Trekking-Markha Valley Trek

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The Markha Valley Trek is certainly one of the most varied and beautiful treks in the world. It ventures high into the Himalayas crossing two passes over 15,000 ft (4575 m) as it circles from the edges of the Indus Valley, down into parts of Zanskar, and passes through terrain that changes from incredibly narrow valleys to wide-open vast expanses! It is made all the more interesting by the ancient form of Buddhism that flourishes in the many monasteries that dot the landscape perched high atop hills.

The trails are decorated by elaborate "chortens"(shrines) and "mani"(prayer) walls thatfurther exemplify the region's total immersion in Buddhist culture. As we trek to the upper end of the Markha Valley we are rewarded with spectacular views of jagged snow capped peaks before crossing the 5150m Kongmaru La (Pass) and descending to the famous Hemis Monastery, where we end our trek. There are also a few days to explore the fascinating town of Leh and raft the Indus River.

Nature	:	Trekkking
Duration	:	9 Days
Season	:	June - Oct
Location	:
Region	:	Ladakh
Difficulty Level	:	Moderate +
Activity Description	:	Trekking and Alpine Camping

Day 1: Leh

Arrive in Leh and acclimatize to the altitude by spending the day in the guesthouse. In the evening visit the nearby Monasteries. Overnight in guesthouse.

Day 2: Leh - Spitok (drive) - Trek to Zinchen (3200 M)
Leave Leh early morning by Jeeps and reach Spituk (1 hr). Visit the Spituk Gompa, built about 500 years ago. 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.

Day 3: Trek to Yurutse (3900 M) via Rumbak
It's a gradual climb from Zinchen to Rumbak. From here one gets fabulous views of the snow capped stok mountains. From here we move along the Rumbak Nala towards Yurutse. At Yurutse village you will find fields of barley and potatoes. Overnight in Tents.

Day 4: Yurutse - Skiu (3100 M) via Ganda La
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.

Day 5: Skiu - Markha (3800 M)
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.

Day 6: Markha - Thochuntse
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 7: Thochuntse - Nimaling (4700 M)
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 8: Nimaling - Kongmaru La (5150 M) - Sumdo
Today one will cross to the north of the Markha, climbing to the top of the highest of the three passes, the 5,306 M Kongmaru La, with its wonderful views from the top. There are snow peaks in every direction and on a clear day the giants of Karakoram, including K2, can be seen on the north-western horizon. The trail descends to the Martselang valley, following the Martselang stream to the village of Sumdo. Overnight in tents.

Day 9: Sumdo - Hemis 4 Hrs. Trek - Leh
Today make an easy descent along the Martselang to where it broadens into the valley of the Indus at Martselang village. Board the awaiting jeeps. Visit Hemis monastery and after that drive to Leh via Shey and Thiksey monastery. Overnight in a Guesthouse.Trip ends here.

1. Are there any special requirements for treks in the Ladakh region?

A. As the average altitude for most trekking trips is well beyond 3000 m,which is the average altitude of Lehone must acclimatize well before the trip. All GIO treks in Leh have a one day accimatization period, however youmight want to do two days for your own comfort. Also, in case you are suffering from any respiratory problems,consult your physician before deciding on a trip.

2. What about the food and drinks during the trek?

A. Throughout the trek, we take care of all your meals. Our cook and support staff members accompany you on the treks and carry all provisions. Juices, milk and energy drinks are available for you at all times. We also provide snacks like crackers, cookies and chocolate bars especially for the children to help make your trek more enjoyable. So you don't have to worry about anything while on the trek. You can inform us in advance if you have any special requirements for the meals and we'll ensure that we provide you with whatever you need.

3. What kind of accommodation is provided during the halts en route?

A. During the trek, you will be staying in comfortable Alpine tents. We provide you with clean bedding, blankets and sleeping bags.

4. What about other administrative arrangements?

A. To ensure that each trek is a memorable and delightful experience for our clients, we take care of all details like the provision of porters and mules. Our team is always at hand to take care of anything you might need during the treks.

5. What kind of terrain can I expect on a family trek?

A. The trails for the family treks are specially selected keeping your needs as a family in mind. So the trek will lead you over gentle, gradual slopes and through some of the most beautiful terrains, without being over strenuous. Please note the grades on all treks. A family is recommended only on the treks that have been classified as family treks or the ones that are marked Easy.

6. What if any of us is tired?

A. The trek is accompanied by extra horses for supporting member who are tired.

7. What about first aid/medicine?

A. Our instructors are fully trained at first aid and medicines and take care of any medical emergency in the mountains. However, if you have any specific ailment for which you take medicine we recommend that you carry that with you.

8. Who will be in charge of the trips?

A. One of our designated trek leaders will lead the trip. All our trek leaders are highly qualified from either Nehru Institute of Mountaineering or Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and are ample experience in outdoors.

9 Who all will accompany us?

A. Trek Leaders, Chef, Helpers and porters varying with group size.

10 Can you customize a trip?

GIO Adventures can tailor make a trek to any part/region in the Indian Himalayas.

Package Price List:

1 Person	:	43500
2 Persons	:	29900
3-5 Persons	:	23400
6+ Persons	:	21800

Fixed Departure Price :

1 Person

21800

*(Prices Mentioned in Indian Rupees and on Per Person basis)

Cost Includes:

All road transfers from and back to Leh.
Accommodation in 3/4 season tents during the trek.In a guest house in Leh on Twin Sharing.
Meals - Veg multi-cuisine meals at on the trek.
Mules/Porters - For carrying camping equipment, rations, vegetables and some amount of personal gear of the clients (one bag not weighing more than 15 kg).

Professional guide and kitchen staff would accompany the group.
Camping equipment.

Cost does not include

Service charge of 2.58%.

Travel between Delhi and Leh (can be arranged by us on request).

Any meals/services not mentioned above.
Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, park fees etc.
Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
Insurance

Trip Starting Point :
Leh: By Air - All major airlines connect Delhi to Leh. By Road - A regular bus servide runs from Manali to Leh. One can also hire a taxi from Manali.

Fixed Departure Date List:

From Date

To Date

2010-07-12

2010-07-20