Overview
One of the
popular treks in Ladakh over 2 passes, Ganda La (4970 m) and the Kongmaru La
(5250 m). Following meandering Markha river system, basking on the
high grassy plains of Nimaling with the majestic presence of Mt. Kang Yatze
(6400 m) and passing through beautiful villages and old monasteries along the
trail. Markha Valley trek gives you an exhilarating experience of
Ladakh. Enroute one might find ibex, blue sheep, marmots, foxes and a
rare possibility of finding snow leopard!
Also, a
possibility of doing this trek during the much-celebrated Hemis Festival (The Hemis Festival 2021 Is all set to take place on June 30th to
July 01)
Highlights
- Cross two high passes - Ganda La (4975 m) & Kongmaru La (5150 m).
- Visit Shey, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. Also visit Old Fort and local bazaar in Leh.
- See the small villages of Ladakh during the trek with the possibility of meeting the local villagers and know their lifestyle and daily activities.
- In case of Hemis Festival, enjoy the vibrant and cultural festival in Hemis.
- Optional tour to Agra to see the beautiful Taj Mahal.
Itinerary
Day 01:
Arrive Delhi & Fly to Leh
Day 02: Leh
Day 03: Leh
/ Spituk / Zinchen (3600 m)
Day 04: Zingchen
/ Ganda La Base (4545 M)
Day 05: Ganda
La Base / Ganda La (4975 M) / Skiu (3400 M)
Day 06: Skiu
/ Markha (3600 m)
Day 07: Markha
/ Thachungtse (4200 m)
Day 08: Thachungtse
/ Nimaling (4750 m)
Day 09: Nimaling
Day 10: Nimaling / Kongmaru La (5150 m) / Chukirmo
(3760 m)
Day 11: Chukirmo
/ Hemis (3550 m) / Leh
Day 12: Leh
/ Delhi
Day 13: Delhi
/ Agra (Optional) / Departure
DAY 01:
ARRIVE DELHI & FLY TO LEH
Arrive at
International Airport, where our representative will receive and transfer you
to the domestic airport for your flight to Leh. The Leh airport is one of
the most scenic airports, with the view of landscapes greeting you will
pleasure as you fly above it. The city framed with mountains will leave
you feeling calm and tranquil. At the Leh airport, you will be received
by our representative. We have the day free to relax for acclimatization.
You are advised to drink 3 – 4 litres of water regularly for better and
faster acclimatization. We take a short mild acclimatization walk to the
local bazaars. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 02: LEH
Today, we do
sightseeing of some of the Buddhist monasteries of Leh. We drive to the
Shey monastery, which has the tallest copper statue of Lord Buddha in Asia.
It was built by a King of Ladakh as his summer retreat. From here, we
continue driving to the splendid Thikse monastery, which is one of Ladakh’s
biggest monasteries. In the Thikse monastery, monks gather every morning for
chants, which lasts for about 2 hours. We drive further for about 40
minutes and visit the celebrated Hemis monastery, which is world – famous for
the Hemis festival. We then drive back to Leh. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 03: LEH
/ SPITUK / ZINCHEN (3600 M)
Drive 10 km
to Spituk. Visit Spituk Monastery from where we start trek to Zinchen through a
dry and barren land. We meet our ponies who will be with for the trek to
carry our luggage for the entire trekking duration. We cross Indus River and
enter in the Valley of Zinchen River. The trail leads on a road ascending to
Zinchen village and our first night camp will be there at Zinchen after 5 -6 hr
trek. Overnight in tents.
DAY 04:
ZINGCHEN / GANDA LA BASE (4545 M)
After
breakfast enter Hemis National Park where we might see some wild animals as the
Park is well known to inhabit Snow Leopard, Lynx, Ladakhi Urial (a mountain
goat), great Tibetan Sheep, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf etc. Gradual
ascent through the Zinchen valley along the Rumbak Nala (stream) to reach the
Rumbak Village. Continue to the village of Yurutse passing cultivated fields
and scattered houses. About 5 – 6 hr trek. Overnight in tents.
DAY 05:
GANDA LA BASE / GANDA LA (4975 M) / SKIU (3400 M)
Gradually
ascend and sometimes steep trek to the top of the Ganda La (Pass). Once we are
on the top of the Pass we are rewarded with a spectacular view of
snow-capped peaks of Karakoram mountain range. Enjoy the view and descend
steadily, sometimes through the gorge to Shingo and then reach the village
of Skiu. 6 – 7 hr trek. Overnight in tents.
