Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh

14 days, 13 nights

Duration

June – September

Dates

Experience Ladakh, the land of endless discovery. Viewed from high above, the surface of Ladakh appears to be a vast monotony of three colours: the brown of the earth, the white of the snow and the black shadows of the valleys. Strange, exciting, primitive – Ladakh is incomparable in its mountainscapes, in the rugged beauty of its rocky escapements and in the splendour of its snow covered peaks.

This Ekno Travels tour takes in the stunning capital city of Leh as well as the natural wonders of the breathtaking Markha Valley. This an incredible journey to “Little Tibet” where the amazing hills, dry mountains and lavish grazing meadows come together. A highlight is the discovery of Blue Sheep and Ibex which can be found grazing high up in the surrounds. Enjoy visiting small villages and Buddhist shrines by day and spend your evenings under the starry night sky framed by impressive snow capped mountain peaks.

TOUR DATES	June-September
TOUR COST	A$ 4590 per person twin share A$ 890 single supplement * No fixed departure – price based on minimum 6 people
DURATION	14 Days, 13 Nights
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS	The white-washed city of Leh Ancient Buddhist Monasteries Lunar landscapes of Ladakh Markha Valley Trek Wonders of New Delhi.
TOUR ROUTES	Delhi – Leh, Markha Valley Trekking, Leh -Delhi, India

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Day 1

Delhi

Welcome to India! Upon your arrival at the airport in Delhi, our representative will greet you and escort you to the hotel. After checking into your hotel, spend the rest of your day at your leisure exploring the local area and relaxing in the hotel. Our friendly guide and hotel staff will be on hand should you need restaurant recommendations or general provisions.

Overnight: Hotel, Delhi

Day 2

Flight to Leh

Our flight to Leh is a spectacular journey over multiple Himalayan ranges and serves as a fantastic photo opportunity. After you land, check into your hotel and rest. After lunch we will take a walking tour of Leh Bazaar. With trade routes loosely dated as far back as the third century, Leh is an ancient white washed city set between the mighty mountains and the Indus river.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to acclimatise and rest.

Overnight: Hotel, Leh

Day 3

Sightseeing in Leh

After breakfast, you’ll start your tour of Leh and the surrounding areas. We will visit Gompa Soma (an important monastery and integral part of the Leh palace complex) and Moti Market, the old bazaar. After lunch, we’ll hop in a jeep and head to Saboo monastery, located just outside of Leh. Spend the afternoon exploring the monastery, talking to resident monks, and observing the local devotees. On our way back to Leh we will visit the Sankhar Gompa and the Shanti Stupa, constructed by Japan as a symbol of international peace in 1991.

Overnight: Hotel, Leh

Day 4

Sightseeing in Leh

Today we will wake up and set off early to visit the monasteries of Shey, Thikse and Hemis; an hour and a half drive from Leh. Visit the former summer capital of Ladakh, Shey, with its ruined castle, ancient palace, and gompa standing high on a hilltop. Next we will head to the ancient Hemis Monastery, before visiting Thikse monastery, noted for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Return to Leh, the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight: Hotel, Leh

Day 5

Trek to the foot of Stokla (3 hour trek)

Leave Leh early in the morning and travel by jeep to Stok, the starting point of your trek. After leaving Stok Village we will follow the left bank of the river for two hours and climb gently before continuing on to a small valley at the foot of Stokla Mountain. Enjoy our first night at camp with a meal cooked by campfire as we gaze at the twinkling night sky.

Overnight: Camping, Stokla

Day 6

Stokla - Yurutse (6-7hrs trek)

After breakfast we will prepare to leave this beautiful valley and ascend up to Stokla (4900m) via a steep zigzag path, which takes around 3 hours of continuous walking. After the high pass we will descend to the luscious summer pastures of Stok and follow the river, which originates in the Stok – Kangri massif.

