Markha Valley

Meet at Leh and check in to the hotel. This day is reserved for relaxation and acclimatisation as it is vital for a healthy trip ahead. Overnight will be spent in hotel.

Spend one more day at Leh. Unravel the ancient monasteries, palaces and museums that the place is famous for. Visit Shey and Thiksey Gompa and also Stok Gompa. Being in the same destination will assist in getting acclimatized well for high altitude. Towards the evening, enjoy a hike to Leh palace. Overnights stay at hotel.

After breakfast and drive through Spikut Village to reach Zingchen where your hike of short stage and moderate gradient begins. Enjoy the trail through Rumbak Village to reach Yurutse and come across several stream crossings. Pass the village before setting up camp. Overnights stay at hotel.

This balmy day, in the initial stretch of the trek, ascend to Ganda La (4900 m). Expect a steep climb and strong winds towards the latter half. From the pass, enjoy views of valleys on both side, Zanskar range and some distant summits of the Himalayan range. Commence descending to Shingo Village, after which, the trail makes its way into a narrow gorge leading towards Skiu, where a confluence of the rivers come from Markha Valley and Shingo. Overnights stay at hotel.

Brace yourself for a long and moderate hike till the charming Markha Village. Cross several streams along the way. Reach the hamlet that is a trove in the middle of this cold and arid desert. The place is laced with green fields, willow trees and a deserted palace. Overnight stay at hotel.

Today lap up fetching views all around and come across many stream and river crossings. Make way through settlements and grazing ground. Take in the stunning view of Kangyatze Peak (6400m) when walking towards Hankar. Overnight stay at hotel.

Wallow in a short walk to arrive at the Nimalaing campsite. The place is a beguiling one with wide open valley with unbridled grazing grounds, and the backdrop of Kangyatze Peak. Do note that there is constant wind blowing in the area making situation slightly uncomfortable. Overnight stay at hotel.

Dig into an early breakfast and take on a steep climb to reach the top of the highest pass on the trail – Kongmaru La (5200m). Take in the great sights of Nun Kun in the West and Saser Kangri to the North. Cherish some moments here before climbing down to Sukarmo, from where your trail is a flat walk along the river till you come to the road head at Sumdo. From here, hop on to a vehicle to drive back to Leh. Overnight stay at hotel.

The charm and allurement of the Markha Valley trekking completed. Departure from Leh.