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Markha Valley Trek
6/8 DAYS
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Markha Valley Trek
Markha Valley Trek The green oasis of the Markha Valley guarded by Kang Yatse 6400mts from east and Zanskar range from the south west. From any of the high points you can have breath-taking views of the Korakoram Saser Kangri peak (7670mts) Stok Kangri (6150mts) Kang Yatse 6400mts.and Nun Kun (7135mts.) Sculpted canyons, fantastic rock formations, medieval villages, Buddhist gompas and snow-peaks. The Markha Valley is one of the most popular treks in Ladakh. Its located close to Leh, the walking is mostly below 4000 metres with night stops around 3500 meters and has the best of Ladakh. This trek being in of Hemis National Park, there is always an opportunity of spotting rare species of wild animals. There are three alternate options for Markha Valley which are as under:
- Cost: 680 Euros/ person for a private trek of 2-3 Pax
- Cost: 580 Euros/Person for a group of 4-8 Pax
- Size Of group: Min 2 & Max 8
- Highest Point: Gongmarula Pass 5150mts
- Grade: Medium
- Duration: 8 Days
- Cost: 550 Euros/ person for a private trek of 2-3 Pax
- Cost: 450 Euros/Person for a group of 4-8 Pax
- Size Of group: Min 2 & Max 8
- Highest Point: Gongmarula Pass 5150mts
- Grade: Medium
- Cost: 550 Euros/ person for a private trek of 2-3 Pax
- Cost: 450 Euros/Person for a group of 4-8 Pax
- Size Of group: Min 2 & Max 8
- Highest Point: Gongmarula Pass 5150mts
- Grade: Medium
What’s included in the price:
Transportation both ways (to the starting point and coming back
from the finishing point by Jeep)
Tents
Mattresses
Pack Horses
Food
Guide
Cook
Helpers
Cooking gears
Wildlife fees
Camping fees
And inner line permission where ever it’s needed.
Trekking Menu:
Our cooks are careful to prepare your meals with your enjoyment
in mind. Typically these plentiful meals will be primarily
vegetarian in nature with some meat or protein in the form of
canned fish or tofu. This is typical of the Ladakhi diet in
general.
Our cooks are encouraged to use hand sanitizers such as alcohol
based gels prior to food preparation. You are encouraged to do
the same.
Dishes are typically stainless steel bowls and pans and are
cleaned after meals with scrub pads and soap.
Our staff will provide rehydrating liquids in large quantities
throughout your trek. Take advantage of tea, coffee, juice boxes
and water whenever you can.
At altitude it is typical not to feel much hunger or thirst.
Make sure you stay adequately fed and drink plenty of fluids,
both at meals and along the trail. During the summer, heat can
be a real factor requiring significant intake of liquids while
you trek. Carry 2 liters of water with you.
MENU
Breakfast :
Porridge, Cornflakes, Muesli, Bread, Apricot Jam, Honey, Butter,
Peanut Butter, Cheese,
Pan-Cake, Omelet, Tea and Coffee.
Lunch :
(You will have Pack-Lunch while trekking)
Sandwiches, Boiled Eggs, Boiled Potatoes, Fruit Juice, Energy
Bars/Chocolate Bars, Biscuits, and Peanut Candies.
Tea Time :
You will have Instant Noodles Tea & Coffee with Biscuits,
Snacks, and Cookies when you end the days trek.
Dinner :
Soup, Rice, Curry (Veg. Mushroom, Paneer, & Dal) Noodles (Thukpa
& Chowmien) Veg Momos, Tuna Momos, Spring Rolls, and for Deserts
Custards, and Fruits
Cocktail :
Please Note: All of the above items are served different on
different days, and the items are subjected to the availability
in the market. Drinking Water :
Being a local and an Eco friendly organization we encourage you
to kindly use boiled water instead of plastic bottled mineral
water coz that will help us to keep the trekking
routes/environment clean For the first day we will provide two
liters of pressure boiled water, and from 1st evening of the
trek our staff will supply boiled water, the source would be
either glacier or Spring and the supply will continue till the
end of the trek.
Jasmin Dillon Recommends October 4, 2011
"The beauty of the nature and people were so Pure and Raw"
This trek was one of the best experiences of my life. I have had
many adventurous experiences across the world, but the this was
unique. The customer service was outstanding. The team at Dream
Ladakh helped us book out trek from Australia- they were
informative, helpful, easy to communicate with, and directed us
to choose the right trek with the small amount of time we had.
We were picked up from the airport free of charge, taken care of
at the office while they so calmly too care of sorting out the
most suitable accommodation for the few nights before our trek.
Naturally we had altitude sickness kicking in- but drinks and
snacks provided we soon felt much calmer ourselves. The team are
friendly and kind and go out of their way to help you with any
questions you have and offer help where ever they can. The
actual trek itself was PURE MAGIC. This part of the world is so
pure and untouched, the nature, the people, the whole
experience. It was hard work over our Markha Valley 8 day trek,
but with an excellent and experienced guide who spoke good
English, was super fit, full of knowledge, and such a genuine
kind person, it made it very safe and enjoyable- even when
climbing 5,200m.
