Markha Valley Trek

25,000.00

About the Trek:
The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Ladakh, located in the northernmost region of India. This trek takes you through the heart of Ladakh, showcasing breathtaking views of snow- capped peaks, barren high-altitude landscapes, and charming traditional Ladakhi villages.
The journey typically begins from Stok, a town about 15 kilometers from Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Following the Markha River, trekkers pass through picturesque villages like Skiu, Markha, and Hankar. Spanning approximately 75 kilometers, the trek takes 6-7 days to complete and includes crossing several high-altitude passes, with Gongmaru La Pass being the highest point at 5,270 meters.
A key highlight of the trek is the opportunity to engage with the warm and hospitable locals, experiencing their unique culture and way of life. Along the way, trekkers can also visit ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples, adding a spiritual and cultural essence to this incredible adventure.
Camp Date: On request
Highlights:
  • Stunning Scenery: The trek offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, high-altitude deserts, lush green meadows, and charming Ladakhi villages.
  • High-Altitude Passes: Cross several high passes, including Gongmaru La, which provides panoramic vistas of majestic mountains and valleys.
  • Ancient Monasteries: Explore historic Buddhist monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey, and Stok, adding a spiritual dimension to the journey.
  • Cultural Immersion: Pass through traditional Ladakhi villages and experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the region’s people.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Spot wildlife such as Ibex, Blue Sheep, and, if lucky, the elusive Snow Leopard in the pristine Markha Valley.
  • Scenic Camping: Enjoy camping in picturesque locations, immersing yourself in the untouched wilderness of Ladakh.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1  Arrival at Leh
  • Arrive in Leh, where our representative will warmly welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, allowing your body to acclimatize to Ladakh’s high altitude. In the evening, enjoy a stroll through Leh’s vibrant local bazaar.
Day 2 Acclimatization at Leh
  • Acclimatization at Leh Early morning drive to Lamayuru, renowned for its ancient monastery and moonlike landscape, earning Ladakh the name “The Moonland.”
Highlights along the way:
  • Confluence of Zanskar & Indus Rivers: A stunning view near Nimu village where the rivers meet, showcasing distinct colors and flows based on the season.
  • Magnetic Hill: A gravity-defying phenomenon where vehicles appear to roll uphill in neutral gear, near Gurudwara Shri Patthar Sahib.
  • Alchi Monastery: A 10th-century Buddhist complex attributed to scholar Rinchen Zangpo, featuring ancient temples in Alchi village.
  • Lamayuru Monastery: Founded by Naropa in the 11th century, it’s one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh with a rich history tied to Rinchen Zangpo, who built 108 gompas in the region.
(Meals: -Breakfast, Lunch, Hi- tea, Dinner)
Day 3  Leh to Chilling and trek to Skiu
  • Today, we begin at Chilling, where a rope trolley offers a unique way to cross the river due to a damaged bridge. Trek gear and equipment are transported similarly. Once across, horses are loaded, and we start our journey to Markha Valley.
  • The trek to Skiu is a three-hour, relatively easy walk on a mostly flat trail with brief ascents and descents. The route is captivating, with contrasting green patches amidst the barren, cream-colored mountains. Occasional wildlife sightings and encounters with locals add to the charm. After 3–4 hours, we arrive at our defined campsite in Skiu.
(Meals: -Breakfast, Lunch, Hi- tea, Dinner)
Day 4  Skiu to Markha
  • After a refreshing morning in Skiu, we trek to the village of Markha. The trail is mostly flat with occasional short ascents and descents, offering a relatively easy hike.
  • The journey is filled with breathtaking views and fascinating rock formations shaped by wind and water erosion. Let your imagination run wild as you spot structures resembling “elephant trunks,” “ancient doorways,” or even “dinosaurs,” making the trek both engaging and fun.
  • Our campsite in Markha is a serene meadow beside a flowing stream, providing a picturesque setting. In the evening, we explore an old monastery nearby during our free time.
(Meals: -Breakfast, Lunch, Hi- tea, Dinner)
Day 5  Markha to Thochungtse
  • The trek to Thochungtse via Hankar is a scenic 4–5-hour journey. The route to Hankar is mostly flat with gentle ascents and descents, offering stunning views of Kang Yatse along the way. After about 3 hours, we reach the picturesque village of Hankar, surrounded by greenery and framed by the majestic Kang Yatse massif—a perfect spot for lunch.
  • Beyond Hankar, the landscape transforms into rugged terrain with fascinating rock formations. This area is rich in wildlife, making it easy to spot blue sheep, ibex, and even snow leopards. After another 2–3 hours of trekking, we arrive at the grassy plains of Thochungtse, our designated campsite for the night.
(Meals: -Breakfast, Lunch, Hi- tea, Dinner)
Day 6 Thochungtse to Nimaling (Altitude:- 4,800m/15,800ft)
  • Starting the trek from Thochungtse to Nimaling , we climb a mountain hump straight ahead of us. At that altitude, it does take some time, but once done, we enjoy breathtaking views of Kang Yatse, a huge massif overwhelming us with its presence. Also, the very thought that we will be approaching to the base of it further adds to our excitement.
(Meals: -Breakfast, Lunch, Hi- tea, Dinner)
Day 7 Nimaling to Chokdo via Kongmaru La to Leh (Altitude: – Kongmaru la 5,200m/17,100ft, Chokdo 3,700m/12,100ft)
  • The final day of the trek is both nostalgic and exciting as we conquer the highest pass, Kongmaru La. After a challenging 2-hour ascent, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Karakoram Range, including the towering K2, the world’s second-highest peak. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, and to your surprise, there’s network connectivity at the pass.
  • The descent begins steep and narrow, gradually leading to Chikirmo village. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Indus Valley and Ladakh Range. After navigating rocky terrain, we reach Chokdo, the trek’s endpoint, where pickup vehicles await to take us back to Leh.
(Meals: -Breakfast, Lunch, Hi- tea, Dinner)
Day 8 Departure from Leh
 
    Package Includes: Package Excludes:
  1. All accommodations on sharing basis (Home Stay)
  2. Transport support Leh to Leh
  3. All Meals as per the Itinerary (Veg)
  4. First aid assistance
  5. Adventure Mantra Expertise.
  6. Expert Team: Certified guide, cook, and support staff.
  7. Hotel or guest house in Leh.
  8. Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional for Foreigners)
  9. Airport pick up and drop
  1. Personal trekking gear, clothing, and equipment.
  2. Meals at Hotel or Home stay at Leh.
  3. Transportation to and from Leh.
  4. Any kind of food & beverages during travel
  5. Bag Offloading / Mule / Horse / Porter Charges (available at an extra cost of Rs 450 per day up to 12 kg).
  6. Personal expenses, such as snacks, beverages, and souvenirs
  7. Travel insurance
  8. Anything not mentioned in the “package includes” list.
  9. Any costs incurred due to unforeseen circumstances, such as flight delays or medical emergencies.
  10. Cost of sightseeing at Leh.