DAY 06: SKIU
/ MARKHA (3600 M)
Continuing
along the Markha River along the left bank, we pass the many
white-washed chortens, mani walls trekking through willow and Poplar
groves. As we approach the intersection of the Markha valley with another small
tributary where we often have a wide river crossing. We'll see the ruins of the
Markha fort ahead of us on a hillside before we arrive at the village
about half an hour later. We camp at one of grassy campsites. About 7 -8 hr
trek. Overnight in tents.
DAY 07:
MARKHA / THACHUNGTSE (4200 M)
Another
classic Himalaya trekking day, a bit longer. Starting with a climb up on the
cliff-side trail just past camp for amazing views back to the Ladakh Range. We
have couple of river crossing today as well. We reach a breath-taking
Tertha Gompa affiliated with Hemis Gompa built at the top of a razor-sharp
rock. Soon, we approach the small hamlet of Umlung at 3900 meters. ahead of us,
the dramatic 6400 meter Kang Yatze finally comes into sight. We have another
hour or so of river-side walking in blue-sheep territory before reaching
Hangkar (3950 meter). From Hangkar, it's a two-hour walk up to the summer
grazing area of Thachungtse for camping. About 6 – 7 hr trek. Overnight in
tents.
DAY 08:
THACHUNGTSE / NIMALING (4750 M)
Another
wonderful day of trekking, not long but absolutely spectacular, with broad
views of the Zanskar range, and Kang Yatze as a back-drop. The trail snakes up
the valley in back of our campsite, and crests several ridges before reaching a
pond with a reflection of Kang Yatze peak. Another hour trek brings us to the
high altitude grazing region of Nimaling with herd of sheep. We set up another
scenic campsite and have entire afternoon to wander, look for wildlife
and explore this unique high plateau. Yaks roam freely creating a perfect
Tibetan environment. Sunsets are truly awe-inspiring from the plateau. About 4
-5 hr trek. Overnight in tents.
DAY 09:
NIMALING
Rest day.
Overnight in tents.
DAY 10: NIMALING / KONGMARU LA (5150 M) / CHUKIRMO
(3760 M)
Cross the
Markha valley and take the trail leading to Kongmaru la. It is 2 - 3 hr climb
to Kongmaru La pass marked by numerous Buddhist prayer flags. Enjoy the highest
point of your trek. After the initial 500 m steep descent the trail follows the
course of the stream which meanders through a narrow gorge. We cross the stream
at multiple places. We walk up the trenches to reach Chukirmo for camping.
Total 6 - 7 hr trek. Overnight in tents.
DAY 11:
CHUKIRMO / HEMIS (3550 M) / LEH
We drive to
Hemis Monastery which is known for its one of the big festivals of Ladakh –
Hemis Festival. The festival is held in the monastery every year in the month
of June/July. Hemis is the most important monastery of Ladakh, 360 years old
and known to be one of the biggest festivals in Ladakh. The gigantic Tankha,
one of the largest in the world, is displayed once in 12 years. We visit the
monastery and drive 40 km/ 1 hr to Leh. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 12: LEH
/ DELHI
We fly back
to Delhi, where we do half day sightseeing of fascinating Old Delhi. We
take the amusing rickshaw ride in the crowded lanes of Chandni Chowk – the
medieval style shopping haven. We also visit India’s largest mosque –
Jama Masjid, which can accommodate about 25,000 people. Overnight in hotel.
DAY
13 - DELHI / AGRA (OPTIONAL) / DEPARTURE
You have the
day free at leisure in Delhi for independent activities. If it is not
Friday, you have the option to take a day trip to Agra to visit the famous and
exquisite Taj Mahal, which is an eternal symbol of love. Also, visit the
massive red sandstone structure – Red Fort. In the evening, you will be
transferred to International Airport for your departure.
Note: This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We tailor holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could tailor a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable Holidays.
Inclusions/Exclusions
WHAT'S
INCLUDED:
- Accommodation on bed & breakfast basis based on double/twin occupancy.
- Excursions and touring as specified in itinerary, all on private basis.
- All airport and ground transportation on private basis.
- Driver allowance and all presently applicable taxes.
*Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described, items of a personal nature.