The trek to Markha Valley is a challenging and popular trek in Ladakh. On the trek you can experience diversity in the geography with stark barren and colourful mountain walls along the lower Markha valley to the alpine meadows of Nimaling and snow laden peaks of the Karakoram Saser Kangri, Stok Kangri, Kang Yatse amongst others. You will also be passing through the Hemis National park and can spot the the famous blue 
sheep and the ibex, among other mountain wildlife.

Some of the challenges you will face on the trek are the crossing of the two very high altitude passes – Ganda La pass and Kongmaru La pass, waist deep river crossings and the sheer long distances to be covered from one campsite to another. However, the beauty of the trails accentuated by the stark contrast in the barren coloured landscape of the mountains and the irrigated fields of wheat, maize and mustard does make up for the hardships encountered on the trek. 

Day 1 – 30th August: Assemble at Leh. 
• Arrive in Leh. Leh is situated at a whopping 3524m, has decreased oxygen levels and is a high starting point for a trek. Given that most of you will be flying into Leh, ExploRUSH strongly recommends a rest day at Leh for altitude acclimatization. It is our strong recommendation that you did not head out to do any sightseeing on the day that you land in Leh.
• Overnight stay in hotel/homestay.
• Meals: Tea & Snacks, Dinner


Day 2 – 31st August: Drive from Leh to Zingchen. Trek from Zingchen to Gandala base via Yurutse(4160m) 8kms.
• Post breakfast, you will be driven to the green campsite of Zingchen.
• From the village, we start trekking to the mighty Ganda La pass base situated at an altitude of 4540m. As you enter the Hemis National Park enroute Yurutse village, you may be fortunate to encounter the blue sheep-Bharal, the red fox, Ladakhi sheep etc.
• Overnight stay in tents.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner.

Day 3 –01st September: Trek via Gandala pass(4950m) to Skiu(3435m, 15kms).
• Today you will trek up a steep slope to the Ganda La pass at 4950m. At the pass, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the Stok Kangri summit and the base camp, along with spectacular glimpses of the entire Karakoram and Himalayan range.
• After a quick relaxation at the pass, we descend gradually into the Skiu valley situated at the confluence of Shgri Nala and Markha river.
• Overnight stay in tents.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner.



Day 4 –02nd September: Trek from Skiu to Markha Valley(3770m, 20kms).
• Trekking along the Markha river, you will walk on a fairly flat level path crossing the river at various points to reach the Markha valley settlement.
• Overnight stay in tents.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner.

Day 5 – 03rd September: Exploration day at Markha Valley.
• ExploRUSH has planned for a rest day at Markha valley campsite for altitude acclimatization and exploration. 
• Rest your tired muscles today, explore the surrounding areas – old stone mills, Techa monastery, a fort etc., share travel stories and rejuvenate.
• Overnight stay in tents.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner


Day 6 – 04th September: Trek from Markha valley to Thochuntse(4150m, 13kms).
• Post breakfast, move towards the upper Markha valley towards the villages of Tacha and Hankar on a moderate grade trek. 
• After lunch at Hankar, trek towards the green fields of Thochuntse.
• Overnight stay in tents.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner.


Day 7 – 05th September: Trek from Thochuntse to Nimaling(4730m, 6kms)
• At a whopping altitude of 4730m, Nimaling plateau is the highest camping site on this trek. However, don’t be daunted by the altitude, the trek to Nimaling is a fairly easy and short trek with gradual climbs. You can also catch a glimpse of the Kang Yatse peak on this route.
• Overnight stay in tents.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner.


Day 8 – 06th September: Trek from Nimaling to Shang Sumdo(3800m) 16kms. Drive to Leh.
• Tuck in a good breakfast today as you have a tough and steep climb today to the Kongamaru La pass. 
• The descend into Sukarmo is equally steep and will be hard on your knees. From Sukarmo to Shang Sumdo it is a moderate level hike to along the river bed.
• From Sumdo, you will be driven to Leh.
• Overnight stay in hotel.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner.


Day 9 –07th September: Depart from Leh.
• Depart from Leh at 9am.


If we have got your adrenalin pumping already and you are eager to sign up or have some enquiries, email us at explorush@gmail.com or say hello at the below numbers: 

Rahul RS : #9902889904 
Dipika Pushpakaran : #9503790326 
Bharti Arora : #7259214429