The most popular trek in Ladakh is the Markha Valley trek. This short trek walks you through the flat Spituk desert to deep river gorges to high mountain passes, the landscape ever-changing, a paradise for an adventurer. Every day is different from the last, scenes melting into myriad shapes, sights and colours. The ragged high peaks boast of adolescence in the face of the rest of the Himalayas. These mountains and valleys offer sanctuary to some of the rarest species of plants and animals like blue sheep, marmot, snow-leopards, ibex, eagles and etc.
The beauty of isolated nature, the soulful whistling of the wind, while the rumbling mountain stream lends its rhythm along with the joyful accompaniment of the horse-bells in the valleys far removed from the man-made hustle-bustle of the cities, and camping near a rivulet under a sky full of bright stars is every wanderer’s fantasy.
A mountaineer would enjoy the climb to Kang Yatse from Nimaling Base Camp, a pastoral plateau covered in summer grassland so that the herdsmen of Markha Valley may feed their cattle, enjoying the view of an unimaginably beautiful landscape from this vantage point.
To complete the experience, Markha Valley trekking tour package also brings you close to the inherent lifestyle of the region putting you in way of several Monasteries, villages and their habitants. Spirituality is in the air as Buddhism is a large part of people’s life here. This is a trek that can never fail to leave its impact.
itinerary
Day 1DELHI ARRIVAL
On your arrival at IGI airport Delhi, the capital city of India, our representative will transfer you to the hotel in Delhi.
Accommodation: Hotel 3 *
MEALS: B/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Day 2DELHI AGRA DELHI
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the guest will visit Taj Mehal, the epitome of love, Indian history and culture from the Mughal dynasty. After a full guided tour of Taj Mehal we will visit the Divane khass and gardens. In the evening drive back to Delhi.
Accommodation: Hotel 3 *
MEALS: B/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Day 3DELHI DARSHAN
After breakfast at the hotel, the guests will be escorted to Old Delhi for a visit to Red Fort, Jama Masjid and indulge in the food trail of Old Delhi’s Chandini Chowk. Post lunch we will visit Himayun’s tomb, Indian Habitat center for some contemporary art exhibits and Cultural History of India.
Accommodation: Hotel 3 *
MEALS: B/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Day 4DELHI TO LEH
Check out from the hotel in Delhi for the early morning flight to Leh. On arrival in Leh the guests will be transferred to the home-stay in Leh and rest for the day to acclimatize to the altitude. In the evening visit Leh market and Sankar monastery.
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals: B/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Day 5LEH HERITAGE WALK
After a homely breakfast at the home-stay in Leh, the guests will walk down to Lala’s cafe (the oldest cafe in town) before they start on the heritage walk. On this walk, a storyteller will escort us through. We will start by visiting the museum built by the Leh Old Town Restoration Initiative (LOTI) group, with locally available materials and infrastructure. The structure evolves around a skyscraper (Thokskar) on the top floor and has relics of Ladakh. From there we will enter the old town streets where the entire landscape is still as it was back in the day of the King Singay Namgyal (14th - 17th century AD) times, some of which have been restored by LOTI. The walk will take us through the King Singay Namgyal’s palace. After finishing the walk around Leh town we will explore the market and have lunch in a garden cafe. Post lunch the group will visit Women’s Alliance and LEDeG to explore the contemporary. The group will have dinner at Bon appetite restaurant in Leh.
