Markha Valley Trek reveals the striking contrast of Ladakh’s beauty. Endowed with fabulous views of Zanskar and Ladakh mountain ranges, it is one of the most sought after trekking routes in Ladakh.
Day 01: Spituk – Zingchan
Spituk To ZingchanWalk 3 to 4 hours after visiting Spituk monastery, cross the bridge over the Indus and on the left bank follow the flat terrain across the barren and exposed flats. Arrive at village that shows few sign settlements, camp at site (3400m).
Day 02: Zingchan – Base Kandala
Walk 5 to 6 hours through the village Rumbak. Steady ascent up the valley that leads south to the village of Yurutse. Camp at site (4380 m).
Day 03: Base Kandala – Skiu
Walk 5 to 6 hours and steady climb for an hour to the Kandala Pass (4920 m). View Zangskar Range and village of Shingo from the pass. Camp at site (3400 m).
Day 04: Skiu – Markha
Walking for 4 to 5 hours trail crosses that MARKHA river several times. Reach the beautiful village .Camp at site (3750 m).
Day 05: Markha – Hankar
Walking for 6 to 7 hours ascend the valley on right bank of the river. A few kms beyond MARKHA is the settlement of Umlung, arrive at Hankar, the highest village in the Markha valley. Camp at site (3900 m).
Day 06: Hankar – Nimling
Reach Nimaling after 5 to 6 hours of walk. Nimaling has a sweeping pasture, where thousands of sheep, goats, yaks graze during the lazy day of summer. Rising to the south at an altitude of 6400 m is Kang Yatse (Nimaling Peak that dominates the valley), a lovely mountain, but not an easy one to climb, Overnight in Camp (4650 m).
Day 07: Nimling
Rest day at leisure enjoy the stunning view or explore Nimaling.
Day 08: Nimaling – Shang Sumdo
After 7 to 8 hours walk start climbing up the well defined trail to the Kangmarula (5040 m). The climb will take about two hours. Descend at an altitude of 4700 m to reach a beautiful camping area and then to a stream, now descent into gorges. After Chukirmo arrive at Shang. Camp at site (3650 m).
Day 09: Shang Sumdo To Hemis/Leh
The trail follow a path going to the left Bank River at a dusty trial and by passing a small house and series of Chortens to arrive at a Martselang. Walk continues along the stream down to Hemis monastery, which is one of the oldest and richest monasteries in Ladakh. Visit the Monastery and drive to Leh enroute visit Thiksey and Shey Palace. Evening at your leisure. Overnight in the hotel.
