P.O Box: 26106 Kathmandu Address: Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal Phone: +977 1 5312359 Fax: +977 1 5351070 Email: [email protected] India: 23d Markha Valley Trek Grade: Easy Altitude: 5,150 m. Tent Days: 10 Highlights: Markha Valley Trekking is one of the most varied and beautiful treks of Nepal. It ventures high into the Himalayas crossing two passes over 4575m. As it circles from the edges of the Indus Valley, down into parts of Zanskar. The trekking route passes through terrain which changes from incredibly narrow valleys to wide-open vast expanses. Markha valley trek becomes more interesting by the ancient form of Buddhism that flourishes in the many monasteries. The landscape of this trek is perched with high atop hills. The trails are decorated by elaborate “charters”(shrines) and “Mani”(prayer) walls. That further exemplifies the region’s total immersion in Buddhist culture. As we trek to the upper end of the Markha Valley, we are rewarded with spectacular views of jagged snow-capped peaks before crossing the 5150m Kongmaru La (Pass) and descending to the famous Hemis Monastery, where we end our trek. This trekking is most enjoyable for those who want to explore the ancient Buddhism with beautiful views of Himalayas. Note: B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner Day to day: Day 1: Arrival at Delhi o/n in Hotel : Reception at the airport, transfer and overnight at hotel. Day 2: Flight to Leh (3500m) o/n in Hotel +B: Transfer to domestic airport in the morning flight to Leh. Transfer to hotel, leisurely tour of the city to acclimatize: the old bazaar, the Palace, the Shanti Stupa, mosque; afternoon free. Day 3: Leh - Lamayuru via Likkir, Basgo (3450m, 135 km) o/n in Hotel +B: Leave to Likkir in the direction to west of Leh following the Indus valley , Here you will visit majestic monastery of 7th century of Gylukpa sect ( Red hat ) next is ruin of Basgo palace and its famous stucco temple. Now take road to Lamayuru, one of the ancient monastery magnificently perched on the hill . Before budhisme penetrated in the region this site was known as a centre for Bon religion. Stroll around the monastery campus and admire the stunning beauty of landscape. Day 4: Lamayuru - Alchi,-55 kms. stroll in the village o/n in Hotel +B: One can again attend the morning puja in the monastery , After breakfast short drive till Alchi , visit Monastery , Among the many temples, caves and stupas built in Ladakh Alchi choskor is the largest and most famous of all of them, built by Rinchen Zangpo ablout 990 years ago. Monastery house valuable mural painting and Thankas. Day 5: Alchi-Temisgam-Tia, Alchi o/n in Hotel +B: We leave with Pack lunch to Temisgam, a small hidden oasis located in the heart of grand and mineral landscape known for the production of ales and apricot Visit Palas built in 1460, next step to the monastery of Temisgam, Monastery house magnifique freco et statues, Now walk in the village of Tia , visit Nunnery to discover the life of women in the isolated monastery and back to Alchi. Day 6: Alchi to Leh via Rizong and Phyang (71 km) o/n in Hotel +B: Page 1 - Himalayan Leaders Leave to Leh, on the way visit Rizong and Phyang monastery. Rizong : A beautiful monastery built in 1840 by the Lama Tsultrim nyma who wished to restore an orthodox Lamaism that the monk still practice. The monastery is totally isolated, no village having been established in this barren area. At the entrance ceiling decorated with beautiful Manadala. Numerous thankas, representing for most part Budha or Tsonghapa, with the thousand Budhas. Together with the library complete the traditional contents of his dukhang. Phyang Monastery: The monastery was founded 446 years ago (reckoning from 1977). Called Tashi Chozang, there are sacred shrines and various wall paintings are to be seen which date back from the royal period. The protected deity of the monastery is Apchi Choski Dolma. Stroll in village and further drive to Leh. Day 7: Drive and trek to Zinchen (3400m), Rumbak (4900m, 40 kms drive, 2 hrs trek) o/n in Camp B+L+D: The road until Jhinchen, following the banks of the Indus to the west, we will cross a large tray on the shadow chain of Stok, then enter a gorge that is part of the Hemis National Park. On arrival at Zhingchen where you will meet the trekking crew, we will complete the load distribution and the first day of short hiking begins here, we camp near on flat meadow, after establish the camp