Accommodation: Homestay
MEALS: B/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Day 6LEH TO ZINGCHEN VIA SPITUK (2 HOURS)
A jeep will drop you at Zingchen via Spituk at the start point of your trek. Zingchen valley is scattered with trees. Zingchen is a small village next to Spituk with gushing glacial water streams and high mountain passes of the mighty Ladakh ranges running throughout the trail. It's a scenic first day on the epic Markha valley trail.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
MEALS: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Crew: Guide, cook, support team
Day 7ZINGCHEN TO KANDHLA BASE (5/6 HOURS)
The second day’s trek enters into the Hemis National Park and is slightly tougher than the first day. Rumbak Sumdo (3752 m) is known to be the homeland of Snow Leopards. You will pass the Yurutse village and head to the next campsite where you will be welcomed by marmots and rabbits during your climb to the base of Kanda La (4500m). Rumbak, Sumdo, and Yurutse are also well-known for sightings of argali sheep. This trail is complete with its singular wildlife, spectacular landscapes, and its physically challenging hike.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
MEALS: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Crew: Guide, cook, support team
Day 8KANDHALA TO SKU (06/07 HOURS)
The third day starts with the ascension of Kanda-La (4900mtr). Once on top, a long but easy descent will follow up to Shingo village (4145 m). The lunch-break at Shingo will be followed by trekking down the deep narrow gorge until the beautiful camping site at Skui village (3600 m) is reached. In Skiu, you can just relax, visit the local monastery or take a dip in the freezing river.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
MEALS: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Crew: Guide, cook, support team
Day 9SKU TO MARKHA (5/6 HOURS)
This day’s trek is quite long but mostly flat, walking along the river while crossing it several times. The valley-trail keeps changing because of floods which leave it green and rich in flora and fauna. This night you will spend in one of the most picturesque and isolated spots in the trek. The green meadows, surrounded by deserted and snow covered mountain peaks will draw at your heart-strings.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
MEALS: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Crew: Guide, cook, support team
Day 10MARKHA TO HUNKAR (5/6 HOURS)
This trail is very relaxing and refreshing, trekking up and down all along the green meadows and crossing the river at several intersections. The richness of Himalayan trees and herbal plants along the route is noticeable. You will also find several local teahouses along the trek where you can partake of tea and light snacks. You will pass by an old monastery and a ruined castle surrounded by Mani Wall, Chortens and Prayer Flags. The night-stay will be in Hunker, the highest village in the Markha Valley where blue sheep can be seen on the high rocky mountains.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
MEALS: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Crew: Guide, cook, support team
Day 11HUNKAR TO NIMALING (5/6 HOURS)
This day’s trek starts by entering a river gorge and then walking alongside the river where after crossing a bridge, a steady 2 hrs climb up the mountain will take you to a little lake. The impressive view of Kang-Ya Tse (6400m) and the colourful surrounding mountain ranges will leave you breathless. Nimaling, your next campsite, is only a short walk from there. You will encounter big, furry yaks en route. This is one of the most beautiful high pastoral valleys of Ladakh (4710mtrs.). Camping in the lush green meadows next to the river and enjoying the nomadic herdsmen’s life in the Markha Valley is an experience to carry home. Here you will have the chance to buy fresh, homemade bread and curd from the local farmers.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
MEALS: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Crew: Guide, cook, support team
Day 12REST AT NIMALING
With vast green meadows, yaks and other cattle lazily grazing impervious to the beautifully majestic mountains that surround the valley, Nimaling is a charming little village at the foothills of the great Kang Yatse Peak. If you are the adventurous sort you may want to take this opportunity to hike up to the base camp of Kang Yatse(5000m) which is by itself quite a feat. It will take you 4hrs back and forth.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
MEALS: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Crew: Guide, cook, support team
Day 13NIMALING TO SHANG CHOKDO. END OF TREK & DRIVE TO LEH (6/7 HOURS)
After breakfast, a hard and rather steep climb will take you up the mountain until you reach Gongmaru- La (5150m), the highest pass on this trek. A long and steep descent will take you down into another deep river gorge. The spectacular view and the intense coloration of the vast surrounding mountains make it hard to concentrate on the rocky path. After a 3 hrs walk, you will reach Chu-skurmo where you can rest and enjoy lunch followed by tea. Another couple of hours’ walk will take you to Shang Chokdo where the trek ends. You will be picked up at this point and brought to Leh.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
MEALS: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Crew: Guide, cook, support team
Day 14LEH TO DELHI
After breakfast, the group will head to the airport for the return flight to Delhi with sweet memories of the trip
STAY THROUGHOUT IN PREMIUM HOMESTAYS AND CAMPSITES
ALL MEALS
WELCOME & SOUVENIR KIT
ALL ACTIVITIES MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY
TRANSFERS IN TOYOTA INNOVA THROUGHOUT THE TRIP
AIRPORT TRNASFERS
TREKKING EQUIPMENT AND CAMPING GEAR
ACCOMPANYING LOCAL EXPERTS AND RESOURCE PERSONS THROUGHOUT THE TRIP
ALL PERMITS AND PASSES
DOCTOR ON CALL
EXCLUSIONS
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
TRAVEL, LUGGAGE & MEDICAL INSURANCE
TOURIST VISA
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TAXES
TIPS
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
must read
CHANGES TO YOUR ITINERARY
For your best interest, sometimes it might have to make necessary alterations to your holiday itinerary. Where practical, we will advice you before you depart from your hometown, although occasionally we may be forced to make changes en route. We will keep you informed at all times.
