The Markha Valley Trek
The Markha Valley Trek in Ladakh is one of the most varied and
beautiful treks in the Himalayas. It has giant rock pinnacles,
beetling cliffs, narrow defiles and prayer-flagged
passes. The route takes us high into the Himalayas, crossing over
two passes, the Ganda La (4,850m) and Kangmaru La (5,306m). The
trail leads us past hilltop monasteries,
elaborate Tibetan 'chortens' (shrines) and 'mani'
(prayer) walls. You may well spot Himalayan Blue sheep, ibex and,
if you are lucky, the rare snow leopard. The views are
spectacular and towards the end of this trek you will be able to
see the snow-capped peaks of Tibet and the Karakorum range of
mountains.
FULL SERVICE TREKS
You only carry a day pack for items you need during the day, such as your camera, water bottle and sun cream. The main baggage is carried by pack horses or porters.
You usually arrive at the next camp site by 4pm. Camp will already be set up by the time you get there, and tea/coffee and biscuits will be ready to welcome you. Supper will be ready just before dark, and will be served in the dining tent. The standard of cooking on trek is both varied and excellent, with the style of cooking being a compromise between local and western food. Menus vary from day to day, but typically we start with soup. The main course is often a rice-based meal with meat stew or mild curry, plus separate vegetable and salad dishes. A sweet dish is provided after the meal. Our meal is finished with tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
Recommended travel guide books: The India Lonely Planet Guide and the Rough Guide to India.
For further information please telephone 01225 868544 or email info@essential-india.co.uk
Trek notes:
17-day trip, London to London.
8 days camping with full porterage. 6 nights hotels.
Average walking time 6 hours. Maximum altitude 5,306m,
average
3,600m.
Responsible tourism
We have carefully selected our ground agents for their reliability, quality of service and their likeminded philosophy of supporting the mountain communities and people that make for a special holiday experience.
Private tailor-made treks Many clients choose to have tailor-made treks. This applies to individuals, groups of friends, honeymooners and schools who would prefer to fix their own dates and plan their own itinerary. Private treks cost approximately the same, and often less, than our equivalent brochure departures. Many clients prefer not to have a European leader and are happy to trek with the assistance of our well qualified English speaking Sherpas.
With over 25 years in the trekking business we have listed a selection of stunning treks for the outdoor enthusiasts.
If you wish to pay for all or part of your holiday, please use our new ONLINE PAYMENT SYSTEM or phone us directly on 01225 868544
Scheduled Departure Information
Duration: 17 Days
Dates: Friday 10.07.09 until Sunday 26.07.09 , Mid range accommodation: Deposit £300 per person
Cost: £1865 Airline: British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. Land only: (excluding flights on BA or Virgin Atlantic) £1385
Car Supplement Cost: N/A
Domestic Flight Cost: N/A
- The listed price is per person for our scheduled departures in twin sharing accommodation.
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- Prices include all Indian Government luxury taxes. If you are a single person booking onto one of our treks or special interest holidays, you do not have to pay a single room supplement. This is only payable if you wish to have a hotel room or a tent (or both) to yourself throughout your tour. The single tent supplement is £40 for the duration of any trek.
- Top range prices are based on your staying in Government approved 5 and 4 star hotels and Mid range prices are based on your staying in 4 star and 3 star en-suite accommodation.
- Train travel is in 1st Air-con carriage (fifties style 4 & 6 berth compartments) or the best available.
- During Christmas and the New Year period, many hotels charge a peak season rate. You also need to be prepared to join in (and pay for locally) any entertainment that may be arranged.
- The busiest periods for the airlines are Christmas/New Yearand Easter, July and August. If you take your holiday during these periods then please book your tour as early as possible.
- Our escorted (Delhi to Delhi) special interest/trekking holidays are based on a minimum of 4 people. The maximum number is 16. If the minimum number is not met then your tour will be led by our qualified English speaking guides and tour leaders in India. We can tailor trek departure dates for a minimum of 2 people travelling together. Details of our trek grading can be found on the 'Indian Himalayas' page of our website.
- We can offer group discounts for six or more people booking together on our fixed departures.
- It is essential that you take out adequate travel insurance if you are travelling to Asia. Essential Travel Insurance Ltd offers wordwide insurance cover at competitive rates.
- The meal plan is based on B&B and full board on our treks and culinary tours.