MARKHA VALLEY TREK
I N    L A D A K H

FIXED DEPARTURES FOR 2008:
J U N E – 8 & 21
AUGUST – 17 / 26
SEPTEMBER - 6 / 14 / 21

Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days

Trip Highlights
One of the most popular trekking route, adjacent to Indus Valley and southeast of Leh. This trek is regarded as the most rewarding and complete circular trek in the entire Himalayan region. The walking programme is blended with great range of flora and founa, Himalayan Nomads, spectacular panoramic vies, high passes, open skies, villages and monasteries. The high and spectacular region forms one of the largest protected areas in the Himalayas and many animals like the legendary Snow Leopard and Wolves find refuge here. At Gonda-la (14,950 ft) a breathtaking panorama of the Karakoram range, stretching, shimmering and gleaming in the distance is visible. Crossing the Markha valley via Kongmaru pass (16,900 ft) a tantalising view of the Kang Yatze Peak (20,800 ft), is available. The next destination is Nimaling at 15,275 ft, one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh. The trek ends at Hemis, the biggest and most important Gompa in Ladakh. 

PRE TREK

Day 01 Delhi/Leh
Arrive Leh and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for acclimatization. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 02 In Leh
Morning free at leisure. Afternoon excursion to Phyang Gompa. This Gompa is 20 kms from Leh on the right side of Leh-Srinagar road. The beautiful statues and Thankas are worth seeing. Also visit Spituk Gompa which lies on the right side of Srinagar-Leh road about 6 kms short of Leh Proper. Some very interesting Thankas are pride of this monastery. Overnight in hotel.
(Breakfast)

Day 03  A Complete day of visit to the monasteries (104 Kms)
After breakfast drive to visit the    Shey Palace, Thiksey, Hemis monasteries and Stok Palace Museum. Packed or Hot Lunch will be provided. Return to Leh in the evening. Overnight in Guest House.
(Breakfast)

ACTUAL TREK

Day 04  Leh/Spituk/Zingchen 5 hours. Dep. 
After the breakfast drive to Spituk Bridge behind the Spituk monastery, around 7 kms from Leh town. Arrive Spituk Bridge at Indus River and start your trek through flat and desolate plane at the foot of the Stok Mountain. Gradually, you will leave the view of busy Leh-Srinagar highway and move towards wilderness of Himalaya.  Arrive Zingchen through a gorge, which gives you a feeling of complete isolation.   Overnight in Camp at Zingchen.
(Breakfast, packed Lunch, Dinner)
    
Day 05  Zingchen to Yurutse 4-5 hours
Leave Zingchen for Rumbak through a straight forward road; leaving village, you enter Hemis national park for the preservation of Snow leopard, Baharal and the marmot and wolf etc. Walk through a narrow trail and valley widens as you arrive Rumbak and camp at Yurutse below Gandala Pass. Overnight in Camp.
(Breakfast, packed Lunch, Dinner)

Day 06  Yurutse to Skyu 6-7 hours
From Yurutse follow path along the mountain side, then cross a small valley and follow  zig zag steep path. There after cross Ganda La pass (4380m). Then long descent towards Shingo. After 2 hrs of descent arrive in the valley of Markha and after few  hundred meters you reach Skyu. Overnight in tents.
(Breakfast, packed Lunch, Dinner)

Day 07  Sku to Markha 7-8 hours
From Skiu, follow a good path on the right bank of Markha where one can find great vegetation. Then cross right bank of river and cross through barren plain and arrive at Chaluk. Thereafter walk along the left bank of river and after another crossing  climb towards Markha village. Good camp site beyond the Village and near river.  Overnight in tents.(Breakfast, packed Lunch, Dinner)

Day 08  Markha to Thachungtse 5-6 hours
Morning after breakfast start trekking to reach Tchatchutse via Hankar village.  Overnight in tents.  (Breakfast, packed Lunch, Dinner)

Day 09  Thachungtse to Nimaling 4-5 hours
After breakfast start trekking to reach Nimaling. Nimaling (4900 M) has a sweeping pasture where thousands of sheep, goats, yaks and graze during the summer months, rising to the south is 6400 M high Kang Yatse (Nimaling Peak), a lovely mountain, but not an easy one to climb, Overnight in tents. (Breakfast, packed Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10  Nimaling to Shang Sumdo- 6-7 hours – Drive to Leh
After breakfast start trekking to reach Kongmaru La (5100 M). The trek to Kongmaru la passes through narrow Gorges. At the top of the pass, you can have view of the Ladakh range and the villages of the Indus valley to the north is excellent. Cross the
pass and proceed to Shang. Drive to Hemis monastery for a visit and then drive to Leh. Evening at your leisure. Overnight in Guest House. Overnight in tents. (Breakfast, packed Lunch)

