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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 26 January 2006 |
Markha Valley TrekThe Markha trek can be started either from Spituk and end at Hemis or vice versa. This is the most famous trek of all time and has right mixture of Passes, Pastures, beautiful valleys and streams to cross.
MARKHA VALLEY TREK
Day 1 ): Spituk – Zingchen
Start the trek from here by crossing a bridge and walking south-west of the river Indus. The gorge section leads to the confluence of Indus and Zinchen. Camp near the village of Zinchen. Overnight in Tents  Indus River Day 2 ): Zingchen – Base of Gandhala
From Sumdzom we walk upstream and then climb up the hill till we get to Kandala Nallah, along which a path leads to high pastures. On the east is a path that leads to Rumbak Village which we avoid taking. Instead we go westward following the path to Yurutse and the Kandala Base Camp. The flat campsite a commands a very nice view of the valley below, and we shall pitch up here for the night.
 Before Gandala Day 3 ): Base of Gandhala – Sku
A gradual ascent followed by a steep climb gets one to the Ganda la (4900 M). From here views extend south to the Zanskar range and distant summits of the Himalayan range. This is followed by a long descent to Shingo village. From Shingo the trail heads into a narrow gorge leading towards Skiu. At Skiu there is a confluence of the rivers coming from Markha valley and Shingo. Overnight in Tents.  Just before Sku Day 4 ): Sku – Markha
It’s a very pleasant hike, up the Markha valley today with the trail crossing numerous streams. Markha is a quaint village with a deserted fort and a small village Overnight in Tents.
 Harvested crops at Markha Day 5 ): Markha to Thuchungtse
From Markha the country changes and the warm, relatively heavily wooded sections of the lower Markha is left behind. One will be required to cross the river several times as there are no bridges here. Hankar, en route, is the highest village in the Markha valley. Overnight in Tents. Day 6 ): Thuchungtse – Nimaling
Trek starts on a good path with several small inclines and a series of grassy ridges. There are a series of mani walls (walls carved with Buddhist prayers) and chortens en route. This is one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh and is dominated by the Kangyaze peak. Overnight in Tents
Day 7 ): Nimaling – Rest
You have full day rest to Explore the plain of the beautiful Nimaling (4700 Mtrs) you can enjoy looking at grazing animals and nomads. If you wish you can visit the base of Kangyatse peak(6400 Mtrs). Overnight stay in Tents.
 Shang Sumdo Day 8 ): Nimaling – Shangsumdo
Crossing the Markha is eassy, Asseding to Kongmarula is long (5150 Mtrs) and descending is steep and crossing through the long gorges difficult for animals. After the gorges you reach to chuskurmo, follow the martselang river to reach Shangsumdo. In the evening you can visit the beautiful village and Monastery. Over night in tent.( Here you have two choices Either you end your trek at Shangsumdo or you can continue. )  Nimaling in Sept. Day 9 ): Shangsumdo - Martselang
Easy descending up to Martselang by following the main road and Martselang river. From here you will be picked up by Taxi to Leh after visiting the Hemis monastery.  Shang River Before Martselang
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Last Updated ( Monday, 09 November 2009 )
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