Markha Valley Homestay Trek Ladakh

TRIP OVERVIEW
Homestay trek in Ladakh gives you an opportunity to experience the local village life of Ladakhi.
Homestay trek in Ladakh is the best way to interact with the villagers. On this trip, we explore the Markha valley. Markha Valley is one of the most famous treks of the Ladakh Region. It is an amazing trip to get introduced to the magical and remote Buddhist Kingdom of Ladakh. Markha valley remains one of the most popular trekking routes in the Indian Himalayas. This trek offers an abundant treasure of natural beauty, mountains with different colors, shapes, and sizes. With altitude exceeding 3000m to 6000m and its numerous small villages along the trails, pastures, and passes. The valley is greatly dominated by Kang yatse (6400m) and its surrounding peaks. However, there are great chances to observe wild species in the late afternoon and early morning.
Setting off from Leh after 1-2 days of well acclimatizing for our Chilling to Chogdo or Markha valley homestay trek. We drive to Chilling and trek to Skiu village. We follow the Markha River to Nimaling plains. Meeting locals and visiting their houses and exploring the region finally steep descent from Kongmaru la to Chogdo. Where our trek ends. A short trek of 5 days is well suited for travelers looking to experience trekking in Ladakh as well as at the same time experiencing Ladakhi village life. Homestay trek in Ladakh is a unique experience and we love to run this trip, but also can arrange a 7 day Markha valley camping trek if you prefer.

ITINERARY
Day 1: Drive Leh to Chilling (3200m) 63 km drive, Trek to Skiu (3290m). 4 hrs.
Day 2: Trek to Markha (3710m), 6 -7 hrs.
Day 3: Trek to Hankar (3900m) – Thachungtse (4200m), 5 hrs
Day 4: Trek to Nimaling (4850m) 5 hrs.
Day 5: Trek to Kongmaru La (5260m) – Chuskirmo (4430m) – Chogdo (3930m), Drive to Shang Sumdo (3660m) – Leh.

COST INCLUDES
–  Accommodation in Homestays.
–  Transportation by private car to the starting point of the trek and pick up at the end of the trek.
– All meals during the homestay trek. Breakfast, lunch, dinner & mineral water.
–  An experienced trekking guide & porter based on group size.
–  Guide and porters accommodation and meal.
–  Basic first aid kit.
–  Sleeping bag & inner on request. Trekking pole to each member.
–  All required permits and fees.

COST EXCLUDES
×     Hotel in Leh
×     Entrance fee at monasteries.
×     Soft or hard drinks, beverages, snacks, and any other items.
×     Personal tipping to staff: Guide, cook, helper, horseman, driver. 
×     Any unforeseen cost arises by natural hazards rain, snow, roadblock which costs extra lodging & boarding beyond trip Schedule.

ITINERARY
Day 1: Leh – Chilling (3200m) drive, Trek to Skiu (3290m). 4 hrs.
Leaving early Leh, we drive to Nimoo first and from here the road goes along the Zanskar River to Chilling. Leh to Chilling is approx 63 km, which will take us 2:30 hrs to reach. Shortly after Chilling near the bridge from where our trek start, we cross the Zanskar River by the bridge and follow the trail to Skiu along the Markha River.

Day 2: Trek to Markha (3710m), 6 -7 hrs.
Leaving Skiu today we will have a long, easy and pleasant walk up the Markha valley. We hike along the Markha River and cross numerous adjoining streams. The trail passes through willows, poplar trees, and sea buckthorn bushes. Passing by Chaluk, the last river to be cross before Markha. Markha is a wonderful village that has charming campsites.

Day 3: Trek to Hankar (3900m) / Thachungtse (4200m), 5 hrs.
Leaving Markha today you cross the river several times. We follow the clear path along the right bank and pass beneath the Humlung monastery. A few hours later arrived at the high village of Hankar, continue on the track leaving the broad valley and turning towards the narrow valley. As the trail goes higher and higher up the landscape presents spectacular scenes. Lastly crossing the bridge and continue to higher meadows of Thachungtse.

Day 4: Trek to Nimaling (4747m) 5 hrs.
Today trek starts on an easily seen good path. An easy trail at the start then gradually ascends with several small inclines and over meadows. Now you are trekking through one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh. Soon after the view of Kang Gyatse peak remains on our site while trekking. Kang Gyatse peak dominates the Markha valley. During summer numbers of shepherds live in small doksas looking after their sheep, yak, dzo, horse, and goat. Continue trek across the vast and grassy plains of Nimaling and having a 360° view of the impressive landscape. Overnight in camp.

