Markha Valley Trekking Tour in Ladakh

This morning, following your arrival into Leh, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your residence, The Chamba Camp, Thiksey. You will be guests of the Thiksey Monastery. Soak in the serenity of the surroundings as you are accorded the traditional welcome of Ladakh. You will be accompanied to your well appointed luxury tents, where the check-in formalities will be completed by our Guest Relations hostess.

There will be no activity on your day of arrival as it is medically mandated that you relax and undergo minimal exertion to enable you to acclimatize to the rarefied oxygen levels at this high-altitude. At your convenience, the Excursion Specialist at Chamba Camp, Thiksey will meet with you to discuss the itinerary suggested and help you plan your excursions and make changes if required, as the excursions mentioned in the program can be customized to suit your interests, choices and leisure.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey

Today brings a late start, leaving the morning free for you to enjoy a languid breakfast and walk around the camp site, taking in the sights and the atmosphere where each tent opens out on to alfa-alfa pastures with a view of the willow trees as the wind gracefully brushes the branches and the rustling sound of the poplar trees creating an aura of unmatched beauty and serenity, making you naturally unwind and relax.

Or, if you are an early riser, may we suggest setting out on our optional bird watching sojourn, with our camp naturalist, spotting and identifying a variety of birds of the Trans-Himalayan region.

This afternoon, following lunch proceed on a gentle orientation tour of Leh, located approximately 19 kilometres (1 hr) from your camp. Visit popular landmarks which include the magnificent Leh Palace. Built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century, the palace has nine storeys’, some of which are in ruins. Some of the sections display fine traces of Ladakhi architecture. From the palace continue by foot to the LAMO [Ladakh Arts & Media Organisation] Centre on a short walking tour passing some enchanting old houses. The centre is housed in one of the most important heritage houses, Munshi (Togoche) House situated at the foot of the Leh Palace. Following a tour of the house there will be a short presentation by a Ladakhi scholar on the architectural heritage of the old city. Enjoy a view of the old city from the terrace of the Munshi House as you sip the special Ladakhi tea with light snacks. The Heritage exploration continues from Munshi House through the old city ending in the bazaar.

End your tour at the Shanti Stupa, perched upon a great vantage point over Leh, with spectacular views of the stone strewn landscape, as you relish a hot cup of traditional Ladakhi butter tea watching the setting sun.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey

An early morning start with tea and coffee followed by a visit to the Thiksey monastery, which stands about a kilometre from your camp. This beautiful monastery houses a two storey statue of the Maitreya Buddha seated on a lotus and boasts of a spectacular view of the valley. At the monastery, you will have the privilege to participate in the morning prayer ceremony at sunrise. Continue on a guided tour of the monastery, visiting the beautiful prayer room which has many handwritten and painted books as well as the temple dedicated to goddess Tara with her 21 images placed in glass-covered wooden shelves. You will also see small shrines devoted to the guardian divinities including Cham-Sing, the protector deity of Thiksey.

Return to the camp for a leisurely breakfast. The rest of the morning is free, allowing you time to relax and take in the pristine beauty around you. Or you may like to indulge in our optional cycling trip in the vicinity of the Thiksey village and its surroundings. Or you could also choose to drive to the Saboo village for a séance session with the Oracle [Note: This optional excursion will be confirmed a day prior subject to the oracle willing to give an audience]

This afternoon, proceed to explore the jewel in the crown of the Drukpa lineage, the Hemis Monastery, the oldest monastic institution of Ladakh, situated about 20 kilometres (1 hr) from Thiksey. Built in a secluded valley, the monastery belongs to the Drukpa School or the Dragon Order of Mahayana Buddhism. Explore the many interesting facets of this institution, established under the patronage of King Senge Namygal in the 13th century, where young lamas are taught literature, history, philosophy, yoga and tantra. The monastery halls are adorned with beautiful statues and mural paintings.

This evening enjoy a drink as the sun dips under the horizon, casting exquisitely colored shadows on the snow-capped peaks surrounding the camp.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey

Embark on an exploration of the monastic treasures of Ladakh. Driving through picturesque landscape along the River Indus, arrive at the fabled Alchi Monastery, built in the 11th century. Founded by Ringchen Zangpo, the Great Translator, the Alchi Gompa displays a Kashmiri influence in its art and architecture. Within the monastery you will see beautiful Tibetan and Gandhara style murals of Ladakh, frescos and images of the Buddha. Relish a picnic lunch in a picturesque setting. On your way back from Alchi, you will stop by at the Basgo fort, built in the 16th century. Basgo, literally “Bull’s Head” in the local language, was the center of power and politics in this region at one point of time and houses a copper-gilt Buddha statue in one of its prayer halls. The ruins of the fort bear the horrific evidence of the invasions of the Mongols.

Alternatively combine your visit to Alchi with our optional rafting excursion. The day begins with a drive through the pastoral countryside, arriving at the put-in point. Take a gentle rafting trip down the Indus River, floating past traditional Ladakhi villages, enjoying the mesmerising views, and the contrast between the greenery of the Nimoo village on one bank and the stark barren landscape of the other. Following a picnic lunch continue to the fabled Alchi Monastery.

