High
10 days
5,200 meters (17,060 feet)
16+
The Markha Valley Trek is an extraordinary 9N/10D journey through one of Ladakh’s most captivating landscapes. At Wanderers we believe, there is no place as beautiful and welcoming as the beautiful Markha valley. Markha Valley can practically be done throughout the year. Wanderers offers this trek in summers as well as in winters. Situated at an altitude of 5,200 meters at its highest point, Kongmaru La, the Markha Valley Trek offers a perfect blend of challenging trails, cultural encounters, and breathtaking scenery.
Located within the Hemis National Park, this trek is a treasure trove of unique experiences. The Markha Valley is a place where Tibetan Buddhist culture meets the raw, rugged beauty of the Himalayan landscape. The trek takes you through remote Ladakhi villages, each adorned with prayer flags and traditional mud-brick homes, offering a rare glimpse into a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.
This trek is an excellent choice for those seeking to combine adventure with cultural immersion. Like the Valley of Flowers Trek, the Markha Valley Trek is accessible to those with a good level of fitness and a sense of adventure. It is ideal for trekkers looking to explore the less-traveled paths of Ladakh while experiencing the region’s spiritual and natural wonders.
Arrive in Leh by noon and check into your hotel. Spend the day resting and acclimatizing to the high altitude. Leh is situated at an elevation of 3,500 meters, and proper acclimatization is crucial to ensure a successful trek. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around the vibrant Leh market and soak in the atmosphere of this unique town nestled in the Himalayas.
Spend the day exploring Leh and its surroundings. Visit the famous Thiksey Monastery, Leh Palace, and Shanti Stupa. These sites offer insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage and provide stunning panoramic views of the Indus Valley. Use this day to fully acclimatize before beginning the trek.
An early start takes you on a drive from Leh to Spituk, the starting point of the trek. From Spituk, the trail follows the Indus River before turning into the lush Zingchan Valley. The day’s trek is a gentle introduction to the terrain of Ladakh, with the Rumbak River accompanying you for much of the journey. Camp overnight at Zingchan.
The trail today leads into the Hemis National Park, known for its diverse wildlife, including blue sheep, Tibetan wolves, and the elusive snow leopard. The route takes you through Rumbak village, where you can experience the traditional Ladakhi lifestyle. The day ends at the base of Ganda La, where you will camp for the night.
Begin the day with a challenging ascent to Ganda La Pass, situated at 4,900 meters. The pass offers stunning views of the Zanskar and Stok ranges. After crossing the pass, the trail descends sharply into the Markha Valley, leading you to the village of Skiu, a charming settlement along the Markha River. The Markha Valley Trek difficulty is most evident on this day, but the rewarding views make it worthwhile.
This long day of trekking follows the Markha River, taking you through a series of beautiful landscapes, from verdant riverbanks to rugged cliffs. The village of Markha, one of the largest in the valley, is your destination for the day. Here, you can visit an ancient monastery and interact with the friendly villagers. Markha village is a green oasis in the otherwise barren landscape, offering a unique contrast to the surroundings.
Leaving Markha, the trail gradually ascends, offering your first close-up views of the majestic Kang Yatse peak. The trek to Thochuntse is filled with stunning vistas, making it one of the most picturesque days of the Markha Valley Trek.
Today’s trek is relatively short but climbs steadily to the Nimaling Plateau, the highest campsite on the trek. The plateau is a vast expanse of grazing land where local shepherds bring their livestock during the summer months. The views from Nimaling are breathtaking, with Kang Yatse looming large in the background.
The final day of trekking is the most challenging, as you cross Kongmaru La, the highest point of the Markha Valley Trek. The ascent to the pass is steep and demanding, but the 360-degree views of the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges from the top are unforgettable. The descent is long and steep, taking you through the scenic Shang Gorge before reaching the village of Shang Sumdo.Â
After a night of relaxation in Leh, your Markha Valley Trek concludes. You’ll depart from this enchanting region with unforgettable memories of Ladakh’s majestic landscapes and warm hospitality.
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