Article Markha trek
The most typical trek in Ladakh
There is perhaps no more traditional trek in Ladakh than walk through Markha valley, during which you will see in just one week nearly all types of landscapes that are offered by Ladakh. Markha river flows parallel with Indus, from which it is separated by the ridge of Stok mountain range. To the south are Zanskar mountains with massive peak of Kang Yatse. On the trek you will experience not only crossing of the five thousand high pass, but also several fordings of the river
Day 1 - Around the monasteries in Shang Sumdo
The first day awaits you ride to trek starting point in Martselang. It is ideal to combine this journey with seeing the monasteries in the Indus valley. You will walk from Martselang along the dusty road to Shang Sumdo, which is an ideal place to accommodate. If you're in a hurry or you've already seen the monasteries within other trip, then drive from Leh directly to Shang Sumdo and later that day continue to Chuskyurma (thus saving a day against this itinerary).
Monasteries in Indus valley
Amazing example of Buddhism
During the visit of Ladakh, or rather Leh, it is definitely worth to set out for a day trip around the monasteries situated in the Indus valley to the southwest of the city and enjoy a genuine Buddhist atmosphere. The biggest magnet is very photogenic Thiksey monastery. Set out here as early as possible, ideally early in the morning, because you will then avoid the crowds of tourists and also see some ceremonies. An interesting stop is the monastery Stakna or large Hemis high above the valley. On the way back stop in the ruins Shey with a perfect view of the green valley of Indus. continue reading
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. continue reading
Day 2 - From Shang Sumdo to camp Chuskyurmo
The second day is relatively short, but it is necessary to increase the height gradually due to the acclimation. Moreover, it is possible to set out from Chuskyurma for a great acclimatization ascent, where you'll enjoy also the perfect sunset over mystical Ladack landscape.
Hike Shang Sumdo - Chuskyurmo
To the camp before canyon
Markha Trek 2: The path along the red slopes of the mountains and weathered rock formations and long passages through rocky riverbed characterizes the second stage of the inverted Markha trek. Along the way, you go through the last village on this side of the mountains – Chogdo where you can alternatively sleep between fields, if you do not manage to come to camp Chuskyurmo. continue reading
The ascent above Chuskyurmo
Secret and fabulous views
It is possible to ascent high above the valley along the herders trails from the camp Chuskyurmo and enjoy, especially in the evening, great views over ladackh landscape with countless number of colorful arid mountain ridges. In addition, the outlook will be just for you as it is not registered in any classical schedule of Markha trek. continue reading
Day 3 – Through the canyon to Lartsa
This day awaits you only the ascent through interesting canyon to a small camping commons Lartsa. Only very well acclimated people manage to cross Kongmaru la pass in one day from Chuskyurma up to Nimaling.
Hike Chuskyurmo - Lartsa
Walk through stunning canyon
Markha Trek 3: Most tourists walking this trek in usual direction cross from Nimaling the pass Kongmaru la, pass through the canyon and then camp in Chuskyurmo. Or walk down and camp a little bit lower. If you walk the trek the other way round, you will probably not have sufficient acclimatization and strength to cross the pass during one day and you will have to camp in Lartsa. This is just a small patch for maximum of two tents above the end of the canyon Chuskyurmo, just a few hundred meters from the foot of the pass. continue reading
Day 4 – Over the pass Kongmaru la
On the fourth day of the trek you get to the highest point, to the pass Kongmaru la (5 276 m asl), however, if you do not undertake a walk higher from the pass along the ridge (we recommended) or do not plan an ascent from Nimaling. After descending to the pastoral plain Nimaling you must decide whether you will undertake any more trips (the way to the springs of Markha, ascent to Kang Yatse or other surrounding mountains), or whether you do not want to sleep so high and descend the same day to Thachungtse.
