MARKHA VALLEY


One of the most popular treks, the Markha valley trek gives you the real feel of the stark landscape of Ladakh.

SEASON: June - October

MAX. ALTITUDE: 5200m

NUMBER OF DAYS: 8 days

HIGH PASSES: Kongmaru La (5200m), Ganda La (4900m)

TREK GRADIENT: Moderately challenging

Day 01: Participants arrive in Leh.

Day 02: Leh - Spituk - Zingchen
Duration: 5 hours

The first part of the trek is by road to the village of Spituk. What follows is a long barren stretch before entering the lush Zingchen valley where the Rumbak river meets the Indus.

Day 03: Zingchen - Base of Ganda La
Duration: 4 hours

Today, you will enter the Hemis National Park. Once inside, look out for rare sightings of high altitude wildlife like snow leopard and blue sheep. A gradual climb will take you past a couple of villages before arriving at the camp.

Day 04: Base of Ganda La - Skiu via Ganda La (4900m)
Duration: 7 hours

The trail starts off with an ascent to Ganda La. A gradual descent and an easy walk will bring you to the camp at Skiu.

Day 05: Skiu - Markha
Duration: 8 hours

It's an easy walk today on the banks of the Markha river, crossing it at various points. The village of Markha is the largest in the valley.

Day 06: Markha - Thachungtse
Duration: 6 hours

Past old stone mills, mani walls, an old castle and a monastery the trail winds past the last villages of the Markha valley before branching out towards Thachungtse.

Day 07: Thachungtse - Nimaling (4878m)
Duration: 4 hours

Today is the easiest day of the trek with a gradual ascent over the open meadows of Nimaling.

Day 08: Nimaling - Shang Sumdo via Kongmarula (5200m)
Duration: 7 hours

On the last day of the trek you will cross the highest pass of the trek as well. The descent on the other side is steeper but will level out once you enter the Shang gorge. From there it's an easy walk of a few hours to the village of Shang Sumdo from where a vehicle will pick you up and drop you to Leh.

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