Markha Valley, located in the Leh-Ladakh is one of the largest valleys in the region. The trek gives you an opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of the Leh-Ladakh area. A number of small villages like Skui, Markha, Hankar, Nimaling along with monasteries, ancient ruins and temples makes this trek an exciting journey. Tacha Monastery is a must visit. The trek is located in the Hemis National Park and you can spot a wide variety of fauna and flora throughout the journey. You might spot Mountain Sheep, Argali, Rabbits or even snow leopards on the way.
On the Markha Valley trek, you can view the mighty Himalayan Ranges in the area. The most famous being the Karakoram & Ladakh ranges. The mesmerizing sight of K2 mountain, Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse peaks will also greet you on your way.
The first day is set aside for check in at Leh. Leh-Ladakh area is well connected to the National Capital New Delhi and once you reach there, you will not have any problems in finding your way to Leh. Today we will be exploring Leh as it is located at a high altitude of 11,000 ft and such sudden drastics change in altitude can trigger AMS.
You can check out the local market in the area to purchase anything that you might need for your journey ahead. Avoid travelling to higher altitudes. Leh is also famous for its beautiful monasteries and temples which also serve as a major attraction for tourists.
Brief Overview of the day
Today is the acclimatization day and having an extra day for this purpose will help you to get better used to the environment at high altitude. Try to spend time outside. You can hike up to Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery or Thiksey Gompa. But remember not to stress your body too much and conserve energy for the upcoming trek.
Brief Overview of the Day
After having breakfast in the morning, we will drive 65 Km through a picturesque landscape to Chilling. On our way you will be crossing the famous Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and the Magnet Hill. The “sangam” of Indus & Zanskar river is another attraction to look out for during the ride. As we reach closer to Chilling, you will notice a drastic change in the landscape around you. We will enter the valley full of Juniper & Alpine trees which will keep you company until we reach Chilling.
The trek to Skiu from Chilling starts with a steep ascent. As we keep walking we will reach Kaya-Do and we will make our first river crossing of the trek. Skiu village is located at the confluence of Shangri Nala & Markha and we will be camping here for tonight.
Brief Overview of the Day
We will start walking on a well-marked, easy & flat trail. Keep an eye out for any rare birds or animals that you might spot on the way. The hike goes along the Markha river and crosses a sparsely populated forest that opens up near a wooden bridge at Zanpa. Another 40 minutes walk from here will take us to Nagding. Nagding is famous for paintings that are found here in the meditation caves.
After walking for an hour from Nagding, we will reach the entrance of Sara Village. You can explore the area around and enjoy the beauty of nature. Night stay in tents
Brief Overview of the Day
Today is another easy day and we will start again on an easy well defined trail. On the way you will spot stones engraved with Buddhist prayers and some of them are in Sanskrit language. After walking for 30 minutes from Sara village, we will reach Chalak village and we can stop there for tea to re-energize ourselves.
Markha Village is one of the largest villages of the area and we will reach there by walking along the Markha river. Overnight stay in camps.
Brief Overview of the Day
Today's trail will take us through the least visited parts of the area. The hike is beautiful with a number of streams crossing our way. We will stop for refreshments at Umlung which is famous for a beautiful monastery that is located there.
As we cross Umlung, you will get a glimpse of the mighty Mt. Kang Yatse (6,400 m). Once again we will cross many streams to reach the final destination for the day at Hankar Village. The village is located in a beautiful setting with the Tacha Monastery visible on top of a mountain.
Brief Overview of the Day
We will leave Hankar early in the morning and head towards our next destination at Nimaling. The trail is a beautiful walk through nature and you will spot the pasture of Thochuntse after hiking for about 2 hours. The Mt. Kang Yatse seems to keep getting bigger as we inch closer to our destination. After crossing a couple of streams, the trail enters into a grassland and you will see twin lakes in this area. This grassland is used by sheeps, goats and other herbivorous animals for grazing.
Nimaling is an amazing camping location and this is the second highest point we will touch on this trek that is 15,400 ft. It can snow anytime at this high altitude and therefore we will have to come prepared.
Brief Overview of the Day
Today is the last day of the Markha Valley Trek and it is going to be a long one. Today we will be trekking a total of 16 Km for around 8 hours but every step you take will be totally worth the scenic beauty that you will experience in this location. After a tiring climb of 2 hours we will reach Kongmaru La Pass at an altitude of 17,100 ft. The clear view of the Karakoram Range and the second highest peak in the world - K2 will leave you at a loss of words.
As we say goodbye to Kongmaru La, the trail will enter a steep descent followed by a gradual descent to Chkirmo Village. After climbing down gradually on a rocky trail, we will reach Chokdo & a vehicle waiting for us will take us back to Leh.
Brief Overview of the Day
By Air -
Flights to Leh are available for booking all year round, even in winters. The Leh Airport is a military airport and security checks are a little more stringent than usual. Please carry a printout of your e-ticket before entering, failing which you might be denied entry. From the airport, you can easily get taxis that will take you to your hotel/resort.
By Bus -
From Jammu and Kashmir or from Manali, if you're planning to approach Leh in a bus, get ready for an adventurous bumpy ride. It’s got what it takes to become the ride of a lifetime and will take at least 4 days (starting at New Delhi).
By Train -
Pathankot and Chandigarh are the closest railway stations to Leh, still a three-day bus ride away. This is one route that most travellers to Leh avoid.
Self Drive -
For adventure lovers around the world, hitting the road to Leh is a dream they look forward to living at all times. They may pick up a motorbike, a jeep, an SUV or try to tackle this journey on a bicycle, but driving to Leh is certainly an adventure. You can either take the (lower) road from Jammu and Kashmir or the (higher) road from Rohtang La via Keylong and Sarchu.
Inclusions :-
Exclusions :-
Note : Normally THE CRAZY MOUNTAINEERS expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1200/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 1500/- if you inform us any later
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have a waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
| Basics Gear | |
| Back pack & rain cover | (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
| Day pack + rain cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
| Head torch | 1 Nos. |
| Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one litre each |
| People who use hydration pack | |
| 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter | |
| Carry at least one thermos flask | |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
| Be comfy at the Markha Valley Trek | |
| T-shirts | 2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
| Fleece T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
| Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
| Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. |
| Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
| Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
| Trek pants | 2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
| Poncho | 1 Nos. |
| Think about your head | |
| Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
| Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Balaclava | 1 Nos. |
| Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos. |
| Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected. |
| People who wear spectacles- | |
| (A)- Use contact lenses. (Not for Chadar trek) | |
| (B)- Photo chromatic glasses. | |
| Mind your step | |
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair (Optional) |
| Cotton socks | 5 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 3 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 Pair (The Crazy Mountaineers team will notify you if required) |
| Keep these handy | |
| Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
| Fleece/woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
| Personal Utilities | |
| Sunscreen cream | Hand sanitizer |
| Moisturiser | Antibacterial powder |
| Toilet Paper & wipes | Toothbrush and toothpaste |
| Lip balm | Quick dry towe |
Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek
Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund (Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.
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