Beyond the Markha Valley
15 Days Starting and ending in Delhi, India
Visiting: Delhi, Leh, Markha, Markha Valley, Nimaling, Zanskar Range, Zalung Karpo La, Ladakh, Tso Morari, Tso Moriri
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MVT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Indian Himalayas with the "Beyond the Markha Valley" trek. This adventure takes you off the beaten path, exploring the trails and passes that connect the Indus Valley to the remote region of Rupshu. Experience the rich Buddhist heritage as you traverse passes adorned with prayer flags and visit traditional villages in the upper Markha Valley. Enjoy a fully supported trek, staying in remote campsites, and marvel at ancient monasteries and forts in the upper Indus Valley. Discover the vibrant capital of Leh, with its labyrinth of alleyways, bustling markets, and majestic palaces. With expert bilingual guides, quality accommodations, and all necessary equipment provided, this trek offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring the serene waters of Tso Morari or the Tibetan borderlands, this trek promises an enriching and exhilarating experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: The Lalit Hotel or similar
On arrival in Delhi you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore Delhi and sightseeing tours can be arranged. Due to the differing times of arrival of group members and the early morning departure to Leh the following morning the initial briefing will be on ‘a need to know basis’ such as what to pack, ordering a packed breakfast, what time for departure from the hotel, arrangements for leaving gear in Delhi etc. Your World Expeditions kit bag will also be distributed after the briefing. Note: The main briefing will be on arrival in Leh and sleeping bags, liners, insulated mattress and down jackets will be distributed. Note: As an alternative to arriving in Delhi on a late night flight, you may wish to consider arriving the day before the trip commences. Please talk to your World Expeditions reservations consultant or your travel agent for pre-tour accommodation options.
Overnight: The Lalit Hotel or similar
Day 2 : Fly To Leh (3500M)
Location: Leh
Accommodation Name: Hotel Omasila or similar
We board the early morning flight from Delhi to Leh where you will be rewarded with spectacular views across the Great Himalaya and Zanskar ranges. On arrival in Leh it is essential to rest and start the all-important acclimatization process. Our schedule today is flexible. We include a walk to the main bazaar and adjacent alleyways to gain a sense of Leh’s rich historic past. We can also wander to the nearby chortens at Changspa (situated close to our hotel) that are said to have been established over 1000 years ago – many centuries before Leh was founded.
Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar
Day 3 : In Leh (3500M)
Location: Leh
Accommodation Name: Hotel Omasila or similar
In Leh we visit the Kings Palace to appreciate its reconstruction undertaken over the past twenty years. The Sikh Road Museum also located in the Old city of Leh provides further insights into Ladakh’s proximity to the Sikh Road and Leh’s Trading relationships with Kashgar and Yarkand. By contrast, a visit to the Snow Leopard Conservancy offers invaluable perspectives into the snow leopards survival as well as other endangered wildlife species including the iconic Marco Polo sheep, the Ibex and the Pallas Cat.
Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar
Day 4 : In Leh (3500M)
Location: Leh
Accommodation Name: Hotel Omasila or similar
We include visits to Shey Palace – the capital of upper Ladakh until the Royal family moved to Leh in the 17th century. We also visit the nearby Tikse monastery perched on a sugarloaf mountain overlooking the Indus Valley. The monastery reflects an important link in Ladakh’s Tibetan Buddhist history as evidenced in the main Assembly hall as well as the multi denominational chapel built in the 1980’s and proof of the continuing vitality of Buddhism in Ladakh. While Tikse is one of the most visited monasteries in Ladakh we also visit the less frequented Matho monastery on the far side of the Indus River to gain a more serene perspective of Ladakh’s enduring Buddhist heritage.
On return to Leh we can also ascend to the Shanti Stupa to help our fitness regime as well as gaining a further perspective of the upper Indus Valley.
Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar
Day 5 : Transfer To Markha Village (3670M) (Drive 3 To 4 Hrs)
Location: Markha
Accommodation Name: Tented camp
We transfer to Markha village. After establishing our camp we have the afternoon to explore the village and surrounds including the tiny monastery that has been ably renovated over the years by funds from trekking groups. The monastery is under the charge of a monk seconded from Hemis monastery.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 6 : Trek To Hanker Village And Onto Camp (Approx. 4 Hrs)
Location: Markha Valley
Accommodation Name: Tented camp
From Markha we follow the trail (a dirt road in some sections) leading through the village of Umlung (with options to ascend to the hill top monastery), while the impressive flanks of Kang Yates 6400m loom high above the valley. Reaching Hanker the highest village in the Markha valley we head to upper Hanker complete with ancient stupas that marked the site of the former monastery before continuing through outlying fields to our serene camp en-route to the Zalung La.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 7 : Trek To Intermediary Camp (4250M) (Walk Approx. 4 To 5 Hrs)
Location: Nimaling
Accommodation Name: Tented camp
On the next two stages we slowly ascend towards the base of the Zalung La to ensure maximum time for acclimatisation and fitness.
From our camp we slowly ascend past mani walls and small shepherd encampments and vast grazing lands while a few river crossings may be the order of the day. After passing a trails leading from the high altitude plains of Nimaling we establish another fine, remote camp that offers a number of exhilarating options that afternoon that lead to unrivalled views of the Kang Yatse and adjacent peaks. The stage also maximising time for acclimatisation and fitness. From the camp we may also see marmots (Himalayan hyrax) and possibly blue sheep while birds of prey hover in the thermals in search of prey.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 8 : Trek Towards Base Zalung La (4400M) (Walk Approx. 2 To 3 Hrs)
Location: Zanskar Range
Accommodation Name: Tented camp
A short but necessary day as we head towards the Zalung La. A few small river crossing may to be encountered before we reach camp with opportunities that afternoon to explore the surrounding ridges as we complete our preparations to cross the Zalung La the next day.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 9 : Traverse Zalung La (5190M) To Tsorka (4200 M) (Walk Approx. 6 To 7 Hrs)
Location: Zalung Karpo La
Accommodation Name: Tented camp
We enter a narrow gorge where snow leopard scats are regularly sited as we ascend steeply in places to the colourful prayer flags that define the Zalung Karpo La. From the pass views stretch across the vast Rupshu region with distant peaks that extend to the borderlands of Tibet. From the pass the trail descends steeply to the valley floor before a longer and more gradual ascent across mixed terrain to a delightful camp at an abandoned camp at Tsorka.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 10 : Trek To Lagto Kamlung (4200M) (Walk Approx. 5 Hrs)
Location: Ladakh
Accommodation Name: Tented camp
After the vigour’s of crossing the pass this is a delightful stage where we enter a narrow gorge to reach a small river flowing from the settlement at Dat. The walk gradually ascends across grazing grounds amid impressive side gorges to the camp at Lagto Kamlung where the remains of impressive mani walls reflect a bygone era when nomads grazed their animals in this remote outpost of Ladakh.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 11 : Trek To Dat (4300M) (Walk Approx. 3 Hrs), Transfer Tso Morari (4540M) (Approx. 6 Hrs Drive)
Location: Tso Morari
Accommodation Name: Lodge Accommodation
A full on day to complete the trek to abandoned settlement at Dat where we say bid farewell to our crew and mule attendants and commence our drive to Tso Morari. It will take the best part of 2 hours to reach the Manali to Leh highway to reach Tso Kar (4480m) with potential sighting of black necked crane before we continue to the vast waters of Tso Morari.
Overnight: Lodge Accommodation
Day 12 : At Tso Morari (4540M)
Location: Tso Moriri
Accommodation Name: Lodge Accommodation
A full day to explore the serene waters of Tso Morari. We walk along the shoreline where numerous flocks of birdlife settle on the lakes edge while a host of 6000 metre plus snow-capped mountains provide an impressive backdrop. We include an early morning traverse across the high ridges above the lake for further stunning views as well as visiting the village of Korsok with its ancient monastery and home to the many Khampa and Tibetan nomads.
Overnight: Lodge Accommodation
Day 13 : Return To Leh (Drive Approx. 6 Hours)
Location: Leh
Accommodation Name: Hotel Omasila or similar
An early start to complete the short ascent to the nearby plateau at sunrise. A fitting finale to our trek before we commence our drive to Leh. We follow a more direct route that heads directly to the upper Indus valley before we follow the course of the Lion River all the way back to Leh.
Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar
Day 14 : In Leh (3500M)
Location: Leh
Accommodation Name: Hotel Omasila or similar
An opportunity to rest and wind down and complete your sightseeing and shopping and preparing for your early morning flight to Delhi.
Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar
Day 15 : Fly To Delhi, Trip Concludes
Location: Delhi
An early morning flight to Delhi will afford more impressive views across the mountain ranges you explored the previous week. Trip concludes in Delhi. However, we recommend booking your international flights the next day in case of inclement weather causing your flight from Leh to be cancelled. Please contact us for accommodation options in Delhi or other arrangements you may have.
What's Included
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Accommodation
9 nights camping -
Airport transfers on Day 1
Airport transfers are provided on the first day of the tour.
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Expert bilingual guide
An expert bilingual guide will accompany the tour.
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Group medical kit
A group medical kit is included for the duration of the tour.
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Good quality accommodation in Delhi & Leh
Good quality accommodation is provided in Delhi and Leh.
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World Expeditions trek pack
The use of a World Expeditions trek pack, including a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket, and insulated mat, is included.
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Private transportation
Private transportation is included throughout the tour.
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All park entrances & permits
All park entrances and permits are included in the tour.
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Mules to carry all personal and group baggage
Mules are provided to carry all personal and group baggage.
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Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
A souvenir World Expeditions kit bag is included.
What's Not Included
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Aerated and alcoholic drinks on trek
Aerated and alcoholic drinks during the trek are not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls and laundry are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included in the tour package.
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Airport & departure taxes
Airport and departure taxes are not included.
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Visa
Visa fees are not included in the tour package.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is the responsibility of the traveler.
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International flights
International flights are not included in the tour package.
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Flights Delhi/Leh/Delhi
Flights between Delhi and Leh are not included.
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Airport transfer on final day
Airport transfer on the final day is not included.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Porters and mules carry all group gear and your trek pack.
Grading
To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking terrain, the altitude, the number of passes crossings and the length of the trek. Beyond Markha Valley Trek is graded moderate.This is primarily due to the altitude as we commence the trek from 3500 metres. While the stages are not unduly demanding the trail is ill defined in places and both pass crossing – the Gongmaru La (5260m) and the Zalung La (5190m) may test your resolve. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. The majority of our moderately graded treks involve the carrying of a day pack only. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions.
Suggested preparation; 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week and extended periods of exercise during the weekend will accustom you to regular exercise, at least three months prior to your departure. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions will be beneficial if you are taking part in a trekking adventure, kayaking or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes private transportation, airport transfers, and flights between Delhi and Leh. Mules are used to carry personal and group baggage during the trek, ensuring a comfortable journey through the breathtaking landscapes.
Accommodation
Enjoy good quality accommodation in Delhi and Leh, with stays at The Lalit Hotel and Hotel Omasila, as well as remote tented camps during the trek, offering a unique experience amidst the stunning landscapes of the Markha Valley.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife might we encounter during the trek?
During the trek, you may encounter wildlife such as marmots (Himalayan hyrax), blue sheep, and birds of prey. There is also a possibility of seeing snow leopard scats in the narrow gorge as you ascend to the Zalung La.
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What is the significance of the prayer flags at the passes?
The prayer flags at the passes, such as the Zalung Karpo La, reflect the deep-seated Buddhist heritage of the region. They are a traditional part of the landscape in the Himalayas, symbolizing peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom.
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What kind of cultural experiences can we expect in Leh?
In Leh, you can expect to visit the King's Palace, the Sikh Road Museum, and the Snow Leopard Conservancy. These visits provide insights into Ladakh's history, its trading relationships, and the conservation efforts for endangered wildlife. Additionally, you will visit monasteries such as Tikse and Matho, which offer perspectives on Ladakh's enduring Buddhist heritage.
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What is the purpose of the acclimatization process in Leh?
The acclimatization process in Leh is essential to help your body adjust to the high altitude of 3500 meters. This process is crucial to prevent altitude sickness and ensure you are fit for the trek ahead.
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What kind of support is provided during the trek?
During the trek, support is provided through the use of mules to carry all personal and group baggage. You will also have an expert bilingual guide, a group medical kit, and a World Expeditions trek pack, which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fiber fill jacket, and insulated mat.
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What are the accommodation arrangements during the tour?
Accommodation during the tour includes good quality hotels in Delhi and Leh, tented camps during the trek, and lodge accommodation at Tso Morari.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.