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Trekking in the Markha valley
Discover the heart of Ladakh.
Gallery
Duration
Duration

13 days, (7 days trek)

Region
Region
  • Ladakh
Activity
Activity

Trekking

Season
Season

June to Mid Oct.

Difficulty level
Get in Touch with our Trek Expert
Monday - Saturday: 10 Am to 6 Pm (GMT +5:30)

Description

Trekking in Markha Valley has become very popular for good reason: The landscapes are varied; the trail passes through villages and isolated oasis dominated by the snowy peaks of Yatse Kang (6400 m) and Stok range. While trekking in Markha valley, you will enjoy spectacular view of Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. Its multicolor hue and the hidden civilization maintain the rich culture of the valley. In spite of arid landscapes, you will come across the willow groves, bushes of wild roses, sea buck throne and green meadows. Shepherd with their flocks can be seen in the plateau of Nimaling. There are chances to encounter the wild lives. After crossing the highest pass of the trek (5150m), we will rejoin the Indus valley and will visit some of prominent monasteries of Hemis and Thiksey.

Itinerary

Itinerary

Arrive Delhi by evening. Reception at the airport; transfer to the hotel and a relaxing overnight at hotel.

Transfer to the domestic airport to take the flight to Leh over majestic Himalayas. You will be landing at 3500 metre from the sea level. On arrival at Leh airport our representative will transfer you to the hotel. To get acclimatised, you will relax till the mid-day and leave for excursion after the lunch in the hotel. Drive to Shankar Gompa, return on foot at your rhythm between the farms and villages. Visit Shanti Stupa, Royal Palace built by 5th Dalailama in 17th century,which looks like a little Potala of Lahasa. Stroll in the Bazzar and night in the hotel.

This day is spent visiting two monasteries of Ladakh. Leave to the west of Leh to visit Phyang Monastery: The monastery was founded 446 years ago (reckoning from 1977) by Tashi Chozang. There are sacred shrines and various wall paintings are to be seen which dates back from the royal period. The protected deity of the monastery is Apchi Choski Dolma. Way back visit Spituk monastery built in 11th century known for its giant statue of Kali whaich is revealed on the day of annual festival Gustor belongs to the Gelukpa sect of Tibetan Buddisme and is home to the 100 of Lamas. Afternoon free, night in hotel.

Transfer to Jhinchen, following the left banks of the Indus towards the west, You will cross a wide plateau in the shadow of the Stok range, before entering through a gorge inside the Hemis National Park. Park is home to the different common and elusive species of wild animal such as Bharal (Blue sheep) Red fox, marmot, Hare, snow leopard, Lynx, Urial and Arghali, Tibetan wolf etc. After an hour of drive, arrive at the starting point of the trek. The trek begins in the direction to Rumbak following the Rumback stream. Walk at the beneath of rocky and parched landscape dotted by the poplars shrubs. It is a short stage for the first day, which will allow you to acclimatize well. Campsite will be set near a small oasis out of village. Afternoon walk toward the village to know the lifestyle of local habitants and to gain the height to better acclimatization. Night in camp.

From Rumbak, Day begin with easy trail following the riverbed (flooded recently) at the beneath of Stok range which remain on the left of the route. Yurutse with its 2 houses and farmland in front is located at the end pf the valley. Here onward trail start progressively ascending toward the campsite. This afternoon you will undertake a short walk toward pass to gain the height to get acclimatize and to get some striking views of the surrounding landscape. Night in camp.

We leave the magnificent base camp and follow a winding trail ascending toward the pass. As you look back, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the valley where your trek began. The higher you climb, the more the mountains appear in vase horizon. From the pass enjoy the panorama of surrounding Himalaya. We then begin an easy descent toward the small village of Shingo, nestled in a narrow valley that amidst a splendid oasis. Overnight in tents.

An easy day , trail goes down the valley, at the place is bit wider and rest of the time goes through a magnificent narrow gorge till the valley open up when you will join the main Markha Valley. After a short walk, you will reach Skiu, a charming village with few houses right along the banks of the Markha River. Once camp is set up, you will have the opportunity to take a stroll and explore the surrounding area. Overnight in tents.

