Transfer to hotel. Relax and acclimatise. Visit Leh market in the evening.
A day for acclimatization. Optional visit to the Leh palace and the Shey, Thikse and Hemis gompas. Last minute shopping in the Leh market.
The trail goes through a flat and desolate plain along the river Indus and swings into the mountains along the pretty, willow-lined Zingchen gorge.
Today’s trail is not too strenuous, rising 300m over 22 km, crossing the Markha river a couple times. There are a few ancient chortens along the trail, and a number of wolf pits used to trap wolves when they roam the valley during the winter months. Markha is a big village, complete with a derelict fort on the hillside and a small village monastery.
Kang Yatse, commands the views for the next two days. On the walk there are sights of some fascinating geological creations of large boulders balanced precariously on top of consolidated earth spikes. Continue down over a bridge to Thachungtse, a popular place to spot blue sheep slide up and down the steep cliffs with incredible agility.
We pass several Mani walls and suddenly come across a small lake. The view is wonderful from here – both of Kang Yatse, whose bulk gets reflected in the still waters of the lake, and also of the Markha Valley which we are now well above. We descend slowly to the valley of Nimaling which has a semi-permanent population of villagers who come from the Markha Valley to graze their livestock on the summer pastures.
As we climb the last short but steep slope to the top (5200M) there are good views over the Zanskar Range and of the vertical ice walls on the north face of Kang Yatse. It’s about a 3hrs climb to the top. The descent initially is quite steep and then eases out to reach Chuskirmo.
Walk 2 hours to get to our waiting vehicles at Shang Sumdo. Our cars take us to Hemis (optional) or continue directly to Leh. Wash up & spend the evening shopping in Leh.
Early morning transfer to Airport for flight. Trip Ends!
We are one of India’s leading adventure tour operator, that specialises in Treks & River Rafting in the Indian Himalayas and beyond. Offering personalized itineraries and routes you’d be hard pressed to find a more experienced, fun loving, safety conscious tour operator in India.
We are the only Indian adventure outfitter to be on the 2008 & 2009 list of the world’s best adventure travel outfitters in the first Authoritative Rating of Adventure Tour Operators, selected and conducted in a global survey by National Geographic Society.
If you’ve dreamt of a particular journey or an adventure in India, let us know. We’ll make it happen. No matter how bizarre or wild or difficult. If you choose to travel with us all you have to worry about is having the time of your life.
We have been running trips and tours for the discerning traveller throughout the Indian Himalayas since 1995, yet the experience of our travel personnel dates well beyond that, to years of leading trips throughout the Indian Himalayan belt. We believe that an adventure travel outfit is only as good as its guides. Good equipment, food and guides is what makes an outdoor trip an experience to savour.
Payment Terms
The tour price is payable 45 days prior to departure. Failure to pay by that date entitles Aquaterra Adventures to cancel your booking without notice and without refund of the deposit if deemed necessary. Prices may be quoted in Rupees / US dollars / Euros. For some special trips, the booking date may be up to 2 months before departure.
Cancellation Policy
If it becomes necessary to cancel your tour, you must notify Aquaterra Adventures India Pvt. Ltd. immediately in writing. Once we receive your notice, cancellation will take effect. Please note that the following charges will apply to cancellation:
Health and Fitness Requirements
Commitment to Hygiene and Safety Protocol:
I commit to disclose my travel and quarantine history to Aquaterra Adventures, and decide to not travel should I have symptoms of infection related to Covid19 or other disease that may spread due to my participation, thereby endangering other people. I also commit to follow guidelines and protocols set up by Aquaterra Adventures, and overseen implementation by its guides, trip leaders on my journey. If I do not, I understand that I may be asked to do so or leave the trip/expedition/journey, to maintain our hygiene and safety protocol.
Participants must be in good health and reasonable physical condition. It is vital that participants with medical problems make them known to us well before departure. If you suffer from severe muscular, chest, heart or bronchial disorders, or if you are a severe asthmatic, or have high blood pressure, you are strongly advised against participating. Expeditions generally take place in remote areas where there is little or no access to normal medical services or hospital facilities for serious problems. Where necessary, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive. Medical and evacuation expenses will be the responsibility of the participant.