MOUNTAIN FLIGHT DELAYS
Bad weather in mountainous regions can cause flight delays. These problems mainly happen in Ladakh region of India. If the delay is extended it may be necessary for us to re-route the trek and tour, perhaps to an area more readily accessed by road transport. We do not accept responsibility for charges incurred as result of flight delays and missing international flight connections. However, we will make every effort to assist you.
INHERENT RISKS OR DANGERS
You understand and accept that your proposed tour may expose you to levels of physical exertion to which you may not be accustomed to or be exposed to inherent dangers when traveling through remote areas which may be subject to, among other things, unfavorable political, physical, health or climatic conditions. By agreeing to use our services, you accept these dangers and unfavorable conditions.
INSURANCE
You must purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes a provision for helicopter rescue when you pay your deposit.
YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS
We strongly recommend that you visit your doctor and dentist before your holiday. You must ask your doctor about current inoculation requirements. Full details of pre-existing medical conditions must be forwarded to us when you book. Older clients or clients with pre-existing medical conditions may require a letter from your doctor clearing them for the trek and Beyond Himalayas Pvt. Ltd. reserve the right to check these documents prior to confirmation of tours and treks
PASSPORT
A valid passport is required for all tourists. The passports must be valid for minimum of six months from the start of journey, with at least two clean pages per country to be visited.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
A valid visa is required for the entire destination. You should always consult your doctor or nearest travel clinic for the latest information on recommended health precautions, both vaccination and malaria prophylaxis.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
GENERAL
Extensive medical kits are carried on all trips. In addition, medical oxygen and Portable Altitude Chambers are carried as a precaution on high altitude treks and climbing expeditions. All meals on trek are prepared specifically for your group to strict hygiene standards, and sterile washing facilities are provided.
HIGH ALTITUDE
Sickness from altitude can affect anyone. Serious problems are avoided by building in rest and acclimatization. For normal symptoms a drop in altitude, or time in portable acclimatization chamber, leads to quick recovery.
All trips are graded. There are Easy, Moderate, Challenging and Mountaineering categories.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance that includes helicopter evacuation is highly appreciated
AGE LIMITS
Client over sixty are required to complete a medical and personal travel history questionnaire. Persons under sixteen can join specified family departures and private groups.
Testimonials
Four friends and I enjoyed and I enjoyed it through the Markha Valley. The trek was organized very well and the food was healthy and fresh. I recommended this trekking business to anyone looking to trek in Ladakh.
Lachlan Mfortane
I have had the great pleasure of undertaking the 8 days Markha Valley trek & thought all services-our guide, Cook and our pony man were exceptionally good and we all felt very well looked after. Thanks for Beyond Himalayas.
Paul Banninger
thank you very much for a fantastic trek with a superb guide and a five-star cook. It was nice to see that the animals were looked after also. The trek was smashing. Thanks again
Clare Mcgee & Andy Mason
We enjoy east of our trek with Beyond Himalayas from Markha Valley to Tso Mori Ri. And we are very proud to support Tibetan people and to give them a job during 17 days of trek. All the team was very professional and also very friendly with us. They made a lot of attention, especially for food. (“Crepes” and other surprises). Biggest tent for better for a better place for a ...
