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TRIP OVERVIEW
Markha Valley
is one of the most famous treks of the Ladakh Region. Markha valley remains one of the most popular trekking routes in the Indian Himalayas. Markha valley has a very significant role in the Ladakh environment and its ecology. The first Hemis high altitude national park which is named after the great monastery of Hemis was created in 1981, the first national park in the North of the main Himalaya range, and second this park known as Snow-Leopard conservancy, India's best-protected area for Snow Leopard. We will discover how local people have been fully committed to conserving Snow leopard. 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. High altitude pastures of Nimaling and the valley are greatly dominated by Kang Yatse (6400m) and its surrounding peaks. There are great chances to observe wild species in the late afternoon and early morning.

Setting off from Leh after 2-3 days of well acclimatizing, we drive to Zingchen and ascend to Ganda La via visiting Rumbak, Rumbak area which is known for the Snow Leopard area. Descending through the narrow gorge to Skiu where Markha valley widens up, we follow the Markha River to Nimaling plains. Meeting locals and visiting their house and exploring the region finally steep descent from Kongmaru la to Chogdo near Shang. Where our trek ends.

Activities - Trekking & hiking, Region - Ladakh, India, Difficulty level - Moderate, Max altitude - 5150 meters, Trip length - 6 days Leh to Leh, Best season: Mid June to Mid Sept, 6 days of trekking, 5 nights of camping

ITINERARY
Day 1: 
Drive Leh – Spituk - Zingchen (3530m), Trek to Yurutse (4200m) via Rumbak (4050m), 5 - 6 hrs.
Day 2: Trek to Gandha la (4900m) – Shingo (4060m) – Skiu (3290m). 5 - 6 hrs.
Day 3: Trek to Markha (3710m), 6 -7 hrs.
Day 4: Trek to Hankar (3900m) – Thachungtse (4200m), 5 hrs
Day 5: Trek to Nimaling (4850m) 5 hrs.
Day 6: Trek to Kongmaru La (5260m) – Chuskirmo (4430m) - Chogdo (3930m), Drive to Shang Sumdo (3660m) - Leh.

COST INCLUDES
- All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary.
- 6 nights camp with all camping facilities.  3 men spacious 4 season tents for 2,  sleeping bags, foam mattresses, dining tent, trekking poles & safety gears.
- All meal during trek - starts with bed tea to breakfast, lunch, 3-course dinner, tea /coffee, snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, Chinese to continental cuisine.
- Support staff: Qualified climbing guide, cook & camp crew.
- Trekking mules/horses for porterage of your luggage and trekking gear.
- Camping fee,  trekking permits, peak fee.
- Goods and services tax.
- First aid medical kit.

COST EXCLUDES
×     Domestic flight Delhi - Leh
×     Hotel in Leh, Delhi.
×     Travel insurance.
×     Soft or hard drinks.
×     Entrance fee at monasteries.
×     Personal tipping to staff: Guide, cook, helper, horseman, driver. 
×     Any unforeseen cost arises by natural hazards rain, snow, roadblock which cost extra lodging & boarding beyond trip Schedule.

ITINERARY
Day 1: Drive Leh – Spituk - Zingchen (3530m), Trek to Yurutse (4200m) via Rumbak (4050m), 5 - 6 hrs.
Leaving Leh Today after breakfast drive to Spituk which is 7 km and has a Gelukpa sect monastery built on a hill and has a magnificent view of Indus valley, continue to drive to the starting point of trekking, where our mules and horses will be waiting for us. Staff will load luggage as you continue to trek on a clear path. Now easy and gentle walk southwest of Indus River until the confluence of Zingchen and Indus. Leaving the main Indus valley and traversing to the left valley upstream along the small river to Zingchen. Gradual climb to Rumbak on a well-defined trail. We pass Rumbak village. A fabulous view of snow-capped Stok Kangri can be seen. Now we move towards the Rumbak Nallah, crossing it walk along the right side leading towards Yurutse. Yurutse has only one house and has a field of vegetables and barley crop. Overnight in camp.

