.
In the evening we can visit the Leh Market and drive to Shanti Stupa for a vivid sunset.
Dine in a local restaurant with some local chamomile tea and a variety of local cuisine.
The day starts with a drive from Leh, early in the morning, along the Leh – Srinagar highway which runs parallel to Indus river. After 35 KM on this well paved beautiful road, we arrive at the confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers, where we take a discourse towards south, parallel to river Zanskar, which now runs right along the road, and will continue to, until we arrive at Chilling. From chilling we are to cross the river, by taking the recently constructed bridge. The route ahead is an unpaved road, running now along the Markha river. Having already come across 3 different rivers, it sure is a delight.
We arrive at Skiu in 3 hours. After initial climb through hairpins, the route is very gradual, henceforth. Halfway we arrive at Village Kaya, and Skiu is another 3 KM up ahead. Skiu is a beautiful village tucked amidst tall mountains, with options for Homestay, as well as camping, but the recently constructed motorable road has provided the option to trek Further up to Sara, a hamlet, as if an Oasis in a desert. We rest and relish a warm meal, preferably a dish that goes by the name of this village, i.e. “Skiu”.
After breakfast, we start our trekking journey to Sara, which is around 11 KM ahead. We continue along this well marked trail running parallel to the river Markha. Halfway along the route we come across a Sole Tea Shop, which is women run. You can rest here, enjoy a cup of Tea or Coffee, but our favorite happened to be the fresh apricot juice which they happen to serve, although in limited quantities.
A stream cuts across the trail here, which can be used to refill your water bottles. The trail offers practically no shade except slightly ahead of the Tea Shop, where a short section of young trees render much need cool to the warm environment. To supplement yourself with water continuously is very important.
After around 3 KM we come across a bridge and cross over to the other side of the river, into a small forest patch, before the trail clears up again. The route is straight ahead along the river with only mild ascent all the way up the hamlet of Sara. The Hamlet will only appear once we are very close to the settlement, less than half a KM, where a hump in the landscape obstructs the view ahead. Once atop the feature, which is lined with a Stupa and prayer flags, we can see the beautiful settlement with 3-4 houses which all offer the option for Homestay, as we as camping. Green Fields, blossoming trees surrounding these houses are in stark contrast to the landscape all around.
Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.
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