Day starts walking on the right bank of Markha River. It is a large rough motor able track with gravel and mud. Occasionally vehicle can be seen circulating to transport goods of local living in the valley. Today you will notice the vegetation more than rest of the Markha valley, its farmland and high rocky towers are awesome. Several successive crossings from left bank to right bank leads us to Chaluk (little houses). After while reached the beautiful campsite of Markha. By late afternoon visit the village houses a small Gompa. Night in tent.

The trek goes on the right bank of the main valley; the trail is easy as previous day. Kongyatse range is in clear view with its group of peaks. Follow the riverbed on large rough track across the thick bushes of sea buck throne, wild rose and willows bushes before reaching the village of Hankar. After a shot while from Hankar, take turn to the left valley which progressively goes up to the pasture of Tchatchutse. Night in camp.

The trail climbs gradually; the river is rather far below to the left. Magnificent view of the lunarscape remain far left of the trail. We continue near a small lake, then cross the pastures to Nimaling. This is one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh dominated by Kangyatse (east 6400 m-west 6200m). Several choice of the route leading to the summit are rather difficult to the east peak and moderate to the west peak. Plateau is home to the shepherd to graze their livestock during summer. Night in camp.

Trail goes progressively by a zigzag ascends for about two hours to the pass Kongmaru la. Once at the pass, it offers panoramic views of the valley on the remote Zanskar range and on massif of Kongyatse and surrounding peaks. After enjoying the view take steep descent by a zigzag trail to the rocky gorge adorn by multicolour hue. Trail goes up and down through narrow path over the riverbed and during the summer there can be successive river crossing. Once at Chogdo, camp at the place where valley start opening. Night in camp.

Morning drive to Leh, on the way visit monasteries of Hemis. A mass of splendid architecture was built by the inveterate royal architect Singe Namgyal in1630. The monastery belongs to Drukpa sect of Buddhism. Next stop is at Thiksey, a majestic monastery perched on a rocky outcrop built in the 15th century during the first wave of expansion of Gelugpa sect in Ladakh. At the entrance, there are painting of protective deities and the great masters of the sect. Afternoon arrive at Leh, rest of the time is free. Night in hotel

Morning transfer to the domestic airport, flight to Delhi. Visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and an architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal. After lunch, stop at India Gate, the national war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers. Drive past the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Residence) and the Parliament House. If time allows enjoy some free time for the last shopping before heading back to home. Or well stroll in Connaught Place. Evening transfer to the airport to board your onward flight.
Extension
Contact us for the optional choices of the extension:

1: Same day Agra to visit Taj Mahal. 2: One night two days Agra to visit Taj Mahal. 3: Golden Triangle of 3 nights 4 days. 4: Varanasi or Banaras for 2 nights 3 days.

For Inquiry

Cost

Dates Availability Price
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What's Inside the Package?


Inclusions

checkAll ground transport by jeep or minibus.

checkAirport transfer,

checkEnglish-speaking local guide, during the trek transport by pony or Mule,

checktwin sharing spacious tent,

checkfoam mattress,

checkdining tent.

checkCamping chair (stool- tabouret)

checkKitchen team with all necessary items.

checkCamping fee.

checkTwin sharing rooms in 3*hotel,

checkLeh A class hotel equivalent to 3*,

checkAll meals except Delhi, during the trek lunch pack.

checkBoil cold water while trekking.

checkCamping fee / permit,

checkMedical kit with oxygen cylinder.

Exclusions

closeFlight Delhi-Leh-Delhi.

closeMeals in Delhi ( between 8 to 12 euro per meal) ,

closemonument fees,

closemonument fees,

closesleeping bag,

closeMicropur pills to purify the water,

closebeverages including bottle water,

closePersonal exp.,

closemedical evacuation / repatriation,

closetipping and any other extra expanses if occur due to unforeseen circumstances.

closeLoss and damage of the bags and any good.

closeItems of personal nature.

