Markha Valley Trek

Trek Overview

It is no secret that Kashmir is a popular tourist destination. If you love extensive mountains, lush green meadows, and pristine rivers, Markha Valley is your place to be. It is known as Kashmir’s largest valley and is ideal for exploring the dried out regions of Kashmir. Snow-covered peaks, beautiful hamlets, mane walls, rare canyons, fluttering prayer flags, high passes, and rich wildlife- name it, and Markha Valley has it.

Markha River gives life to this region as it flows alongside the valley. This valley houses several breathtaking monasteries. You can watch the dry mountains of the Ladakh region mixing with the verdant nature of the Himalayan range. It is the perfect blend of Tibetan customs and Himalayan terrain.

Located at an elevation of 17,100 ft, Markha Valley is one of the most popular treks in Ladakh. Markha Valley Trek is more of a rollercoaster ride. What makes it even better? The Markha Valley Trek starts at Leh- the adventure hub. So, you can also look around Leh and explore the monasteries before embarking on your trekking journey.

Besides, the trek offers diverse landscapes and intriguing challenges. It includes steep ascends, a crossing of rivers, bridges, and moving across different topographies. You have to pass through two high passes, Gandala La (4800 m) and Kongmaru La (5150 m), which give you a magnificent view of the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. Kang Yissay (21,000 ft) and Stok Kangri (20,086 ft) are two of the highest peaks that you have to cover during this trek. There are also many villages and tea houses on the trail, which justifies the name tea house trek, which makes the journey rejuvenating.

If you are in Leh Ladakh, and you can only do one trek, I insist you try out the Markha Valley Trek. It is one of the most authentic treks in the Leh Ladakh region, and the entire Markha Valley Trek route is a treat to the eyes.

About Markha Valley Trek

• Region: Leh Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir
• Markha Valley Trek Altitude: 17,100 ft
• Trekking distance: 65 km
• Trek Duration: 8 Days
• Starting and Ending Point: Leh
• Markha Valley Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Min/ Max Temperature:
• Day: 20°C to 30°C
• Night: 7°C
• Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station
• Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
• Activities Included: Trekking and Camping.

How To Reach Markha Valley

By Air:

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, also known as the Leh Airport, is among the world’s highest airports. It is approximately 5 km away from the city life of Leh, and at an elevation of 3256 m. You’ll get flights to Leh daily from Jammu, Srinagar, and Delhi. However, there is strict checking as it is a military airport.

By Train:

Jammu Tawi Railway Station is 680 km away from Leh, and is the nearest railway station. Many major cities are well-connected to Jammu by railways. Some of the trains that run from Delhi to Jammu are-

• New Delhi-Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express (12425)
• Jammu Mail (14033)
• Jammu Tawi Express (13151)

Private cabs or state bus services will be your mode of transport from the railway station to your desired location.

Chandigarh (764 km), Kalka (749 km), and Pathankot (746 km) are some of the other nearby railway stations from Leh.

By Road:

A road trip to Leh Ladakh is an exciting journey. There are two routes that you can avail of-

• Zoji La Pass which connects Srinagar with Ladakh (only accessible from June to October)
• Rohtang Pass which connects Manali with Ladakh ( open from July to September)

Tourism of Himachal Pradesh, J&K SRTC, and HRTC operate regular and deluxe buses from Manali to Leh. Both ordinary and luxurious.

Government buses run between Srinagar and Leh, and from Kargil as well. The route from Manali - Leh is a beautiful road of 475 km, so you can hire a cab as well.

BEST TIME TO VISIT Markha Valley

The best time to do the Markha Valley trek is from Mid-May to September but here is the description of Markha Valley in different seasons:

Mid-May to September:

The best time to visit the Markha Valley is from mid-May to September. During this season, the days are vibrant, and the nights are calm. The climate is pleasant and soothing. This place cannot be any more perfect than this time of the year. If you want to take a bike ride to Leh, you can also do that as both the highways remain open.

September to November:

The weather starts getting cold, and the cold breeze starts to flow through the region. It then gets tough to cross the roads, and reach Markha or to camp at such a high altitude. The chilled weather makes the trek cumbersome.

December to February:

After November, snow covers the region. But the winter trek to Markha also fascinates a lot of trekkers. You get to experience the cold weather and the beautiful stretch of the frozen Markha River. In winters, the leaves from trees shed, the river slowly flows, and there is a pretty good chance of coming in close contact with the wildlife of the region.

March to April:

Snow starts to melt, and it gives rise to the flora of this region. The greenery finds its way to make the scenery vibrant with colours. The chilled atmosphere makes the stay soothing and comfy.

