School Adventure - Markha Valley
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: On arrival at Delhi Airport in the morning, we meet a representative of our local agent and we transfer to a hotel near to the airport. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 2: After a very early return to the airport, we fly north across the Himalaya to Leh. Arriving in the morning, we transfer to a hotel in the town. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 3: Today, we have a sightseeing tour of the upper Indus Valley, visiting the impressive monasteries at Shey and Thikse. Return to the hotel in Leh.
Day 4: An opportunity to further our acclimatisation, as we make the exciting drive up to the Khardung La (5300m). Then, return to Leh and our hotel.
Day 5: A free day for acclimatisation, which can also be used for project work. Through our work with the Juniper Trust, we can arrange a suitable project. Overnight in Leh.
Day 6: Today, we drive via Spituk Monastry to Lato, then trek via the Jingchan Gorge to Rumbak, where we camp at an altitude of 3800 metres.
Day 7: The 4-hour trek today takes us through the village of Yurutse to a camp at the foot of the Ganda La (4380m).
Day 8: Climbing on a zig-zag trail, we reach the Ganda La (4900m) and begin a long descent to the green fields of Skiu in the Markha Valley.
Day 9: A long trek of 7 hours or so leads beside the Markha River, through small villages and typical Ladakhi scenery, to Markha Village (3800m).
Day 10: Still following the river, we trek for a further 5 hours to the highest settlement in the valley at Hangkar (4100m).
Day 11: Our trek today takes us away from the river an up onto the Nimaling Plain. Here, in the realm of blue sheep and lammergeiers, we camp at 4600 metres.
Day 12: With the peak of Kang Yatze behind us, we trek up to the Kongmaru La (5100m) and descend through a gorge to Chogdo (4000m).
Day 13: We continue to descend through a rocky valley to the monastery at Hemis. There is time to explore here, before driving back to Leh and our hotel.
Day 14: We take the morning flight back to Delhi, where we meet our transport for the drive to Agra. After checking in at our hotel, there is time for sightseeing.
Day 15: Morning visit to the Taj Mahal, then time for sightseeing in the bazaars or for relaxing. Transfer back to Delhi. Overnight hotel.
Day 16: We transfer to Delhi Airport to check in for the homeward flight.
