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Embark on an extraordinary journey through the Markha Valley, a spectacular region nestled within the grandeur of the Himalayas. This trek offers a unique and immersive adventure, combining cultural exploration with high-altitude trekking. Traverse through stunning landscapes, visit ancient monasteries such as Shey, Thiksay and Hemis, and encounter the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to include necessary acclimatization days in Leh, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience as you ascend to higher elevations. Each day presents a mix of challenges and rewards, from gradual climbs to more demanding passes like Kongmaru La, with opportunities to witness diverse flora and fauna, and panoramic views of the breathtaking Himalayan range.
The flight over the Himalayas and the landing in Leh is an adventure in itself and even when you are tired from your long journey, that experience will wake you right up. Our guide is already waiting for at the airport in Leh and will bring you to your guesthouse/Hotel. On the first day you can relax and only relax to better acclimatize to the high altitude. (It is a conscious decision not having planned any activities on the first day, it is crucial for your adaptation to the high altitude!) Overnight : Hotel Meals : BB Elevation : 3500 m
Visit the upper valley of the Indus and the great monasteries of Shey, Thiksay and Hemis. Shey was the capital of the kingdom in the 13th century. We continue to Hemis, the important monastery of Ladakh on the spiritual grounds. It gathers under its authority more than 500 monks. It was built in 1605. We then visit Thiksay monastery, located on the right bank of the Indus, at about twenty kilometres from Leh. This monastery built in the 15th century is dedicated to maitreya, the Buddha of the future. Overnight : Hotel Meals : BB Elevation : 3500 m
Drive to Jingchan through a large open desert on the left hand side of the Indus and then along the Rumbak river to Jingchan village from there start the trek with a very gradual climb to the camp at Rumbak. Leave Zingchen for Rumbak through a straight forward Road. Leaving Village, you enter Hemis national Park for the preservation of snow leopard, Bharal, Marmot, Wolf etc. Walk through a narrow trail and valley widens as you arrive Rumbak. Overnight : Camp Meals : BLD Elevation : 3900 m
Moderate day again with a gradual climb at the end of the day to reach our camp at the base of Kanda la pass. Overnight : Camp Meals : BLD Elevation : 4000 m
From Kandala base follow the path along the mountain side, zig zag steep path. There after cross Kandala pass (4920 m). Then walk the along descent towards Shingo for 2 Hrs that will lead to the valley of Markha . Overnight : Camp Meals : BLD Elevation : 3700 m
All way descent down to Skui village and from there follow a good path on the right bank of Markha, where one can find great vegetation. Overnight : Camp Meals : BLD Elevation : 3500 m
An easy day and with ups and downs walk along the Markha river after crossing the bridge, climb towards Markha village. Towards the end of the village there are good camp site near the river. Overnight : Camp Meals : BLD Elevation : 3700 m
Easy day with gradual up and down to Hangkar village from the village ascending trail to the camp. Overnight : Camp Meals : BLD Elevation : 3800 m
After breakfast start trekking to reach Nimaling (4900 m) It has a sweeping pasture where hundreds of sheep, goats and yaks graze during the summer months. Rising to the south is 6400 m high Kang Yatse (Nimaling Peak), a lovely mountain, but not an easy one to climb. Overnight : Camp Meals : BLD Elevation : 4900 m
After late breakfast, explore during the up to Kangyatse base. Overnight :- Camp Meals :- B.L.D Elevation :- 4700 m
The gradual ascent to the pass can be completed in more than one and half hours. The Kongmaru la ( 5160m ) is the highest pass on the trek and affords a bird’s eye view down to the Indus valley and across to the Ladakh range. From the pass all the way descent to our camp at Chogdo. Overnight : Camp Meals : BLD Elevation : 3800 m
The final stage of the trek follows the Shang river till Shang village and drive newly constructed jeep road to Hemis monastery ( 3650m ). Visit monastery and drive continue to Leh. Overnight : Hotel Meals : BB Elevation : 3500 m
The highest pass on the trek is Kongmaru La at 5160m.
Accommodation includes hotels in Leh and camping during the trek.
The main focus of the first days is acclimatization to the high altitude.
Key places visited include Shey, Thiksay, Hemis monasteries, Rumbak village, Markha village, and Nimaling