Markha Valley Trek | Markha Valley Trekking Itinerary 2020
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Difficulty

Moderate

Max. Altitude

5200m

Duration

9 Days

Best Time

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept, Oct,

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Tour description

The Markha Valley 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 (4575 m) 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. This valley is well known for its ancient form of Buddhism that flourishes in the many monasteries. The majestic looking Kang Yatze is the most prominent peak in the Markha Valley. On a clear day you see views as far Nun Kun & Zanskar ranges in the West & the K2, Broad Peak & Gasherbrum Massif in the far North. Kang Yatse II is often referred to as the protector of the region. Walk one of the most popular and stunning trails of this trans Himalayan state!


Virtual tour of
MARKHA VALLEY TREK

Is this Holiday for you ?

After spending 2 days acclimatizing to the altitude in Ladakh (3500 meters), during which time we will explore Leh and visit the surrounding monasteries,, the time that we actually spend trekking will be 6 days.. You will be camping higher than 3500m on this trek, therefore it is important that you acclimatize well before the trek. You will also be crossing two high passes of Ganda La (4900m) and Kongmoru La (5200m) during the holiday. This trek is suitable for most hill walkers and generally involves trekking at moderate altitude, on good paths and tracks. It is a great introductory trek in the high Himalayas for anyone looking for the same. Our professional guides will guide you all the way and will provide you the information and tips you need for the trek. There is fair bit of walking to be done every day, and we would encourage you to do a bit of walking/running and breathing exercises to enjoy this trek. A fair level of fitness will be required and help you enjoy the holiday more.

Excellent introduction to Himalayan trekking

Experience the culture and hospitality of Ladakh

Cross two high passes of Ganda La (4900m) and Kongmoru La(5200m)





  • 9 Days, 3 nights hotel, 5 nights camping
  • 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
  • max group size: 10
  • On the high plateau of Ladakh, the maximum daytime temperature low down on our trip (and at Leh) will be around 15°C, with night-time lows below 0°C. At high altitude, the sun has a very strong effect and at the height of the day it will feel hotter than the indicated temperatures. Ladakh is not adversely affected by the monsoon and we can usually expect stable, weather. However, mountains do generate their own weather systems and some rain or wind cannot be ruled out at anytime.

Start Date End Date Code Adult Price Status  
29-08-2023 06-09-2023 MKV-0823 900 Available

  • Local guide and kitchen team
  • Airport transfers as described
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary
  • All accommodation as described
  • Meals as per the Meal Plan
  • All permits and entrance fees in the itinerary
  • All costs are applicable for double occupancy
  • Oxygen tank
  • Private group toilet
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Some meals as per the Meal Plan
  • Airport transfers other than those described
  • Tips for local staff including the local guide and drivers
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc
  • Personal camera equipment
  • Personal gear
  • Flights and airfare
  • Meals will be a mix of local and comfort food. Breakfasts will consist of bread, cheese, honey, jams, fruit, tea and Nescafe along with eggs, paranthas,etc. For lunch there will be a variety of momos, thukpas, and other dishes from which we can select, or a full packed lunch. Dinner will usually be a soup followed by lentils, vegetable curry and meat as available. Vegetarians can be catered for.
  • A single group transfer will be arranged from Leh Airport to the hotel in Leh. This transfer will meet the arrival of the flights from Delhi at 1030hrs. At the end of the trip there will be a single group transfer from the group hotel to Leh Airport at 8 am. This transfer will be after breakfast on Day 9 of the trip itinerary. A representative of our local agent will assist with the transfers between the airport and the group hotel. If the arrival transfer does not work with your flight, you will need to make your own transfer arrangements at Leh Airport. Should you require an airport transfer, these can be arranged by the hotel reception staff or alternatively please contact the UFO office
  • During this trip the group will spend 3 nights in Leh and 5 nights camping.. All accommodation is allocated on a twin sharing basis. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. All accommodations used by UFO adhere to hygiene and comfort norms. For Hotel prices and single supplement costs please contact UFO office
  • Day will start with a hot cup of tea served to you in the tent at around 6.30 am. At around 8 a.m. breakfast will be under way and by 8.30 we should be back on the trail to our next camp. You will have plenty of time to get up and pack your trek bag which will be transported safely to the next camp on mules. Please make sure you fill you water bottles for the trek ahead. After breakfast, you can pick your packed lunch prior to setting off. Usually, our route will involve a mix of walking through rugged terrain and scrambling over loose rocks. Be prepared for some uphill climbing every day. We will pick a beautiful spot with some shade or a meadow for Lunch. Usually we walk for around 5-6 hours every day. On arrival at camp, we can relax in our mess tent and take tea or coffee. Dinner is ready at around 7 p.m. in the mess tent. This is a great time of day for reliving the events of the trip so far and for general socializing. After dark, the temperature starts to fall and everyone will soon be tucked up in their sleeping bags

ITINERARY FOR THE TREK

DAY 1

MEET AT THE GROUP HOTEL IN LEH (3500m). TRANSFERS FROM AIRPORT ARE PROVIDED.

