Markha Valley & Dzo Jongo
Ladakh is often referred to as Little Tibet on account of its ancient Buddhist cultural heritage and proximity to Tibet.
The Markha Valley program combines an unrivalled opportunity to explore many of the Buddhist monasteries and ancient forts in the outlying regions of the Indus Valley with a trek and straight forward climb of Dzo Jongo (6095m), in the secluded Markha Valley.
During the trek (which we first operated in 1978) our guides will provide an invaluable perspective into the villages and shepherd encampments in this spectacular region of the Trans Himalaya.
The Markha Valley program combines an unrivalled opportunity to explore many of the Buddhist monasteries and ancient forts in the outlying regions of the Indus Valley with a trek and straight forward climb of Dzo Jongo (6095m), in the secluded Markha Valley.
During the trek (which we first operated in 1978) our guides will provide an invaluable perspective into the villages and shepherd encampments in this spectacular region of the Trans Himalaya.
Price
From: GBP1880 per person (17 Days)
Price Includes
- Arrival & departure transfers if arriving on day 1 and departing on day 17
- Internal return flight from Delhi to Leh
- Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
- English speaking local leader (trained mountaineer)
- All internal transport by train or private bus, jeep, car
- Gear package including kit bag, sleeping bag, down jacket & insulated sleeping mat
- All meals while trekking
- Pack horses to carry all personal and group equipment
- Group Leader (trained mountaineer) and kitchen staff
- Emergency medical kit
- - International flights - Single supplement - Aerated & alcoholic drinks - Meals not specified - Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc. - Tips - Airport and departure taxes - Visa - Travel Insurance
Day 1: Join Delhi
On arrival in Delhi you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore the sights and sounds of this great city, where cows walk freely through busy streets laden with rickshaws and old style cars, and sari clad ladies with bundles of shopping balanced on their heads pass by beggars and street peddlers all the time against a background noise of beeping horns and bicycle bells. Due to the differing times of arrival of group members, a group briefing will not be held until tomorrow morning. Should you arrive earlier in the day we are happy to assist with any optional sightseeing.
Overnight group hotel.
Day 2: In Delhi
A pre-trek briefing will be given where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag and sleeping bag. We will then
undertake our sightseeing of Old and New Delhi, which will include the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid.
DAY 3: Fly to Leh
We take the early flight from Delhi to Leh in the Indus Valley. If the conditions are clear you will be rewarded with grand views across the Great Himalaya and Zanskar ranges before landing at the capital of Ladakh. On our first day in Ladakh we spend time wandering the bazaar and imposing Le h Palace. We have the opportunity to climb to the Victory Fort (above the Palace) built in the 17th century to commemorate Ladakh's independence from the invading armies from Baltistan and Kashmir. From the Palace we can also appreciate the alleyways that comprise the old town of Leh, located to the east of the main bazaar. (B,L,D)
DAYS 4/5: In Leh
Among other options is a visit to the Shanti Stupa at Chanspa, just up the road from our hotel that affords fine views up the Indus Valley. It is also recommended to visit the Ladakh Ecological Centre to appreciate how the Ladakhi people have been able to incorporate new technology into their traditional lifestyles. On the second day we include a trip to Shey Palace and Tikse monastery. Shey Palace originally housed the Ladakh royal family before they moved to Leh in the 17th century. A few km up the Indus valley is the spectacular setting of Tikse monastery perched on the summit of a sugarloaf mountain. Our guides will show you around this ancient monastery and provide you with insights as to how the monks conduct their life and their day to day monastic routine.
On the third day we head to Stok Palace due south of Leh where we undertake short hike up the gorges leading into the Stok Range. An invaluable day to assist with our acclimatization before we commence our trek. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: Drive to Jingchan & trek to Rumbak
On our first day we drive to Jingchen. Our packhorses are loaded before we set off on our trek to Rumbak.
DAY 7: Rumbak to camp below Ganda La
Trek across several tiny meadows to the tiny settlement of Yurutse. The peak of Stok Kangri looms above the stark mountainscape. Our campsite (4300m) will be located in one of the many meadows just above the village and within striking distance of the Ganda La. That afternoon we undertake a walk to further assist with acclimatisation.
DAY 8: Yurutse to Shogdo via Ganda La
Above our camp we gain views of the snowcapped Stok Range. After gradually ascending a series of switchbacks we make the final gradual ascent to the Ganda La (4920m). From the pass there a views south across the endless folds of the Zanskar Range and the snow capped summits of the main Himalaya Range before completing the gradual descent to the village of Shingo (4090 metres)
DAY 9: Shogdo to Narding Below Shogdo the trail enters a narrow gorge where willow, poplar and rose bushes provide a natural canopy alongside the river course. The Skiu monastery (3380m) marks the confluence of the stream coming from Shingo and the Markha Valley. We then head up the valley to the settlement of Narding (3530m) and a comfortable, grassy campsite.