Highlights

  • Moderate trek accessible to average trekkers
  • Spectacular multicolor hue
  • Hidden villages and oasis
  • Willow groves and fragrance of wild rose (in summer)
  • Interaction with locals and monks in monasteries
  • Stunning view of Stok ranges and peaks of Kongyatse group
  • Shepherds hut can be visited at Nimaling plateau

General Information

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This is beautiful moderate trek with its arid landscape dotted by oasis and villages. Trek is accessible for all age group from 18 years to 60 or more having good physical condition. Daily walking hours from one destination to other varies from 5 to 7 hours.  Time can be lengthening or shorten sub. to the physical strength or walking rhythm of each individual. At the end of the trek highest point of the trek you will cross is Kongmarula -5100m.


Accommodation is based on 3 star category in Delhi, Neat and clean local standards of hotels will be provided in Leh. While trekking you will be assisted by kitchen with with all necessary items including to men spacious tent, mattress, dining tents from 4 persons onward, toilet tents and all necessary items.

Our chef will prepare verities of Indian, Chinese and Continental vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, Chefs on trek are used to cook for the western guest and pay their attention to dose the spice, Breakfast and dinner will be served at camp, lunch is always packed, Afternoon snacks is served with hot beverages as of tea and coffee.


When meals are not included, on average, a mid-range meal will cost you between 8 to12 USD (and Euros) in a mid-range restaurant. We strongly advise you to avoid the deep-fried street food, even if these dishes may appear appetizing. Already peeled fruits should avoid as well.


2-1: Water: 

Bottle water in city and in restaurants will be at your charge, while trekking our team will provide boil cold water, it’s not enough for the day hence you will take from the spring or streams and has to purify by your own.  For example by “chlorine tablets” (pastilles Micropur)



Exchange rate is vary from time to time; you need to verify the latest.

Facilities to get cash exchange is available on arrival at airport in Delhi, Leh and in some hotels, private money exchanger in town are available as well. You can withdraw from the ATM as well. There are certain shop where you can pay by credit card those wish to buy the souvenir.


While driving, sub. to the number of person in group, for 2-4+ guide Toyota Innova, for more than 5 persons Tempo travelers or mini bus. All vehicle will be air-conditioned, except in hilly area air-condition of any vehicle cannot be regularly used due to steep uphill drive, so you have to co-operate with. While trekking logistic will be transported. by mule or Ponies, you are requested to not carry more than 15 kgs as domestic airline limit the weight till 15 kgs. Exceeding 15kgs of weight will result the surcharges as per the airline law, even excess baggage’s will increase the weight on animal back which we should understand and respect the limit.


4-1: Baggage weight in local flight: You will take local flight between Delhi to Leh. Baggage weight is authorized 15 kgs. On check in bags and 7 kg. in cabin (can be change without prior information’s) Exceeding the authorized weight will cost 300 to 500 rs per kilo and has to be paid by clients directly. Those who refuse to pay the excess baggage will be not allow to check in or in case he or she insist and got the boarding pass, will have lot of issue in security check as there can be unauthorized items, even complete the security check but will definitely not allow to board the flight or will be de-board the flight.
All extra cost occurred due to such mess will be on client charge, also he she will be responsible to disturb the holiday schedule of the whole group and all the cost of the tours / trek will be borne by him / her only. Himalayan Frontiers will be not have any responsibilities and control and right to argue on the airline policies. 



4-2: Road:   you will use road for sight seen and to reach at the starting point of trek and from the end of the trek to Leh. But still you can face land slide due to unusual rainfall in Leh and can be blocked for few hours or for a day. you may miss the places expected to visit, or will visit the unexpected places, to regulate the situation the team at the spot will do the best possible at the moment. Road in India are being widen So please don’t compare the driving time as estimated in developed nation.   


4-3:  Another important factor:  

Is  that you will be travelling and trekking in the mountainous regions, most of the mountain streams are glacier linked, due to the high melting rate of glacier can raise the water level and even in sunny day road can be damaged or bridge can be washed away.  Occasional rain can be the cause of damaging the road or destabilize the scheduled itinerary.