Day 5: Trek to Kongmaru La (5150m) – Chuskirmo – Chodgo, Drive to Shang Sumdo – Leh.
Today leaving Nimaling, continue on a path where small stream to cross then a gradual climb to the top of the highest pass of our trek, with its wonderful views from the top as far as the eye goes to all directions. On a clear sky, one can see Kangyatse, far across K2 and Karakoram Range and its peak rising above 7000m. Soon after crossing the pass steep and long descent to Chuskirmo. Continue to the small village of Chogdo, where our trek ends, and from here drive to Shang Sumdo, and to Leh, at first visiting Hemis. We drive along the valley to Martselang and take the road to Hemis, which is hidden in the mountains. Hemis is located 45 km south of Leh. Exploring this ancient monastic complex continues to drive to the next stop which is Thiksey, located on a hill and most picturesque sight in Indus valley. Finally to Leh. Overnight in Hotel.

ITINERARY
Day 1: Leh – Chilling (3200m) drive, Trek to Skiu (3290m). 4 hrs.
Leaving early Leh, we drive to Nimoo first and from here the road goes along the Zanskar River to Chilling. Leh to Chilling is approx 63 km, which will take us 2:30 hrs to reach. Shortly after Chilling near the bridge from where our trek start, we cross the Zanskar River by the bridge and follow the trail to Skiu along the Markha River.

Day 2: Trek to Markha (3710m), 6 -7 hrs.
Leaving Skiu today we will have a long, easy and pleasant walk up the Markha valley. We hike along the Markha River and cross numerous adjoining streams. The trail passes through willows, poplar trees, and sea buckthorn bushes. Passing by Chaluk, the last river to be cross before Markha. Markha is a wonderful village that has charming campsites.

Day 3: Trek to Hankar (3900m) / Thachungtse (4200m), 5 hrs.
Leaving Markha today you cross the river several times. We follow the clear path along the right bank and pass beneath the Humlung monastery. A few hours later arrived at the high village of Hankar, continue on the track leaving the broad valley and turning towards the narrow valley. As the trail goes higher and higher up the landscape presents spectacular scenes. Lastly crossing the bridge and continue to higher meadows of Thachungtse.

Day 4: Trek to Nimaling (4747m) 5 hrs.
Today trek starts on an easily seen good path. An easy trail at the start then gradually ascends with several small inclines and over meadows. Now you are trekking through one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh. Soon after the view of Kang Gyatse peak remains on our site while trekking. Kang Gyatse peak dominates the Markha valley. During summer numbers of shepherds live in small doksas looking after their sheep, yak, dzo, horse, and goat. Continue trek across the vast and grassy plains of Nimaling and having a 360° view of the impressive landscape. Overnight in camp.

Day 5: Trek to Kongmaru La (5150m) – Chuskirmo – Chodgo, Drive to Shang Sumdo – Leh.
Today leaving Nimaling, continue on a path where small stream to cross then a gradual climb to the top of the highest pass of our trek, with its wonderful views from the top as far as the eye goes to all directions. On a clear sky, one can see Kangyatse, far across K2 and Karakoram Range and its peak rising above 7000m. Soon after crossing the pass steep and long descent to Chuskirmo. Continue to the small village of Chogdo, where our trek ends, and from here drive to Shang Sumdo, and to Leh, at first visiting Hemis. We drive along the valley to Martselang and take the road to Hemis, which is hidden in the mountains. Hemis is located 45 km south of Leh. Exploring this ancient monastic complex continues to drive to the next stop which is Thiksey, located on a hill and most picturesque sight in Indus valley. Finally to Leh. Overnight in Hotel.

COST INCLUDES
–  Accommodation in Homestays.
–  Transportation by private car to the starting point of the trek and pick up at the end of the trek.
– All meals during the homestay trek. Breakfast, lunch, dinner & mineral water.
–  An experienced trekking guide & porter based on group size.
–  Guide and porters accommodation and meal.
–  Basic first aid kit.
–  Sleeping bag & inner on request. Trekking pole to each member.
–  All required permits and fees.

COST EXCLUDES
×     Hotel in Leh
×     Entrance fee at monasteries.
×     Soft or hard drinks, beverages, snacks, and any other items.
×     Personal tipping to staff: Guide, cook, helper, horseman, driver. 
×     Any unforeseen cost arises by natural hazards rain, snow, roadblock which costs extra lodging & boarding beyond trip Schedule.