Meet at the group hotel in Leh. A single group transfer at 10.30 am from Leh Airport to the group hotel in Leh is provided. The first day is reserved for acclimatization and you will be advised to rest and drink water as much as possible. 



  Accommodation
Hotel
  Meals
Dinner

DAY 2

EXPERIENCE LEH & SURROUNDING MONASTERIES

We will make an early start after tea and breakfast for Thiksey Monastery. Affiliated with the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, it is situated on top of the hill in Thiksey village and is noted for its resemblance to Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. We will then visit Stakna Monastery and then head for Shey Palace and surrounding areas.  You will be given some time to yourself to explore on your own. Lunch can be had at small eateries near these monasteries as per the group's needs. We will then visit Shanti Stupa and head back to our hotel for dinner. 



  Accommodation
Hotel
  Meals
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 3

DRIVE TO ZINGCHEN. TREK TO YURUTSE(4150m)

Post breakfast we will drive to Zingchen which will take about 1.5 hours from Leh. This being the first day of the trek we will only walk for about 3-4 hours. The trail to Rumbak village is moderate with several stream crossings. You have to walk slow but steady to acclimatize for the first day of the trek. We will be camping at Yurutse, famous for being a 'one house village' , where we will make camp for the night. Tip: Drink lots of water, rest well and eat well.



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
B,L,D
  Time
1.5 hr drive; 3-4 hours walking (6-8 kms)

DAY 4

CROSS GANDA LA (4900m) to SKIU (3400m)

The first challenge of the trek is to cross Ganda La (4900m). After breakfast, we set out for the pass which has a long steep approach.  You can expect strong winds and unpredictable weather  at the top of the pass. From the pass, enjoy views of valleys on both side, Zanskar range and some distant summits of the Himalayan range. Commence descending to Shingo Village, after which, the trail makes its way into a narrow gorge leading towards Skiu, where a confluence of the rivers come from Markha Valley and Shingo.



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
B,L,D
  Time
7-8 hrs walking(12-14 kms)

DAY 5

TREK FROM SKIU TO MARKHA (3800m)

A very picturesque and pleasant hike up the Markha valley and well known for its trails crossing numerous streams. Though a pleasant walk, it is quite tiring as we will be walking for around 6 hours. We could be crossing a few rivers on horseback or on foot as there might be no bridges. Markha is a quaint village with a deserted fort and a small monastery.



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
B,L,D
  Time
5-6 hrs walking(10-12 kms)

DAY 6

TREK TO THACHUNGTSE (4100m) VIA HANKAR

From Markha the country changes and the warm, relatively heavily wooded sections of the lower Markha is left behind. We cross the stunning village of Hankar, after which we leave the Markha valley to enter the Nimaling valley. We might be able to spot some wildlife in this area and also the forts and monasteries perched cliff tops are quite a sight. 



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
B,L,D
  Time
5-6 hrs walking(8-10 kms)

DAY 7

THACHUNGTSE TO NIMALING (4720m)

Trek starts on a good path with several small inclines and a series of grassy ridges. There are a series of Mani walls (walls carved with Buddhist prayers) and chortens en route. This is one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh and is dominated by the Kang Yatse II peak.



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
B,L,D
  Time
5-6 hrs walking(8-10 kms)

DAY 8

TREK TO CHUKDO (3400m) VIA KONGMARU LA (5260m). DRIVE TO LEH.

After a hearty breakfast, we will cross Kongmaru La, the highest pass on the trek.. The 2-hour descend is quite steep, with its strange and other worldly rock formations. More river crossings bar our way before we arrive at the sour-spring of Chuskirmo (used in traditional medicine by the Amchi doctors). We walk for another hour to Chukdo village , where the car will be waiting for us to take us back to Leh.  



  Accommodation
Hotel
  Meals
B,L,D
  Time
8-9 hrs walking(12-14 kms); Drive : 1.5 hrs

DAY 9

TRANSFER TO AIRPORT FOR ONWARD JOURNEY

Transfers to be provided after breakfast to the airport. If you want to extend your stay to travel to Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and other places in Ladakh please contact UFO consultants.

 



  Meals
Breakfast

Why trekkers love us?

Joined this great trip combining cleaning up base camps, and also summit two peaks from Stok Kangri base camp in Ladakh. Was very well organised, and most of all a great group of people! Was a wonderful few days spent with these guys. Great food, great company, and a great challenge! The trip is firmly etched in my memory as a highlight of that year!

Hui Hui Ng

5 Because it was a completely hassle free experience for me. I have some experience with treks and UFO team handled situations beautifully, ensuring that none of the headaches came our way on the Kashmir Great Lakes trek.The staff was eager, the guide experienced and mature and the team was willing to help wherever required.This will be one that I will remember for a very long time. Thanks UFO!