 Due to wide range of temperature and climate conditions, it is advisable to bring appropriate clothing. For protection against cold a layered clothing is better than a few thick ones, so choose your cloths accordingly. Cloths should be preferable be made from natural materials which allow the body to breath better. You will be offending people if you walk around in skimpy or tight fitting clothes. Although there are normally opportunities to wear shorts, it is strictly forbidden to be with short in any religious places as monasteries and temples. We would advise women to wear shirts or loose trousers, men should not wear singlet. Make sure that your clothing should be packed in poly bag inside the back pack / duffle bag etc. 


Warm jacket type of gore axe or else ,Pull over, Trek suite, Raincoat, trekking shoes, Sneakers for river crossing, Camp shoes, Gloves, pairs of warm socks + normal socks, Sunglasses / Spare glasses or contact lenses, Sun hat + cap, sun cream, stick to protect the lips,  long and short sleeves Shirts- Loose trousers, breathable water proof over , trousers ,  Washing kit, toilet kit, A small sewing kit, Safety pins, torch or flash light with spare batteries, Camera with spare memory cards and batteries, battery Charger , day sac, water bottle, pair of gaiters , walking sticks if one required, personal medical kit as per your medical advisor. Sleeping bag (-10/-15°C ) small pillow if you required ,  A light towel, a knife, a role of toilet paper, a plastic bowl for shaving ( for men, a large plastic  bag  to protect your clothing inside the bag, wet tissue paper, fanny pack to keep safely  your important doc  as passport, insurance paper, credit cards, money, Multifunctional knife, lighters, wooden pencils and pen, string of 4-55 meters to dry the clothing or other purpose, English –Hindi dictionary to learn the important words to greet and to communicate with locals and a note book can be useful to engrave  your memory in it .


6-1: Sleeping Bags:
For this trek you required a warm and comfortable sleeping bag (- 10  to  - 15 ° C.) should be brought matching to your size at your convenience, You can consult us in this regards before departure. 


During this trip you will be visiting highly revered Buddhist monasteries, where in morning and evening daily ritual is practiced. if you will have occasion to participate such events, you are requested to be silent, respect the rule and regulations and  subject to the permission granted by monks you can join them silently when chanting the mantras in full devotion and in deep emotion.


There will be no connectivity of foreign mobile in Ladakh area while trekking except in Delhi.  In city mobile phone will work only if you will activate the roaming services before leaving your home country. In the cities of Delhi and Leh you will find WIFI in hotels, you can use your WhatsApp where Wi-fi facilities are available.


You will be guided by a professional English speaking trekking guide. Kitchen team will be at your service with necessary items, Horse/ Ponies or porters in specific route will be carrying the load while trekking. Once reaching at campsite your assistance to team members will be appreciated to establish the camp site.


Generally, vary to different season, Ladakh remain almost rain free part of India due to its arid climate, how ever since few years Ladakh has noticed the rain due to climatic change.



Summer from Mai to August minimum can be recorded10 to 15°C and maximum can raise till is 30°C -35°C due to its high altitude deserted terrain.

In Sep. Temperature descend few degree compare to summer and occasionally in higher regions of Ladakh you can notice the fresh snow.


Pre-travel conditioning is very desirable, as more you are prepared the more you enjoy the trips. For such trekking trips required good physic. 

As we gain altitude slowly, so we get acclimatize naturally. And for the vast majority the slow ascent to height will produce minimum effects. The most important attribute for any adventure travel trip is positive attitude.


Many metropolitan cities is India are not that much conservative, but still in certain part of cities and in rural it is better to dress conservatively, One should not try to attract attention towards themselves due to their dressing style, while entering to religious site one should take off shoes, don’t dress short and half sleeves and are required to cover the head. Mobile are required to be in silent mode, hugging and kissing will shock the people hence restricted in public, To be respected, respect always local culture.


Best method to get better acclimatization to climb higher and sleep lower, Avoid rapid ascend and walk slowly. 

Don’t drink alcohol, don’t take sleeping pills and avoid smoking. 

Drink at least 3-4 litters of liquid a day. 