MARKHA VALLEY WEATHER AND TEMPERATURE

Mid-May to September:

Markha Valley Trek usually happens from Mid- May till September. The temperature during summers in the desert is too humid for tourists to explore activities, or to go on sightseeing. The average temperature from May to September ranges from 20°C to 30°C during the morning hours, and drops down to 7°C at night.

September to November:

In September the average temperature starts to fall from 15°C to 20°C during the day and 6°C at night. The cold northern breeze reduces the temperature below the freezing point in the night.

December to February:

The winter trek starts in December, and the temperature can drop down to - 20°C. In winters, the region is full of snow, and you can see a different type of beauty when the green scenery turns white.

March to April:

Although March is freezing in the Markha region, April brings the temperature above the freezing point. In April, the average temperature is 10°C to 15°C during the day and 0°C at night.

MARKHA VALLEY TREK DIFFICULTY:

The Markha Valley Trek is known as a moderate to difficult trek. You start from an altitude of 10,490 ft and trek up to 17,100 ft. The biggest threat during any high altitude trek is the low level of oxygen present in the air. Acclimatization becomes an essential part of such treks. You require healthy lungs to survive in such harsh weather conditions.

The level of fitness is also crucial for the Markha Valley Trek. A trekker has to be able to jog 4.5 km in 30 minutes to improve cardiovascular endurance. The route of the trek is also tough and tricky. It consists of a screen, steep descends, and passes of which you need to be careful.

IS THE TREK SAFE?

Being a high altitude trek, the Markha Valley Trek difficulty ranges from moderate to difficult. But when it comes to safety, it is one of the safest treks in Leh Ladakh.

The trail of the Markha Valley Trek has many villages where you can choose to camp during the journey. It is also Ladakh’s one of the most stunning and adventurous treks of all time.

So if you have a time constraint and you still want to experience trekking, Markha Valley Trek route is perfect for you.

Itinerary

What's Included

Inclusions

Trek Leaders

High-quality trekking gears (Tents, Sleeping Bags, Gaiters, Crampons).

Experienced Staff (Guides, Cooking Staff, Helpers, Porters).

Delicious, Hygienic & Nutritious Meals on scheduled time (Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks & Dinner).

Adventure gears for team (Ice axe, walkie talkies, oximeter).

Fully equipped medical kit, oxygen and safety equipment.

All forest permits and camping charges.

Exclusions

Food items purchased by individuals at local canteens on the trek or during the drive.

Any early return travel costs or accommodation except for the days as per the itinerary.

Any expenses for medical treatment of injury or accident before, during or after the trek.

All the cutlery (mugs, spoons, plate,lunch box etc)

To and Fro traveling charges.

Health and Safety

• For any Himalayan Trek, Ideal BMI for a trekker should be 18.5 to 24.9

• To keep a check of this please calculate BMI here

• Below given Safety checks should be done to get prepared for any Himalayan Trek.
  
  • Balance : As well said a balanced mind and body gives out best in every condition and that too works in Himalayan treks as well.
  • Legs Strength : Body and Legs Strength is required to carry body weight as well as the backpack while trekking in uneven multi terrains. Generally, a good strength on legs works out good in any Trek. One can gain legs strength by doing simple Squats.
  • Muscle Flexibility : While trekking in Trans Himalayan region with a flexible body one can easily achieve full range of movement and this can be really helpful for trekkers as well as trek leads. A good flexible will be an advantage while walking on trails, climbing and river crossing etc. Flexibility can be achieved by simple stretching, yoga etc.
  • Cardiovascular Endurance : Cardiovascular endurance is defined as the ability of lungs and heart to transmit oxygen to the body muscles. All Himalayan treks are basically ascending descending the slopes and for this trekkers should be having a good cardiovascular endurance. Anyone planning for a Himalayan trek can attain this capacity by doing any cardio exercise like running, swimming, cycling etc.

Cancellation

In case you wish to cancel your trek please email us at cancel@moxtain.com

Cancellation charges are based on the total trek fee, irrespective of the amount paid either full or partial.

The cancellation policy is based on the original booking time and original start date of the trek.

Cancel before 30 days of trek start date and get full refund after deduction of 2.5% payment processing fee.

Cancel before 15 days of trek start date and get refund after deduction of 20% of total trek fee.

Cancel before 10 days of trek start date and get refund after deduction of 40% of total trek fee.

Cancel before 5 days of trek start date and get refund after deduction of 60% of total trek fee.

Trek fee is non-refundable if you cancel within 4 days before trek start date.

Trek cancellation due to weather:

In case of an incomplete trek due to weather conditions, one can opt for the same trek again throughout their lifetime on all our fixed departure for the same trek.

This attempt only covers the trek fee and will not include any rentals or the transportation amount paid earlier.

This is non-transferable.