India Himalayan Hiker

Trek along the "Rooftop of the World" and through the Sacred Markha Valley of Ladakh in Nothern India

The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most varied and beautiful treks in the world, venturing high into the Himalayas from the Indus Valley and through terrain that changes from incredibly narrow valleys to wide-open and vast expanses! It is made all the more interesting by the ancient form of Buddhism that flourishes in the many monasteries that dot the landscape perched high atop the hills. The trails are decorated by elaborate 'chortens' (shrines) and 'mani' (prayer) walls, reflective of the region's total immersion in Buddhist culture.

iDays 1-3 Delhi-Leh. After a night at an elegant hotel in Delhi, an early morning flight takes us to Leh for a day of rest, acclimitization and a chance to visit the bazaar. We're then off to tour three of Ladakh's monasteries--Shey, Thiksey and Stakna--where we begin to appreciate the ancient Buddhist religion and its message of peace and non-violence.

Days 4-6 Chilling-Skiu-Markha. Our trek begins in the village of Chilling, known for its fine metalwork. We cross the Zanskar River by cable car and meet our pack horses and crew for the walk to our first camp in the village of Skiu. Then it's on to Markha and views of 21,000 foot Kang-Yaze Nimaling. A rest day in Marka (at 12,140 feet) provides time to interact with the students at the school, meet villages over a cup of tea and visit the local monastery.

Days 7-10 Thachungtse-Nimaling-Chuskurmo-Shang Sumdo. We trek through the Zhumlan Valley and begin the most demanding part of the trek to Nimaling, one of the most beautiful high valleys of Ladakh. the folloeing day we reach the high point of our trek, passing through Gongmaru La at 16,730 feet. From here we see the amazing Zanskar Range and the vertical ice wall of the north face of Kang Yaz. We descend from the pass crossing several streams en route to Chuskurmo. Our trek the next day follows the river and passes a series of chortens on the way to a beautiful campsite in Shang Sumdo.

Days 11-13 Martselang-Hemis Monastery-Leh-Delhi. A final morning of trekking brings us to Martselang, followed by a short drive to Hemis Monastery, the wealthiest and largest gompa in Ladakh. Built in 1630, Hemis is well known for its annual festival to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Padma Sambhav. We return to Leh for a day to further explore the area and a final dinner with our new friends. A flight back to Delhi leaves time for a swim in the hotel's pool and a stroll of the streets before transfering to the airport for our flights home.