The literal meaning of the word “Markha” in laholi language is “Can’t dor it”. As such the trek has been named very well. This trek demands good physical and mental endurance for proper propagation. The valley of Markha is known for steep climbs and impossible down slides. The 14 day trek is meant to strengthen your attitude.
- Duration : 14 Days.
- Season : July to October.
- Region : Ladakh region
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arrival in Delhi
Transfer to and O/N in hotel.
DAY 2: Delhi to Leh (3500 m)
Transfer to domestic airport, flight to Leh. Transfer to hotel. In the afternoon visit Tsemo Gompa, Shanti Stupa and old fort of Leh. O/N in hotel.
DAY 3: Around Leh
Drive to Spituk monastery close to Leh, and Phyang 13 km west of Leh. Back to hotel for lunch; afternoon at leisure. O/N in hotel.
DAY 4: Stok to foot of Stok La (4820 m): Trek Day 1: 3 hrs
Reaching Stok after a 10 km drive from Leh, visit Stok Palace and its museum, which has beautiful thangkas and a large collection of jewellery. Follow the left bank of the river flowing from Stok Kangri massif for 2 hours. Leaving the riverbed, climb gently to the camp near a sheepfold.
DAY 5: Foot of Stok La to Yurutse (4180 m): Trek Day 2: 6 hrs
From the sheepfold, long and steep ascent to the Stok La (4900 m) for 3 hours. A steep descent, the trail then going quite flat till Rumbak. Go through the village, cross the bridge over the Jingchan River, and follow the easy trail to Yurutse.
DAY 6: Yurutse to Skiu (3400m): Trek Day 3: 6 hrs
Ascend from Yurutse through pastures, crossing a small valley and zigzagging steeply up to the pass Ganda La (4900 m); it takes approximately 3 hours to the pass. Long, easy descent toward Shingo village, then into splendid gorge. After descending for about 2 hours arrive in Markha Valley and after a few hundred metres, you are at the campsite of Skiu.
DAY 7: Skiu to Markha (3710m): Trek Day 4: 7 hrs
Move along the easy trail on the right bank of the Markha; there is plenty of vegetation along this stretch. You will cross the river several times, arriving in the small settlement of Chaluk at one point, and eventually making a short
climb toward the large village of Markha. Campsite near the river.
DAY 8: Markha to Tchatchutse (4250 m): Trek Day 5: 6 hrs
The trail goes up to the main valley on the right bank, along a sometimes difficult trail over the riverbed. Visit the monastery of Humlung, then move along the right bank and arrive at Hankar village, sprawling over several valleys. From the highest point of Hankar, follow the trail along a stream, then cross the bridge to reach the pasture of Tchatchutse.
DAY 9: Tchatchutse to Nimaling (4730 m): Trek Day 6: 4 hrs
The trail is gradual along several small inclines; the river is quite far to the left. Cross a pasture to reach Nimaling Plain. This is one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh dominated by the Kongyatse peak (6400 m). Several fairly difficult routes lead to the summit.
DAY 10: Nimaling to Shang : Trek Day 7: 8 hrs
Cross Markha Valley by a zigzag ascent of about 2 hours to the panoramic Kongmaru La (5150 m), then descend, again in zigzag fashion, to the other side of the base of the pass. The trail goes through a narrow gorge. After several stream crossings arrive in Shang, camping on a beautiful site in a grove. One can visit a small gompa out of the village.
DAY 11: Shang to Leh; Drive: 60 km
On the drive back to Leh stop for visits to some of Ladakh’s most well-known monasteries Hemis and Thiksey, and Shey Palace. O/N in hotel.
DAY 12: Free day in Leh
O/N in hotel.
DAY 13: Leh to Delhi
Transfer to the domestic airport, flight to Delhi. Transfer from airport to hotel, afternoon at leisure. O/N in hotel.
DAY 14: Exploring Delhi and Departure
Visit Old and New Delhi (full day sightseeing). Evening transfer to international airport for flight to onward destination.