Markha Valley Trek & Laddakh Adventure Tour

Detailed Itinerary:-
Day 1: Arrival in Leh, Acclimatise and local sightseeing
Arrive in Leh. Due to sudden temperature and weather change, the body needs some time for acclimatization. Spend the day in local sight-seeing and take rest.

Walk out for lunch, let the feeling of being in this mountain paradise sink in. Enjoy a beautiful sunset from Shanti Stupa. If time does permit, we will head out for Leh Palace as well. Relax, let your body get in tune with the environment.

Day 2: River Rafting, Begin your trek to Skiu
Altitude: 10,500 ft to 11,150 ft
Trek Distance: 9 Kms, 4 – 5 Hrs

We begin early in the morning, taking blessings at Gurudwara Pathar Saheb. It’s time to enter into the “super warm” waters of the Zanskar, rafting through the dancing rapids of the mighty river with the refreshing water splashing over your face. Needless to say, jumping into the waters would be a priceless experience each one should take up.

Change up, have some tasty and warm kahwa tea, before driving to Chilling, from where we begin the ‘Trek into the valleys of the Lamas”.

It will seem like a relatively long day, but surely a rewarding one as you begin your time travel into ancient Laddakh. The trail is generally flat, with few steep climbs. To begin with, there is a trolley-crossing over the river which is quite fun. However, now a new bridge has been built as well. It would be relatively late while we get to Skiu. Put your bags down, stretch your body before getting into the comfort of a traditional Ladakhi homestay. Let the peace fill your inside as you get a rejuvenating night’s sleep.

Day 3: Trek from Skiu to Markha
Altitude: 11,150 ft to 12,400 ft
Trek Distance: 20 Kms, 6 - 7 Hrs

A long day of trekking with two specific features, one being the green fields in the middle of the barren valley and second, crossing the chilly waters of the River Markha on foot. Well, I’m sure it will be a piece of cake for you all, having already gone rafting. There are few sections of the trail that have been washed away by the river resulting into few short climbs away from the trail which is good fun.

After we pass through Buddhist structures and small villages, we get to the village of Markha, enjoy the views from here, relax and spend some time listening to local folklore. You may choose to get to bed early or lose yourself into thoughts as you lie down under the carpet of stars with your favourite songs musing softly along with the light breeze as life moves into a state of rhythmic melody.

Day 4: Trek from Markha to Hankar
Altitude: 12,400 ft to 13,200 ft
Trek Distance: 11 Kms, 4 - 5 Hrs

It is this day that the mighty valley opens up for you to get views of Mt. Kang Yatse with its perfect pyramid-faced face smeared with glacial ice and its knife-sharp edges thanks to the gushing cold winds that hit its mighty summit. This also marks us moving into higher altitudes. Walk through the steep gorges to reach the beautiful village of Hankar. One more night experiencing the magical combo of a soft bed and a quiet valley.

Day 5: Trek from Hankar to  Nimaling
Altitude: 13,200 ft to 15,500 ft
Trek Distance: 10 Kms, 5 - 6 Hrs

A day of truly spectacular trekking, as we move higher into the high altitude meadows of Nimaling. A paradise land with a stream meandering through the green meadows with multiple animals grazing, giving the place a feel of a completely different world.

Well, getting there will take some effort, one being a beautiful climb leading to a beautiful pond, with Mt. Kang Yatse in the backdrop. A gradual descend thereon will have you reach Nimaling. Spend your nights inside tents and warm sleeping bags. Drink enough water, rest well to get ready for the next day’s climb.

Day 6: Nimaling – Komgmaru La – Shang Sumdo, Drive to Karu
Altitude: 15,500 ft – 17,200 ft – 11,500 ft
Trek Distance: 17 Kms, 7 - 8 Hrs

You can look right into the eye of your target as you begin your climb to Kongmaru La. It’s a relatively difficult trek as you’re moving up into altitudes where your lungs begin to question your courage/stupidity ;). Well, once acclimatised, it’s never stupid. Like once said,

“Because in the end you won’t remember working in the office or eating in fancy restaurants, go climb that damn mountain”.

Enjoy panoramic views from the top while you celebrate finishing the climb and look at a steep, risky yet utterly adventurous descent down towards. Probably, the descent is more challenging than the climb with slippery and tiny trails on steep mountain sides. However, you will see colours and rock structures like never before. It is tiring, yet super rewarding. Walk all the way down to Shang Sumdo and move into the comforts of a home as we move into the tourist phase of this trip – Yes, it’s time for Pangong Tso.

Day 7: Day trip to Pangong Tso
Begin as early as possible, drive to Chang La, the third-highest motorable road in the world. On your way down from the pass, sink in all the gratitude possible for the Indian Army as they offer hot tea to all travellers passing through at one of their posts. Once, we salute them; let’s drive quickly to the lake. On your way you will find small burrows of extremely cute and furry mormots, the same ones you found during your trek in Markha. As we reach the lake, spend some time by its shores, let your feet in. Feel the cool waters, smoothening your sore feet. Enjoy the evening by the lakeside revelling in the glorious colours of nature, a class apart from any other such sight. 

I’m sure you’ll want more time here; however some thrilling adventure for the next day waits! Hence, sleep along your drive back to Leh. You will reach back pretty late, however get back to your comfy rooms in Leh and jump into the soft beds, preparing yourself for another thrilling day.