Day 11 Leh / Delhi/ Onward destination
Transfer to airport to catch flight for Delhi. (Breakfast)

TREK PACKAGE COST:
(Based on a proposed min group size of 10 pax together)
USD  $ ...... per person on twin sharing basis.
+ airfare DEL-LEH-DEL (the air ticket may be booked by the clients themselves OR you may please forward us the request to do the same.)

The above cost includes:
* Twin sharing accommodation in Leh in a nice Guest House on Bed & Breakfast basis (CP Plan) while in Leh.
* All meals during the Trek
* Return Airport transfers with assistance
* Complete trekking arrangements with member tents on twin sharing, dining tent, kitchen tent with a good cook and helpers, toilet tent, carry mats, stool etc. (Members have to bring their own sleeping bags & rucksacks, however the same can be arranged at extra cost if required)
* Services of a good local Mountain trek guide for the trek as well guide for the two day sightseeing
* Monastery entrances
* Camping fee during the trek
* Ground transport by using one 12 seat non ac tempo traveller
* Ponies/Horse for carrying ration and camping equipments (members have to carry their personal baggage, requested to bring rucksack).
* All sightseeing’s as per the itinerary
* Wildlife fee in Hemis - Markha National park
* All applicable taxes

Prices Excludes:
* Medical & Travel insurance
* Return airfare
* Personal items like mineral water, phone calls, laundry etc.
* Extra meals / room services / bottled beverages
* Additional costs due to flight cancellation, road blocks etc.
* Domestic Airfare
* Room service & additional meals
* Porterage & tips at the airport, Hotel/Camp staff & drivers

MUST TO BRING:

* Good U/V protected sun goggles.
* Sun Cap
* Sun cream lotions
* Personal Flash torch
* Comfortable clothing / no formals
* At least one warm Jacket & a sweater
* Personal medicines
* Binocular for wildlife viewing
* Prefarbly ankle length trekking shoes
* Personal sleeping bags

USEFUL TIPS :
* Say “JULLEY” while meeting people and receiving favors in Ladakh, it means both “Namaste” and “Shukriya”
* Avoid bringing or using polythene bags as it is strictly banned in Ladakh.
* All personal garbage like pack lunch boxes, wafers, mineral water bottles etc must  be brought back to your hotel, as littering is prohibited in Ladakh. 
* Always put off your shoes before entering a monastery chapel
* Take permission from the monks before taking photos inside the monasteries.
* Avoid offerings sweets / tips etc to local children.
* Always take clockwise direction while visiting Stupas and Monasteries.
* Smoking / drinking around religious shrines are not welcomed.
* And always wear your smile, you will win many friends.

FIRST DAY FIRST CARE (Acclimatizing to Ladakh Altitude)
If you are arriving by flight to Leh, it is must to take the FIRST DAY for complete rest to acclimatize to the new altitude of Leh which is at 11500 ft above sea level. Your body takes 24-36 hours to adjust itself to this high altitude. “Rest” means complete lying down in your hotel room without reading or watching TV.  It is absolutely very crucial to keep yourself properly hydrated, so drink enough water. Ladakh is dry in nature and lacks moisture. You are requested not to indulge in any activity immediately on your arrival in Leh.    

BEST SEASON:
April to Mid October. Rush period July & August
Winter period from November to March. Tours in these period shall be available with heating system in both the vehicle & the hotel. 

HOW TO REACH:
Both Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Deccan Airways has daily scheduled flights from Delhi to Leh taking 1hour-15 minutes. Flights are also available from Jammu & Srinagar which are once or twice a week schedule.

REGIONAL FACTS:
Avg. Altitude:                   3500 mtr
Avg. Temp:                      (Summer) Max 25 / Min 15
Avg. Temp:                      (Winter) Max 5 / Min –25
Area:                              95,000 Sq. Kms.
Language Spoken:           Ladakhi, Hindi & English
Population:                     Approx 2,50,000
Regional Capital:             Leh
ATMs available:               SBI & J&K Bank
Credit Card Facility:         Not accepted by most of the shops, restaurants & hotels.
Mobile :                          BSNL CellOne and Airtel.

For further details and information email us : treksinfo@gmail.com