Day 2: Trek to Gandha la (4900m) – Shingo (4060m) – Skiu (3290m). 5 - 6 hrs.
Gradual ascent to the base of pass 4500m and then a steep climb to Ganda la pass 4900m. The views from the top Zanskar range to the south and Ladakh range to the north and Karakoram beyond Ladakh range. Soon after long descent to Shingo 4060m and then on a narrow and stunning gorge leading towards Skiu and the valley opens out. We are in the main Markha valley. At a short distance beyond Skiu our campsite.Overnight in camp.

Day 3: 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 which has a charming campsite and deserted fort can be seen from camp, Overnight camp.

Day 4: 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.Overnight in camp.

Day 5: Trek to Nimaling (4747m) 5 hrs.
Today trek starts on an easily seen good path. An easy trail at the start then gradually ascend 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 number 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 6: Trek to Kongmaru La (5260m) – Chuskirmo (4430m) - Chogdo (3930m), Drive to Shang Sumdo (3660m) - 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. We pass the small village of Chokdo and from here drive to the village of Shang Sumdo. leaving Shang Sumdo the road goes along the Indus River to Leh.

REVIEW
"Our experience has been truly a memorable one. The scenery has been incredible, the interactions with other travelers most enjoyable, and the service provided by our guide, cook, and pony men were exceptional. Our guide has been without a doubt, the most accommodating and helpful in every way; our cook created fresh culinary masterpiece each day (include a surprise anniversary cake); and our pony man, was most gracious in every way. We highly recommend Potala Adventures to all world travelers".
Mrs. Kristie A. & Mr. Martin A. USA

ITINERARY
Day 1: Drive Leh – Spituk - Zingchen (3530m), Trek to Yurutse (4200m) via Rumbak (4050m), 5 - 6 hrs.
Leaving Leh Today after breakfast drive to Spituk which is 7 km and has a Gelukpa sect monastery built on a hill and has a magnificent view of Indus valley, continue to drive to the starting point of trekking, where our mules and horses will be waiting for us. Staff will load luggage as you continue to trek on a clear path. Now easy and gentle walk southwest of Indus River until the confluence of Zingchen and Indus. Leaving the main Indus valley and traversing to the left valley upstream along the small river to Zingchen. Gradual climb to Rumbak on a well-defined trail. We pass Rumbak village. A fabulous view of snow-capped Stok Kangri can be seen. Now we move towards the Rumbak Nallah, crossing it walk along the right side leading towards Yurutse. Yurutse has only one house and has a field of vegetables and barley crop. Overnight in camp.

Day 2: Trek to Gandha la (4900m) – Shingo (4060m) – Skiu (3290m). 5 - 6 hrs.
Gradual ascent to the base of pass 4500m and then a steep climb to Ganda la pass 4900m. The views from the top Zanskar range to the south and Ladakh range to the north and Karakoram beyond Ladakh range. Soon after long descent to Shingo 4060m and then on a narrow and stunning gorge leading towards Skiu and the valley opens out. We are in the main Markha valley. At a short distance beyond Skiu our campsite.Overnight in camp.

Day 3: 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 which has a charming campsite and deserted fort can be seen from camp, Overnight camp.

Day 4: 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.Overnight in camp.

Day 5: Trek to Nimaling (4747m) 5 hrs.
Today trek starts on an easily seen good path. An easy trail at the start then gradually ascend 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 number 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 6: Trek to Kongmaru La (5260m) – Chuskirmo (4430m) - Chogdo (3930m), Drive to Shang Sumdo (3660m) - 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. We pass the small village of Chokdo and from here drive to the village of Shang Sumdo. leaving Shang Sumdo the road goes along the Indus River to Leh.

COST INCLUDES
- All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary.
- 6 nights camp with all camping facilities.  3 men spacious 4 season tents for 2,  sleeping bags, foam mattresses, dining tent, trekking poles & safety gears.
- All meal during trek - starts with bed tea to breakfast, lunch, 3-course dinner, tea /coffee, snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, Chinese to continental cuisine.
- Support staff: Qualified climbing guide, cook & camp crew.
- Trekking mules/horses for porterage of your luggage and trekking gear.
- Camping fee,  trekking permits, peak fee.
- Goods and services tax.
- First aid medical kit.

