Hike Umlung - Markha

Valley behind Umlung is broad and full of boxes and other vegetation. On the horizon is visible rocky promontory, on the top of which enthrones the monastery Tachi.
 

The boxes end after a kilometer and a half walk from Umlung and small gorge begins just before the confluence of Markha river and stream Charcham Chu. High above it is monastery Tachi built in the rocky wall. There is a steep pathway leading here, so it's up to your consideration whether you undertake the ascent here.
 

Below the temple are huge chortens, through which you can comfortably pass.
 

Just below the monastery is the confluence of Markha river with Charcham Chu. It is possible to ascend to the pass Rabrang la through the valley of Charcham and on a little dangerous pathway to Zanskar. In this area is the bridge across the river, but it is sometimes broken, so be prepared for wading. The old pathway leads in a rocky slope to the right above the river, but it is broken in some places, so it is already useless today.
 

Nowadays people already walk in this section along the dusty bottom of the valley. The old pathway built and repaired for generations in the mountain slope a few meters above the river is now unfortunately impassable.
 

Perhaps the most interesting rock formation awaits you a short distance away – monumental rock peak towering above the river valley.
 

Along the way you occasionally see a solitaire chorten. The entire stage you will pass the remnants of the old pathway in the slope.
 

The last few hundred meters of this stage lead relatively high above the river along a barren rocky plain.
 

Finally appear green fields and houses scattered among the rock formations – it is village Markha tactically lying at the mouth of side valley bringing more water from the glaciers by Stok Kangri.
 

Rocky promontory with the rest of the castle and lots of chortens divides Markha village (3 770 m asl) into two parts. There is a beautiful view on all sides.
 

From the rocky headland is a nice view of the valley, from where you just came from.
 

Side canyon-like valley leads up to the main ridge of mountains Stok (approx. 10 km to the ridge), but this way is not used to ascend to the mountains.