Don’t exhaust by carrying heavy packs, Back pack should be 10-12 kg for normal trekkers.  Respect the daily ascend of 300m-500 mtrs a over 3000m. If you have minor symptoms, better to not proceed higher. And should take aspirin tablets. But If the symptoms start worsening than prepare the immediate descend. One should keep in mind that the member should be not left behind unattended.


Please understand, there are certain hazards involved in your adventurous and culture holidays, which you must accept at your own risk. The company will not be liable for any illness major or minor injury, death sustained during neither the trip, nor it will be liable for any uninsured losses of your property and other losses during the trip.

It is strongly advise that clients take out insurance to cover the unexpected and cancellation charges: 


Itinerary / hotels are sub to change in case of strike, civil war threaten, you may be will lose expected places you have prepared for but will explore unexpected and for sure will not disappointed.

In case of Vehicle break down another mode of transport will be managed at the earliest possible, In that case you are requested to keep patience and co-operate with the situation, while travelling to rural and isolated area replacing vehicle can take time due to lack of communication or distance to pass the message with the other vehicle those who are driving toward the nearest town or the place from where one can have telephone facilities. Or from where one can be connected by Mobile phone. Also you can be transferred by the other type of vehicle whatever is available at the moment as of local bus till you will be not having the proper mode of transport.


The Company cannot be made liable for the consequences of weather condition, flight or train cancellations, war or threat of civil war, strikes, industrial action, and political unrest or any other force majeure, unusual or unforeseen circumstance. The company reserves the right to use alternate transport, or vary the itinerary if breakdown, sickness or any other force major. Any additional that result, such as extra hotel accommodation, flight or road transport will be on your charge and must be paid directly at the spot. 

Please understand, there are certain hazards involved in your adventurous holidays which you must accept at your own risk. The company will not be liable for any illness major or minor injury, death sustained during neither the trip, nor it will be liable for any uninsured losses of your property and other losses during the trip.

It is strongly advised that clients take out insurance to cover the unexpected and cancellation charges: 


When visiting the public or religious sites, please ensure that you will respect local rules, customs, and cultural norms. Avoid causing offense to the local population by entering temples or sacred places with shoes, dressing tight-fitting or overly revealing attire. If you expect to be respected one has to give first than expecting



The Himalayas have a very fragile environment and it is our special concern and Endeavour to protect and preserve the existing ecology. We are also sensitive to local cultures and traditions and make special efforts to sensitize all our clients on this matter.



Take a spacious day bag having capacity to pack the things for day use as of water bottles, camera, sun cream or medicine pack those needed etc.


20-1: Travel bag:
Take a flexible travel bag type of duffle bag. You will pack this bag with the things you don’t need during the day. While traveling the baggage will be loaded on the roof or in the back of the vehicles, hence the day use essential should be packed in day sac or day bag. 


 Preparation of relief of sun burn, Lip salve, Anti septic cream, Antihistamine cream (for relief of insect bites), Anti diarrhea (flagyl or any other), Anti-headache (diamox, aspirin, paracitamol, zimalgin), Anti vomiting (avomin), For stomachach (baralgan,trigan or other diagnose) Dettol, washproof dettol plaster, Bandage and cotton, Balm, Anti cramp spray, Pills to purify the water, Scissor and knife are must in the medical kit. 

According to your physical condition you are requested to consult your doctor to complete your medical kit. Apart from that HIMALAYAN FRONTIERS also provides an additional medical kit including oxygen cylinder and Diamox with each group. Special precaution is taken to pack some medicine to deal with Prevention from Altitude sickness.  


21-1: Personal medical kit:

 You are requested to consult your doctor to complete your medical kit according to your physical condition before departure from your country. For trips in mountains HIMALAYAN FRONTIER also provides an additional medical kit with oxygen cylinder with each group where seems deem necessary.



India is ranked in zone 2 on the risks scale (maximum of 3) above all during the Monsoon (from June to September). To travel in zone 2 requests an anti-paludal treatment, which will be a part of the topics to consult with your doctor before your departure.  Kindly take into account that all the mosquitos are not vectors and sting only during the night, and think to bring a mosquito repellent.  


