Markha Valley Trek Tour

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Markha Valley Trek Tour

Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Destination: Leh – Spituk – Zinchen – Yurutse – Gandala – Skiu – Markha – Tchatchutse – Nimaling – Knogmarula – Shang – Hemis

 

Day 01 : Leh

Arrive at Leh airoport, Located at 3,256 meters above sea level, the airport is counted among the highest commercial airports in the world.

Leh is a calm and picturisque small town which is cocooned among the mighty Himalayan mountains. Located along an important trade route between India and China, the place is rich in history and culture. Numerous historical monuments and beautiful monasteries attract visitors from all over the world. With a perfect backdrop of snow-clad mountains set against the clear blue sky, Leh is one of the most popular tourist destination.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. The day has been kept free for you to just relax and acclimatize to the high altitude. You can take a short walk around the Leh Bazaar in the evening. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

Day 02: Leh ( Monastery Tour )

After breakfast at the hotel, we venture out for a full day monastery tour of Likir and Alchi monastery.

Likir Monastery was founded by Lama DuwangChosjein 1065 under the reign of Lhachen Gyalpo, the fifth king of Ladakh. It belongs to Gelugpa sect or Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The 25 ft high Buddha statue consecrated in the monastery is gold plated. The monastery serves as a repository of ancient costumes, old manuscripts and wide array of Thangkas (Buddhist paintings made on textiles). The scenic view of the mountains is visible from the monastery.

Situated in Alchi village is an ancient Buddhist monastery called Alchi monastery. Situated on the banks of River Indus, the complex comprises of multiple temples dedicated to the Bodhisatva of wisdom. The spiritual and artistic deeds of Hindu and Buddhist kings of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir have been beautifully encapsulated in the wall paintings in the monastery. The only monastery to be located in the plains, it houses a spot where the H.E. Lama’s walking stick was planted that grew into a tree. After the tour, Return to hotel for overnight stay.

 

Day 03: Leh – Spituk – Zinchen (3200 m) 4 Hours Trek

After breakfast at the hotel, We will finally begin our trek from Spituk Gompa, a monastery that was built 500 years ago.

Perched on top of a hill, Spituk Monastery overlooks the Indus river. It has a magnificent collection of Buddist artifacts and is the site of the world famous Spituk festival. You will cross the bridge across the Indus river and begin walking on its west bank.

Continue walking on this trail for 3 hours to a point where the river enters a narrow Gorge and enters Zinchen. Ascent through the Zinchen Valley to reach the small Zinchen village.

A beautiful village located on the foothills of Stok La range, Zinchen is the gateway to Hemis National Park which is houses the regal snow leopards. Stay overnight in Camp.

 

Day 04: Zinchen – Yurutse ( 4150 m) 6 HOURS TREK

After breakfast at the tents, we will continue ascending through RumbakNala till we reach the largest village in the Zingchen valley – Rumbak.

From here, embark on a trail that will take you past cultivated fields and scattered houses till you reach Yurutse village. Enjoy a picturesque view of Stok Kangri while sipping hot cups of team. Stay overnight in Camp.

 

Day 05: Yurutse – Gandala – Skiu ( 3018 m ) 8 HOURS TREK

After breakfast, we will continue with our trek. Initially, the ascent is gradual and then the trail gets steeper as we get to Ganda La pass.

The pass offers mesmerizing views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. After the pass, we descend to Shingo in Skiu Valley and continue trekking to Skiu village. Stay overnight in Camp.

 

Day 06: Skiu – Markha ( 3793 m ) 6 HOURS TREK

After breakfast, our trek would lead us to Markha village. The trek is not very strenuous.En-route we will come across several monasteries that are situated among the surrounding hills and the trail is decorated with prayer walls and Chortens (shrines).

Markha village is the largest village in Markha valley and boasts of a hillside fort that now lays in ruins. We will camp near the river beyond the village. Stay overnight in Camp.

 

Day 07: Markha – Tchatchutse ( 3900 m ) 7 HOURS TREK

After breakfast, Continuetrekking to Tchatchutse. We will pass through Hankar village on our trail. At Tchatchutse, you will see blue sheep trotting up and down the mountains swiftly with great skill. Stay overnight in Camp.

 

Day 08: Tchatchutse – Nimaling (4700 m ) 3 HOURS TREK

Today, we will trek to Nimaling and pass by a small lake. The spot by the lake offers great views of KangYatze. The trail descends down Nimaling which is a comparatively flat valley. The semi-permanent population of this village graze their yaks, goats and sheep in these sweeping pastures during the summers. Stay overnight in Camp.

 

Day 9: Nimaling – Knogmarula (5150 m ) – SHANG (8 HOURS TREK)

After breakfast, continue trekking to Knock Marula pass which is located at 5150 meters above sea-level. The trek is quite tricky as it involves traversing narrow gorges but once you get there, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the valley. Cross the pass and reach Shang. Stay overnight in Camp.

 

Day 10: Shang – Hemis (4 HOURS TREK) DRIVE TO LEH

Today we reach the culmination of our trek as we complete the final four-hour stretch to reach Hemis Monastery.

After breakfast, we start trekking from the riverbed and walk along the river to reach Hemis Monastery – the oldest and most sacred monastery in Ladakh. Shakymuni Buddha is celebrated in the paintings that decorate the walls of the monastery. The world famous Hemis festival that commemorates the victory of good over evil is also celebrated at Hemis Monastery.

After reaching there, we will drive back to Leh and pay a visit to the beautiful Thiksey monastery on the way. Thiksey monastery has the highest and largest Buddha statue in Ladakh reguin. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

Day 11: Departure

In the morning, we will transfer you to Leh airport to board flight to onward destination.