| GRADE |
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Moderate + |
| DATES |
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Sep 7-14, 2008 |
| NO. OF DAYS |
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8 |
| NO. OF TREKKING DAYS |
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8 |
| MAXIMUM ALTITUDE |
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Kongmaru La (5150 m/16892 ft) |
| REPORTING |
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Leh* |
The Markha Valley Trek is certainly one of the most varied and beautiful treks in the world. It ventures high into the Himalayas
crossing two passes over 4500 m, as it circles from the edges of the Indus Valley, down into parts of Zanskar, and passes through
terrain that changes from incredibly narrow valleys to wide-open vast expanses! It is made all the more interesting by the ancient
form of Buddhism that flourishes in the many monasteries that dot the landscape perched high atop hills. The trails are decorated by elaborate chortens (shrines) and mani (prayer) walls that further exemplify the region's total immersion in Budd- |
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hist 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 5306 m Kongmaru La and descending to the famous Hemis Monastery, where we end our trek. |
*Please note that one would be required to report at Leh and before setting out on the trek should have stayed at Leh for atleast two nights for acclimatization. Please get in touch with us if you want any assistance regarding boarding and lodging arrangements in Leh.
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DAY-BY-DAY
ITINERARY |
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| Day 1 |
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Leh - Spituk (Drive) - Zinchen (Trek/3 hrs)
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| Day 1 |
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Leh – Spituk (Drive) – Zinchen (Trek/3 hrs) |
Leave Leh early morning by Jeeps and reach Spituk (1 hr). Visit the Spituk Gompa, built about 500 years ago. Start the trek from
here by crossing a bridge and walking south-west of the river Indus. The gorge section leads to the confluence of Indus and
Zinchen. Camp near the village of Zinchen. Overnight in tents. |
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| Day 2 |
: |
Zinchen – Yurutse via Rumbak (Trek/6-7 hrs) |
It's a gradual climb from Zinchen to Rumbak. From here one gets fabulous views of the snow capped stok mountains. From here
we move along the Rumbak Nala towards Yurutse. At Yurutse village you will find fields of barley and potatoes. Overnight in tents. |
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| Day 3 |
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Yurutse – Skiu via Ganda La
(Trek/7-8 hrs) |
A gradual ascent followed by a steep climb gets one to the Ganda La (4900 m). From here views extend south to the Zanskar
range and distant summits of the Himalayan range. This is followed by a long descent to Shingo village. From Shingo the trail
heads into a narrow gorge leading towards Skiu. At Skiu there is a confluence of the rivers coming from Markha valley and Shingo.
Overnight in tents.
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| Day 4 |
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Skiu – Markha (Trek/6-7 hrs) |
It's a very pleasant hike, up the Markha valley today with the trail crossing numerous streams. Markha is a quaint village with a
deserted fort and a small village Overnight in tents.
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| Day 5 |
: |
Markha |
Rest/exploratory day in Markha. This day can also be spent at Nimaling (after Day 07) if one is interested in trekking to the base of
the Kangyatze peak. Overnight in tents.
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| Day 6 |
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Markha – Thochuntse
(Trek/4-5 hrs) |
From Markha the country changes and the warm, relatively heavy wooded sections of the lower Markha are left behind. One will be
required to cross the river several times as there are no bridges here. Hankar, en route, is the highest village in the Markha valley.
Overnight in tents.
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| Day 7 |
: |
Thochuntse – Nimaling
(Trek/3 hrs) |
Trek starts on a good path with several small inclines and a series
of grassy ridges. There are a series of mani walls (walls carved
with Buddhist prayers) and chortens enroute. This is one of the
most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh and is dominated by the
Kangyaze peak. Overnight in tents.
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| Day 8 |
: |
Nimaling – Kongmaru La – Sumdo (Trek/6-7 hrs) –
Leh (Drive/1 hr) |
Today one will cross to the north of the Markha, climbing to the
top of the highest of the two passes, the 5150 m Kongmaru La,
with its wonderful views from the top. There are snow peaks in
every direction and on a clear day the giants of Karakoram,
including K2, can be seen on the north-western horizon. The trail descends to the Martselang valley, following the Martselang
stream to the village of Sumdo. From Sumdo drive back to Leh.
