Hike Martselang - Shang Sumdo
Beginning or end of Markha Trek
Markha Trek 1: Martselang (3350 m asl) situated just a few meters from the bank of life-giving river Indus is a beautiful green oasis in an otherwise arid landscape. Most people end here their trek through valley Markha, but you may begin here as well. But you shall then count with the fact that from this side you get to the heights significantly faster. This photoreport describes the first stage of the trek to 7 km distant Shang Sumdo, where most people get by bus since the road leads there.
The road to Sumdo
The road to Sumdo surprises with the fact that it is not passable only for jeeps. But you can meet here only a few cars anyway. The disadvantage of this 1.5 hour lasting walk is very high temperature and almost no shade.
The path along the river
After about 45 minutes you arrive to the bridge, where is the landscape more interesting. It is an ideal place for the first refreshment. All the way you are accompanied by a stream, along which you go to its springs on the slopes of the pass Kongmaru la. There are passages where is the valley wide and the creek almost gets hidden in the trough full of stones and those that are closer and a little wilder.
Furrowed slopes
All valleys on the western slope of the mountains Stok are similar in nature – part near Indus is full of eroded sharp furrowed slopes. At the end of spring rolls here most of the water from glaciers and snow fields, and some treks are not even accessible at this time.
Paradise for geologists
Landscape is getting more interesting as Shang Sumdo approaches.
Colorful mountains
In the vicinity of Sumda there are beautiful reddish mountains – which are especially beautiful in late afternoon and sunset
Shang Sumdo
You will reach Shang Sumdo (3670 m asl) situated at the confluence of two rivers after 7 km and 2 hours of walking. You may be surprised that you have ascended 300 vertical meters. It's just a small village with a few houses, but there are tea tent, where organized tourists wait for transport back to Leh and where you can have a snack. If you are here soon, you can continue the same day to another village of Chogdo or to the camp of Chuskirmo. Except for the main route in the direction of Kongmaru la you can turn into a side valley leading through two passes and come to Stok Kangri – alternative, longer, less frequently walked route comparing to the one from the village Stok.
Articles nearby
Article: Markha trek
There is perhaps no more traditional trek in Ladakh than walk through Markha valley, during which you will see in just one week… continue reading
Giga List: The most beautiful stages of the Markha trek
Perhaps the most famous trek in Ladakh, or rather in the vicinity of the capital Léh, is without a doubt the trek through the… continue reading