On your return to the camp, later in the evening, as the sun sets on varied mountain hues amidst the rustic landscape with the Thiksey Monastery standing tall as a monumental back drop, you will be enchanted by a cultural dance performance, Zyabro.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey

This morning, after breakfast, you will drive 20 kilometres (1hr) to visit the Stok Palace, across the River Indus. Take a walk through the Palace, a beautiful medieval fortress, serving as the residence of the Queen Mother and Prince of Ladakh. A section of this Palace has been converted into a museum which houses some of the most interesting and priceless collections of the Royal family. Admire some of the exquisite royal perak (headgear) embedded with priceless coral and turquoise. The museum also exhibits Royal costumes, coins, photographs and paintings. Continue onwards to the Stok village. Explore the rustic beauty of the village as you walk down the narrow lanes, catching a glimpse of local village life, culminating at a quaint Ladakhi house, where you can enjoy a nice cup of tea.

Return to the camp for lunch.

Late this afternoon, you will drive a short distance from your camp to witness the traditional fanfare and glamour associated with the game of Polo. Polo originated in the Western Himalayas in the kingdoms of Baltistan and Gilgit. King Singge Namgyal, whose mother was a Balti princess, was impressed with the thrill of the sport and introduced it to the region of Ladakh in the 17th century. Each team consists of six players and the game is fast and furious in this rugged terrain. The excitement builds up as goals are struck by both sides; each goal accompanied by a burst of song and music from the surna and daman, traditional ladakhi musical instruments.

*Polo excursions are available only on the dates given below. Please plan your visit accordingly to the thrilling Polo experience!


Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey

Early this morning you drive from the Chamba Camp, Thiksey to Zingchen to begin the Markha Valley trek while the day is still cool. You follow the Zingchen stream as it enters Hemis National Park, crossing and recrossing it as you go. The trail leads to a narrow gorge, after which the Markha Valley, Ladakh opens up as you reach the village of Rumbak. The trail continues along the stream after Rumbak and crossing it by bridge, you arrive at Yurutse. You will not walk further today and spend the day exploring the village and its surrounding areas.

Overnight in tented camp at Yurutse

Today you begin by ascending the spur of a ridge, climbing steeply to reach Ganda La (4940 meters). The top of the pass offers a dramatic panorama of the Stok Mountains to the east and the Zanskar Range to the west. Descending the pass, the trail follows the bank of the Shringri Nala to Shingo Village (4150 meters). Walking further, the trail enters the Shringri Gorge lined with willow trees and chortens (small stupas), reaching Skiu Village which is located at the confluence of Shringri Nala with the Markha River.

Overnight in tented camp at Skiu

You start early, heading east towards Markha. The road follows the river and after about 2 kilometers it winds high above the riverbed. After a series of short ascents and descents you reach a side gorge. The trail continues through a series of willow and gorse thickets to a bridge over the River Markha. Crossing the bridge and walking up the valley is the tiny settlement of Sara and further up, recrossing the river, is Chaluk, set amid fields of barley. A steady ascent to an area with an impressive line of chortens and mani walls and you get exceptional views of the valley below. You ford the stream again several times before you reach Markha. You will camp a little short of the main village and will cross the river again the following day when the water level is not so high due to snow-melt.

Overnight at tented camp at Markha

Within 20-25 minutes of walking you arrive at the point where you will ford the river, and cross over to Markha, a village of about 25 homes, the biggest in the valley. Before you reach the village you can see the silhouette of a fort which dates back to the 1830’s. Close to it there is a monastery which is open to visitors during the morning hours.

Continuing on the trail, you cross the river and further up the trail splits, a side gorge leading to Rubrang La and the other continuing along the river bank. Rising above the plains of Nimaling, you are greeted by the first views of Kang Yatse (6400 meters).

The trail skirts around the gorge and you can see Hankar in the distance. A steep ascent and you are there. Hankar is set beneath a dilapidated fort also dating to the 1830’s. After lunch you will visit the fort and the nearby monastery.

Overnight at tented camp at Hankar

A kilometer out of Hankar the trail divides again – the valley to the south leads to ZalungKarpo La while the path to Thochungtse follows the main tributary coming from the east. The trail crosses a bridge and you enter Thochungtse. The huge peak of Kang Yatse looms in the background and you get spectacular views of the Zanskar Range.

Beyond Thochungtse the trail climbs steadily to a series of grassy ridges and a steep gully leads you to the grassy plains of Nimaling. The campsite is on pasture land and yak herders from Hankar live in the stone settlements in summer.

Overnight at the tented camp at Nimaling

Today you will spend the day at Nimaling, exploring the area and examining the small stone huts known as pollu. Also you will use the time preparing to cross the challenging Kongmaru La (5200 meters) tomorrow.

Overnight at tented camp at Nimaling

You begin today’s trek with a steep ascent towards Kongmaru La. The trail gets steeper as you approach the pass. Setting foot upon the ridge at the top of the pass, you are amply rewarded for the hard climb with grand views of the Indus to the north-east and the Zanskar range to the south. The two-hour long descent to Chogdo Village (3810meters) is equally steep but gets more gradual as you enter Shang Gorge, with its strange, other-world rock formations.

There are a few more river crossings before you arrive at Chuskarmo and finally Shang Sumdo by early evening.

From here you drive back via Hemis to the Chamba Camp, Thiksey (75 kms, 2 hrs)

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey

Today you bid farewell to the enchanting and breathtaking mountainous and rugged terrain of Ladakh, as you transfer to the Leh airport and board your flight to your onward destination.