Markha Valley Trek (with Stok Kangri?), Ladakh, India

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Markha Valley Trek Ladakh, Northern India. Himalayan summer trekking in northern India's Ladakh province, known as "Little Tibet".

16 days, from £1386 (Group tour). Responsible Adventures »

Ladakh has all the hallmarks of a 5* trip. It is a stunning area of natural beauty, the chilled out feeling of the Buddhist culture, remoteness, high altitude passes and great trekking.

You need 3 weeks to visit primarily driven by its high base altitude (3500m) as you fly in to Leh (you need to rest on arrival). This ‘land of high passes’ lives up to its name no matter which way you go. The Markha Valley trek is 10/11 days long and crosses 3 major passes all over 4800m. The camping treks are well served and the unique ‘parachute cafes’ are a welcome site each day serving drinks and chocolate bars – great stuff! The rock formations, glacial river and barren landscape form a truly jaw dropping backdrop to the trek; many do not expect it to be as beautiful as it is.

There is the option to summit Stok Kangri, a 6153m trekking peak on the north end of the trek and close to Leh. No snow has been on this summit for over 5 years so getting up there is far more achievable. You now need a licence to summit (your agent will sort this out for you).

Jul/Aug is without doubt your best trekking window. It is a region heavily influenced by the Buddhist culture and therefore has a number of excellent monasteries. Access is through Delhi so there is that too!

Brilliant place, chilled out, stunning scenery.

5 / 5 Review by expert member Terry Crosby

‘It's peaceful here on top of the world: Ladakh 'Little Tibet'’

By Sarah Barrell for The Independent. First published 2nd November, 2008. The Indus River was the first sign of life, making wild snaking curves... Read more »

Review by press.

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Markha Valley Trek (with Stok Kangri?), Ladakh, India

Photo by Terry Crosby

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Markha Valley Trek

16 days (Group tour) from £1386

Markha Valley Trek Ladakh, Northern India. Himalayan summer trekking in northern India's Ladakh province, known as "Little Tibet".

Cultural Ladakh With Nubra Valley & Sham Trek

14 days (Group tour) from £1040

14 Day tour of Ladakh including the Indus Valley, Leh, the Likir monastery, a trek to Yangthan and a visit to the isolated & solitary Rizong monastery.