Ladakh: The Markha Valley

Home  ›  Experiences  ›  Activity  ›  Active  ›  Multi Activity  ›  Ladakh: The Markha Valley
enquire now 14 Days From NZD $4,179 pp twinshare
 Small group
 Terms & Conditions apply

A classic trek crossing high passes, fertile valleys and visiting remote villages

Ladakh remains one of the best places to experience the unique culture of the High Himalaya. As our trek follows the Markha River, we discover a landscape where lofty peaks of the Stok, Matho and Zanskar Ranges tower above picturesque Ladakhi villages and verdant valleys below. From the highest pass, the Gongmaru La (5200m), we enjoy incredible views extending as far as Tibet, before descending to Hemis, Ladakh’s largest and most famous monastery.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Visit remote villages on a classic Himalayan trek
  • Explore colourful Buddhist monasteries in the Indus Valley
  • Discover multi-coloured rock formations of the Ladakh Range
  • Cross wild, barren mountain passes and trek through spectacular gorges
  • Visit Hankar and Kaya Women’s Eco-cafe’s – a community project for which Exodus won the ‘Giving Back’ Adventure Travel Award in 2017
  • Enjoy a sensational flight over the Himalaya

 

Itinerary 

TGR Map

Day 1 Start Delhi.

Day 2 Fly to Leh (3500m); rest of the day free.

Day 3 Exploring in and around Leh, visiting the town, palace and monasteries at Shey and Thikse.

Day 4 Acclimatisation walk in Leh Valley; optional jeep drive to the Khardung La (which at 5602m, is the highest motorable road in the world).

Day 5 Short drive to Jinchen; trek to Rumbak.

Day 6 Pass Yurutse village to reach the base of the Ganda La.

Day 7 Cross the Ganda La (4970m) to Skiu in the Markha Valley.

Day 8 Follow the river to Markha (3750m).

Day 9 Trek to Thachungste, visiting Tache Gompa perched above us en route.

Day 10 Climb to the high plateau at Nimaling.

Day 11 Cross the Gongmaru La (5286m) with views of the Ladakh Range.

Day 12 Finish the trek near Hemis; visit the monastery and drive to Leh.

Day 13 Fly to Delhi.

Day 14 End Delhi.

KEY INFORMATION

  • 6 nights hotels, all en suite, 7 nights full-service camping
  • 7 days point-to-point walking
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and staff. Min age 18 yrs
  • Altitude maximum 5200m, average 3900m
  • Travel by jeep, on foot and 2 internal flights
  • Full porterage throughout the trek
  • 6 – 20 August 2023 led by Valerie Parkinson winner of Wanderlust World Guide Awards 2021
  • Countries visited: India

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • All breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
  • All accommodation
  • All transport and listed activities
  • Tour leader throughout
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
  • Arrival and departure transfers

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel insurance
  • Single accommodation (available on request)
  • Visas or vaccinations

 

EXT – TGR

Images Courtesy of Exodus Travel 

Related experiences


enquire now

Best of Turkey

15 Days From NZD $3,675 pp twinshare
 Small group
 Terms & Conditions apply

Get your Turkish delights on a 15-day adventure in Istanbul. This trip is a mix of ancient ruins and modern cities, Islamic mysticism and Ottoman influence, inland discoveries and coastal cruising, and everything in between! Discover Gallipoli on a guided … Continue reading →