Markha Valley Trek

Quick Info:

• Duration: 9D/8N
• Markha valley trek altitude:17100ft
• Markha valley trek Difficulty level: Difficult
• Trek distance: 75kms
• Temperature: During the day: 20┬░C - 30┬░C and During the night time 0┬░C - 10┬░C
• Best Time To Travel: July to Mid September
• Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh
• Basecamp: Leh
• ATM: At Leh, there is a final ATM where travelers can withdraw money
• Start point / End Point: Leh

About Markha Valley Trek:

• An arid, bloodless desolate desert trekking area with beautiful views of the Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges attracts visitors from all over the world. It's also known as a tea-residence hike because it's rich in Ladakh's local culture. While on this walk, you can also see the Kang Yissay peak at 21000 feet and the Stok Kangri peak at 20086 feet.
• While on the Markha Valley hike, one can see Hemis National Park, Gandala La, and Kongmaru La, among other sites. The waist-deep river crossing, which allows us to move the Markha River to reach the trails to Buddhist communities and rock constructions, is another amusing aspect of our trek. Because the Markha Valley is so close to Leh, it is more accessible to trekkers.

How to reach Leh:

By Air:

• The simplest manner to get to Leh is to fly in, Leh is on the market through the air from all main Indian airports. If you do fly in, you must relax in Leh for as a minimum an afternoon if you want to acclimatize to the altitude (11,560 ft). 

By Road:

• The greater adventurous however time-ingesting manner to get to Leh is through taking the road, both from Manali or from Srinagar. The Manali-Leh course is arguably greater scenic than the Srinagar-Leh course, even though it's also higher. Buses, in addition to shared taxis, run on each Manali- Leh, and Srinagar-Leh route. 
  
• Traveling through the HRTC bus is the most inexpensive manner to get to Leh from Manali. It takes days and fees approximately Rs. 800, halting at Keylong for the nighttime. Keylong is a pleasant metropolis in itself and it'd be a very good concept to live there for an afternoon. A barely greater costly however handy choice is the HPTDC run deluxe bus which stops at vacationer places alongside the manner. It fees around Rs. 3000, which incorporates tented lodging and meals at Keylong. 

Available dates:

• July : 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• August : 7, 14, 21, 28
• September: 4, 11

Day Schedule: 

Day 1 - Day Highlights: Arrival at Leh

• Meet at Leh and check in to the hotel. This day is reserved for relaxation and acclimatization as it is vital for a healthy trip ahead.
• Overnight will be spent in the hotel.

Day 2 - Day at Leh

• Spend one more day at Leh. Unravel the ancient monasteries, palaces, and museums that the place is famous for. Visit Shey and Thiksey Gompa and also Stok Gompa. Being in the same destination will assist in getting acclimatized well for high altitudes. Towards the evening, enjoy a hike to Leh palace. The remaining evening will be spent at leisure.
• Overnight will be spent in a hotel.

Day 3 - Leh - Zingchen (3400m) - Yurutse (4150m) (Trek/4hrs)

• Today; on the first day of the Markha Valley trekking, indulge in an early breakfast and drive through Spikut Village to reach Zingchen. This is where your hike of short stage and moderate gradient begins. Enjoy the trail through Rumbak Village to reach Yurutse and come across several stream crossings. Pass the village before setting up camp. The site is a winsome one with barley fields all around.

Day 4 - Yurutse (4150m) - Ganda La (4800m) - Skiu (3400m) (Trek 7/8hrs)

• This balmy day, in the initial stretch of the trek, ascends to Ganda La (4900 m). Expect a steep climb and strong winds towards the latter half. From the pass, enjoy views of valleys on both sides, the Zanskar range, and some distant summits of the Himalayan range. Commence descending to Shingo Village, after which, the trail makes its way into a narrow gorge leading towards Skiu, where a confluence of the rivers come from Markha Valley and Shingo.
• Overnight will be spent in tents.

Day 5 - Skiu (3400m) - Markha (3800m (Trek 6/7hrs)

• Brace yourself for a long and moderate hike to the charming Markha Village. Cross several streams along the way. Reach the hamlet that is a trove in the middle of this cold and arid desert. The place is laced with green fields, willow trees, and a deserted palace. Camp beside a gurgling stream.
• Overnight will be spent in camps.

Day 6 - Markha (3800m) ΓÇô Thochuntse (4150m, Trek /4-5hrs)

• Today, take in the beautiful scenery all around you and cross numerous streams and rivers. Make your way through the grazing field and towns. When heading towards Hankar, take in the breathtaking vista of Kangyatze Peak (6400m). We'll find a wonderful camping spot and pitch our tent there.
• Overnight will be spent in tents.

Day 7 - Thochuntse (4150m) - Nimaling (4700 m) (Trek/ 4hrs)

• Wallow in a short walk to arrive at the Nimalaing campsite. With a wide-open valley, unrestricted grazing fields, and Kangyatze Peak as a backdrop, the location is enticing. It's worth noting that there's a steady breeze in the area, which makes things a little uncomfortable. Today you can take a side journey to Kangyatse's base camp if you wish.
• Overnight will be spent in tents.

Day 8 - Nimaling (4700m) - Kongmaru La (5150m) - Sumdo (3800m) - Leh 3500m (Trek 7hrs) (Drive 2hrs)

• Dig into an early breakfast and take on a steep climb to reach the top of the highest pass on the trail - Kongmaru La (5200m). Take in the great sights of Nun Kun in the West and Saser Kangri to the North. Cherish some moments here before climbing down to Sukarno, from where your trail is a flat walk along the river till you come to the road head at Sumdo. From here, hop on to a vehicle to drive back to Leh.
• Overnight will be spent at a hotel.

Day 9 - Departure from Leh

• The charm and allurement of the Markha Valley trekking end here as you go ahead with your onward journey or stay back in Ladakh.

• Water Bottle
• Snacks
• Appropriate Clothing
• Comfortable Footwear
• Backpack
• Flashlight
• Sunscreen
• UA Voucher

Know Before You Go for Markha Valley Trek

• Climate conditions at high altitudes differ from those at lower altitudes; allow adequate time to acclimate to high elevations.
•  Pay heed to the recommendations given through the trek chief or teacher to revel in a secure and sound hiking experience.
•  Avoid trekking at some point of the night.
• If you're not sure if you're in good enough shape to go on the trek, talk to your doctor.
• Do not mess around on neighborhood sites or campgrounds.