Beyond The Markha-Valley Trek (Ladakh)

Tour Type:
Small Group Journeys
Start:
Delhi
Duration:
14 Days
End:
Leh
Departs:
Guaranteed Departure Min Pax: 04

Starting From

NZ$ 5725
Per Person Sharing Twin/Double Room ENQUIRE NOW

Trekking in the Himalayas is often considered the pinnacle of peak hiking holidays. The trekking within the Indian region of Ladakh certainly enabling travellers to make the most of the mountains and the cultural traditions of the High Himalaya. As this trekking leads through the Markha Valley you’ll find yourself flanked by the mountain ranges of Stok, Matho and Zanskar with the meandering twists and turns of the Markha River making for an excellent trekking trail along the river’s banks. Many small Ladakhi villages and hillside monasteries, including Tache Gompa and Hemis, align the valley slopes and are overlooked by high altitude passes, such as Gongmaru La, where stunning views stretch to Tibet making trekking in the Himalayas a truly magical experience.

Itinerary

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DAY 1

On arrival at the airport meet your Tour Manager who will assist with transfer and check-in at the hotel. Stay two nights in Delhi.

DAY 2

After breakfast start our city tour of Delhi. Enjoy a bicycle rickshaw ride through the old city’s busy, narrow lanes, and stop at a local spice market. Then visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India Stop by Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the city’s largest Sikh Temple. Later visit Qutub Minar a World Heritage site, this is the tallest brick minaret in the world.

DAY 3

Early start to board a scenic flight over the Himalayas to Leh. Rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude (3,500m) and evening explore the town and its bazaars. Stay three nights in Leh.

DAY 4

Start our sightseeing with a visit to a former Royal Palace of the Ladakh kings and monastery - perched on top of a hill - its red and white buildings can be seen for miles.

DAY 5

Today we will have an acclimatisation walk around the Leh Valley, visit Tsemo Monastery and enjoy a magnificent view of Leh and its surrounding villages.

DAY 6

We drive via Stakna village and alongside the Indus River to reach the tiny settlement of Zinchen (3380m). It will not take long for our packhorses to be loaded before commence our trek that gradually ascends a spectacular gorge to the village of Rumbak (3960m). Our camp (3850m) is located just below the village. Overnight: Tented camp

DAY 7

A short day as we head up the main valley past a watermill and to a bridge, which we cross. In the afternoon there will be an acclimatization walk on the hills around camp.

*Full-service Camping *(sleeping altitude 4,539m).

DAY 8

A long day today as we cross our first pass and reach the top of the Ganda La (4,970m) decked. Ahead is the Zanskar Range and behind are the Stok Mountains. As we descend the trail takes us through a spectacular gorge to the small hamlet of Skiu. We camp around Skiu overnight. *Fullservice Camping *(sleeping altitude 3,360m).

DAY 9

The trail gradually ascends the Markha Valley passing a few small settlements en route to Markha (3770m) the largest village in the valley where we will visit the derelict fort above the village zand the gompa. Witness the imposing peak of Kangyaze (6400m) before reaching Hankar (3980m), the highest village in the Markha Valley.

*Full-service Camping *

DAY 10

Just beyond Markha, the trail meets the Chacham Valley. We will have one or two river crossings this morning and visit the most important monastery. We walk through Umlung village to Hankar and stop for lunch. Climbing more we now follow the Nimaling stream to Thachungtse where we camp. *Full-service Camping *(sleeping altitude 4,250m)

DAY 11

A short but quite tough walk today to Nimaling and We should get to Nimaling by lunchtime and in the afternoon. The trail climbs steeply to a plateau where the valley opens out. Ahead are spectacular views of Kang Yangtse, at 6,400m, the highest peak in the valley. *Full-service Camping *(sleeping altitude 4,854m)

DAY 12

Our trail begins today by climbing to the Gongmaru La. It is a fairly long, steep ascent zigzagging to the top of the pass at 5,286m, but the views from the top are worth the effort. Passing through Chuskurmo we continue our long descent crossing the river several times to the village of Chokodo and camp overnight.*Full-service Camping *(sleeping altitude 3,980m)

DAY 13

This morning we drive to Hemis Monastery. This was once the largest and richest of all the Ladakhi monasteries take you back hundreds of years in time. By lunch, we reach Leh and remaining day free to explore the local bazaar. Stay overnight in Leh.

DAY 14

After the early breakfast tour finishes with a direct transfer to Leh airport.

Inclusion


6 Nights in the hotel and 7 nights in tents

Group assistance and transfers

Airfare Delhi – Leh in economy class

Sightseeing as specified

Trekking guide

Porters, Cook

Trekking Equipment

Trekking permits

Meals as specified

A backup vehicle for luggage and carrying equipment

Bottled water while travelling

All current collectable taxes.

Exclusion


Any International or Domestic Airfare

Airport taxes and Visa fee

Early check-in or late check-out

Meals other than specified above

Tips & Gratuities

Travel & Medical Insurance

Camera and video permits

Expenses incurred due to flight/train cancellation or delay

Any expense of a personal nature, like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, mini bar, etc

Any optional excursion or tour

Any other expense not mentioned in the prices include column

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