The Markha Valley trek is one of the classic and best treks to be done in the Ladakh Himalayas. It a part of the ancient Silk Route and belonged to the region of the ancient ...
tsemo monastery in Leh
The Markha Valley trek is one of the classic and best treks to be done in the Ladakh Himalayas. It a part of the ancient Silk Route and belonged to the region of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization which can also be considered to be the roots of India. The Markha Valley trek is very popular trek amongst the foreign trekkers visiting Ladakh but is very less done by the domestic trekkers in India.
walking through the maze of illusions
This trek is a charm in itself and takes you deep into the wilderness. It is a complete trek and gives you the actual feel of a localite wandering around in Ladakh. Some of the very old monasteries can be seen in this route. The trek passes by the villages of Skiu, Hankar, and Markha which is perhaps one of the most fertile areas of the cold desert. The contrast of the greens in the creamy background of the mountains of Ladakh surprises you initially, but after you learn and see the amount of dedication, hard work and care the villagers devote to make the land greener wins your heart. This entirely adds a new dimension to the trek and has a great impact in your perception of the local dwellers. You get a feeling that even after the life of a city dweller being full of comforts and ease, they are still unhappy and complicated. Whereas here you see these hard-working people welcoming you with the widest of the smiles... Well its just the beginning and we are yet to enter deep into the wilderness of the Markha valley.
beautiful hankar village on the markha valley trek
As you approach Hankar, the mighty peak of Kang Yatse starts to dominate the view and the peak is such a beauty that you cannot stop gazing at it like a love at first sight !! Further into the trek from Hankar, we proceed deeper into the valley towards Thochungtse and the high pasture land of Nimaling. Thochungtse is one beautiful campsite and here you have high chances of sighting the rare fauna of the Hemis National Park. Often trekkers get lucky to get a rare sight of the most elusive Snow Leopard. Blue Sheep and Ibex are very likely to be seen. So is the red fox.
beautiful Kang Yatse peak on the markha valley trek
Nimaling is a flat platue with lots of peaks over 6000 meters hovering over it. Here you should definitely take a day's rest, relax and explore the corners. Who knows what might inspire you here...
Well, the trek does not just end here. There is more to come. The trek now further takes you to the high pass of Kongmaru La which goes as high as 5315 meters offering grand views of the surrounding peaks and of the East Karakoram. The descend from Kongmaru La exits via one of the very beautiful valley with unbelievable views trekking straight down the Markha gorge and reaches back civilization in a small settlement beside the Markha river and ends in Shang Sumdo.
Ladakh is all set to inspire magic into your life !! Come, let us feel the Himalayan High that's present in the Markha Valley Trek.