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. During the trek one can encounter with Himalayan Animals of the like of Snow Leopard, Himalayan Red Fox, Himalayan Wolf, Lynx, Blue Sheeps, Yaks, Himalayan Hare & Marmots & several species of Avi-fauna at the Hemis National Park.
Day 01: LEH - SPITUK - ZINCHEN. (11200ft / 3400mts.) Trek time: 04 /5 Hrs.
Today in the first day of our tour we will drive from Leh by Jeep to Spituk village. After visiting the Spituk Monastery, our trek will start. The trek will be to Zinchen, which is an easy walk, and we have to cross the river almost 3 times. Overnight stay in camps at Zinchen village.
Day 02: ZINCHEN - KANDALA BASE. (13500ft / 4380Mts) Trek time: 6/7 Hrs.
Trek resumes and we will be heading for Kanda-La base, which is a little strenuous trek having to cross river few times, on the way. Stop for lunch at Rumbuck village. Overnight in the camps at the Base.
Day 03: KANDALA BASE - SKIU. (11200ft /3400Mts) Trek time: 5/6 Hrs.
This day we have to walk along the mountainside up to the Kanda-La , which is situated at an altitude of 4850, Mts. Further an easy and decent walk towards Shingo village followed by an easy walk to the camp at Skiu. Visit the Skiu Monastery.
Day 04: SKIU - MARKHA. (12200ft.)
Today the trek is easy but we have to cross several rivers. The trek will take around 7 hours to be completed and in the evening, explore the local village. O/n Camp.
Day 05: MARKHA - THACHUNGTSE. (12300ft / 3700Mts). Trek time 5 hrs
On the way to Thachungtse visit Hankar Yokma village & Umlung Monastery situated on a hill top, One can have very picturesque view from the monastery and the Markha river have to be crossed twice. Overnight at camp.
Day 06: THACHUNGTSE - NIMALING. (15000ft / 4700Mts) Trek time: 5 – 6 Hrs
Beyond Thachungtse lies a broad valley on the riverside. The valley narrows and goes higher. The river is far to the left. Walk near a small lake, and cross pastures to Nimaling. This is one of the most beautiful high altitude valleys of Ladakh, at the height of 4700 Mts. On the right side stands the Kangyatse Peak 21000 Ft. Overnight at Camp.
Day 07: NIMALING – CHUSKURMO - SHANG SUMDO. (12100ft.) Trek time: 5Hrs
It will be a long climb along the mountainside then a criss-cross up to the GONGMARU LA at an altitude of 5150 Mts. On the way we will cross several small and easy flowing streams. Overnight at Camp.
Day 08: SHANG SUMDO – MARTSELANG – HEMIS - LEH. (12078 ft / 3660Mts). Trek time: 5/6 Hrs.
This morning we will take the riverbed again, followed by a good footpath through large blocks. You reach the motorable road and cross several Chorten en-route pass by Martselang village on the right and follow a gentle rising trail to Hemis. Trek Finish. Visit Hemis Monastery and drive back to Leh 01 Hr.

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