Overnight: Camping, Yurutse

Day 7

Yurutse - Gandala - Skiu (6-7hrs trek)

This morning we will follow a path along the mountainside, then cross a small valley before following a steep incline which crosses the Ganda Pass, offering stunning views of the Zanskar Himalayan range. Once we cross the breathtaking high pass we will begin the long descent towards the village of Shingo. After 2 hours of descent through this lunar landscape we will arrive in the valley of Markha and set up camp at Skiu, which is located at the confluence of two rivers.

Overnight: Camping, Skiu

Day 8

Skiu – Markha (7hrs trek)

From Skiu, we will follow a gentle path along the right bank of the Markha river. Today’s easy trek will take in many picturesque grassy meadows before crossing the river and arriving at Chaluk. Walk alongside the beautiful river before climbing up through this peaceful valley towards Markha village where you will camp just beyond the village. Tonight’s camp will be next to the river which is very relaxing.

Overnight: Camping, Markha

Day 9

Markha – Tchatchutse (6-7hrs trek)

We will start trekking this morning and head towards the main valley. The path leads us to the Humlung Monastery, where we will stop to admire this ancient shrine. Follow the river and arrive in the small picturesque village of Hankar, the highest village in the Markha valley. After the village, the track crosses a broad valley before becoming narrower and higher. The landscape will also change and become more rugged and barren before we reach tonight’s camping location, Tchatchutse.

Overnight: Camping, Tchatchutse

Day 10

Tchatchutse - Nimaling (3hrs trek)

Today’s trek starts on a track heading towards a small lake, before crossing lush pastures and heading to Nimaling at 4700m. This is one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh, dominated by the Kang Yaze. As we ascend towards Nimaling see if you can spot one of the many yaks grazing freely on the open plains.

Overnight: Camping, Nimaling

Day 11

Nimaling - Knogmarula - Shang (8hrs trek)

Cross the Markha valley and follow a steep path along the mountainside, which leads towards Kongmarula (5150m). Follow the steep descent into deep gorges before arriving at Chukirmo for a short rest stop. Continue on to the village of Shang, our beautiful campsite for the night. If time permits we will make a late afternoon walk to the monastery an hour away from the village.

Overnight: Camping, Shang

Day 12

Shang - Hemis (4hrs trek) - Leh (1½hr drive)

The final day of your trek starts from the riverbed, and we will follow a gently rising trail towards Hemis, passing by a series of chortens on our way. Once there, we will visit Hemis Gompa, founded in the1630s. Hemis is one of the largest Gompas of Ladakh and is famous for its festival and is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as the second Buddha. We will arrive in Leh in time for some last minute shopping and a relaxing evening dinner.

Overnight: Guest house, Leh

Day 13

Leh - Delhi

Transfer to the airport for your early morning flight to Delhi. After checking into our hotel, we will leave for a sightseeing tour which includes India Gate, the Laxminarayan temple and one of the many bazaars that make up this thriving metropolis. Tonight we will get together for our farewell dinner and contemplate our amazing journey to Little Tibet.

Overnight: Hotel, Delhi

Day 14

Depart Delhi

Transfer to the International Airport for your return flight home. We look forward to seeing you on another Ekno experience soon.

INCLUDES

Pickup and drop off to Delhi airport
6 nights accommodation and breakfasts
7 nights trekking accommodation in a tent, all food and a guide and porters for 8 days
Internal transfers by private car/jeep
Sightseeing tours in Delhi and Leh
Entrance fees to all monuments
Local English speaking guide for the duration of the tour

EXCLUDES

Return airfares to India
Return internal flights from Delhi – Leh (cost for internal flights will be available at the time of booking)
Cost of Indian tourist visa (on arrival)
Lunch and dinner when not on the trek (unless otherwise specified)
Personal expenditure such as drinks, laundry service and souvenirs
Tipping and personal expenses
Compulsory insurance of any kind

TOUR DATES

TOUR COST

DURATION

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS