India: Markha Valley Trek – Ladakh

The Markha Valley Trek is certainly one of the most varied and beautiful treks in the world. It ventures high into the Himalayas crossing two passes over 15,000 ft (4575m) as it circles from the edges of the Indus Valley, down into parts of Zanskar, and passes through terrain that changes from incredibly narrow valleys to wide-open vast expanses! It is made all the more interesting by the ancient form of Buddhism that flourishes in the many monasteries that dot the landscape perched high atop hills. The trails are decorated by elaborate “chortens”(shrines) and “mani”(prayer) walls which further exemplify the region’s total immersion in Buddhist culture. As we trek to the upper end of the Markha Valley we are rewarded with spectacular views of jagged snow capped peaks before crossing the 16,500 ft (5000m) Gongmaru Pass and descending to the famous Hemis Monastery, where we end our trek. There are also a few days to explore the fascinating town of Leh and raft the Indus River.

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive Delhi. Group meets at a comfortable centrally located hotel.

DAY 2: Fly to Leh, Ladakh at 6:00 am. or 10:30 am. Arriving at 7:15 am. or11:45 am. respectively. Balance of the day at rest to acclimatize to the 3,505 mts. (11,500 ft. ) altitude.

DAY 3: Short sightseeing trip in Jeeps around Leh and nearby monasteries.

DAY 4: Drive to the village of Stok in Jeeps and begin trek. Overnight at Shepherd Camp, 4,020 mts (13,200 ft. ) about a 5 hour walk from Stok.

DAY 5: Trek to the village of Rumbak 4,060 mts. (13,400 ft. ) via the 4,545 mts (15,000 ft. ) Namlung Pass. (Approx. 6 hrs)

DAY 6: Trek for about 3 hours to the village of Utse 3,900 mts. (12,675 ft. ) and then continue to a nice campsite another 2 – 3 hours beyond the village.

DAY 7: Trek to the village of Skiu 3,500 mts. (11,500 ft. ) via the spectacular Gandha Pass. 4,980 mts. (16,400 ft. ) (Apx: 6 hrs)

DAY 8: Trek to Markha Village. 3,765 mts. (12,400 ft. ) (Apx: 7 hrs)

DAY 9: Trek to the village of Thahungtse 4,350 mts. (14,200 ft. ) via the ancient Hankar fort ruins. (Apx: 5 hrs)

DAY 10: Trek to Nimaling Village. 5,000 mts. (16,400 ft. ) (Apx 6 hrs)

DAY 11: Trek over the 5,030 mts. (16,500 ft. ) Gongmaru Pass where there are incredible views of the Stok Range and the Indus Valley. Camp at the village of Sumda. 3,765 mts. (12,400 ft. ) (Apx: 7 hrs)

DAY 12: Trek to Hemis, 3692 mts. (12100 ft. ) site of one of the most beautiful Monasteries in Ladakh. (Apx: 5 hrs)

DAY 13: Drive to Leh in jeeps visiting the fascinating Thiksey monastery enroute.

DAY 14: Free day in Leh to explore or take a fun rafting trip on the Indus River (optional).

NOTE: Participants taking the NUBRA VALLEY extension will drive from Leh to Tiger in the morning of Day 14.

DAY 15: Fly to Delhi at 7:55 am. or 10:50 am. Arriving at 9:10 am. or 12:05pm. respectively. Transfer to a downtown hotel.

DAY 16: Trip ends.

Synopsis

Trip grading:

Length: 16 days from New Delhi.

Begins/Ends in New Delhi.

Jun 05 – Jun 20 ’10
Jul 03 – Jul 18 ’10
Jul 31 – Aug 15 ’10

Jun 04 – Jun 19 ’11
Jul 02 – Jul 17 ’11
Jul 30 – Aug 14 ’11

Land Cost:$1875us

Airfare: Apx $1800us from North America including all flight sectors.

Single supplement: $195us

Includes: hotel accommodation in Delhi and Leh, transfers for group flights, explorations around Leh in a jeep, transportation to starting point and from ending point of trek, all tents, mattresses, food, cooks, donkeys/horses, porters, and experienced guide for the 9-day trek.

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.

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