Markha Valley Trek
Discover the Unmatched Beauty of Ladakh trek. When it comes to one of the most beautiful and hip trekking in the Indian Himalayas, the Markha Valley Trek is in the Leh – Ladakh region of northern India.
It is also known as the Tea House Trek is a deep and exciting trek into hills and mountain ranges, remote villages, thousand year old monasteries and glaciers.
The great trek provides an excellent opportunity to explore this deserted land and also to learn about cultural aspects of Ladakh, region.
The Trekking Route of Markha Valley
The walk is along the center of the utterly stunning and desolate Markha Valley: small patches of arid wasteland, swift flowing streams, small villages on what seems to be the middle of nowhere, boulders along rough mountain paths. This trek is graded moderate to challenging trek due to the overall trekking along with traditional resistance by the cross country but would be suitable for individuals with sound physical fitness and trekking experience and sterner technicality, high altitude.
The trek can be 7-9 days and 75-80 kms (46-50 miles) depending on the route. It stretches to the Stok and the Zanskar ranges in the background, and the Markha River babbles in the valley.
Markha Valley Trek overview
1. Scenic Beauty and Wilderness: Providing panoramic views to other peaks like Mount Stok Kangri (6,153m. ), and this part is one of the best. It runs through high altitude desert plains, hurricanes, magnificent schemes, flood ravines.
2.The Culture and Local Villages: Markha Valley is scattered with some small inscribed villages with no civilizational influence. This trek is an experience to meet the people of Ladakh who are hospitable and friendly and take over their civilization and go to the monasteries such as Hemis Monastery, the largest and the biggest of Ladakh.
3.Crossing the High Passes: Treks are really tough and crossing the high altitude passes is no joke. There are only two big major passes which the trekking people have to cross and they are Ganda La Pass (4,800m) and Nimaling La Pass (4,820m). They both provide excellent views of the mountains surrounding and also the valleys.
4. Flora and Fauna in Ladakh: It's also the chance to know more about the fauna that you can view here, i.e. Tibetan gazelle, blue sheep, marmots and, in fact, snow leopard. Vegetation is different with the altitude, alpine lovely flowers can be seen during summer and several barren rocky areas are at higher altitudes.
Markha valley trekking itinerary:
While the schedule can be varied depending on the operator or the trekker's preference, this is the typical 8-day Markha Valley Trek schedule:
Day 1: Arrival at Leh
This takes you to Ladakh, and to the capital of the region, Leh. It's high altitude (Leh is at 3,500 meters) so it makes sense to spend the day acclimatising to the thin air, before taking on any kind of trekking expedition on day 2. The Leh Palace or Shanti Stupa is the destination to go to, but it's also possible to find the local supermarket or shopping centre.
Day 2: Leh to Chilling (trek) and Chilling to Skiu (road)
The next morning after breakfast the visitor will be driven to Chilling, the village on the bank of the Zanskar River, the beginning point for the trek. We trek to Skiu and cross the river for the second time, trek through some villages and rocks.
Day 3: Skiu to Markha
Follow the Markha River and reach an awe-inspiring view of the landscape around and the barren villages and fields of barley which were once inhabited. You will reach the beautiful and relatively small village, Markha at the foothills of the mountains at the end of the trek.
Day 4: Markha to Hankar
Green beds and beautiful mount Stok Kangri look almost nearby to the trekking trail to begin trekking to nomadic settlement Hankar. Hankar is a great viewpoint, and an ideal one night camp.
Day 5: Nimaling to Hankar
Subsequently, the trek takes you to the Nimaling Plateau, which has some views first witnessed by the valley tourists. Nimaling Plateau is a grassland at high altitude, and the starting point for most of the group if they are to climb to Stok Kangri.
Day 6: Nimaling La Pass, Nimaling to Shang Sumdo
From here the walk goes further, but by way of Nimaling La Pass, one of the highest points the walk can go to and then to the Shang Sumdo valley. Definitely this is a long day, but the scenery you're presented with makes it worth it!
Day 7: Shang Sumdo to Leh
Go to the Chilling village on the last and back to Leh by road. After this trek, you have ample time to spend the rest of the day sightseeing around Leh or relaxing.
Day 8: Departure from LehEither depart for home from Leh or remain to explore further the excellent cultural and scenic heritage of Ladakh.
Best Time to Trek
Markha Valley trekking is greatly suggested for the period June-September. It's a little longer but neither the daytime nor the night is extreme for trekking, about 10°C-20°C during the daytime and -5°C-5°C at night. It's not the suitable time to be here during winters because the bottom will descend with the fall in temperature and the pass will be easily blanketed with the snow.
What to Bring for Markha Valley Trek?
Explanation: Here is everything you need to know about what to pack for the Markha Valley Trek.
It's a mountain hike at high altitude, so expect the following: Here's the list of essentials:
Wig: It's due to the rain with excessive cold. Keep warm clothing, jacket, and trekking pants at hand for the adventurous (and, riding).
Buying clothes: Wellington boots/trampoline boots (ankle support) and flip-flops/casual shoes to be used in
Bags: Full cold (less than 10°C), suitable sleeping bag if necessary and light but durable tent to use for camping.
Water and Snacks: Water purification with filter or iodine table should be completed and one should bring along with an energy enhancing line of Snacks etc:, such as trail mix, nuts and energy bar.
Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Trekking is always at high altitude so the sun because you will be exposed to it is extremely powerful so always carry with you a good sunscreen and UV protective sunglasses.
First-aid Kit: They recommend pain killers, antiseptic ointments, band-aids, altitude sickness medicines like diamox and any other personal medicines that one requires.
Among the given subjects, the difficulty level and suitability of each
Markha Valley Trek is moderately to difficult trek with some climbs, along the passes at high altitudes & possibly demanding and on hard surfaces. Ganda La and Nimaling La are the two major passes which need some fitness to cross. Though such conditions are not harmful to the health of the people on the trek, it is necessary to acclimatize to the thin air there until you are on the trek, and so it is advised to trek instead of staying at the town of Leh for 1 or 2 days before the trekking begins.
Conclusion
So is this valley trek that in a sense makes Markha Valley Trek one of the finest travelling attractions in the world for such travellers who are willing to explore the unparalleled natural landscape and the ancient civilization of Ladakh. This truly physically demanding trail makes you climb dominant ridges and high-level passes while resting in colourful ethnic villages and making visits to Buddhist monasteries. Whether you are an experienced trekker or are the incurable romantic admirer for the adventure trails, Markha Valley gives you a life-long opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful and isolated valleys of India.