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… 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… 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… 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,… 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,… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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.… 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… 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… 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,… 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… continue reading
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