RAPTUROUS MARKHA VALLEY TREK: LOSE YOURSELF IN ENCHANTING LANDSCAPES OF MARKHA VALLEY


Timeframe: 9D/8N

Altitude of Markha Valley Trek: 17100 ft

Markha valley hike Level : difficult

Total distance:75 kilometres of trekking

TEMPERATURE:20 to 30 degrees Celsius during the day and 0 to 10 degrees Celsius at night.

Ideal Time: Mid -July until mid-September.

Campground: Leh


Initial and Final Point: Leh


Highlights of the RAPTUROUS  Markha Valley Trek


Take advantage of Leh's touring to learn about the local culture and Buddhist traditions.

Discover Hemis National Park's untouched splendour as well as its two highest passes, Gandala La and Kongmaru La.


Catch Nimaling's breathtaking vistas, which are surrounded by ponds and streams that will make you feel at peace.

Witness the 21000-foot Kang Yissay and the 2008-foot Stok Kangri peaks.

The benefit of the Markha Valley Trek is the breathtaking view of Kang Yatze Peak.


When you go to an altitude of 16,830 feet, observe the green fields, willow trees, and charming villages that may be seen.

The waist-deep river bridge that allows us to cross the Markha River and get to the trails adds to the amusement of our trek.

 

Overview OF RAPTUROUS MARKHA VALLEY TREK:


Markha Valley Trek is a fascinating journey that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The trek is located in Ladakh region, which lies in the northern part of India. The valley is surrounded by breath taking mountains and stunning scenery, making it a paradise for trekkers.

The Markha Valley trip is also known as a "tea house trek," meaning that accommodations are provided in parachute tents in most of the villages along the way. The Markha Valley Trek is something that any visitor to Leh should absolutely consider doing due to its close proximity to Leh, which is only one flight away from most Indian major cities.

 The trek starts from Leh and passes through various villages, monasteries, and high mountain passes. During this adventure, you will witness traditional Ladakhi culture and get to know their way of life. You will also come across ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries like Hemis Monastery and Thiksey Monastery.

As you ascend higher into the mountains, you will encounter snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers, crystal-clear streams, and lush green meadows. The views are simply awe-inspiring at every turn.There are enthusiasts everywhere for an arid, chilly desert trekking region that provides the best views of the Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges. Due to the abundance of Ladakh's native culture, it is sometimes referred to as a "tea-house trek." While on this hike, you can also see the 21000-foot Kang Yissay and the 2008-foot Stok Kangri peaks.

The prospective sights that can be found while travelling the Markha Valley trek route include Hemis National Park, Gandala La, and Kongmaru La. The waist-deep river bridge that allows us to cross the Markha River and get to the trails adds to the amusement of our trek.

 

Inclusions OF  RAPTUROUS MARKHA VALLEY TREK:


Guide- Qualified and experienced trek leaders, guides, cooks, and support workers in mountaineering.


Camping and home stays are available along the walk. On Days 1, 2, and 8 of the schedule, a guest house is in Leh.

Meals

Trekking gear includes a sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), a cooking tent, a bathroom tent, utensils, and crampons (if required).

Safety tools include first aid kits, a stretcher, and an oxygen tank.

Mules to transport the large bags for the staff.

Permits, camping fees, and fees for entering the forest (if any)

Permits and any applicable camping fees for Indian National Transport starting in Leh
guest house to Zinchen and from Sumdo back to Leh in accordance with the schedule.

 

ITINERARY OF RAPTUROUS MARKHA VALLEY TREK:

Day 1:  Leh Arrival

After meeting our representative register at the hotel. This day is set up for rest and acclimatisation because they are essential for a safe travel ahead.
The hotel will be where you spend the night.

Day 2 : Leh local tour
Stay in Leh for one more day. Explore the area's renowned historic monasteries, palaces, and museums.
Visit Stok Gompa as well as Shey and Thiksey Gompa. Staying at the same location will help you adjust to the high altitude better.
Enjoy a walk to Leh Palace in the evening.
Enjoy the rest of the evening at our leisure.
Stay in a hotel tonight.