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| Day 2 |
: |
Zinchen - Yurutse via Rumbak (Trek/6-7 hrs) |
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| Day 3 |
: |
Yurutse - Skiu via Ganda La (Trek/7-8 hrs) |
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| Day 4 |
: |
Skiu - Markha (Trek/6-7 hrs) |
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| Day 5 |
: |
Markha |
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| Day 6 |
: |
Markha - Thochuntse (Trek/4-5 hrs) |
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| Day 7 |
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Thochuntse - Nimaling (Trek/3 hrs) |
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| Day 8 |
: |
Nimaling - Kongmaru La - Sumdo
(Trek/6-7 hrs) -
Leh (Drive/1 hr) |
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Rs. 22,500/
per person*
*3.09
% Service Tax extra |
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| Cost Includes |
• |
Transport All road transfers by a Toyota Qualis/Mahindra Scorpio from and back to Leh for the trek |
• |
Meals: All meals beginning with breakfast on Day 01 till lunch on Day 08 |
• |
Professional and experienced trekking guide |
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Experienced chef and kitchen staff |
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Porters/mules, as required |
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| Camping
equipment provided on the trek |
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3/4 season
Mountain Hardwear (www.mountainhardwear.com)
or Lafuma (www.lafuma.com)
alpine tents |
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Camping Mattresses |
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Camping
stools |
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Mess Tent |
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Toilet tent |
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Basic Medical kit |
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| Cost Does Not Include |
• |
Airfare |
• |
Accommodation in Leh |
• |
Sleeping bag (can be hired from us) |
• |
Any meals/services not mentioned above |
• |
Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, etc. |
• |
Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc. |
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Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc. |
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Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc. |
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Insurance |
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| Optional Extras |
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Accommodation in Leh |
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A-category hotel: Rs. 4000 per room per night (twin-sharing with all meals and taxes)* |
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Guesthouse (rooms with attached bath): Rs. 1500 per room per night (twin-sharing with breakfast)* |
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Rafting on Indus (Half day from Phey to Nimoo): Rs. 1200 per person* |
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*3.09% Service Tax extra |
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| Payment Terms & Conditions |
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Full payment to be made in advance at the time of booking the trip |
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Payment to be made by Cheque/DD in favour of GREAT INDIAN OUTDOORS (P) LTD. payable at New Delhi/Gurgaon |
• |
Payment for this trip will not be adjusted against any future trips |
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Cancellation policy |
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>30 days: Full refund (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel bookings, transport, etc.) |
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21-30 days: 75% of trip cost will be refunded (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel
bookings, transport, etc.) |
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14-21 days: 50% of trip cost will be refunded (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel
bookings, transport, etc.) |
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<14 days: No refund |
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♦ |
LIST OF
ESSENTIALS |
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- Sleeping bag
- Shirts / T-shirts
- Trousers / Track Pants
- Windproof jacket
- Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater
- Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
- Woollen cap
- Mittens (Woollen gloves)
- Scarf
- Woollen socks (extra pairs to be carried)
- Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes
(shoes with a thick sole are recommended)
- Towel
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- Water bottle
- Cap / Hat
- Walking stick / Trekking pole
- Sunscreen Lotion
- Lip Balm
- Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
- Camera (with extra film rolls)
- Sunglasses
- Personal toiletries
- Books, if you like reading
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Carry your stuff in a duffel bag, soft shoulder bag or a rucksack. Avoid suitcases, trolleys or any other hard luggage. Also carry a
small knapsack to carry your personal items like cameras, water bottles, etc. while walking during the day. Each person should
carry a maximum of 15 kgs of luggage on the trek. |
Do get in touch with us for any items that cannot be sourced by you, as we could suggest retail outlets from where they could
be bought or the same could be leased from us. |
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| Disclaimer |
Great Indian Outdoors (P) Ltd. takes utmost care to ensure safety of its clients. However in the case of any unforeseen mishaps,
Great Indian Outdoors (P) Ltd. will not be liable for any injuries caused or for loss of life. All disputes rising due to the above are
subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in New Delhi/Delhi only. |
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