Our Ladakh outing in the wilderness
..............................................................................................................................................

Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Maximum altitude: 5150 msl
Average walking: 6-7 hrs
Cost of the trip: Rs ______ per person, includes travel, guide, accommodation, food, Jeep transfers, travel. All of the above ex-Leh.
Accommodation: Guest house on twin sharing basis in Leh. Camp stays during trek
Food: Mix of Indian, continental and Chinese cuisine. Lunch will be packed: sandwiches, eggs, fruits, juice, chocolates etc.
Minimum group size : 8
..............................................................................................................................................

Markha Valley Trek:

A superb way to explore the wild life of the remote and mysterious Hemis National Park. This Trek will unveil a region inhabited by typical Ladakhi Villages, high passes, Ladakhi flora & fauna and dramatic mountain scenery. Impressive views from passes extend north to Ladakh range and the east Karakoram and south across the rugged Zanskar range to the snowcapped peaks of the Himalayan range. This is the most popular trek in Ladakh region because of its proximity to Leh.





Plan

Day 1: Arrive at Leh. Transfer to Hotel: take in the Fresh Mountain and give the excited soul some rest. Evening: walk out to explore the colorful town.

Day 2: Take it easy in Leh: meet up the team and take some acclimatising walks in and around town.

Day 3: Leh - Spituk (drive) - Trek to Zingchen (3200 M)
Drive to Spituk (1 hr). We start here by crossing a bridge over Indus River following an undulating trail along the river. Walk into the Zingchen valley to reach the village. Camp near the village of Zingchen.

Day 4: Trek to Yurutse (3900 M) via Rumbak
Early morning starts with a gradual sustained climb from Zingchen to Rumbak. From here one gets fabulous views of the snow capped Stok Mountains – continue to Yurutse to camp around fields of barley and potatoes.

Day 5: Yurutse - Skiu (3100 M) via Ganda La
A gradual ascent followed by a steep climb gets one to the Ganda la(4900 M) for some mesmerising views of the mountain ranges. we descent to Shingo village before following the trail heading into a narrow gorge leading towards Skiu -confluence of Markha valley and small tributary coming in from Shingo. Camp out for the night.

Day 6: Skiu - Markha (3800 M)
Enjoy the hike up the Markha valley today with the trail crossing numerous streams. Markha is a quaint village with a deserted fort and a small monastery. Camp out

Day 7: Markha - Thochuntse
The trail from Markha continues through Barley fields crossing the river several times as there are no bridges here. Hankar, en route, is the highest village in the Markha valley scattered over many valleys. We will camp at Thochuntse.

Day 8: Thochuntse - Nimaling (4700 M)
A steady ascend through a series of grassy ridges and drop down to the Nimaling plains: welcome to typical Ladakhi scene - series of Mani walls (walls carved with Buddhist prayers) and Chortens and Kangyaze peak. Camp

Day 9: Nimaling - Kongmaru La (5150 M) - Sumdo
Today we will climb the highest pass on the Markha trail- 5,150 M Kongmaru La. The breathtaking views of Indus valley and Ladakh range with lucky sights of Bharals grazing will define the moment. We will descend more than 1000mtrs to Sumdo(3730m) from here into the Martselang valley as we walk past Chogdo the highest village at 4000mts. Camp overnight at Sumdo

Day 10: Sumdo - Hemis 4 Hrs. Trek - Leh
Depending on Logistics we will board our jeeps here or walk the trail to Hemis Gompa. Visit Hemis monastery and the tea shop for some snacks and tea before we drive to Leh. Overnight in hotel.

Day 11: Early morning drop to Airport for flight to Delhi.

This will be a self-contained trip – we will carry minimum gear (packed lunch, trail food, water, etc) in our daypacks. There will be mules and porters to carry rest of the gear. We will travel with our own set of guides, cook, kitchen help, camping equipment, kitchen equipment and ration. Don’t expect to visit urban bathrooms and toilets on the trail – toilet tent will be set up.

..............................................................................................................................................