Markha valley trek

Difficulty:

Difficult

Altitude:

5212 m

Duration:

8 Days

Distance:

65 Kms

The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most common treks in Ladakh. There are impressive sights and beautiful rock formations, ancient villages, snowy mountains, and delightful Buddhist Gompas. The Markha Valley trek is by no means an easy one, there are two passes of 4900 m or higher to be negotiated, coupled with the possibility of snowfall in the upper reaches, even if the passes are trekable.

The trek brings you on a beautiful journey through the land of vivid prayer flags, mane walls, high passes, rare wildlife, and uncommon shearing canyons. Not to mention the real villages you’re walking past, taking you back to the world of Ladakhi culture. The vibrant rock formations that have been discovered on the road, along with the views of the Stok and Zanskar mountains, often leave people in awe. The best time to go on a Markha Valley trek is between June and September. It is a difficult trek consisting of stream crossings, rough ascents and descents from two high passes, and a long day of walking, and is intended for seasoned trekkers. Live a scenic and culturally rich trip, and let the serenity of the ecosystems of the Markha Valley pull tension out of your life. Scroll to the end for all details about Markha Valley Trek.

Other Inclusions

  • High Quality Camping Arrangements
  • Toilet tent with portable toilet seats
  • First Aid / Medical kit
  • Charges of 2 guides (for the group of maximum 12 trekkers so 1 guide for 6 group members)
  • All meals while on trek7
  • Porter/mule charges for carrying camping equipment
  • Forest entry charges, permits & camping fee (if any)Permits & camping fee (if any) for Indian National
  • First aid kit (our guides are certified in handling first aid situations)
  • Service Tax

Transport

  • Transportation from Leh (start) to Leh (end) can be availed at an extra cost (choose ‘Including Transport’ while booking the package).
  • Tempo Traveller / Toyota Innova / Mahindra Scorpio or similar vehicle.

Things To Carry

  • Warm shirt/light micro fleece pullover/full sleeve T shirt
  • Water resistant Trekking Pants
  • Windproof/water resistant jacket, Down jacket with min 600 fill power rating
  • Thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater
  • Thermal inner wear
  • Woollen cap, Inner fleece gloves, Outer water proof gloves
  • Thick woollen socks and regular socks
  • Scarf/muffler (optional)
  • Comfortable waterproof Trekking/Hiking shoes with a thick sole, Camp shoes
  • Gaiters
  • Raincoat / Poncho
  • Small light weight towel
  • Insulated water bottle & hydration pack (optional)
  • Cap / floppy, Sun glasses
  • Sturdy walking stick /Trekking pole
  • Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm
  • Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
  • Personal medication
  • Personal toiletries

Advisory

  • Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.
  • Pay heed to the guidelines given by trek leader or instructor in order to enjoy a safe and sound trekking experience.
  • Consumption of alcohol or any other intoxicating products are prohibited during this trek.
  • Avoid trekking during the nights.
  • Consult with a physician if you are fit to undertake the trek.
  • Do not litter in the local sites or campsites.

Things to Carry

  • Trekking Shoes (Do not carry sneakers/ sports shoes. Carry shoes that has good grip and ankle support)
  • Backpack (40 -60 litres): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for a backpack is essential.
  • Daypack 20 litres: On the day of the summit, you’ll need a smaller backpack to carry water, snacks and your medical kit. Bring a foldable backpack.
  • Layers/Warm Clothes/Thermals
  • Trek Pants/T-shirts/Undergarments as per your convenience. Carry the actual number required and stay light Sunglasses, Suncap, sunscreen.
  • Hand gloves, socks 2 pairs and woollen socks
  • Headlamp/LED Torch is mandatory
  • Trekking Pole
  • Poncho/Raincoat
  • Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. (Mandatory)
  • Personal Medikit
  • Toiletries: moisturiser, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser. Do not carry wet wipes. One 1 litre water bottle.
  • Plastic covers: carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes. Make sure you take them back and not litter the mountains.

Health & Safety

  • Before starting the trek, calculate your BMI (Ideal BMI should be between 18.5 and 24.9)
  • Health and Safety checks mentioned below should be made before getting prepared for the trek
  • A balanced mind and body is the first thing that should be given importance before taking off, because this is what will bring out the best of you in every condition.
  • Your body should be fit enough to cover the entire trek with the backpacks on your back along with your body weight. That is why proper stamina and strength is needed. Also because trekking is done in uneven multi terrains and not on smooth paths. So in order to gain leg strength, perform simple squats.
  • Flexibility is very important when it comes to trekking. A good flexibility will be an advantage while walking on trails, climbing and river crossing etc. Attain flexibility by simple stretching or yoga.
  • As the Himalayan treks are basically ascending and descending the slopes, you will need a proper transmission of Oxygen from the lungs and heart to the body muscles. For this, trekkers should have a good cardiovascular endurance that can be gained by doing cardio exercises like running, swimming, cycling etc.

Cancellation Policy

It is good to make your booking two months prior in advance. In the event of cancellation of any trek/adventure activity due to any reasons, it is compulsory to notify us in writing. Cancellation charges will only be effective from the date we receive your request in writing.

If the trek is cancelled by us due to any reason (heavy snowfall, rainfall, natural disaster etc.) then the refund would not be initiated but you can go on the same trek another year. Kashmir Mountain Adventures Family is always with you, Thanks The cancellation charges are as follows:

  • (No bank charges deducted will be Refundable)
  • Up to 30 Days – 90% cost is Refundable
  • Between 21 to 30 Days – 50% cost is Refundable
  • Less than 20 Days – No Refund
  • (Refunds are initiated in 7-8 business days)
Difficult
8 Days
5212 m
65 Kms

Need help? Talk to our Trek Coordinator on +91-9797130169