The most beautiful stages of the Markha trek
The most beautiful hikes in the Markha River Valley
Perhaps the most famous trek in Ladakh, or rather in the vicinity of the capital Léh, is without a doubt the trek through the valley of the Markha River. Here you will experience the spectacular scenery of this rugged high-altitude landscape. The crossing of the Kongmaru la mountain saddle with an amazing view of the mighty Kang Yatse mountain is definitely one of the most beautiful stages.
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