COST EXCLUDES
×     Domestic flight Delhi - Leh
×     Hotel in Leh, Delhi.
×     Travel insurance.
×     Soft or hard drinks.
×     Entrance fee at monasteries.
×     Personal tipping to staff: Guide, cook, helper, horseman, driver. 
×     Any unforeseen cost arises by natural hazards rain, snow, roadblock which cost extra lodging & boarding beyond trip Schedule.

Trekking Gear

What we provide
We provide all the GROUP GEAR included in the following list:

3-4 Person roomy 4 season tents for 2 - 3 people and individual as well, dining tent, toilet tent and other camping accessories.
Sleeping bags and comfortable foam mattresses.
Kitchen tent, Stoves, fuel, cookware etc.
Bed tea, nutritious breakfast, three course meal (dinner), packed lunch, post trek snacks, tea and coffee.
Trekking poles and Duffel bags for your luggage's.
Basic first aid box and mini oxygen bottles

What you may need - Your personal gear recommended in List :-
Day pack: A bit of bigger size 30 - 40 liters in order to keep fleece, jacket, water bottle, camera, packed lunch

Foot wear :-
Good condition trekking boots – not new used before in your country side for best fit for trekking, water proof.
Camp shoes, light and comfortable as running shoes or sandal ( like Teva ) for river crossing. Its necessity for you to bring sandals for river crossing.
Socks both Woolen and cotton as desire.

Clothing :-
Gore tex jacket or similar.
Down jacket/vest is good for cool evenings.
Wind/Rain jacket: (i.e. gore-tex, northface or similar) waterproof and breathable. Its necessity to have jacket while crossing passes.
Trekking pants, light, comfortable, water proof /breathable.
Long sleeve shirt Light weight dry-fast (for sun/insect protection).
Thermal innerwear winter thermal innerwear.
T-shirts for day time.
One mid weight/heavyweight fleece (long sleeve) jacket or warm pullover.
Short pants, underwear.
Sun Hat: cowboy style or baseball style to protect skin from direct sunlight.
Woolen cap for high altitude or while crossing pass or during evenings in camp.
One fleece or sweatpants for cold evenings during dining.
A pair of Hand gloves or woolen gloves.
Scarf to protect from dust or sunlight around neck. This is available in local markets with variety of colors.

Accessories :- 
Sun glasses with UV protection. An extra sun glass in case to replace.
Sun screen and lip protection.
Moisturizer cream: In Ladakh the air is dry and sun is harsh and strong during day. There are local moisturizer cream available in market. To avoid somehow skin allergy bring your personal cream.
Water bottle. Minimum I - 2 liter.
Trekking poles or sticks. If you have your own folded poles. 
Torch or one head lamp with extra batteries. Petzl or similar.
One toiletries kit, small towel.
Reading and writing materials.
Digital Camera or digital video recorder / solar charger.
Water purification tablets.
Nylon or water proof plastic bags to storage clothes and stuff.
One pocket knife light.

Others :- 
Gaiter / personal  climbing gear. (Can rent at Manali or Leh or Uttarkashi).
Water purification/filter: we boil water for you in the camp, what its essential you to have a water purification tablets or filter during the day of trekking.
Mosquito repellent cream.
Small Binocular.
First aid kit: We carry basic first aid kit with diamox, aspirin, paracetamol, antibiotics for diarrhea, antiseptic, bandage and band aids, Please you bring your personal first aid kit with medicine you think to need necessity for you.
Vitamin tablets or similar. 
Extra passport photos.

"Our experience has been truly a memorable one. The scenery has been an incredible, the interactions with other travelers most enjoyable, and the service provided by our guide, cook and pony men were exceptional. Our guide, has been without a doubt, the most accommodating and helpful in every way; our cook created fresh culinary masterpiece each day (include a surprise anniversary cake); and our pony man, was most gracious in every way. We highly recommend Potala Adventures to all world travelers".
Mrs. Kristie A. & Mr. Martin A. USA

8 DAYS TREKKING IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

Price on request

Ask for student & group discount

Call / WhatsApp 7807198706