The '''Marka Valley''' is in Ladakh
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Villages
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Understand
'''Duration''': 6 to 8 days
'''Season''': Mid-June to mid-October
A deservedly popular trek, that follows the beautiful Markha valley. It is almost always done in the direction described, as in the reverse direction the approach to the Gongmaru La is very steep and unpleasant. This means you get an impression of there being fewer trekkers on this route than there in fact are. It is a reasonably straight-forward trek, with many villages on the way, and even the odd tea "house" tent, it is possible avoid camping out except for the night before crossing the Gongmaru La, which necessitates a tent, and good sleeping bag as it gets very cold here even in summer.
History
Landscape
Flora and fauna
Climate
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Get in
Take one of the frequent buses to Spitok village, with its Monistary that's a popular tourists destination.
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Itineraries
Cross the bridge over the Indus, follow the jeep road across the empty uninteresting flats. It gets hot here, so try to be threw before the sun gets high in the sky. After about 7 km turn up the Zhimgchan valley, with scattered trees, to '''Zhingchan village''' a small settlement of a few houses, and a few campsites. Keep going a few km to '''Rumbak village''', a good place to spend the first night. (aprox. 6-7 hours from Spitok) '''Yurutse village''', is the first village you come to. '''Lartsa campsite''', with beautiful views, is further on, and makes a good place to set up your tent. (aprox 4-5 hours from Rumbak) An hour or so from here is '''Kanda La''' (4870m). Looking south west you can see '''Shingo village'''(with camping area) , a few km further on. Spend the night in the area around the villages of '''Skyu Yokma''', and '''Skyu Gongma'''. (aprox. 6-7 hours from Lartsa) It_fs 17km from here to Markha village, far but not a difficult walk up the Markha valley. You_fll first pass '''Pentse campsite''' , then the settlements of '''Nakdi village''' , '''Sara village''' , and '''Chalak village''', before coming to '''Lhatho campsite''' Shortly before '''Markha village''' with it_fs plentiful campsites, (aprox. 7-8 hours from Skyu) Continue past '''Tetsa village''', '''Umlung''', '''Da-amo campsite''', the highest permanent settlement in the Markha valley: '''Hangkar village'''(4000m) . From here the trail goes up to the Nyimaling Plains, a high and remote area, route finding becomes more difficult. The normal campsites are '''Tsigu campsite''' and '''Nyimaling campsite''' (aprox 7-8 hours from Markha), but there are lots of options on the high plains, From here is the most difficult stage of the trek, take your time and be aware of the possibility of altitude sickness. Follow the clear trail up the '''Gongmaru La''' (5130m) (aprox 2 hours form Nyimaling camp). On descending from the pass you come to '''Lhartsa campsite''' and Chuskyurmo campsite just outside, '''Chokdo village''' (6 hours from Nyimaling campsite) From this point it_fs an easy descent past '''Ozang village''' to '''Hemis village''', with it's famous Monastery (aprox 4 to 5 hours), restaurant, and shops. You can camp here or take the bus back to Leh.
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Sleep
Lodging
Camping
Backcountry
Cope
Prepare for hard haggling. A 8 day trek including guide, cook, mules, horsemen, tents, sleeping bags, and vegetarian dishes, can cost as low as 1000Rs (20$US) per day per person, up to 40$US. If you have time, do not go through an agency and hire your equipment from stores in Leh, and your guide/cook/mule/horsemen from the Tibetan Refugee Camp. It will be much cheaper.
Foreigners are usually given a foreigner price and it is extremely hard to get the "Indian price" (ie 1000Rs per day per head) as quoted above. But with the number of agencies in Leh offering this trek, it is worth a try.
Choose your agency carefully. Some agencies do not hesitate to leave trash behind - find an agency which will bring back the trash.
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