Markha Valley Trek (8N 9D)

DAY 01: Arrival in Leh,  Transfer to Hotel & Acclimatize

Catch an early morning 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, and 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 would take a little time to settle in and acclimatize since you have gone from a relatively low elevation in New Delhi to over 11,000 feet!  During the afternoon, you can walk through the old town, beneath the Leh Palace, to allow you to get oriented to this fascinating city. 

Overnight stay at your hotel.

DAY 02: IN LEH – VISIT THE EAST INDUS VALLEY

After an early breakfast, you will drive to Thikse to witness the morning Puja. THIKSE MONASTERY is one of the most vibrant and active monasteries in the region. It dates back to the 16th century and is part of the Gelug-pa Sect. It is headed by successive reincarnations of the Khanpo Rimpoche.   The monastery is 12 storied and painted in deep shades of red, ochre, and white. It has evolved around a central courtyard with buildings surrounding it from three sides. At one extreme lies the main dukhang, which houses numerous racks containing religious texts. Behind the main alter lies a small chamber that contains images of revered deities.

A short drive from Thikse you cross the Stakna bridge you visit 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. Stakna Monastery of Leh Ladakh owes its inception to Chosje Jamyang Palkar, the great scholar saint of Bhutan. It formed a part of the many religious estates offered by the Dharmaraja Jamyang Namgial to the saint, around 1580 AD.

Overnight stay at your hotel

DAY 03: LEH - ZINGCHEN–BY SURFACE –YURUTSE (3530 M) DRIVE/ 1 HR – TREK APPROX 5 HRS

After an early start from Leh, we will travel by jeep to Zingchen, where horses will be waiting to carry our equipment. We will enter Hemis National Park, where we may be fortunate enough to get a glimpse of wild lives as diverse as the snow leopard, lynx, Ladakhi Urial (a type of goat), Arghali (great Tibetan sheep), blue sheep, red fox, Tibetan wolf, dhole (wild dog), marmot and mountain hare. After paying the entrance fee, we will climb gradually through a beautiful gorge that will unveil the imposing Stok Range from time to time. Before reaching Rumbak, we will stop at a teahouse run by women from the village. After a warm cup of tea, we will continue through Rumbak, an reach Yurutse.

Overnight in-home stay

DAY 04: YURUTSE TO SKIU VIA GANDA LA (4545 M) - TREK APPROX 6 HRS

After a light breakfast, we will begin our ascend to Ganda La; views of the lofty Zanskar and StokRanges will leave you breathless. The usual Chorten and prayer flags mark the top of the pass, where one may see blue sheep and marmots roaming the hills. After a short rest, we will make a gradual hour-long descent to Shingo and break for lunch. We will finish the day by hiking through a spectacular gorge before pitching camp at Skiu (3300m). Within this idyllic village lies an old monastery and ruins of an old castle (once a rest stop for the Royal family on their way to Srinagar).

Overnight in-home stay

DAY 05: SKIU TO MARKHA (3660/ 3200 M) – TREK APPROX 7-8 HRS

Following the Markha River, we will hike through the lovely valley on a fairly level path. The trail crosses the river at various points and passes through winter settlements that contain Lhatos (religious shrines for local deities) and Mani walls (stones inscribed with Buddhist prayers). During peak season, a number of tented teahouses will be open, providing hearty refreshments. After crossing the river for the last time, we will arrive in Markha, the largest village in the valley, consisting of around 20 houses, an old monastery, and a ruined fort.

Overnight in trekking tents.

DAY 06: 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, which is proudly perched on a towering cliff that looms above Markha, well worth visiting if we have the energy! The path then intersects the river several times before cutting through the last hamlets in the valley. After leaving the village of Umlung, we will be afforded our first view of Kang Yatse (6400m), which will stay in sight until we cross Kongmaru La. After we break for lunch in the village of Hangkar (the last in the valley), we will press onward to the lovely green pasture of Thachungste, where we will camp.

Overnight in trekking tents

DAY 07: THACHUNGTSE TO NIMALING (4700M) – TREK APPROX 4 HRS

Today the trail will lead us up to the beautiful plateau of Nimaling, where the people of the MarkhaValley bring their herds to graze during the summer months. At 4700m, Nimaling is the highest camp on the trek, giving us spectacular views of Kang Yatse to the right, the ZangskarRange, and the MarkhaValley below.

Overnight in trekking tents

DAY 08: NIMALING TO SHANGSUMDO (3600M) VIA KONGMARULA (5200M) – BY SURFACE – LEH/ TREK APPROX 8 HRS

After a hearty breakfast, we will cross Kongmaru La, the highest pass on the trek. Here we have a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The 2-hour descend is quite steep, but will gradually level as we enter Shang Gorge, with its strange and otherworldly rock formations. More river crossings bar our way before we arrive at the sour-spring of Chuskurmo (used in traditional medicine by the Amchi doctors). After a break, we will pass through a couple of villages before reaching Shang Sumdo, where our taxi will be waiting to take us back to Leh

Overnight in hotel

DAY 09: DEPARTURE

Today on time transfer you to Leh airport for your flight back home/ onward journey

Accommodation: Budget

03 Nights in Leh - Khamzanguesthouse/Jigmetguesthouse         

02 Nights at HOME STAY

03 Nights in Tents

BUDGET TOUR COST: INR 21,500.00 per pax

Accommodation: Standard

03 Nights in Leh -Hotel Auspicious/ hotel Naro/ Hotel/ similar      

02 Nights at Homestay

03 Nights in Tents

STANDARD TOUR COST: INR 26,500.00 per pax

• Accommodation in all the hotels as per the list on Dbl/twin sharing basis
• Cp basis in Leh, while home stay and camping Ap basis
• All hotel transfers, city tours (as per plan), excursions by Innova/xylo. Six and above by suing Tempo traveller
• Interstate road tax, toll tax, fuel, driver’s allowance, parking etc.
• Assistance on arrival / departure
• While home stay
• Local expert guide English/ Hindi/ porters
• Stay in home stay with all meals
• Trekking & wildlife fee
• Camping trek
• Local guide English/ Hindi/ porters/ Cook
• Trekking & wildlife fee
• Good quality high altitude tents, sleeping bags, mattress, Kitchen gears
• Horse/mule to carry luggage on the first and last day

• Travel Insurance
• Airfare and airport tax
• Mineral water Soft drinks and any alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, laundry, telephone calls, portage, tips and any personal expenses
• Entrance fee to any monuments or camera fee
• Tips, gratuities
• Any item not specified under cost includes.

Please Note:

1. If there is any unprecedented hike in the cost of transport (including fuel surcharge) or accommodation it will also affect the cost.
2. We shall not be responsible for any change in the itinerary due to landslides, flight cancellations, weather conditions, or any unforeseen circumstances. The additional cost incurred will be in addition to the cost quoted.

1. 50% advance to be deposited for booking confirmation.
2. 50% balance payment should be settled upon arrival at Leh.

Terms & Conditions:

• All the above-mentioned rates are per person rates on a double/twin sharing basis
• For Cancellation please refer to our Terms and Conditions available at our booking office.
• Rooms holding shall be for a period of 72 hours only.
• The above rates are applicable strictly for resident Indian citizens only
• Any amendment and cancellation in the booking before 15 days Rs 500 Per Person are chargeable as communication charges

• 45 days or more prior to the departure of the tour - 25%
• 30 days or more prior to the departure of the tour - 50%
• 15 days or more prior to the departure of the tour - 100%
• No Show - 100%
• In case there are any other Cancellations that are levied by either of the suppliers; Airlines or Hotels the same would subsequently be charged from you.