As vegans we had no trouble at all with the right food be
provided, with a great cook. So much food was available for us.
The tents and equipment provided where in great condition and we
were always warm and dry. The horses and donkey which carried
all the gear were well fed and cared for by the pony man. They
all lo
Andrea & Manuela Recommends this, September 15,
2011
We spent our last holiday in Ladakh; would like not only visit
this fantastic country, but do a trekking. We began to look for
on internet and we found Dreamland Trek & Tour and booked with
your the Markha trek and the other trip around Ladakh. For us it
was a amzing experienrice. The trekking was magnificent; we must
thank our guide, your assistent and the ponyman. They were very
kind with us, very professional and we spent with them a great
experience and we thank them for letting us know Ladakh.
At the end of trekking, the staff of Dreamland organised for us
the trip to Nubra Valley and the big lake. Also this trips was
fantastic. We thank a lot Dreamland for the great experience we
had spent
andreamanu1@virgilio.it
Anne-Lise Garcel et Georges Korchia
La markha Valley: excellent trek c etait splendid et notre
guide, Pema, etait genial. Ils nous a raconte plein de trucs sur
le Ladakh et est un excellent cuisinier. Merci egalement a l
agence Dreamland pour sa gentillesse et son efficacite. 04/09/03
algarcel@recherche.loreal.com
Excellent Tour Company Operator - Flexible, Honest. Use
them
Lyn Michaud Recommends November 21, 2010
My wife and I had opportunity to use Dreamland Trek&Tour during
a month in Ladakh. Javeed and his staff were most helpful. We
organized our tour over the internet due to recommendations from
other Canadians. Javeed met us at the airport and ensured we
were well looked after throughout our trip including
accommodation, guides, tour drivers, pony boys - in fact the
lot! We did change our trekking schedule and Javeed met the
challenge, was flexible, and as a result we also squeezed in a
trip across Khardung La into the Nubra Valley after our trip up
the Markha and into Rupshu. We enjoyed Leh, our trek and
sightseeing journeys to a very interesting land with many
excellent gompa's combined with a rich cultural heritage.
Dreamland kept us well physically as we went to altitude and we
were pleased with their approach to the environment in Ladahk.
We found Javeed and his staff to be friendly and helpful
throughout. There are many tour operators in Leh, but Dreamland
stands out as a professional, honest, competent and well run
company.
lmichaud@telus.net
585/425€
5150mts
Min 2 & Max 8
8
OUTLINE ITINERARY
- Day 1: Drive from Leh to Spituk (40 min Approximately) Trek to Zingchen (4-5 hrs)
- Day 2: Trek from Zingchen to Gandala Base (5-6 hrs)
- Day 3: Trek from Gandala Base to Skiu via Gandala Pass 4850m ( 6-7 hrs)
- Day 4: Trek from Skiu to Markha (7-8 hrs)
- Day 5: Trek from Markha to Thuchungtse ( 5-6 hrs)
- Day 6: Trek from Thuchungtse to Nimaling 4700m highest Camping point during the trek (4-5 hrs)
- Day 7: Trek from Nimaling to Shang Sumdo via Gongmarula Pass 5150m Highest point of the trek 6-7 hrs
- Day 8: Trek from Shang Sumdo to Hemis after visiting the Hemis monastery we will drive you back to Leh via Shey and Thicksey (4-5 hrs) and 2 hrs drive. Trek finishes here.
- Day 1: Trek from Zingchen to Gandala Base (5-6 hrs)
- Day 2: Trek from Gandala Base to Skiu via Gandala Pass 4850m ( 6-7 hrs)
- Day 3: Trek from Skiu to Markha (7-8 hrs)
- Day 4: Trek from Markha to Thuchungtse ( 5-6 hrs)
- Day 5 :Trek from Thuchungtse to Nimaling 4700m highest Camping point during the trek (4-5 hrs)
- Day 6: Trek from Nimaling to Shang Sumdo via Gongmarula Pass 5150m Highest point of the trek 6-7 hrs and we will drive you back to Leh via the famous monasteries Shey Thicksey and Hemis
- Day 1: Drive to Chilling by Jeep and trek from Chilling to Skiu 3-4 hrs
- Day 2: Trek from Skiu to Markha (7-8 hrs)
- Day 3: Trek from Markha to Thuchungtse ( 5-6 hrs)
- Day 4: Trek from Thuchungtse to Nimaling 4700m highest Camping point during the trek (4-5 hrs)
- Day 5: Trek from Nimaling to Shang Sumdo via Gongmarula Pass 5150m Highest point of the trek 6-7 hrs
- Day 6: Trek from Shang Sumdo to Hemis after visiting the Hemis monastery we will drive you back to Leh via Shey and Thicksey (4-5 hrs) and 2 hrs drive. Trek finishes here.