DAY 10: Narding towards Hankar village
The trail gradually ascends the Markha Valley passing a few small settlements en route to Markha (3800m) the largest village in the valley. Beyond Markha our trail crosses the Markha River twice to reach the village of Umlung. A few km beyond the village the valley widens and the imposing peak of Kangyaze (6400m) can be appreciated before reaching Hankar (3980m), the highest village in the Markha Valley.
DAY 11: Hankar to Nimaling
Beyond Hankar the trail heads north to the meadows of Thochuntse (4250 metres) before we ascend to a series of grassy windswept ridges. As the trial gradient eases there are a series of mani walls and chortens marking the route, while the huge peak of Kangyaze looms to the south beyond the alpine pastures. The camping areas at Nimaling (4730m) are shared with the yak
herders from Hankar, Umlung and Markha. There is also an option to head across the yak pastures to the base of Kangyaze for further views south and west across the Zanskar Ranges.
DAY 12: Climb to Dzo Jongo base camp
We make our final climb to base camp where we will spend the next 4 days. From here the Expedition Leader will manage the
climb according to all team members’ acclimatisation and fitness. Weather conditions are critical and will determine our summit day.
Although not “technically difficult” summit day is long and requires steady effort from all. Once on the summit the mountain panorama is more than fair reward for our efforts.
DAYS 13/14: Summit attempt Dzo Jongo
Over the proceeding 2 days your leader will assess conditions and weather, and once the group is rested and ready will attempt our climb of Dzo Jongo.
DAY 15: Trek to Chogdo via Gongmaru La
The gradual ascent to the pass can be completed in no more than two hours. The Gongmaru La (5160m) is the highest pass on the trek and affords a birds eye view down to the Indus Valley and across to the Ladakh Range. From the pass there is a steep 500 descent to a small shepherd encampment before entering a narrow gorge crossing the main stream on several occasions as it drops steeply to the highest village of Chogdo (3950m).
DAY 16: Complete trek, visit Hemis monastery, and return to Leh
From Chogdo it is a short walk onto Sumdo (3650 m) from where our jeeps will meet us for a short drive around to Hemis Monastery. Hemis is set in a secluded valley just off the Indus Valley. It was established in the 17th century and is patronized by the Ladakh Royal family. We will visit the large Assembly Hall as well as an important chamber dedicated to the 8th century Buddhist saint
Padmasambhava. After visiting the monastery we complete the return drive to Leh in time for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to wander the bazaar and complete any last minute shopping.
DAY 17: Depart Leh, fly to Delhi.
We complete the spectacular flight across the crest of the West Himalaya to Himachal Pradesh and the Indian Plains. On arrival in Delhi you can stay at the airport for your return flight to Sydney or alternatively make your way into Delhi for the afternoon before returning to the airport that evening.
Note: The above route and estimated times must be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to weather, trail
conditions or other reasons. Our guide will always make a final decision after assessing the situation and liaising with the group members.
On arrival in Delhi you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore the sights and sounds of this great city, where cows walk freely through busy streets laden with rickshaws and old style cars, and sari clad ladies with bundles of shopping balanced on their heads pass by beggars and street peddlers all the time against a background noise of beeping horns and bicycle bells. Due to the differing times of arrival of group members, a group briefing will not be held until tomorrow morning. Should you arrive earlier in the day we are happy to assist with any optional sightseeing.
Overnight group hotel.
Day 2: In Delhi
A pre-trek briefing will be given where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag and sleeping bag. We will then
undertake our sightseeing of Old and New Delhi, which will include the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid.
DAY 3: Fly to Leh
We take the early flight from Delhi to Leh in the Indus Valley. If the conditions are clear you will be rewarded with grand views across the Great Himalaya and Zanskar ranges before landing at the capital of Ladakh. On our first day in Ladakh we spend time wandering the bazaar and imposing Le h Palace. We have the opportunity to climb to the Victory Fort (above the Palace) built in the 17th century to commemorate Ladakh's independence from the invading armies from Baltistan and Kashmir. From the Palace we can also appreciate the alleyways that comprise the old town of Leh, located to the east of the main bazaar. (B,L,D)
DAYS 4/5: In Leh
Among other options is a visit to the Shanti Stupa at Chanspa, just up the road from our hotel that affords fine views up the Indus Valley. It is also recommended to visit the Ladakh Ecological Centre to appreciate how the Ladakhi people have been able to incorporate new technology into their traditional lifestyles. On the second day we include a trip to Shey Palace and Tikse monastery. Shey Palace originally housed the Ladakh royal family before they moved to Leh in the 17th century. A few km up the Indus valley is the spectacular setting of Tikse monastery perched on the summit of a sugarloaf mountain. Our guides will show you around this ancient monastery and provide you with insights as to how the monks conduct their life and their day to day monastic routine.