Hike over the pass Kongmaru la
Amazing outlook point Kang Yatse
Markha Trek 4: The highest point of classic Markha trek is the pass Kongmaru la, over which passes the mountains Stok. From the pass is an amazing view of the highest mountain in Zanskar – Kang Yatse and the whole range of other glaciated peaks. The ascent to the pass has a different character from each side. From the pastoral plains Nimaling it's gradual ascent, so you probably would not guess that you are higher than in 5,000m. From the other side it is a steep slope that is quite difficult continue reading
Hike along the ridge Kongmaru
To the deserted outlook point
If you still have enough energy after the ascent to the pass Kongmaru la, we recommend leaving here the backpack and continue without it even higher along the eastern ridge of Kongmaru. During this „walk“ you can get to know the surroundings of the high mountains Kang Yatse and admire the end of valley Markha, which is not directly visible from the pass. The way is not difficult, but if it weren´t for the prayer flags, you might think that there have been nobody walking here before. continue reading
Hike upland plain Nimaling
Plain under Kang Yatse
Nimaling (4 840 m asl ) is the highest point on Markha trek, where is built „refreshment“ tea tent. It is also the base for the crossing of the pass Kongmaru la, the ascent to the highest mountain of Zanskar – Kang Yatse, less frequently walked trek through Lalung la to Rupshu, adventurous trek through the passes Konka Wongpo and Zalung Karpo la to Zanskar, to the spring of Markha River or only around the surrounding hills. continue reading
Hike Nimaling - Thachungtse
The gate to the canyon Markha
Markha Trek 5: Seven kilometers and six hundred altitude meters separate a nomadic camp and the starting point for climbers Nimaling and a small camp with a tea tent in Thachungtse. If you decide to accommodate in the camp in Thachungtse, you will sleep here probably alone, because it's not a busy place at all. The trek itself is difficult especially for its altitude rather than profile. Fortunately there are nice views of Kang Yatse on the way and weathered rock towers in the surrounding hills. continue reading
Day 5 – Long walk to the village of Markha
The fifth day of Markha trek belongs among the long stages of this walk full of natural wonders, which Ladakh offers. You will get below four thousand meters above sea level.
Hike Thachungtse - Hankar
The most beautiful part of Markha valley
Markha trek 6: The walk from Thachungtse to Hankar is one of the most beautiful passages in Markha trek. Enjoy here the beautiful ladack scenery. Green fields in the oasis near Hankar contrast sharply with the sharp colorful peaks and above all this throne the ruins of the old fortress (Dzong ). On the horizon tower above the surrounding landscape white peak of Kang Yatse. continue reading
Hike Hankar - Umlung
Long walk through wide valley
Markha trek 7: Continuing the trek from Hankar to Umlung, the altitude will decrease below four thousand meters above sea level, local sun will burn and you will walk through the first sections with river silts. But you will be rewarded with the view of wild mountains on both banks of the river. continue reading
Hike Umlung - Markha
To the main village in the valley
Markha trek 8: During the walk from Umlung to Markha you will see amazing eagle's nest in the form of monastery Tachi, interesting rock top and you'll probably have to wade a few times before you arrive to the destination – the largest village in the valley surrounded by lots of boxes. continue reading
Day 6 - At the junction of paths in Skyu
The walk from Markha to Skyu belongs among the most tiring days on the entire trek, mainly because there is no shade and sun is here really intense.
Hike Markha - Skyu
To the junction of the trek
Marka trek 9: The walk from Markha to Skyu is difficult not only because of its length and dusty sections, but mainly because of the high temperatures that are present here in the main trekking season. It is also a little less picturesque than the previous stage of the trek due to the many bushes. But even so, you will enjoy here beautiful views of the jagged ridges and nice oases around the river. continue reading
Day 7 – From Skyu to the canyon of Zanskar
The seventh and last day of the trek is already quite short. You can expect the way to the confluence of river Markha with huge Zanskar and then only to the cable car across the river to Chilling.
Hike Skyu - Chilling
The way to the confluence of Markha with
Markha trek 10: If you set out for a shorter version of Markha trek, so you can expect only the last walking stage from Skyu to Chilling already lying at the mighty river Zanskar. You can expect a relatively easy and picturesque stage with an unexpected ascent to the last pass Kuki la and the way across Zanskar in a primitive cable car as the final icing on the cake. continue reading
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