Amit Gupta

I have done two treks in Ladakh with UFO including the Markha Valley trek and Kang Yatse II (6250m) expedition. I completely understand the amount of effort UFO puts in each of their clients. I have experienced the best food that anyone can get at such altitude, best guides, tents/ equipment, organisation, management. If you want to see the real beauty of being in mountains then no other company can give you what UFO has in store for you.

Dushyant Singh Jhala

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Frequently asked questions

How do we travel to Ladakh?

There are three ways to reach Ladakh- a) you can take flight from Delhi to Leh from major airlines such as Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Indigo and Go Airlines. b) You can take road journeys either from Manali or Srinagar. It takes 2 day journey (474 kilometers) from Manali to Leh with a night stopover in Sarchu. On the other hand, Srinagar to Leh will take 2 days (434 kilometers) with a night halt at Kargil. All the roads remain open from May to October.

What are the symptoms of High Altitude sickness? How long does it take to get acclimatize in Ladakh?

Some common symptoms of high altitude sickness include giddiness, loss of appetite, lack of sleep and difficulty in breathing. The best way to acclimatize in Ladakh is a natural rest for at least 48 hours, keep yourself well hydrated and eat well. Even then it depends from person to person as to how long it takes to acclimatize before trekking in the Himalayas.

Am i fit enough for an adventure in Ladakh?

Anyone with an enthusiasm for the outdoors, different cultures and overseas travel and is prepared to be open minded and flexible. Our trips are fun and informal and attended by a wide range of people. We offer a range of trips which are all graded for difficulty to help you choose your holiday, if you would like advice please get in contact us at [email protected]. You will always enjoy your trekking holiday in Ladakh better if you have a good level of fitness. Running, cardio vascular exercises or playing sports always helps.

What kind of food is provided during the trek?

We provide clean , hygienic and tasty food during treks and climbs. Below items will give you an idea with regards to the meals:

Breakfast: Porridge, Cornflakes, Muesli, Bread, Apricot Jam, Honey, Butter, Peanut Butter, Cheese, Pan-Cake, Omelet, Tea and Coffee.

Lunch: (You will have Packed Lunch while trekking mostly) Sandwiches, Boiled Eggs, Boiled Potatoes, Fruit Juice, Chocolate Bars, Biscuits,etc

Tea Time: Instant Noodles, Popcorn, Pakoda, Tea & Coffee with Biscuits.

Dinner: Soup, Rice, Curry (Veg. Mushroom, Paneer, & Dal) Noodles (Thukpa & Chowmien) Veg Momos, Pasta, etc and desserts.

Please Note: All of the above items are served different on different days, and the items are subjected to the availability in the market. Meals can be customized according to clients and private groups.

Which treks should be considered in Ladakh?

Ladakh has a wide array of treks and climbs of different grades. Treks with multiple high altitude passes, average camping altitude and remoteness determine the toughness of the trek.

Easy treks: Markha valley trek,Sham Valley trek, Lamayuru to Chilling trek

Moderate Treks: Phyang to Hunder, Tsokar to Tsomoriri

Challenging treks: Rumtse to Tsomoriri, Chadar Trek

Which are the famous mountaineering peaks in Ladakh?

Stok Kangri(6150m) is the highest walking peak in India and draws a lot of climbers due to its height and non technicality. Kang Yatse (6400m),Mentok Kangri (6210m),Golep Kangri (6000m) and Nun (7135m) Kun (7085m) are other famous mountaineering peaks.

Why are some treks more expensive than others?

If we have to organize a trek near Leh, the transportation cost and carriage cost is less expensive. Markha Valley trek is more accessible from Leh than the Rumtse to Tso moriri trek, therefore it will be cheaper than it. Horses to carry your luggage also play an important component to trek cost. Ultimately though, it is the services that the client or the groups require and want i.e accommodation, food, experiences, etc that will determine your trek or adventure cost.

What kind of accommodation is available in Ladakh?

There are various price points in Ladakh for accommodations. From homestay/guesthouses to boutique hotels to luxury hotels and camps, travelers can pick and choose according to the budget. We usually choose an A class and luxury hotels with their facilities and services comparable to any 3-4 star hotel. Hotels in Ladakh are designed with traditional architecture of the region and feature big rooms equipped with modern amenities.

How difficult is the Markha Valley trek?

You will be camping higher than 3500m on this trek, therefore it is important that you acclimatize well before the trek. You will also be crossing two high passes of Ganda La (4900m) and Kongmoru La (5200m) during the holiday. This trek is suitable for most hill walkers and generally involves trekking at moderate altitude, on good paths and tracks. It is a great introductory trek in the high Himalayas for anyone looking for the same. Our professional guides will guide you all the way and will provide you the information and tips you need for the trek. There is fair bit of walking to be done every day, and we would encourage you to do a bit of walking/running and breathing exercises to enjoy this trek. A fair level of fitness will be required and help you enjoy the holiday more.
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