Day 3: Leh - Zingchen - Yurutse (four hours)
Have an early breakfast on your first day of the Markha Valley Trek, before driving through Spikut Village to reach Zingchen.
Now your  medium gradient trek starts.
Enjoy the walk through Rumbak Village on your way to Yurutse as you cross a number of streams.
Be sure to pass the village before you make camp.The location is picturesque, surrounded by fields of barley.

Day 4:  Yurutse , Ganda la and Skiu Trek 7–8 hours

On this warm day, climb to Ganda La in the first section of the journey (4900 m).
In the later portion, be prepared for a challenging ascent and high gusts.
From the pass, take in views of the Zanskar range, some distant Himalayan mountains, and valleys on both sides.
Begin the descent to Shingo Village, after which the trail enters a small gorge that leads to Skiu, where the rivers from Shingo and Markha Valley converge.
Tents will be used for the night.

Day 5:  Skiu-Markha (7 hours)
Be prepared for a lengthy, easy walk to the lovely Markha Village, and expect to cross a few streams.
Go to the hamlet in the centre of this chilly, parched desert, which is a treasure trove.
Green pastures, willow trees, and an abandoned palace are all throughout the area.
Camp close to a flowing stream.
Camps will be where you spend the night.

Day 6: Hike from Markha to Thichuntse /4-5hrs)
Today, take in the alluring sights that surround you and pass numerous streams and river crossings. Pass through the towns and the grazing area.
When moving towards Hankar, be sure to take in the breathtaking vista of Kangyatze Peak (6400m).
We'll pick a fantastic camping location and pitch a tent there.
Tents will be used for the night.

Day 7 : Thochuntse  - Nimaling  (4 hours)
Walk a short distance to get to the Nimalaing campground.
The area is alluring, including a wide-open valley with unrestricted grazing areas and Kangyatze Mountain as a backdrop.
Be aware that there is a persistent breeze in the area that makes things a little uncomfortably windy.Today, you can also choose to take a diversion to Kangyatse's base camp, if you so choose.
Tents will be used for the night.

Day 8: Nimaling- Kongmaru La - Sumdo - Leh (Trek 7hrs) (Travel 2 hours)
Have an early breakfast before beginning the arduous ascent to Kongmaru La, the trail's highest pass (5200m).
Explore Nun Kun in the west and Saser Kangri in the north for fantastic views.
Prior to descending to Sukarmo, where your trail is a flat stroll along the river until you reach the road head at Sumdo, savour these moments.
Get in a car and head back to Leh from here.
We'll spend the night at a hotel.

Day 9:  Leave from Leh
The Markha Valley trekking's fascination and charm come to an end here as you continue on your tour or stay put in Ladakh.

RECOMMENDATORY REGARDING RAPTUROUS MARKHA VALLEY TREK:
Take sufficient time to become used to the different climatic conditions at high altitudes.


Avoid going on a walk at night.

In order to have a secure and enjoyable trekking experience, pay attention to the instructions provided by the trek leader.

Avoid leaving trash at nearby parks or campgrounds.


If you're unsure about your ability to make the voyage, speak to your doctor.


ITEMS TO BRING ON RAPTUROUS MARKHA VALLEY TREK:

bottle of water
woollen clothing
Paper towels & wipes
Walking cane
carry-on bag (50-60l)
Backpack lined with waterproof material
coats made of fleece and thermals
Walking boots
light source (with extra batteries)
insect and mosquito repellent
a scarf, stockings, mittens, and a woollen cap
Additional socks
Personal Medicine
First aid
Sunglasses
Sun cap
protein bars
Plastic covers for wet clothes; etc.


INFO BYTE REGARDING RAPTUROUS MARKHA VALLEY TREK

ATM:
Leh is the last location where you can use an ATM to get cash for this expedition.


Hospital emergency contacts: Sonam Nurboo Memorial Hospital in Leh is the closest. They have the right tools to manage altitude sickness.

