Markha Valley Trek

Arrive Leh. Leh is situated at an altitude of 3500 meters, passing over the Himalayan barrier.. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for independent activities and for acclimatization. In the afternoon we will make a visit to Shanti Stupa.
Meal - D
Overnight at the Guest House or Hotel.

We spend one more day in Leh and surroundings, as it is essential for proper acclimatization before leaving on the trek. Today we visit to Leh Palace, Thiske Monastery and Shey Palace.
Leh Palace: The Leh palace has been described as a miniature version of Lahasa’s Potala Palace. It was built in the mid-16th century, the palace was partly in ruins by the 19th century. It has nine storeys, slopping buttresses and projecting wooden balconies. From the town below it is dazzling in the morning sun and ghostly at night. Built by king Singe-namgyal and stil owned by the royal family, it is now unoccupied – they live in the Palace at Stock. A part of the palace is a museum. Like the Lahasa Potala Palace it has numerous rooms, steps and narrow passages lined with old thangkas, paintings and arms. The central prayer room (not in use), usually locked but opened on request, has religious texts lining the walls. There are many painted scrolls, murals and old manuscripts in the ruined palace.
Shey Palace: 15 km east of Leh, the ruined palace of Shey sits on a knife edged with the main Indus Valley road running along its base. The flat valley floor near the palace has scores of Stupas. Inside a temple near the road is two-story image of Buddha. Another temple contains a Buddha that was gilded in bronze by eight Newari craftsmen from Nepal.
Thiksey: 19 km southeast of Leh, this is the most architecturally impressive Gompa of Ladakh, situated on a splendid hill-top perch. This is the 12-storeyed, 800 years old monastery. There are ten temples, around 50-60 Lamas and few nuns (called Chomos) live here. The treasure of this monastery is a gold and silver statue of Buddha, ancient swords, Tankhas and Tantric wall paintings. There is also a huge brass pillar, which came from Tibet, engraved with Buddha’s sayings.
Later in the afternoon explore the beautiful market of Leh.
Meal – B, D

After breakfast we drive 02 hours to Chilling, the starting point of our trek and here the Markha river channelled with the Zanskar river.
Our trek starts with the steep climb for about half an hour and it might be little tough because of the altitude. After this climb the trail is fairly gradual. We walk above the Markha river all the way to Skiu. On the way we shall pass village Kaya from here we walk another 1.5 hour to Skiu a very beautiful village nestled between huge rocky mountains.
Meal – B, L, D
Overnight at the Homestay

After breakfast we set up for the next destination Sara which will take nearly 03 to 04 hours. Mark valley is dominated with great wildlife. The trail is gradual and well maintained periodically. We walk along the bank of Markha river which springs out from Kang Yatse peaks. After walking half the way we come across the first wooden bridge at Zanpa Yoakma. At these river banks one can see the black sheep, deer and mountain goats. We walk straight to Nagding village at this village one can see the meditation cave right on the front of the houses. As we proceed further the banks of Markha river gets wider and we walk on the powdered sand. After walking nearly 01 hour from Nagdling village we can see the big entrance of Sara village which is decorated with the bones of wild animals. Sara is an open area. We are going to stay in a Homestay here. Experience the tradition and culture of this unique land.
Meal – B, L, D
Overnight at the Homestay

Today we shall make a early start and carry packed lunch with us. It will take approx 04 to 05 hours to reach Markha village. The trail today is nearly similar to the previous day. As we are walking on the riverbank so there will be some patches where is little climb and downhill and nearly 02 to 03 places there are river crossing. We reach to village Chalak in about 30 minutes. The houses in this village are mounted on small hill with some domestic animals. From here our destination is about 02 hours.
Every small distance you can find Mani stones in which Buddhist prayers are carved is laid around white stupas. It is believed by the local that the Mani stone wall and stupa protect the area from negative energies and also from evil power and bring happiness in the village.
Markha village is a big village with many houses. The Markha river will guide us and one have to walk 02 to 03 time on the running stream in order to reach Markha village. You can see the houses of Markha village and in of these houses we are going to spend our night
In the free time one can visit the monastery and the palace in Markha village.
Meal – B, L, D
Overnight at the Homestay

Today it will take nearly 05 to 06 hours to reach our destination Hankar. Today the trek is a bit challenging with the uphill to the village of Umlung and Hankar. We shall take our packed lunch with us. The trek is beautiful and mesmerizing with the merging river and streams. We pass through Umlung village a small village and it is the last teahouse of the trek. When we cross the village we are welcomed by Mt. Kang Yatse(6400mts) with its open arms. We walk along the trek with the glimpse of peak and enter the Hankar village. You can witness here a truly majestic piece of art which is placed on a mountain “Tacha Monastery”. This is the last settlement of the trek. We will stay in a Homestay.
Meal – B, L, D
Overnight at the Homestay

After a tiring previous day, today the trek is quite easy and shorter. After 01 km we come across the bifurcated paths one of which goes to Rupshu and Zanskar. We stay on left side path till a stone bridge. Today the trek is bit confusion due to many diversions so it is recommended to follow your trek guide/leader. After 02 hours on can see the pastures of Thochuntse. Surrender yourself to nature and keep your eye on the Kang Yasthe peak which rises bigger and bigger. Later you are going to surprised with mesmerizing twin lake which come on the trail. The trails enter into a huge grassland after a few fights crossing streams of the high altitudes. Sheep, mountain goats, sometimes rabbits are found grazing at Nimling. It is a pleasant camping place. It is the high point you will attain on this trek.
Meal – B, L, D
Overnight Homestay Camping

Today is the last day of the trek which is comprise with the highest pass of the trek. Today is a the trek is of 07 to 08 hours. After a demanding uphill of 2 hours to Kongmaru La pass, all our hardship will be rewarded by the enchanted Karakoram Range Mountains and the excellent array of peaks. Another reward is the overwhelming sight of the huge K2 Mountain, the second highest peak in the world. There are prayer flags moving along the wind. To your surprise, there is a good network connection from the pass.The trail then gradually descends, coinciding with villages to say goodbye. The immediate trail from pass has steep and narrow descend which later opens to Chikirmo village. Throughout the route, you can get indulged into the scenery of Indus valley and Ladakh range. After a gradual climb down and rocky terrain, you will reach Chokdo. Here our vehicles are waiting for us. From here we drive 02 hours to Leh. Upon arrival transfer to Guest house or Hotel
Meal – B, L, D
Overnight at the Guest house or Hotel

Today we shall say goodbye to this fascinating land and take with us lots of good memories.