Markha Magic Ladakh

FROM £ 1690

Markha Valley, Ladakh is a classic and colourful trek, taking us on a varied route through remote villages; past cliff-top monasteries; and venturing through rocky gorges and canyons. We climb up to the high pastures of Nimaling, where during the short summer local wildlife take nourishment. A seldom used pass at 5350m provides a final challenge, and offers tremendous views extending as far as the Karakoram and Tibet.

We fly to Leh (3505m), where from a gardened hotel we embark upon our acclimatisation in an unhurried manner. From the village of Chilling we begin at a gentle pace, and there is ample time for everyone to acclimatise as we pass through the small villages and monasteries of the Markha valley, surrounded by expanses of barley fields. The valley narrows to a rocky canyon, which leads us to the high pastures of Nimaling, which are attended by the snowy slopes of Kang Yatse (6400m).

After two nights at Nimaling, where we have the chance to climb and enjoy an elevated viewpoint of the region, we head off on the normal trekking route. Gaining height slowly and steadily, we are soon standing on a pass at 5350m with the world at our feet! From here we embark on our descent.

One of the most varied and beautiful treks in the world. The Markha Valley Ladakh trek ventures high into the Himalayas, passes through wild gorges and high passes up to 5334 m . The trails are decorated by elaborate “chortens”(shrines) and “mani”(prayer) walls which further exemplify the region’s total immersion in Buddhist culture.

what clients say…

“The trek was fantastic. Have now been on three trips with High Places. All fantastically well organised…….staff have all been brilliant and groups a good size”

Ann Griffiths and Bob Lauder, Markha Valley.

Route Map

Trips Date	Trip Status Trip Status	Price (PP) Excluding Flights	Price (PP) Incl. Flights starts from
No dates available

Depart
Depart UK
Arrival
Arrive in Delhi. Day free to recover from jet lag and explore the nearby sights of the bustling metropolis.
Flight across the Himalayas to Leh
An early morning flight across the Himalayas to Leh - a tremendous experience! There is time to relax and recover in Leh before the trekking starts.
Leh 3505m
Leh is a colourful and vibrant town full of interest. We can get our bearings with a morning guided walking tour around some of the local landmarks – and begin to acclimatise. After a visit to the Royal Palace perched above the town, we head up on a winding path to Tsemo Monastery for tremendous views before dropping down to Sankar Gompa set amongst the local fields. The afternoon is free but try and visit the delightful Dzomsa shop in the centre of town and fill up your bottles with pure boiled water which is on tap! Also on either day, climb up the steps to the Shanti Stupa to watch the sunset as well as take a quick check on your pulse rate!
Leh 3505m
Leh lies on a trade route centuries old along the mighty Indus valley and while the trading has greatly changed, the magnificent Buddhist monasteries remain. Today we will certainly visit Thikse Monastery and Stok Palace and maybe more.
Our trekking journey begins
Our trekking journey begins with a drive westward along the Indus Valley to Chilling & the confluence with the Zanskar River. We cross the Zanskar in a secure but exciting cable-way box to meet up with our ponies and crew. An easy walk on a good path leads to our campsite at Skiu (3100m). There will be time to visit Skiu Gompa in the evening.
We follow the Markha Valley
We follow the Markha Valley past friendly locals and intricate irrigation systems designed to maximise the barley crop, then the spectacular sheer rock walls below high peaks. We camp at approx 3600m outside the village of Markha and if we are lucky, may be offered tea in a typical Ladakhi kitchen.
The valley changes
The valley changes continually and at times forms a steep sided gorge. Stacha Gompa, perched high on a cliff is well worth an hour's detour. The climb is steep but the monks use this path to collect water! We camp beyond Hankar at Tahungtse (3940m), having first glimpsed the snowy slopes of Kang Yhatse ahead.
Nimaling
Leaving behind valleys and canyons, we enter into high mountain country and climb past surreal rock formations with Kang Yhatse looming ever larger in front of us, to camp at the high meadow, Nimaling (4600m).
A well deserved rest day at Nimaling
A well deserved rest day at Nimaling, 'the meadow of the sun', dominated by the twin summits of Kang Yhatse. Sheep, goats, cows, yaks and dzos all spend their summers here which provides grazing and keeps them away from the valuable barley crop lower down. For those with energy to burn there is an option to climb up to the Gongmaru La (5,100m) with views across to the nearby snow peaks.
Leaving Nimaling
Leaving Nimaling, we head slowly up towards Lalung La (5334m). Crossing this little used pass is a big achievement and a fitting climax to the trek, with views stretching as far as Tibet and the Karakoram. We rest a while at the prayer flag strewn summit then begin our descent to camp at a shepherd’s settlement.
Cross a few rivers
Our descent continues and we cross a few rivers to reach our final camp.
Latho
Dropping down to the village of Latho, we meet our transport. There should be time to visit Hemis Gompa before returning to Leh.
A final day in Leh
A final day in Leh to catch our breath and wander around the town with time to buy some souvenirs.
A memorable flight back
A memorable flight across the Himalayas and a dramatic end to our adventures in Ladakh
Depart Delhi
Depart Delhi, extend your trip to spend an extra night or two in Delhi, visit the Taj Mahal, or continue with your own arrangements. International flights should depart after 1300 to allow for the possibility of a delayed flight from Leh.