Overview
Spectacularly jagged, arid mountains enclose this magical land of passes – Ladakh. Begin this beautiful trek by spending initial two days in Leh to get acclimatized to the thin air conditions and visiting nearby monasteries, museums and the local markets.
The Markha Valley Trek, also called the ‘Tea House Trek’, is a perfect blend of beautiful Trans-Himalayan landscapes and Ladakhi villages. The trek will take you to the top of two very high passes - Gandala la (4600m) and Kongmaru la (5200m) offering stunning views over the Himalayas. You will also pass through various quaint villages in the valley where you can witness the Ladakhi culture and way of life. This trek has some breathtakingly beautiful landscapes which aptly fit the description "picture perfect".
- Visit the Qutub Minar, Red Fort & Lotus Temple in Delhi.
- Visit the extraordinary monasteries of Ladakh including morning prayers at Thiksey.
- Trek through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
- Chance upon wildlife in the Hemis National Park.
- Meet the locals and stay in simple but charming homestays.
- Explore Leh town and shop for Ladakhi handicrafts.
Tour Details
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Day 1 - Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at the Delhi International Airport, you will be received by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Delhi is India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. You will have free time on your own to adjust to the new time zone. Overnight will be at Delhi.
02
Day 2 - Delhi to Leh By Flight
After an early breakfast you will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Ladakh. This must be one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. You will need to spend the day settling in and acclimatizing since you have gone from a relatively low elevation in New Delhi to over 11,000 feet! During the afternoon, subject to how you are feeling, you can walk through the old town, beneath the Leh Palace, to allow you to get oriented to this fascinating city.
03
Day 3 - In Leh – Visit the Indus Valley
After an early breakfast you will drive to Thiksey to witness in the morning Puja. THIKSE MONASTERY, is one of the most vibrant and active monasteries in the region. It dates back to the 16th century. A short drive from Thikse, is the Stakna Gompa situated on the right bank of the Indus River, at a distance of approximately 25 km from the town of Leh. The name, 'Stakna' literally means 'tiger's nose'. The monastery was so named because it was built on a hill, which is shaped just like a tiger's nose.
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Day 4 - Leh to Zingchen–By road to Yurutse (3530 M) Drive / 1 Hr – Trek Approx 5 Hrs
After an early start from Leh, travel by jeep to Zingchen, where horses will be waiting to carry our equipment. Enter Hemis National Park, where we may be fortunate enough to get a glimpse of wild life as diverse as the snow leopard, lynx, LadakhiUrial (a type of goat), arghali (great Tibetan sheep), blue sheep, red fox, Tibetan wolf and dhole (wild dog). Climb through a beautiful gorge that will unveil the imposing Stok Range from time to time. Before reaching Rumbak, stop at a teahouse run by village women. After a warm cup of tea, continue towards Yurutse.
Overnight will be in a home stay.
05
Day 5 - Yurutse to Skiu via Gandala la (4545 M) – Trek / Approx 6Hrs
After a light breakfast, we will begin ascending to Ganda La. The view of the lofty Zanskar and StokRanges will leave you breathless. The usual chorten and prayer flags mark the top of the pass. After a short rest, make a gradual hour-long descent to Shingo and break for lunch. Finish the day by hiking through a spectacular gorge before pitching camp at Skiu (3300m).
Overnight in a home stay.
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Day 6 - Skiu to Markha (3660/ 3200 M) – Trek / Approx 7-8 Hrs
Following the Markha River, hike through the lovely valley on a fairly level path on a trail which crosses the river at various points. After the last river crossing, you will arrive in Markha, the largest village in the valley, consisting of around 20 houses, an old monastery and a ruined fort.
Overnight will be in trekking tents.
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Day 7 - Markha to Thachungtse (3589 M) – Trek / Approx 5-6 Hrs
The Markha valley trail continues past old stone-mills, a ruined castle and the auspicious monastery of Techa. The path then intersects the river several times before cutting through the last hamlets in the valley. After leaving the village of Umlung,cross Kongmaru La. After lunch in the village of Hangkar (the last in the valley), press onward to the lovely green pasture of Thachungste, where the camp will be set up.
Overnight will be in trekking tents.
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Day 8 - Thachungtse to Nimaling (4700M) – Trek Approx 4 Hrs
Today the trail will lead up to the beautiful plateau of Nimaling. At 4700m, Nimaling is the highest camp on the trek, givingspectacular views of Kang Yatse to the right, the Zangskar Range and the Markha Valley below.
Overnight will be in trekking tents.
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Day 9 - Nimaling to Shangsumdo (3600M) via Kongmarula (5200M) – By road to Leh - Trek / Approx 8 Hrs
After breakfast, cross Kongmaru La, the highest pass on the trek. Here we have a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Many river crossings challenge us on the next part of the journey before arriving at the sour-spring of Chuskurmo (used in traditional medicine by the Amchi doctors). After a break, pass through a couple of villages before reaching Shang Sumdo, where the taxi will be waiting to take for the return journey to Leh.
Overnight will be at a hotel.
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Day 10 - Leh to Delhi By Flight
In the morning, board the flight to Delhi and as per your flight timings, you will be transferred to the airport to take aflight back home with sweet memories of the tour.
TOUR ENDS !