The Markha Valley Trek
India, Trek & Walk, 14 days - from $1,795 (land only)
- The best short trek in Ladakh
- Spectacular views from the Kongmaru La
- The traditional way of life in the Markha Valley
- A stronghold of Tibetan Buddhism
- The monastery at Hemis
In the remote north-western corner of India, the Himalayan region of Ladakh is a truly inspirational destination for a trekking holiday. Following a beautiful high valley, this superb trek leads through a spectacular mountain world, coloured by green irrigated fields and the red of the monks' robes at the villages and monasteries en route. After acclimatising and sightseeing at the monasteries around the ancient regional capital of Leh, we trek across the Ganda La into the Markha Valley, where the way of life has changed little for centuries. Gradually gaining height on a riverside trail, our highest camp is at 4700 metres on the Nimaling Plain, in the realm of the snow leopard and impressive lammergeier. Returning to the Indus Valley via the Kongmaru La (5100m), we have excellent views of nearby Kang Yatze (6400m) and northwards to the peaks of the Tibetan border. This popular holiday offers a real taste of the magical landscapes of Ladakh.
Is this holiday for you?
For almost all of this trekking holiday we follow good trails, which are the main routes between the villages. Crossing the 2 high passes on the trek, we will encounter zig-zag paths on scree. This is not a long or sustained trek and we have allowed 3 days and nights in Leh to help us get used to the altitude, before setting off. The holiday is given the DEMANDING grade on account of the generally quite high altitude and the high pass crossings.
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