India at a Glance

• Rajasthan
• Kerala
• North India
• Leh Ladakh
• Beaches

Leh Ladakh Spots

• Magnetic Hill
• Nubra Valley
• Zanskar Valley
• Markha Valley

The secluded Markha Valley is wedged between the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges, behind the Himalaya, to which it runs parallel. The wild and barren, yet hauntingly beautiful landscapes of this hidden land are often likened to Tibet - Ladhakh used to be known as 'Little Tibet' - and are every bit as dramatic and enticing. 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 15,000 ft (4575 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 Buddhist 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 5150m Kongmaru La (Pass) and descending to the famous Hemis Monastery, where we end our trek. There are also a few days to explore the fascinating town of Leh and raft the Indus River. .

Trekking along the Markha River through Little Tibet, one of the world's highest inhabited plateaus, we take in spectacular views of the Great Himalayan, Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. We'll cross two high passes at elevations up to 17,400'. Trails wind past willow groves, alongside patches of wild roses and through pastel canyons festooned with multi-hued prayer flags undulating in the breeze. The opportunity to meet nomadic families as they herd their yaks and a visit to a small monastery where butter lamps are lit morning and evening by an elderly nun leave indelible impressions of our journey through this gloriously illuminated landscape.Experience of a traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture undisturbed by the Cultural Revolution Ancient, yet active monasteries where monks go about their daily lives, and beautiful artwork enhances rustic interiors Trekking through one of the most remote areas of the Greater Himalaya in a landscape of plunging canyons and verdant river bottoms.