Tour Leaders
Our Tour Leaders take their responsibilities seriously and if a tour leader believes in his/her judgment that you should not participate in the trip, before your departure, even if you pass your medical, he/she may exclude you from the trip. In this circumstance, you will be offered the option of taking another trip considered suitable for you or a full refund. If during a trip the tour leader considers you should not participate further he/she may direct you not to continue and you must follow the tour leader’s instructions. In this case, you will not be entitled to any refund. Travel insurance may compensate you depending on the circumstances.
Route Changes/Postponement or Delay
Aquaterra Adventures India Pvt. Ltd. may for any reason change the date of departure or conclusion of the tour, or it is possible that a route change, postponement or delay (either in relation to departure or to the duration of the expedition) may become necessary due to inclement weather, snow and ice conditions, political restrictions, epidemics or pandemics or any other cause. In the event of a change, postponement or delay, participants have no right to refund of the tour price (in whole or in part) or other compensation for any injury, loss or damage. Package Prices Package prices are based on ground costs, airfares and exchange rates. Aquaterra Adventures India Pvt. Ltd. tries its utmost not to increase tour prices (in full or part), however sometimes increases are outside its control. We reserve the right to amend tour prices (or any part) without notice at any time before and including the departure date. Amendments may be necessitated for many reasons including, but not limited to, exchange rate fluctuations, increased fuel costs, airfares, airport charges etc. Any increase in tour prices must be paid prior to the departure date. Exclusions From Tour Price The following items are excluded from the tour price: visa, passport and vaccination charges; departure, airport and airline taxes; extra meals not included in the itinerary; laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature; emergency evacuation charges; and tips and excess baggage charges. Refer to our trip notes for full details responsibility/liability.
Please Note:
If you book an Aquaterra Adventures trek or expedition and then wish to cancel, you will receive a full credit on your current payments for a future trip on the towards one of our already scheduled 2021 departures. You just need to let us know by 45 days before your trip so that we have the opportunity to re-sell spaces and give staff and guides time to plan. Also, if you can’t make a trip within the 45 day period because of travel restrictions that affect your ability to make the trip, we will give a full credit of payments towards a future trip.
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The Markha Valley trek is known for being a popular yet authentic trek, offering you a glimpse into the local life while displaying incredible scenery. With two choices of routes available, you have no excuse not to embark on this adventure.
The Markha Valley trek is not the most challenging technically, however it is essential to be in good physical shape in order to be able to enjoy the trek. You also have to keep in mind that you will only have access to basic necessities and will be most likely be camping every night, It is recommended that no matter your experience, you hire a guide or an agency to take you through the Valley, as this will bring you peace of mind and valuable knowledge about the area and its people. Finally, you will reach high altitudes so make sure that your insurance covers hiking/trekking over 3000m.
Leh emergency numbers
- Police: 100
- Fire: 101 and 132
- Ambulance: 102 and 108
- Tourist Information Center, Leh: +91 198 2252297
- Foreign Registration Office: +91 198 2252200
- SNM Hospital, Medical Superintendent: +91 198 2252014
The Markha Valley Trek Ladakh spans 60-75 km distance depending on the routes taken and the places covered. You can travel to more places if you want to, increasing the distance needed to be covered. The standard itinerary states that you need around 4-6 days to complete the trek. You need to be mindful that heavy rains and extreme weather conditions may set you back a day or two. In that case, the total number of days to complete the trek will also increase.
Markha Valley is situated on the Himalayas at an elevation of over 5000m. It means you will not be able to travel here during winters and even early spring. The ideal time for Markha Valley Trek is from late spring to early autumn. May-September will be the best time to visit Markha Valley. However, summers tend to be very hot, and you won't find much shade anywhere in the way. Also, keep in mind that the occasional rains may make the trek difficult, especially the descent from Shang Sumodu. Therefore, the Markha Valley Trek best time would be the months of May, June, August, and September.
Markha Valley Trek may be difficult for many due to the high altitude and steep slopes that need to be braved on the way. The long walks of over 6-8 hours will also require a lot of strain and effort. The best way to ensure that the trek is slightly easy for you will be to train your body's general endurance beforehand. Also, staying at Leh for a few days will help your body get acclimatized to the weather and climate conditions. Trekking under the sun for hours will severely dehydrate you and make you weak. Make sure you drink plenty of glucose to avoid that.
The Markha Valley Trek Ladakh covers a distance of 60-75 km in total. The highest elevation that you would have to reach requires a continuous climb of 836m. There is also a very steep descent of about 1601m which will also need a lot of time to complete. The highest elevation of this trek is at 5260m at the Kongmaru La pass.
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