India’s vast and diverse landscapes are dotted with some of the most stunning trekking routes in the world, and two of the most famous trekking destinations are Markha Valley trek in Ladakh and Sandakphu trek in the Eastern Himalayas. They are both distinctive in what they have to offer, with stunning panoramas of some of the highest peaks in the world to cultural interaction in remote villages. Whether you are trekking at Sandakphu’s altitiude or testing yourself on Markha Valley’s tough terrain, you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in store. A tour of Sikkim and its capital city of Gangtok and North Sikkim is one that is full of nature, culture, and excitement. Let us delve into these incredible trekking routes and Sikkim as a destination in more detail.
The Altitude of Sandakphu: A Journey to Remember
Not only is Sandakphu in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district the highest point in the region, it is one of India’s most famous trekking destinations. Standing at 3,636 meters (11,929 feet) above sea level, it has breathtaking views of four of the highest peaks in the world: Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Climbing to Sandakphu is not a simple process of going to the top; it is a trekking experience through forests, villages, and alpine meadows.
Not as lofty as other summits in the Himalayas, Sandakphu is an exciting trekking destination. The trek normally takes 4-6 days and is a moderate trek that demands trekkers to be prepared for days of walking at altitude. The trek to Sandakphu is normally undertaken in stages with overnight stays in scenic mountain villages. With each gain in altitude, one sees a change in scenery from rhododendron and oak forests to alpine meadow and open ridges.
The height of Sandakphu provides trekkers with a great platform to appreciate the beauty of nearby mountains. Not only height, but the scenery of towering peaks of the Himalayas makes Sandakphu a trek that is well worth taking. The trek has unparalleled scenery and trekkers are in a position to appreciate snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga and Everest, especially at sunrise when golden light spreads over mountains.
Markha Valley Trek: A Journey to the Centre of Ladakh
While Sandakphu is a one-of-a-kind experience in the Eastern Himalayas, Markha Valley trek is a distinctly different challenge in Ladakh’s dry landscape. With its challenging terrain, high-altitude passes, and stunning valleys, Markha Valley trek is a trek that brings you closer to the very essence of Ladakhi culture and the splendor of the Himalayas. Markha Valley trek is a 8-10 day trek and traverses some of Ladakh’s most remote and cut-off areas with very basic amenities.
Markha Valley Trek Itinerary: A Detailed Journey
The Markha Valley trek takes visitors from Leh, Ladakh’s capital town, through villages and Buddhist monasteries and over mountain passes at high altitudes. The trek gives one stunning panoramas of Ladakh’s rocky barren beauty and towering peaks of Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. A glimpse of a typical Markha Valley trek itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Arrival in Leh
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When you get to Leh, you’ll have a day to acclimatize to the altitude. Leh is 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level, and it’s critical to allow a day for your body to acclimatize.
Day 2: Leh to Spituk, trek to Zingchen
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You’ll drive to Spituk where you’ll begin trekking. Hike from Spituk to Zingchen via scenic valleys and remote landscapes.
Day 3: Zingchen to Rumb
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The trek continues through picturesque valleys to Rumbak, a small village at the foot of towering mountains. Rumbak has breathtaking views of surrounding peaks.
Day 4: Hangkar to Rumbak
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You’ll hike from Rumbak to Hangkar, a village on the outskirts of Markha Valley. Hangkar is famous for its breathtaking views of barren mountains.
Day 5: Hangkar to Nimaling
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The trek between Hangkar and Nimaling goes through alpine meadows at a high altitude and gives a glimpse of nature’s beauty in the region.
Day 6: Markha to Nimaling
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The trekking path to Markha is via a steep river valley and you will trek through old monasteries and villages that are isolated and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Day 7: Markha to Hemis
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You’ll depart from Markha and trek to Hemis, where you’ll discover one of Ladakh’s largest monasteries. There you’ll have a tour of the Hemis Monastery and gain insight into its cultural significance.
Day 8: Back to Leh
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After a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Markha Valley, you’ll be back in Leh with memories of your incredible trek.
Kangyatse: A Veteran Adventurer’s Trekking Adventure
Kangyatse is one of Ladakh’s principal peaks and stands at a height of 6,400 meters (21,000 feet). Kangyatse is typically included in trekkers’ plans who are willing to push their limits. While a trek to Kangyatse requires acclimatization and mountaineering skills, it is recompensed with stunning views of Markha Valley, the Zanskar Range, and Ladakh’s landscape. Kangyatse trek is strenuous and involves glacier crossings and is suited for experienced trekkers who are in search of a long experience.
Sikkim is a multicultural Himalayan destination.
Sikkim with its unspoiled landscapes, mountain ranges, and rich culture gives you a completely different trekking experience compared to Ladakh’s barren lands. Sikkim is famous for trekking routes such as Dzongri and Goecha La treks and as a destination where Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain peak in the world, is situated. Besides trekking, Sikkim allows you to experience its rich heritage and culture with Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan culture at its centre.
Sikkim Gangtok Tour: Unraveling the Capital City
The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok is a good base where one can tour around the state. With a famous view of Kanchenjunga, Gangtok is a bustling hill resort with a blend of nature and urban facilities. There are local bazaars to be found, monasteries like Rumtek Monastery that are Buddhist in nature, and peaceful Tsomgo Lake. A Sikkim Gangtok tour would usually include a trip to Nathula Pass where you can cross over the Indo-China border and look at the mountainous landscape.
North Sikkim tour is a hidden gem in the Himalayas.
North Sikkim is one of the unexplored and lesser-known parts of the state with virgin landscapes and serene surroundings. With destinations like Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, and Lachung town, a tour of North Sikkim is well-suited for those who are in need of peace and tranquility as well as a dose of nature. North Sikkim is typically a part of Sikkim tour packages and provides trekkers and travelers with a glimpse of the virgin beauty of the Himalayas.
Sikkim Packages: Tailor Your Trip
For anyone who wants to experience Sikkim without having to plan every step of the journey, Sikkim travel packages are the solution. They can be tailored to suit your interests in trekking, visiting cultural attractions, or just basking in the natural scenery. The most common packages include trips to Gangtok, North Sikkim, and sites such as Tsomgo Lake and Yuksom.
Conclusion
The Markha Valley trek in Ladakh and the Sandakphu trek in West Bengal are two contrasting yet equally captivating trekking opportunities. While Sandakphu offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks at a moderate altitude, Markha Valley takes trekkers through Ladakh’s rugged landscapes with solitary villages and high-altitude passes. Both together offer a diverse experience of India’s beauty in the Himalayas. Sikkim with its scenic landscapes and rich culture is one of India’s most sought-after travel destinations irrespective of whether you trek to Goecha La or travel around Gangtok and North Sikkim. No matter whether you are an adventurer at heart, a culture vulture or both, these places promise a journey into the heart of the Himalayas that you would never forget.