No vaccine is mandatory. However, you have to be up-to-date for classical vaccines. The typhoid, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B are strongly advised. Hepatitis A passes on water and hepatitis B transmits by sexual relations or saliva.

Vaccine against Japanese encephalitis is recommended if you travel in rural farming areas and under special circumstances, such as a known outbreak of Japanese encephalitis.  

Vaccine against yellow fever in only obligatory if you have travelled before in some countries of Africa and South America. 


If a trip is cancelled due to adverse weather, illness, an accident, a death, a natural disaster, or the political unrest, no refunds will be made, however we will take all necessary steps to modify the itinerary; Any additional expenses arise cause of this process, we may—if necessary—ask clients (partners) to contribute to the additional expenses occurred due to such unforeseen circumstances.  Nevertheless, we will bear any minor cost differences without bothering the customers. For more details, please consult the General Terms and Conditions on the website.


 This is mandatory for all clients travelling on any tour/ trek / expedition or independent itinerary arranged by us. You are responsible for obtaining adequate insurance covering expenses of unexpected / unforeseen circumstances as mentioned in liability paragraph, such loss or damage of baggage, medical expenses, war or threat of civil war, strikes, industrial action, political unrest or any other force majeure, unusual or unforeseen circumstance, helicopter (air or ground) rescue, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment of the itinerary.


An Individuals occupying a Dble (Twin) room for single occupancy will be automatically charged additionally as single room surcharge. This applies to groups with an odd number of participants (e.g., 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, etc.)


The custom of giving "small" tips to hotel porters is almost universal. Be sure to have some small change on hand: 50 INR per room for this service, 25 INR for solo travelers, and 100 to 200 INR per meal for restaurant waiters, depending on the size of the group. Tipping your tour drivers and guides is a different matter entirely and may be done in your national currency. The amount varies depending on the size of the group. It is nothing but is gesture of gratitude to your service



Use of any general satellite phones (Thuraya / Irridium or any others) is strictly prohibited / forbidden in India for the security reason, and also you will travelling close to Indo- Tibet border of Ladakh.  It is officially illegal and is an offence. 

Second:  Some new devices of mobile phone such as I phone  which has facilities of auto connectivity to GPS  through satellite like (type of Garmin in Reach) when you are out of reach to the  cell tower or line ,off sight radio communication. Such mobile phone /  I phone  which has facilities of auto connectivity to GPS  through satellite, we request to deactivate such services from your devices before leaving your home country and do not activate  it till you reach back home. 

Any individual found to be in possession of an unauthorized satellite phone in India or found using such services  which are forbidden by law, he / she will be liable to prosecute or can be imprisoned without any bail by Indian law and enforcement agencies.

We, The Himalayan Frontiers as your DMC will have no role and no right to intervene between the persons found guilty and the competitive authority. Matter will be directly under the supervision of the competitive authority of India.


Throughout the trip electricity will be available at every town / places but power cut can be noticed which is refilled by generators. You may need to recharge your mobile battery during the day as in vehicle there are limited distributors,  to facilitate the recharging the battery we recommend you to bring a high-capacity portable power bank to charge your mobile phones or camera battery if it happen to face such situation.

The voltage is 220V, and the outlets are almost the same as in Europe. In some locations, the power outlets feature wide sockets, so we advise you to bring an adapter.


Before any administrative procedures, please check that your passport is valid for more than 6 months after the date of return, be sure it has minimum 3 blank pages left in good condition.


To visit India you need Indian visa, E visa or ETV Visa is applied online and is more convenient and faster to obtain than classical visa, for classic visa you need to take appointment at VFS or send the documents by post which take more time than ETV. ETV can be obtain from one month to one year with options of multi entry. Following are the official website to apply the ETV:

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

To apply for visa you will complete online visa application (form), upload the copy of passport that you are travelling with, Identity photo of particular size required of Indians standards -JPEG format, visa fee must be paid online by credit card. Once uploading of required documents is complete, you will get mail back with document of granted visa within 48 hours or earlier.  Once Visa granted mail received, you must print it and present it with your plane tickets when boarding and on arrival at the Indian immigration service.





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