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India ›› Ladakh |
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Markha Valley Trekking |
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 The
secluded Markha Valley is wedged between the Ladakh
and Zanskar ranges, behind the Himalaya, to which it
runs parallel. The wild and barren, yet hauntingly beautiful
landscapes of this hidden land are often likened to
Tibet - Ladhakh used to be known as 'Little Tibet' -
and are every bit as dramatic and enticing.
Tour trip starts in the fascinating capital of Leh,
which developed as a trading centre, drawing merchants
from Yarkand, Kashmir, Tibet and North India. During
our couple of day stay, which is essential for proper
acclimatization, we explore its colorful bazaars and
backstreets, dominated by splendid Leh Palace, which
is like a miniature version of Lhasa's Potala. We also
visit several of the outlying historical and cultural
gems of Ladakh, including the 500-year-old Shey palace
and gompa, Tikse and Hemis monasteries and the royal
palace at Stock, all of which provide an insight into
the rich heritage of the region. |
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 The
circular trek it self starts from spituk and then descend
to the hidden Zinchen and Rumbak Valley. From the next
pass, 4878m Ganda La, the views are equally rewarding
- a sea of snowy peaks merging into the distant Karakoram
ranges. Reaching the lower Markha Valley, we follow
the wooded banks of its river upstream as the trail
meanders from village to village. We visit the monastery
at Markha and ruins of a fort Strategically positioned
atop a crag between the twin settlements of Lower and
Upper Hankar. Climbing out of the valley through alpine
meadows, we are in view of the highest peak in the area,
6400m ice-clad Kang Yatze, which rises from the Nimaling
plains. Yaks, dzos, sheep, goats and horses from the
lower villages graze the high pastures, while marmots
and white-tailed hares can often be spotted, along with
Himalayan griffon vultures and lammergeyers, which soar
overhead. A free day in these magnificent surrounds
allows time to walk to the base of Kang Yatze or take
a well-earned rest in preparation for the long climb
to the 5274m pass of Kangmaru La. The highest pass of
the trek offers predictably fabulous views and on the
descent, we may be lucky and see blue sheep. The trek
ends at Martselang, from where it is a short drive back
to Leh.
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Day to Day Outline Itinerary |
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Day 01:
Arrival in Delhi Airport and Transport to Hotel.
Day 02: sightseeing in Delhi and overnight
in Hotel.
Day 03: early in the morning fly to
Leh and transport to Hotel
Day 04: Sightseeing around Leh Place
and santi stupa.
Day: 05: exploring in and around Leh,
visiting the town, the palace and the monasteries at
Shey and Thikse.
Day 06: Drive to Spituk and trek to Zingchen
4 hrs.
Drive to Spituk Bridge where the trekking to marka valley
starts. You will head westward after crossing the Bridge.
It is long gentle walking before you enter Zinchen Gorge.
The gorge is dotted with popular trees and you reach
Zinchen village after walking for an hour. There are
two different camps in the village, one before the village
has toilet facilities but not very well maintained.
The second camp at the end of the village has better
toilet and garbage disposing area.
Day 07: Zinchen to Gandala Base Camp 6 hrs.
An early start is recommended to avoid the strong sun
at the mid day. This day you will walk though the gorge
till Rumbak Sumdo from where the gorge widens up. You
can expect the trails and signs of snow Leopard and
golden eagle flying overhead. As soon as you come out
of the gorge, there is a stupas and fields. From here
the right side trail leads to Marka Valley and left
to Rumbak and stock-La.walking to the same direction
along the river than walk from the right side the river.
The Yurutes village with only the House comes after
through the valley and there are two camp sides and
second one at the Gandala Base Camp.
Day 08: Ganda-La to Skyu 6 to 7 hrs.
Ganda-La to Ganda-La pass 4970m.it takes almost two
hrs to reach on the top. From the top under full view
of Stock khangari and mountain ranges can be viewed
from the top of the pass. Descend to Shingo is steep
and tedious; you can view marmot, mouse hare and Tibetan
Antelope in this area. The trail leads you to skiu passing
through the village of Shingo and from here you walk
eastern side to Marka and here is nice and green camping.
Day 09: Skyu to Marka 7 to 8 hrs.
Keep walking from the hillside trail till pentse from
where you will cross to the left bank of Marka River.
Pass through Chalak and cross the river again before
Tunspa come.Marka village comes after walking for another
two hours. There is a camp before crossing the river
and after crossing the river in the main Marka village.
Day 10: Marka to Thachungtse 6 hours.
This day is an easy walking day passing through Umlung
and Hankar village. The towering kangatse peak makes
this valley beautiful with small villages and monasteries
located on the top of the Hill. You will have cross
the Marka River several times before you reach Umlung.the
trail towards east crossing the two river leads to Rupsho
to Takh and the trail north side to Heemis via Kongmarula.the
Thangchugtse comes after walking for around one hour
across the river; it is an excellent camping.
Day 11: Thachungtse to Nirmaling 6 hours.
The Trail from Thachungtse lead you to Nirmaling passing
through several mani walls and shepherds Camp.spactaculer
view of the kangyatse peak can be enjoyed while walking
to Nirmaling.the trail ascends up and the slops down
to Nirmaling where you can see village of Marka grazing
there livestock.
Day 12: Nirmaling to Shang Sumdo 6 to 7 hours.
For this day as your early start can make your climb
to kangmaru –La 5274m easier. As you leave Nirmaling
Chu and start steep climbing to the ridge and northwards
to the top of the pass. The view from pass is wonderfull.the
trail lead to Shang river passing through a few camping
sites, and you will pass Mani walls. You will have to
cross the steam several times before you reach Shang
Sumdo.
Day 13: Drive to Leh via Hemis.
You will have breakfast and drive to Leh via Hemis Monastery.
Day 14: Free Day in Leh
Day 15: Early in the morning flight
to Delhi and transport to Hotel.
Day 16: Transport to Airport and fly
back Home. |
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