Ladakh

Article Markha trek

The most typical trek in Ladakh

Petr Liška
Wrote 2408 articles and follows him / her 241 travelers
Markha trek
Inserted: 14.11.2014
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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).
 

2.
Monasteries in Indus valley

Amazing example of Buddhism

Rating:
| Altitude: 3 700 m / 12 139 ft

During the visit of Ladakh, or rather Leh, it is definitely worth to set out for a day trip around the… continue reading

3.
Hike Martselang - Shang Sumdo

Beginning or end of Markha Trek

Rating:
| Altitude: 3 670 m / 12 041 ft

Markha Trek 1: Martselang (3350 m asl) situated just a few meters from the bank of life-giving river Indus is… 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.
 

5.
Hike Shang Sumdo - Chuskyurmo

To the camp before canyon

Rating:
| Altitude: 4 130 m / 13 550 ft

Markha Trek 2: The path along the red slopes of the mountains and weathered rock formations and long passages… continue reading

6.
The ascent above Chuskyurmo

Secret and fabulous views

Rating:
| Altitude: 4 500 m / 14 764 ft

It is possible to ascent high above the valley along the herders trails from the camp Chuskyurmo and enjoy,… 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.
 

8.
Hike Chuskyurmo - Lartsa

Walk through stunning canyon

Rating:
| Altitude: 4 637 m / 15 213 ft

Markha Trek 3:  Most tourists walking this trek in usual direction cross from Nimaling the pass Kongmaru la,… 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.
 

10.
Hike over the pass Kongmaru la

Amazing outlook point Kang Yatse

Rating:
| Altitude: 5 276 m / 17 310 ft

Markha Trek 4:  The highest point of classic Markha trek is the pass Kongmaru la, over which passes the… continue reading

11.
Hike along the ridge Kongmaru

To the deserted outlook point

Rating:
| Altitude: 5 413 m / 17 759 ft

If you still have enough energy after the ascent to the pass Kongmaru la, we recommend leaving here the… continue reading

12.
Hike upland plain Nimaling

Plain under Kang Yatse

Rating:
| Altitude: 4 840 m / 15 879 ft

Nimaling (4 840 m asl ) is the highest point on Markha trek, where is built „refreshment“ tea tent. It is… continue reading

13.
Hike Nimaling - Thachungtse

The gate to the canyon Markha

Rating:
| Altitude: 4 840 m / 15 879 ft

Markha Trek 5: Seven kilometers and six hundred altitude meters separate a nomadic camp and the starting… 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.
 

15.
Hike Thachungtse - Hankar

The most beautiful part of Markha valley

Rating:
| Altitude: 4 270 m / 14 009 ft

Markha trek 6: The walk from Thachungtse to Hankar is one of the most beautiful passages in Markha trek.… continue reading

16.
Hike Hankar - Umlung

Long walk through wide valley

Rating:
| Altitude: 4 050 m / 13 287 ft

Markha trek 7: Continuing the trek from Hankar to Umlung, the altitude will decrease below four thousand… continue reading

17.
Hike Umlung - Markha

To the main village in the valley

Rating:
| Altitude: 3 865 m / 12 680 ft

Markha trek 8: During the walk from Umlung to Markha you will see amazing eagle's nest in the form of… 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.
 

19.
Hike Markha - Skyu

To the junction of the trek

Rating:
| Altitude: 3 770 m / 12 369 ft

Marka trek 9: The walk from Markha to Skyu is difficult not only because of its length and dusty sections,… 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.
 

21.
Hike Skyu - Chilling

The way to the confluence of Markha with

Rating:
| Altitude: 3 300 m / 10 827 ft

Markha trek 10: If you set out for a shorter version of Markha trek, so you can expect only the last walking… continue reading

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