Markha Valley – Ladakh
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The Markha Valley Trek 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 (4575m) 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! It is made all the more interesting by the ancient form of Buddhism that flourishes in the many monasteries that dot the landscape perched high atop hills.
The trails are decorated by elaborate “chortens”(shrines) and “mani”(prayer) walls which further exemplify the region’s total immersion in Buddhist culture.
As we trek to the upper end of the Markha Valley we are rewarded with spectacular views of jagged snow capped peaks before crossing the 16,500 ft (5000m) Gongmaru Pass and descending to the famous Hemis Monastery, where we end our trek.
There are also a few days to explore the fascinating town of Leh and raft the Indus River.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive Delhi. Group meets at a comfortable centrally located hotel.
1
Fly to Leh, Ladakh at 6:00 am. or 10:30 am. Arriving at 7:15 am. or11:45 am. respectively. Balance of the day at rest to acclimatize to the 3,505 mts. (11,500 ft. ) altitude.
2
Excursion to Alchi and Likir Monasteries in private vehicle vehicle. Overnight at hotel in Leh. The first few days in and around Leh are important for acclimatization to high altitude. Alchi Monastery in Alchi village, is a Buddhist monastery situated on the bank of river Indus on the altitude of 3100 mtrs. Alchi is said to be the oldest and most famous monastery in Ladakh.
Likir Monastery or Likir Gompa was founded in the 15th century, and overlooks the Alchi Gompa. It houses nearly 120 monks and belongs to the Yellow Hat sect
Leh to Alchi distance is 85 km/53 miles, and drive takes approximately 1.5 hours. Alchi to Likir distance is 19 km/ 11.8 miles, and takes approx. 30 minutes. Likir to Leh distance is 55 km/34 miles, and drives takes approximately 70 minutes.
3
Sightseeing trip in jeeps in/around Leh and sightseeing of city. Overnight in Leh.
4
Drive to the village of Stok in Jeeps and begin trek. Overnight at Shepherd Camp, 4,020 mts (13,200 ft. ) about a 5 hour walk from Stok.
5
Trek to the village of Rumbak 4,060 mts. (13,400 ft. ) via the 4,545 mts (15,000 ft. ) Namlung Pass. (Approx. 6 hrs)
6
Trek for about 3 hours to the village of Utse 3,900 mts. (12,675 ft.) and then continue to a nice campsite another 2 – 3 hours beyond the village.
7
Trek to the village of Skiu 3,500 mts. (11,500 ft. ) via the spectacular Gandha Pass. 4,980 mts. (16,400 ft. ) (Apx: 6 hrs)
8
Trek to Markha Village. 3,765 mts. (12,400 ft. ) (Apx: 7 hrs)
9
Trek to the village of Thahungtse 4,350 mts. (14,200 ft. ) via the ancient Hankar fort ruins. (Apx: 5 hrs)
10
Trek to Nimaling Village. 5,000 mts. (16,400 ft. ) (Apx 6 hrs)
11
Trek over the 5,030 mts. (16,500 ft. ) Gongmaru Pass where there are incredible views of the Stok Range and the Indus Valley. Camp at the village of Sumda. 3,765 mts. (12,400 ft. ) (Apx: 7 hrs)
12
Morning drive from Sumdo to Hemis, and visit Hemis Monastery one of the most beautiful Monasteries in Ladakh, and and then drive to Leh en route via Thicksey Monastery. Overnight in Leh.
13
Free day in Leh to explore or take a fun rafting trip on the Indus River (optional).
NOTE: Participants taking the NUBRA VALLEY extension will drive from Leh to Tiger in the morning of Day 14.
NOTE: Participants taking the NUBRA VALLEY extension will drive from Leh to Tiger in the morning of Day 14.
14
Fly to Delhi at 7:55 am. or 10:50 am. Arriving at 9:10 am. or 12:05pm. respectively (Approximate timing of morning flights). Transfer to a downtown hotel.
15
Trip ends.
16
A Markha Valley Trekker's Route Description: Markha Valley Trek
PLEASE NOTE: On adventure trips of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize the effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
Synopsis
Trip Grading:
Length: 16 days from New Delhi.
Begins/Ends in New Delhi.
Land Cost: $2045
International Airfare: Apx. $1850 from North America including all flight sectors
Jun 08 – Jun 23 ’19
Jun 29 – Jul 14 ’19
Jul 27 – Aug 11 ’19
Aug 18 – Sep 02 ’19
Jun 07 – Jun 22 ’20
Jun 28 – Jul 13 ’20
Jul 26 – Aug 10 ’20
Single suppliment: $250
Cost includes: Hotel accommodation in Delhi and Leh, transfers for group flights, explorations around Leh in a jeep, private vehicle for day trip to Alchi and Likir monasteries, transportation to starting point and from ending point of trek, all tents, mattresses, food, cooks, donkeys/horses, porters, and experienced guide for the 8-day trek.
You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.
Synopsis
Trip Grading:
Length: 16 days from New Delhi.
Begins/Ends in New Delhi.
Land Cost: $2045
International Airfare: Apx. $1850 from North America including all flight sectors
Jun 08 – Jun 23 ’19
Jun 29 – Jul 14 ’19
Jul 27 – Aug 11 ’19
Aug 18 – Sep 02 ’19
Jun 07 – Jun 22 ’20
Jun 28 – Jul 13 ’20
Jul 26 – Aug 10 ’20
Single suppliment: $250
Cost includes: Hotel accommodation in Delhi and Leh, transfers for group flights, explorations around Leh in a jeep, private vehicle for day trip to Alchi and Likir monasteries, transportation to starting point and from ending point of trek, all tents, mattresses, food, cooks, donkeys/horses, porters, and experienced guide for the 8-day trek.
You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.
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