Day by Day itineraryDay 1: Leh Arrival Markha Valley trek begins at Leh (height 3,524 m.), the largest town with the only airport in Ladakh. Dominated by the royal Leh Palace from a cliff, the town retains its old world charm and is dotted with Buddhist structures. Trekkers, as well as bikers, rafter, campers and other adventurers in Ladakh, get acclimatized to high altitude at Leh before moving ahead. On arrival, check in at the hotel and accustom yourself to the high-altitude sickness. Stay overnight at Leh.
On the second day of Ladakh Markha Valley trek, you would continue to acclimatize, while using this opportunity to explore the rich heritage of Leh. Have breakfast and start the sightseeing trip with a visit to Leh Palace (open 07:00 a.m.-04:00 p.m.; entry fee INR 15/100 for Indians/foreigners). Representing the fascinating Tibetan Architecture, the palace hosts fabulous collections of jewellery, crowns and royal costumes, while its roof promises panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and sprawling valleys.
Later, visit Thiksey Monastery (about 18 km. from Leh; height 3,600 m.; open 07:00 a.m.-07:00 p.m.; entry fee INR 20) which features a 15 m. high statue of Maitreya Buddha and artifacts like paintings, thangkas, and swords. Then, visit Shey Monastery (about 13 km. from Leh; height 3,415 m.; open 07:00 a.m.-07:00 p.m.; entry free) featuring 12 m Shakyamuni Buddha statue, chortens and Shey Palace in ruins. Get back to the hotel and stay overnight before we begin Markha Valley trek the next day.
Post breakfast, we leave for Chilling via the village of Taru in a jeep. Make a small stopover at the mesmerizing confluence of River Indus with River Zanskar and watch the blue and brown waters of the rivers dramatically merging. Cross Indus River and drive along Zanskar River to reach Chilling. Located inside Hemis National Park, Chilling (height 3,195 m.) offers the first encounter with a Ladakhi village. It is one of the biggest villages, though there are only 30 households. Enjoy a thrilling cable trolley ride to cross Zanskar, after which the real Markha Valley trek itinerary begins.
After loading bags on ponies, we begin the trek to Skiu. Get enchanted by the splendid valley views and remarkable sights of Zanskar Range and Himalayan summits. Cross the first mountain pass called Ganda La (height 4,980 m.) which offers some incredible views of the region. At a height of about 3,366 m., Skiu on the banks of River Markha is a small village with just 9 households. On arrival, retire to the camp and stay overnight.
Get up early on the fourth day of Markha Valley trek to begin the final leg to the village of Markha. You would traverse through beautiful valleys, crossing paths with a number of playful mountain streams and constantly feasting your eyes on the enticing landscapes. During this part of Markha Valley trek route, you would come across a number of signs of Buddhist culture and small hamlets with smiling faces. Discover Lhatos, the small shrines dedicated to the local deities and Mani Walls and Stones that are like stone tablets carved with Buddhist inscriptions. According to the belief, these walls must be crossed from the left side.
You may find parachute tent teahouses on the route (the reason why it is also called a tea house trek) where you may seek refreshments. Continue the trek and after crossing the river for one last time, you arrive at Markha Village (height 3,760 m.). Comprising of 20 households, the village also has a fort in ruins and an old Buddhist monastery. On this amazing Markha Valley trek India, you would now be in a valley with Stok Range of the Himalayas on one side and Zanskar Range on the other. Retire into tented accommodation for night stay.
Note: You are advised to carry adequate water and sun protection as important items to the valley.
Markha Valley trek continues as we begin in search of even more fascinating avenues. Walk past a number of stone mills that are decades old and a castle, now in ruins. Get fascinated by the eagle-nest setting of Techa Monastery and wonder about the reach of mankind. Depending on time and energy, you may choose to access the monastery. Keep on experiencing the thrill as you cross the river at many points and make way through villages like Umlung.
One of the most exciting moments of Markha Valley trek Ladakh tour arrives as the sky-touching Kang Yatze Mountain (altitude 6,400 m.) flaunts its hoary summits. You are bound to feel proud of choosing Markha Valley Ladakh as your adventure destination at this point. Reach the last inhabited village of the valley, Hankar (or Hangkar, height 4,030 m.) which boasts of colorful slopes and green fields, apart from a Dzong (fortress). Have lunch before we resume the trek and reach Thachungtse (height 4,150 m.). You would be staying in a camp over lush green pastures.
Nimaling Plateau is the destination of this day on Markha Valley trek. At the height of more than 4,700 m., it would be the highest camp of the entire trekking route. Kang Yatze continues to be in the frame as you reach the plateau’s pasturelands where herders can be seen grazing their herds. Enjoy the captivating views of Markha Valley and Zanskar Range before you retire to your tent for the overnight stay.
Have breakfast and bid adieu to the green landscapes as we move towards the second mountain pass, Kongmaru La (height 5,260 m.). The highest point of Ladakh Markha Valley trekking trail, the pass acts as an exclusive vantage point to absorb the beauty of Kang Yatze and numerous glaciers. Start descending over a steep route and after around 2 hr., you reach Shang Gorge which is famous for its unusual yet surreal rock formations.
Continue to cross the river at many points and arrive at Chuskurmo springs that have been the source of carbonated waters with medicinal properties to alleviate joint pains for centuries. Markha Valley trekking adventure reaches its culmination as you arrive at Shang Sumdo after passing through a number of villages. From there, ride the taxi to reach Leh for the overnight stay.
Check out from the hotel and drive to the airport to board the scheduled flight. Markha Valley trek ends here.