Our typical day of trekking is based on an average level of client physical fitness coupled with the nature of our weather and terrain. This could include very warm days during summer, high passes, and the need to move between campsites which ensure adequate grazing for the ponies.
- 06:00 Bed tea is served to your tent. A great way to warm up before packing up your gear.
- 6:30 Hot water is provided for your morning wash.
- 07:00 Breakfast is served
- 08:00 Your personal packing is complete and your trail lunch is available to place in your day pack. Your guide will go over the day’s travel plans highlighting those areas along the route you will want to visit.
- 08:15 Off on the trail with your guide, or with instructions as to the route and where he will meet you if he needs to assist with pony packing (dependant on party size).
- 12:00 Lunch along the route, often in a meadow or beside a stream. A typical lunch might consist of a sandwich, juice box, cheese, boiled egg, boiled potato, apple, cookies or chocolate bar.
- 17:00 In camp with a pot of tea after a great day of sights and trekking. The tent is up and you are making notes in your journal and taking photos of the picturesque landscape.
- 18:30 Supper is served. Time for more tea and, perhaps, an
early bed.
Expect to have rather lengthy days of travel with plenty of time to take photos and look at the scenery, visit tea tents or local villages as you pass through. You will have plenty of time in camp each evening to meet with other travelers, compare notes, read a bit, take photographs or visit surrounding villages or sites either before or after your supper is served. By starting early you will have made substantial progress in the cooler part of the day, and will be able to take your time ascending the passes which can be up to 17,000 feet (5,180 M) on some routes, arriving at your next camp with some reserves of energy for the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Markha Valley Trek Located?
Markha Valley Trek is in Ladakh, India. It begins close to Chilling village, about 65 km from Leh, and goes through the beautiful Hemis National Park, providing breathtaking views of the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges.
2. When Is The Best Time To Go For The Markha Valley Trek?
Mid-June through mid-September is the ideal time of year to do the Markha Valley Trek. The best views of Ladakh are available during this time, and the weather is pleasant, and the trails are clear.
3. What Is The Altitude Of The Markha Valley Trek?
The Markha Valley Trek's highest point is at the Kongmaru La Pass, which is 5,260 meters (17,257 feet) high. The trek starts from the vicinity of Chilling at about 3,195 meters (10,482 feet) and proceeds through varied landscapes, such as river bed crossings and boulder-strewn paths, to the pass.
4. How Difficult Is The Markha Valley Trek?
The Markha Valley Trek is of moderate difficulty. It entails long walking days, high altitude (up to 5,260 m), and river crossings—but no technical mountaineering. Good physical condition and proper acclimatisation are essential.
5. How Many Days Does It Take To Complete The Markha Valley Trek?
The Markha Valley Trek usually takes 6 to 8 days, depending on the route and speed of travel. The most popular 6-day itinerary is from Chilling to Hemis, but with the starting point at Spituk, it becomes an 8-day itinerary.
6. What Is The Total Distance Of The Markha Valley Trek?
Depending on the route taken, the Markha Valley Trek's overall length
varies:
Chilling to Hemis: roughly 78 kilometres in six days.
About 113 km in 8 days from Spituk to Hemis
7. Do You Need A Permit For Markha Valley?
No, you will require a wildlife entry fee & environmental fee for the Markha Valley Trek. Dreamland Trek and Tour Ladakh can help organize all the required documents for a trouble-free experience.
8. How Can I Book The Markha Valley Trek?
You can reserve the Markha Valley Trek with local trekking agencies in Leh or through online websites. Dreamland Trek and Tour Ladakh has customizable packages with professional guides and all the requisites.
9. Is It Safe To Do The Markha Valley Trek Solo?
Yes, the Markha Valley Trek is relatively safe for independent trekkers in peak season. Nevertheless, because of high altitude and remote terrain, it's a good idea to stick to marked trails and tell someone what your route will be.
10. What Is The Average Cost Of The Markha Valley Trek?
The cost of the Markha Valley Trek, on average, varies from 500 to ₹800 Euros/Person. Dreamland Trek and Tour Ladakh provides budget-friendly, all-inclusive packages that are custom-made to your requirements.
11. Where Can I Find A Reliable Map For The Markha Valley Trek?
You can obtain good-quality maps of the Markha Valley Trek on various
websites:
Hiiker: Provides an interactive map of the trail with elevation profiles as well as
important waypoints.
AllTrails: Provides downloadable trail maps, user reviews, and GPS data for some parts
of the trek.
Wikiloc: Offers GPS tracks as well as user-uploaded routes, which can be downloaded for
use offline.
Maps.Me and Mapy.cz: Both apps provide downloadable offline maps, helpful for offline
navigation.
Moreover, maps of the treks in detail are sold by local bookshops at Leh and Ladakh, and
most trekking agencies give route maps with their service.