Jeep Safari with Markha valley trek

Markha Valley Trek

Since 1974, when Ladakh first became accessible to foreign visitors, this high and arid region has captured the imagination of adventure travelers. This itinerary between Ladakh and Zanskar offers a large diversity of landscapes, from the jagged Kongmaru La pass (5000m) to the green oasis of the Markha valley with breath-taking views of the Korakoram snow-capped peaks. Many scattered high villages, each with irrigated fields of barley and potatoes, add color to this otherwise quite barren environment, and provide the chance to meet the Ladakhi peasants in the simplicity of their daily life. Markha will be an opportunity to visit the old monastery, famous for its paintings.

Day 01 - Abroad-Delhi

Ar: Delhi Transfer from airport to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 - Delhi
Morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi visiting the Raj Ghat, the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India; and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire. Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi visiting the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar. Drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and the President's Residence and end the tour with a drive through Diplomatic Enclave. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 - Delhi-Shimla

Early morning drive from Delhi to Shimla. Upon arrival transfer from airport to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Shimla visiting, Tara Devi Temple- situated 8 kms from Shimla are two temples dedicated to Mata Tara Devi and lord Shiva. The military dairy farm and Shimla boy scout head quarters are also located near by. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 - Shimla-Naggar

Drive to Naggar. On arrival check-in at:camp. Overnight at Camp.

Day 05 - Naggar- Manali

Drive to Manali. On arrival check-in at: hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 - Manali -Jispa

Drive to Jispa (145 kms / 7 - 8 hrs) This high altitude road beyond the great Himalayan range, connects the densely fertile and green Kullu valley to the stark barren region of Ladakh. The drive starts at Manali slowly winding up mountain roads till Rohtang Pass at 3,950 Mts. which connects the Kullu to the Lahaul valley. On entering the Lahaul valley we see a distinct change with the Hindu influence being replaced with the Buddhist religion. We reach Jispa by late afternoon. Overnight in deluxe tents.

Day 07 - Jispa-Sarchu

Leisurely start to drive over the scenic Baralacha Pass (4880 Mts.). Plenty of stops to capture the scenic grandeur of this majestic landscape dotted with snow capped peaks and high altitude lakes. After crossing the pass drop down to the vast Sarchu plains at an altitude of 4200 Mts. (80 KMS/4 HRS) Overnight in deluxe tents.

Day 08 - Sarchu-Leh

Drive to Leh. On arrival check-in at hotel. OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL

Day 09 Free day In Leh

Day 10 Leh - Spituk - Zinchen (3200 m) in 4 h

We drive 10 km to Spituk from where we start our trek. We cross Indus river and enter in the Valley of Zinchen river. Near the village in the Valley we will have our first camp after 4 hr walk.

Day 11 Zinchen -Yurutse (3844 m) in 5 h

After by passing this beautiful stopping valley, we ascent up to 4900 m. by very steep zigzag, difficult footpath, by now it is 3 h. Now steep descent to summer pastures of Stok and follow the river which comes from Stok - Kangri massif.

Day 12 Yurutse - Ganda La (4900 m) - Skiu (3510 m) in 6/7 h.

Yurutse follow path along the mountainside, then cross a small valley and follow zig zag steep path. Thereafter cross Gandala. Then long descent towards Shingo. After 2 Hrs. descent arrive in the valley of Markha and then after few hundred meters further will reach Skiu.

Day 13 Skiu - Markha (3850 m) in 7 h.

From Skiu, follow a good path on the right bank of Markha where one can find great vegetation. Then cross right bank of river and cross through barren plain and arrive at Chaluk. Thereafter walk along the left bank of river and after another crossing climb towards Markha village. Good camp site beyond the village and near river.

Day 14 Markha - Hankar (4000 m) in 4 h.

Start trek towards the main valley on the right bank. The path is sometimes difficult in the river bed and pass the monastery of Humlung. Then carry on trek along the right bank and arrive in Hankar where there are several houses.

Day 15 Hankar - Nimaling (4650 m) in 4 h.

The path improves and cross a broad valley on the right side. The valley becomes narrow and higher and cross bridges on to the left bank and then reaches Tchatchuste. We climb pastures to reach Nimaling. This is one of most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh dominated by the Kang Yaze.

Day 16 Nimaling

Free day in Nimaling to explore the surrounding areas.

Day 17 Nimaling - Kongmaru La (5150 m) - Shang Sumdo (3750 m) in 7 h.

Cross the Markha valley and follow long climb along the mountain side, then zig zag road leads towards Kongmarula. Follow steep descent into gorges and then keep walking on the left bank to Chukirmo. Thereafter crossing right and left bank and arrive Shang, a beautiful camp in groves and there is a monastery an hour away from the village.

Day 18 Shang Sumdo - Hemis (3600 m) in 3/4 h.

Hemis is the most important monastery of Ladakh, 360 years old. The gigantic Tankha, one of the largest in the world, is displayed once in 12 years. Last was in 1992.

Day 19 Hemis - Thiksey - Shey - Leh.

We visit Hemis monastery, then drive to Shey Monastery. This one has a 7.5m copper statue of Buddha plated with gold, the largest of its kind. We drive to Thikshy Monastery, situated on a hill top. There are several temples and wall paintings of Buddha. Close by is the summer palace of the old raja of Leh. This monastery is 800 years old, Silver and Gold statues are seen in it.

Day 20 Leh – Delhi by plane. (Hotel B&B)

Day 21 At leisure in Delhi. Safety day for your international flight. (Hotel B&B)

Day 22 Transfer to airport and fly back home