Markha Valley Trek (with Stok Kangri?)
Listed under Trekking in Kashmir, India.
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).
When to go?
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.
Written by 
Terry Crosby.
Other expert and press reviews
“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 through the mountains from Tibet, an icy lifeline for the few who inhabit the arid Ladakh plateau. We'd be… Read more...
Written by press. See the full article in The Independent, 2nd November 2008.
“Ladakh, India: Room to let in the attic of the planet”
By Peter Hughes for The Telegraph First Published:9 Jun 2009 The strangeness of Ladakh begins in Delhi. Ladakh, part of the huge Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, is a "sensitive" area. It borders China and Tibet and, more sensitive still, P… Read more...
Written by press. Continue reading on telegraph.co.uk
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