On the third day we head to Stok Palace due south of Leh where we undertake short hike up the gorges leading into the Stok Range. An invaluable day to assist with our acclimatization before we commence our trek. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: Drive to Jingchan & trek to Rumbak
On our first day we drive to Jingchen. Our packhorses are loaded before we set off on our trek to Rumbak.
DAY 7: Rumbak to camp below Ganda La
Trek across several tiny meadows to the tiny settlement of Yurutse. The peak of Stok Kangri looms above the stark mountainscape. Our campsite (4300m) will be located in one of the many meadows just above the village and within striking distance of the Ganda La. That afternoon we undertake a walk to further assist with acclimatisation.
DAY 8: Yurutse to Shogdo via Ganda La
Above our camp we gain views of the snowcapped Stok Range. After gradually ascending a series of switchbacks we make the final gradual ascent to the Ganda La (4920m). From the pass there a views south across the endless folds of the Zanskar Range and the snow capped summits of the main Himalaya Range before completing the gradual descent to the village of Shingo (4090 metres)
DAY 9: Shogdo to Narding Below Shogdo the trail enters a narrow gorge where willow, poplar and rose bushes provide a natural canopy alongside the river course. The Skiu monastery (3380m) marks the confluence of the stream coming from Shingo and the Markha Valley. We then head up the valley to the settlement of Narding (3530m) and a comfortable, grassy campsite.
DAY 10: Narding towards Hankar village
The trail gradually ascends the Markha Valley passing a few small settlements en route to Markha (3800m) the largest village in the valley. Beyond Markha our trail crosses the Markha River twice to reach the village of Umlung. A few km beyond the village the valley widens and the imposing peak of Kangyaze (6400m) can be appreciated before reaching Hankar (3980m), the highest village in the Markha Valley.
DAY 11: Hankar to Nimaling
Beyond Hankar the trail heads north to the meadows of Thochuntse (4250 metres) before we ascend to a series of grassy windswept ridges. As the trial gradient eases there are a series of mani walls and chortens marking the route, while the huge peak of Kangyaze looms to the south beyond the alpine pastures. The camping areas at Nimaling (4730m) are shared with the yak
herders from Hankar, Umlung and Markha. There is also an option to head across the yak pastures to the base of Kangyaze for further views south and west across the Zanskar Ranges.
DAY 12: Climb to Dzo Jongo base camp
We make our final climb to base camp where we will spend the next 4 days. From here the Expedition Leader will manage the
climb according to all team members’ acclimatisation and fitness. Weather conditions are critical and will determine our summit day.
Although not “technically difficult” summit day is long and requires steady effort from all. Once on the summit the mountain panorama is more than fair reward for our efforts.
DAYS 13/14: Summit attempt Dzo Jongo
Over the proceeding 2 days your leader will assess conditions and weather, and once the group is rested and ready will attempt our climb of Dzo Jongo.
DAY 15: Trek to Chogdo via Gongmaru La
The gradual ascent to the pass can be completed in no more than two hours. The Gongmaru La (5160m) is the highest pass on the trek and affords a birds eye view down to the Indus Valley and across to the Ladakh Range. From the pass there is a steep 500 descent to a small shepherd encampment before entering a narrow gorge crossing the main stream on several occasions as it drops steeply to the highest village of Chogdo (3950m).
DAY 16: Complete trek, visit Hemis monastery, and return to Leh
From Chogdo it is a short walk onto Sumdo (3650 m) from where our jeeps will meet us for a short drive around to Hemis Monastery. Hemis is set in a secluded valley just off the Indus Valley. It was established in the 17th century and is patronized by the Ladakh Royal family. We will visit the large Assembly Hall as well as an important chamber dedicated to the 8th century Buddhist saint
Padmasambhava. After visiting the monastery we complete the return drive to Leh in time for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to wander the bazaar and complete any last minute shopping.
DAY 17: Depart Leh, fly to Delhi.
We complete the spectacular flight across the crest of the West Himalaya to Himachal Pradesh and the Indian Plains. On arrival in Delhi you can stay at the airport for your return flight to Sydney or alternatively make your way into Delhi for the afternoon before returning to the airport that evening.
Note: The above route and estimated times must be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to weather, trail
conditions or other reasons. Our guide will always make a final decision after assessing the situation and liaising with the group members.
Be Social!