MARKHA VALLEY- A PERFECT DESTINATION FOR THE TREK LOVERS
Markha is a stunning river valley in the Hemis National Park set in the cold arid desert of Ladakh. Markha Valley is a super amazing trekking path. The most charming bit of this trek is the lovely teeny tiny villages of the Markha Valley. The houses of mud amidst the lush green forests are a sight to behold in the barren mountains of Ladakh. These villages reflect the perfect Tibetan culture. These villages are traditionally ornamented kitchens and Buddhist prayer flags. The best part of the Markha valley is that it offers beautiful houses to stay in throughout the trek. Moreover, Markha Valley is one of the few tea-houses treks in India.
The gorgeous beautiful Markha Valley runs parallel with the Indus on the far south side of the snowy Stok Kangri massif. The Markha Valley has spellbinding views all around. The trek of Markha Valley is also known as the ‘Tea House Trek.’ The valley has been named Markha after the river Markha, one of the tributaries of Zanskar. The valley offers panoramic views with the reflection of the old civilization in the form of ruins of the forts and castles. The Markha valley offers the opportunity to witness the rare species of the flora and fauna of the Himalayan belt. If you are lucky enough, you can even spot a snow leopard here in the valley.
The hamlets of Markha Valley are the perfect and exemplary piece to witness the Indo-Tibetan culture. The trek of the Markha Valley commences from Spituk and Ganda La, enrooting the Zingchen and then to Siku. From Siku, the trek leads to Markha.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE TREK OF MARKHA VALLEY
The picturesque Markha Valley can be best visited in the months between June and mid-October. During these months, the weather remains pleasant, and the average temperature ranges between 20-degree centigrade to 30 degrees centigrade. For the trekking, July and August are ideal months. During these months, the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways are also open for private vehicles.
WHERE ACTUALLY IS MARKHA VALLEY?
Markha Valley is located in the region of Leh and Zanskar in the states of Jammu and Kashmir. The valley is not too far from the Leh and runs parallel to the Himalayan range. Markha Valley is also known as the Little Tibet due to its beautiful, barren, and wild landscapes all around. Strategically the Markha Valley is located. It offers stunning and astonishing views of Ladakh and Zanskar ranges, the 21,000 ft Kang Yissay and the 20,086 ft Stok Kangri peaks.
Also Read, Khirsu: A Hidden Gem In Uttarakhand
PROPER PLANNING OF THE MARKHA VALLEY TREK
Day 1- To begin the trekking to Markha valley, complete rest for acclimatization is essential. So, on day 1, reach Leh and let yourself get comfortable in hotels or other accommodations and relax for the whole day. This is required to get a glimpse of the trek and the weather of the place. Also, it helps the body to get used to the climate of the place.
Day 02, Leh- Shey- Thiksey-Hemis- On the day second of your trekking to Markha Valley, go sightseeing to some of the important monasteries in the region. Visit Shey Gompa, which was once the summer capital of Ladakh Kings, Thiksey Gompa, one of the most beautiful structures in Ladakh, and then to the famous Hemis monastery. Now stay at a guest house or hotel overnight.
Day 03, Leh-Spituk (drive)- Trek to Zingchen- Now, leave for Spituk in the early morning on the third day. It will hardly take an hour to reach Spituk. Explore the Spituk Gompa, which is 500 years old, and then leave for Zingchen and begin the trek. After reaching Zingchen stay overnight in a camp.
Day 04, Zingchen to Yurutse- On the next day, leave for the Yurutuse after breakfast. Trek along the Rumbak Nala via Yurutse village, having the lush green potato fields. And stay again in tents overnight.
Day 05, Yurutse to Siku- Again, in the morning, start the trek and reach Siku. During the trek, you will pass through amazing views of the Himalayas’ peaks. At Siku, you will be able to witness the confluence of the river for the Markha Valley. Again stay there at Siku for a night.
Day 06, Siku to Markha- An easy climb from Siku will lead you to Markha Valley. And while trekking to Markha valley, you will come across so many spectacular surroundings and panoramic, breath-taking views.
Day 07, Markha to Thochuntse- Now, on day 07, start the trek from Markha valley to Thochuntse. From here, the change of landscape can be witnessed. From lush green forests now, it will get changed to a rugged and barren landscape.
Day 08, Thochuntse to Nimaling to Sumdo- Now, Thochuntse start trekking to Nimaling and then to Sumdo. The valley is considered to be one of the highest valleys in Ladakh and is fun to trek here.
Day 09, Sumdo to Hemis- The Markha Valley trek completes in Hemis. Don’t forget to explore the Hemis monastery in the region.