 

Police station: The one that is most convenient for your walk to Hemis National Park is in Leh. On Sankar Road you will find the police station.

ERSS: Dial 112 to reach the Pan-India Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) in case of any emergency. But, keep in mind that, save from the summit of Kongmaru La, there is little to no network service along the trek.

MOBILE NETWORK: Only at the top of Kongmaru La pass is there a signal for mobile devices. You may receive an unbroken network in Leh and the area around it. In the Ladakh region, only postpaid SIM cards function.

 

HOW TO ACCESS MARKHA VALLEY TREK:

By Air:

Flying into Leh is the simplest method of travel; Leh is reachable by flight from all significant Indian airports. Rest in Leh if you decide to fly for at least a day to allow your body to adjust to the higher altitude (11,560 ft).

By Road

The longer and more time-consuming route to Leh is via road, which may be taken from Manali or Srinagar. Because it is higher, the Manali-Leh route is perhaps more scenic than the Srinagar-Leh route. The Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh routes are both served by buses and shared taxis.

The least expensive route from Manali to Leh is through HRTC bus. It stops at Keylong for the night and takes two days at a cost of roughly Rs. 800. It would be an excellent idea to spend the day in Keylong because it is a wonderful town in its own right. A reasonably priced but practical alternative isThe luxury bus operated by HPTDC makes stops at tourist attractions along the way. It costs about Rs. 3000, which includes meals at Keylong and sleeping in tents.

FAQS REGARDING RAPTUROUS MARKHA VALLEY TREK:

1.WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED DISTANCE OF MARKHA VALLEY TREK?

Starting in Leh, the Markha Valley walk takes about 6-7 days to complete. The Markha Valley hike is roughly 50 miles (80 kilometres) long, depending on where you start and stop. Maximum elevation is 5260 metres, with a total height gain or loss of +2500 metres or –2020 metres.

2.Do you need a permit to take the Markha Valley Trek?

The Markha Valley walk does not require a permit.

3 What season is ideal for finishing the Markha Valley Trek?

The main season for the Markha Valley walk is in June and July, and the best time to hike it is from June through October. The region is hardly affected by the monsoon season. In spite of this, you must wear the proper clothing because downpours do occur. Winter brings a lot of snowfall, which makes the hike difficult and the place exceedingly remote.

4.Is the walk through Markha Valley at risk of altitude sickness?
The Markha Valley Trek is, in fact, a walk at a high altitude. At Kongmaru La, its highest point, you will be standing at a height of 17,060 feet.
Despite the fact that there are a number of high passes, the itineraries provided by all operators provide trekkers enough time to adjust to the altitude. Yet, it's critical to have a thorough awareness of the dangers of high-altitude trekking as well as how the body acclimates.

5.How challenging is the trail in Markha Valley?
The Markha Valley Trek is moderately difficult. You must be in good physical shape because you will be trekking for 4 to 7 hours per day for more than a week. There are many high-altitude passes to cross, as well as some difficult climbs that could involve slick scree.

6.What hiking equipment will I need for the Markha trek in India?

Base layers, hiking trousers, a down jacket, and a rain jacket are necessary items of gear and clothing for walking in the Ladakh region (hiking poles, daypack and hydration bladder).
Numerous pieces of gear can be leased or purchased in Leh, but we advise carrying the most crucial items along.

7.Are there any places to eat or stay along the trail?
Plenty. The trip passes through several communities, all of which provide homestays. Moreover, teahouse tents can be found along the trail during the summer. The homestays typically serve quite delicious food. You'll  have traditional Ladakhi cuisine for tea, such skyu. Typically, breakfast consists of Tibetan bread with butter and apricot jam. Also, homestays provide you with a packed lunch that typically consists of a boiled egg, a chocolate, and additional tibetan bread.

8.Does the trail have any water sources?

Water supplies are few along the trek. Although there are a few streams, the Markha river itself does not provide drinking water. Filling up your water bottles along the way at teahouse tents and homestays is highly advised. They've filtered and boiled water and levy a small cost for the water.