2008 Dates:

May 17- Jun 03
May 24- Jun 10
May 31- Jun 17
Jun 07- Jun 24
Jun 14- Jul 01
Jun 21- Jul 08
Jun 28- Jul 15
Jul 05- Jul 22
Jul 12- Jul 29
Jul 19- Aug 05
Jul 26- Aug 12
Aug 02- Aug 19
Aug 09- Aug 26
Aug 16- Sep 02
Aug 23- Sep 09
Aug 30- Sep 16
Sep 06- Sep 23
Sep 13- Sep 30
Sep 20- Oct 07

2008 Prices:

Deluxe Services

$2495 (8-10 members)
$3095 (5-7 members)
$3995 (3-4 members)

Single Supplement $300
Forced Single Supplement $150
R/T Airfare Delhi-Leh $415

Budget Services

$1595 (8-10 members)
$1695 (5-7 members)
$1895 (3-4 members)

Single Supplement $150
R/T Airfare Delhi-Leh $415

4% Discount for Cash Payments

 

 

 

 

 

The Markha Valley Trek

18 Days- Weekly departures May-September, 2008

Custom departures and prices available
Trip Difficulty: Challenging

Ladakh, the jewel of Northern India, lies sandwiched between the Great Himalayan Range to the south and the Karakoram to the north. It is referred to as "the land of high passes," as it forms a barrier between the great Tibetan plateau and the western Himalaya. It is also known as "Little Tibet" for its language, culture, religion, and topography. Despite the prevalence of Buddhist culture and religion, Ladakh, and the capital city Leh, is a melting pot of religions and cultures coexisting peacefully. The sight of monks in saffron robes, and the daily muezzin's call to prayer from the central mosque, only enhance the sense of unity and peace in this region.

Ladakh is also a paradise for exploration, adventure, and challenge. The Markha Valley Trek, in Hemis National Park, visits one of the most spectacular regions in Ladakh and offers challenging hiking at high altitude, over high mountain passes, through diverse desert ecology, and down deep river canyons and gorges with fascinating geology.

Our adventure begins in Leh (11,600 feet/3,515 meters), where we will spend a few days visiting monasteries, exploring ruins, and acclimatizing to the altitude with light hiking to stunning vistas. The trek travels through traditional Ladakhi villages where subsistence agriculture and cooperative living reign. In the higher plateaus, you will see Ladakhi families at their summer pastures tending to their community's goats and yaks; the women spinning wool, knitting, and churning yogurt and butter to sustain them through the long winter months.

This trek is an exploration of the culture and religion of the Ladakhi people, and a journey of Himalayan proportions.

Trip Summary:

• Ladakhi culture, Buddhist monasteries, high mountain passes, and desert canyons
• Ten days of challenging hiking with daypacks at elevations up to 17,400 feet/5,273 meters
• Nine nights camping, eight nights hotels

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1- Depart Home
Day 2- Arrive Delhi, India
Day 3- Fly from Delhi to Leh, Ladakh
Day 4- Monastery Tours Near Leh
Day 5- Sightseeing Around Leh
Day 6- Begin Trek to Rumbak
Day 7- Trek to Latsa
Day 8- Cross Ganda La Pass, Trek to Shingo
Day 9- Trek to Kaya
Day 10- Trek to Markha
Day 11- Rest Day in Markha
Day 12- Trek to Tahungste
Day 13- Trek to Nimaling
Day 14- Cross Gongmaru La, Trek to Shang Sumdo
Day 15- End Trek at Trailhead, Visit Hemis Monastery, Return to Leh
Day 16- Early Flight to Delhi, Free Afternoon in Delhi
Day 17- Sightseeing in Delhi, Late Departure for Home Country
Day 18- Arrive Home

Additional Information:

What is Included with Deluxe Services?
What is Included with Budget Services?
Download Detailed Markha Valley Itinerary (PDF)
Download Reservation Packet (PDF)
View Ladakh Slideshow