you will walk ( one hour both way ) toward the Rumbak village located on the foot of Stok la, its best way to be acclimatization, Have interaction with local, back to campsite. Day 8: Acclimation day at Rumbak o/n in Camp +B+L+D: Day at Rumbak o be well acclimatize before heading to cross the Gandala Day 9: Trek to Yurtse -Ganda La base (4500m, 3/4 hrs) o/n in Camp +B+L+D: Short day of trek ( for acclimatization ) before crossing the first pass of the trek, Follow the flat trail, after while gradual path along the huge arid slope till Yurtse with its few houses, One can meet the locales ( sub to availability) further gradual uphill trail till the camp site ( upper or lower base ) on base of Gandala. Day 10: Trek to Skiu over Ganda-la (4800 m), (3400m, 6 hrs) o/n in Camp +B+L+D : We see beautiful scenery of Yurutse along the mountain. Crossing a small valley is followed by a zigzag climb to the plateau. We continue for nearly three hours down the mountain till the pass, Ganda La. A long descent to Shingo easily leads us in a splendid fashion. After descending for about two hours, we arrive in the Markha valley where we use the beautiful land of Skiu for camping. Day 11: Trek to Chalak (3 ½ hrs) o/n in Camp +B+L+D: Short trek for 3 hours. The trail is well defined out along the Markha River bed. At the places you find the trail marked by man wall. Cross the settlements of Narding, Zara and Chalak each having parachute tents. Beyond Chalak, you see green barley fields. Day 12: Trek to Markha (3710 m, 3hrs) o/n in Camp +B+L+D: The day starts on the right bank of Markha: nice trail with lots of vegetation. Several successive crossings from left bank to right bank happen in Chaluk (little houses); new traverses that flow before it, reaches after a short steep climb the beautiful village of Markha. We set up camp near the river. Day 13: Trek to Hankar (3650 m, 6 hrs) o/n in Camp +B+L+D: The trek goes on the right bank of the main valley, the trail may be difficult by the riverbed. Before reaching the village of Hankar, we visit the monastery of Humlung, along the river. Day 14: Trek to Nimaling (4700m, 5 hrs) o/n in Camp +B+L+D: We turn from a wide valley on our right. We take a narrow valley that requires us to cross a bridge until the left bank to reach the pasture Tchatchutse. Further trail climbs gradually, the river is rather far to the left (parade). We continue near Page 2 - Himalayan Leaders a small lake, then cross the pastures Nimaling. This is one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh dominated by Yatse Kang (6400 m). Many roads leading to the summit are rather difficult. Day 15: Acclimation day in Nimaling o/n in Camp +B+L+D: Walk around the Nimaling plateau, meet the shepherds or toward the base of kongyatse , night in camp Day 16: Nimaling - Chuskirmo by Kongmarula (5150 m), 6 hours trek; Trek 10 O/N at Camp +B+L+D: A zigzag ascend of about two hours to the pass Konmaru, which offers panoramic views of the Indus valley, remote Zanskar range and of far Karakoram. Then we continue with a steep descent to the camp site. Day 17: Chuskirmo -Shang – Hemis Leh, 60 km, Trek 11 O/N at Hotel +B: The trail crosses the beautiful river bed, difficult descent for the horses. After several river crossings, arrive at Shang, you will be picked by vehicle to leh, enroute visit Hemis monastery. By evening reach at Leh. Night in hotel. Day18 : Free day at Leh.: Day 19: Transfer to the domestic airport, flight to Delhi. O/N at Hotel +B: Transfer from airport to hotel, check in at 12 noon, afternoon visit humaun Tomb and Laxminarayan temple, if time a left visit Sigh Gurudwara ( temple and janpath half day visit to new Delhi, night in hotel. Day 20: Delhi- Agra-220 km. O/N at Hotel +B: Drive to Agra, upon arrival proceed for sightseeing, visit world famous Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jehan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. It took 22 years and 20,000 people to build the Taj Mahal. Red fort, evening dinner in local restaurant where you will taste the mughlai cuisine, Night in hotel. Day 21: Agra –Delhi-220km. 4h, O/N at Hotel +B: Back to Delhi via Fathepur Sikiri, a sand stone city once capital of Mughal emperor Abkar. Late afternoon reached Delhi. Day 22: Visit Delhi, O/N at Hotel +B: Morning visit to the street of old Delhi by Tricycle (Man drive rickshaw) Discover the spice market and colourful bazzar of Chandani chowk, red fort and grand Mosque (Jama Masjid) aj Ghat.