Markha Valley Trek in Ladakh

Upon arrival to Delhi, a representative of Ashmita Trek & Tours receives you at the Airport and transfers you to your hotel. We brief you on the upcoming trek. Spend the rest of the day sightseeing and preparing for the adventure! Overnight in hotel. 

After breakfast at the hotel, take a flight to Leh. After the short, scenic flight, we check in at the hotel and begin the exploration. Check out the busy bazaar, where amazing handicrafts from Punjab, Kashmir, and Tibet are sold and traded. We enjoy the rest of the day wandering the streets of Leh and letting our bodies become accustomed to the change in altitude. Overnight in hotel. 

Because of the drastic change in altitude from your country (and Delhi) to Ladakh, we take another day to let our bodies adjust. There is less oxygen in our blood and this can cause problems on the trail so it is better to prevent those issues. During the day, visit Shey Gompa, Stok Gompa, and Thiksey Gompa. In the afternoon, we can take a hike up to Leh palace. There is plenty to explore in this wonderful city! Overnight in hotel.

Our first day of the Markha Valley Trek starts with a 7-kilometer drive to Spituk. From Spituk, hike along the dirt road along the Indus River. Not long after the green pastures of Spituk and it’s marvelous gompa, the trail splits. We take the lower one and continue to Zinchen. It is possible to go another 5km to Yarutse, but it’s another 800 meters higher, so it’s best to let our bodies rest and stay in Spituk. Overnight in parachute tent.

It’s a relaxing, easy hike today as we move further into the backcountry. The trail zigzags across a stream that leads us through the gorge. Cross a wooden bridge and keep following the trail, which eventually leads to Rumbak. From here, it is a short distance to Yarutse. Stay in a parachute tent nearby the fields of cultivated barley and other crops. Or, there are two comfortable homestays to stay. Overnight in Yarutse.  

It’s a long day today, one of the most difficult of the trek. However, with the challenge comes great rewards. Get an early start and ascend for an hour to Ganda La Base Camp. From here, it’s a two and a half hour uphill to the pass itself. The wind-torn prayer flags let you know that you have arrived. Take some photos and enjoy the view. Then, begin to descent towards Skiu. Soon, the valley opens to emptyyellow and green fields. Stop for a meal/rest 3 hours later in Shingo. Follow the Shringri Nala until where it meets Markha River. Here, lies the village of Skiu. Overnight in Skiu. 

We have another long, but awesome day ahead of ourselves. The scenery of the Markha Valley Trek never ceases to amaze. Trek along the Markha River, passing the settlements of Narding, Zara, and Chalak. After Chalak, there is a river crossing. There is no bridge, so it gets exciting crossing the river on foot! 30 minutes later, we reach the scenic village of Markha. The stark contrast of bright green agricultural fields against the brown and grey mountains is an amazing sight. Overnight here. 

Wake up with an amazing view of lush terraced hills and stone buildings, with rugged terrain looming in the distance. It’s a moderate day today as we climb through upper Markha Valley and further to Thochuntse. Stop for some photos and exploration at the monastery above the small settlement. The path stays alongside the bank of Markha River, slowly ascending. The majestic Kang Yisay peak overlooks us. Over the day, we pass Tacha and Hankar. The view of Tacha Gompa is one of the most incredible sights in Ladakh. Have a rest here and trek 2 more hours to Hankar. Then, a steep, rocky ascent takes you to Thochuntse. Overnight in Thochuntse. 

It’s a short, sweet trek today as we move further into what feels like the middle of nowhere, in the best way possible. 15 minutes from Thochuntse, the trail splits and we take the left-hand one. An hour and a half later, we reach a small alpine pond, beautifully placed around a meadow. Continue walking in the meadow nearby rushing streams, with mountain peaks towering above us. Soon, we arrive to Nimaling. Overnight in Nimaling. 

It is our last day of the trek, and the mesmerizing views do not disappoint! After breakfast, we begin the 2 hour strenuous climb to Kongmaru La Pass (5,200 meters). Again, you are greeted with fluttering prayer flags and jaw-dropping views. The beautiful mountains and hills seem to go on forever. From here, trek down via streams, canyons, and gorges to Sukarmo. Have a rest here before continuing to Sumdo, while walking on the mellow trail. We catch our vehicle back to Leh, about two hours away. Overnight in hotel.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to the awe-inspiring terrain of Ladakh and the culturally fascinating city of Leh. Take a flight back to Delhi and spend the rest of the day sightseeing or resting. It has been a pleasure trekking with you! Overnight in hotel. 

After breakfast, our team transfers you to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your next destination. Thank you for taking the Markha Valley Trek with Ashmita Trek & Tours! We look forward to seeing you again.