Day 8: Drive to Khardung La, Downhill Mountain Biking to Leh, Chill at the cafés in Leh, Spend a musical last night in Leh
How could we miss that famous photo at the top of Khardung La, the highest motorable road? That’s not it, get pumped to cycle 50-odd kms down all the way to Leh. Well, it’s definitely much easier than riding uphill, still not as easy. Dodge your way through potholes and hairpin sharp bends, while enjoying the most rewarding views you could imagine possible. Being on two wheels with your own body being the engine is the best feeling. Take your glances at the ranges of Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse, as you cruise through a memory lane of your trek as you speed your way safely.

By the end of it, you’ll have tears in your eyes, either due to the speeds you rode in or the better, tears of joy and satisfaction. Get back to your rooms, freshen up, spend some time shopping before we explore the cafés in Leh, relishing the last evening of the trip and eating some tasty food, while you may also try some local delicacies.

Day 9: Airport Drop
Wake up and depart for the airport taking back memories and friends for a lifetime.

Things to carry
RT-PCR Test (Mandatory)
One valid Identity Proof, along with a Photocopy
A lightweight Haversack or Backpack, and a smaller Day Sack
Good trekking shoes and a pair of slip-ons, if required for campsite
2 Water Bottles (1 litre each)
Woolen or Fleece Gloves and a pair of waterproof gloves
Cotton socks and woolen socks (2 pairs each)
Balaclava, Woolen scarf – If you do not have a Balaclava, you can carry Monkey cap instead
Thermal Inners
Fleece Jacket, Snow Jacket or Padded Jacket (1 each)
Windcheater or Poncho
2-3 pairs of trek pants
2 collared and full sleeved t-shirts – Do not carry loose t-shirts as they tend to make you feel  cold
Camera or Binoculars
Ready to eat snacks, Enerzyl Powder or Glucon D Powder – Carry nuts, dryfruits, energy bars to munch during the trek. They provide instant energy whenever it hits the lower base
Cap, Sunglasses - Do ensure that your sunglasses are UV Protected. Do not carry reflectors
Headlamp/LED Torch – Mandatory
Toiletries – Sunscreen, Moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, Hand Sanitizer, Mosquito repellent, if required
Polythene Bags or Zip-lock Bags – These help to segregate wet clothes, used wet wipes or sanitary napkins on trek
Any medicines that you normally consume - Please consult your doctor in this regard

Please Note:
We almost never cancel our events. But in case we cancel an event because of natural calamities (snowstorms, thunderstorms, floods, landslides, earthquakes) or unexpected political unrest, curfews, local riots, government orders, unexpected global health issues, Trikon will issue a voucher for the full amount of your event fee. You can redeem the Event Voucher on any of our events over the next one year.

Important Note:
We strongly recommend to all the participants to do a COVID test before travelling to this tour.
We also recommend to all the participants to give the RT-PCR 48 hours before the travel and carry COVID negative certificates with them.
Doing a test strongly reduces the probability of participants coming to the mountains as asymptomatic carriers. It makes it a lot safer for all the participants and staff in the team.
Each member of the group (participants/leaders/ clients & staff) wears protective masks while interacting with each other. Do carry few unused, disposable masks.
It is strongly recommended to wear caps, full sleeves shirts and full trousers and shoes for adventure activities. It reduces exposure of your body parts.
It should be ascertained from the participants that they are not residing / have not traveled in a containment zone and have not come in contact with any person who was tested positive in the last 14 days.
Ascertain whether any participant has any symptoms of Influenza like illness (ILI) like fever, dry cough, weakness, severe body ache etc. at the time of beginning of activity. If it is so then he/she should be asked not to participate in the activity and be evacuated on medical grounds and should be asked to report to the local health authority with his own expenses.
Strictly avoid eating gutkha, pan masala, cigarette or sniffing which induces spitting, coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching external surfaces and touching your face when outdoors.
If the location of your adventure activity is too crowded then be prepared to leave or wait for the crowd to disperse/for your turn.
It is mandatory that a participant informs the organizers if he tests positive for Covid within 14 days of returning from adventure activity. It will help the organizers to inform and alert all other persons in the group, so that they can follow the medical/government norms in this regard. Here it is absolutely essential that the participant observes transparency and informs the organizers/group leaders about his Covid test results.

IMPORTANT:
Avoid wearing precious Jewelry while travelling, as Trikon won’t be responsible for any losses for the same.
Consuming liquor or any kind of Alcoholic substance is prohibited. Carrying any kind of substance that’s illegal is not allowed. Smoking is strictly not allowed. Anybody found smoking or consuming alcoholic drinks will be expelled from the event without refund.

Fitness & Health:Though trekking is a fun-filled activity, it demands a good amount of physical fitness. If you are under medication, please carry your medicines. During the trek, leaders will have over the counter medication for temporary treatment, so do give a heads up to them if you need any medical assistance.

Important Information: Dear Trikoners, always remember SHOES are your best companion on a trek! Please wear a good pair of TREKKING SHOES and not sports or running shoes. Make sure they are durable and firm enough to withstand tough conditions. You can carry floaters to wear only after the trek is completed. Feel free to contact Trikoner buddies prior to the trek in case of any confusion.