LADAKH: THE MARKHA VALLEY

15 days from GBP1,879 to GBP1,899 including flights
Tripcode: TGR

Countries Visited: India

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 6 reviews.

Vivien Harrison

LADAKH: THE MARKHA VALLEY

Written September 2011
A fantastic area and great walking with views changing all the time . The colours have to be seen to be believed . Be prepared to wade across rivers ( with plenty of support )Great support staff nothing too much trouble .
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I loved the view of Kang Yangtse from above Nimerling . Well worth the effort of the optional walk from camp .
There were amazing views from the top of both high passes .
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was great and gave us so much information about the area and the people and lots of information about Buddism . She always made sure everyone was well first thing in the morning and looked after us all throughout the day .
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you want to walk in a little populated area then do this trip . You will be at altitude so take it easy in Leh and drink lots of water .
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I had never heard of Ladakh until last year but glad someone recommended this trip to me .
sophie wintrich

LADAKH: THE MARKHA VALLEY

Written August 2011
Great trip if you like fantastic and imposing landscapes of never ending mountains. Amazing views of Stok Kangri and Kang Yaze mountains full of snow and glaciers during the trek - changing scenery and colours as you walk through the gorges - from blue to green, amazing monasteries, some very high up, kept by a single monk sometimes. Fascinating glimpse into life in Ladakh as you acclimatise in Leh for 3 days and later walk through tiny villages through the Markah Valley. And a must if you into buddhism - especially if your guide is Valerie Parkinson.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Constant views over the mountain range - emptiness - apart from a few yaks, sheep, goats, and tea tent people. Great museum in Hemis monastery - with very interesting pieces about history of the place and old photos of frozen rivers. Loved Leh for all the local tiny side streets and general life there. Made me really wonder what it's like when all is blocked off in winter. Must admit to loving the colourful clothes and stone jewellery - everything is simply beautiful - if you like the tibetan nepalese type things. And it is an opportunity to share a chat and a tea in several places. Very interesting to hear about how Ladakhi people are living now, learning to make the most out of visitors and seemingly retaining their identity - hopefully will stay this way.
What did you think of your group leader?
Oh - where to start??? This lady is the most professional, knowledgeable, patient and dedicated guide I ever came across. Her knowledge of buddhism is encyclopedic - and she keeps all information really lively and interesting. Her knowledge of the area is amazing, so is her dedication to the Ladakhi people, and clients alike. She is working relentlessly to improve life for the Ladakhi, which is an enormous plus point in my book - and am very glad Exodus is supporting this. She makes sure that drinking water is available in all tea tents, works with others to train people how to use solar power, UV water filters etc. Every day she made sure all of us were ok in terms of coping with altitude, giving all the necessary advice at all times. Some of us did struggle a little with altitude - but thanks to her recommendations it was a great experience. And she keeps her sense of humour at all times. I think she is a solar powered green modern buddhist deity ;-) Better add her name - Valerie Parkinson.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Having read other reviews, I did not think it was that hot - but yes - a wide brimmed hat is crucial - and 50+ sun cream and lip salve. Absolutely follow the advice to drink lots of water - 4-5 litres a day a must. If you are concerned about the altitude - you can consider taking Diamox 2-3 days before the trip. But not a must - I took some on day 2 after arriving and was fine after that - but everyone is different. Do take all the things on the packing list. The level of fitness required was less than I expected - but maybe because the pace was always slow enough to cope with the altitude. Expect a lot of temperature changes - you will need warm trousers or leggings and thick fleece - as well as thin T-shirt. There are some steep-ish ascents - but short ones - and 1-2 slightly slippery but again brief descents - but mainly the paths are really easy. A walking stick comes in handy when crossing rivers. Take 2 big 1 litre bottles with you that can cope with hot water. Camel back water bag also handy.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you have never been to India before, might be good to stay a few more days in Delhi - I missed not having more time there to see more places and to buy more presents. Clothes wise - make sure you have clothes that cover your shoulders and knees to enter the monasteries. Not much to ask - out of respect for the monks. Lastly and very important: do take any unwanted clothes with you which you can donate to people in Ladakh or the local guides and staff. Or also other trekking items. Childrens clothes too. It is very expensive to send stuff over - but if you can travel light and take lots of clothes in your travel bag, it would help a lot. Staff everywhere extremely helpful and kind. Accompanying staff fantastic: cook Manilal did great stuff, speedily assisted by the ever smiling Pemptuk. Lotus was always helpful and funny and is slowly slowly improving his english. Tashi always a pleasure to walk with and always willing to explain things. Tashi the horseman also great - but did not talk to him much - sorry! Thanks all for great trip.
Emma Corbett

LADAKH: THE MARKHA VALLEY

Written July 2011
This was a great trek, a good length both in distance and number of days, changing scenery every day, outstanding views. Being able to expereince some of the local culture was also a real treat.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
When we reached the top of the highest pass, the Gongmaru La, a huge eagle flew over us. It was magic. That, combined with the amazing scenery made the hard climb worth it!
What did you think of your group leader?
Dilip was an excellent group leader, attentive to the needs of the group and individuals, knowledgable and always sharing insights and information. Going with him to a family home and trying local beverages was also a trip highlight and was something we were able to experience due to his local connections.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for some long days walking, make sure your shoes are well broken in. Sandals or some other light shoes for river crossings are essential. A broad brimmed hat and sunglasses are good because it gets very hot and glary. I wished I had packed a small facecloth which would have made washing in the tent a bit easier. In saying that the only way to get a good wash is in the mountian streams - very cold but refreshing!
Take it easy and don't try and charge around like you would at home - you will have a much more enjoyable experience!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you are feeling up to it I reccommend the optional trip to the worlds second highest motorable road, again, the views are incredible.
Donald Sandeman

LADAKH: THE MARKHA VALLEY

Written August 2010
A fantastic trek with stunning and changing scenery throughout. Although distances are not particularly long the altitude and temperature can make some of the climbs over passes fairly challenging. Leh was a busy and interesting town with a friendly small hotel. Unfortunately the area was severely damaged by flooding a couple of days after we left. Delhi was typically humid and smelly but interesting. The hotel was excellent but a fairly long way from city centre or places of interest Dilip organised an excellent city tour for our free day in Delhi
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The incredible scenery had to be the highlight. I expected it to be fairly uninspiring desert like but everywhere that you looked was awe inspiring. Never a dull moment on the trek. The road trip up to the Khardung Pass (highest motorable road) was amazing and breathtaking in more ways than one
What did you think of your group leader?
Dilip and his team did a great job. He was very knowledgeable and able to answer any question. The cook was excellent and never failed to surprise with what he could produce in difficult conditions. The entire team did everything they could to look after the group
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for a few discomforts. A bath in the snow melt rivers can be fairly refreshing and toilet facilities are not 5 star. Go for it if you can.
Jennifer Colmer

LADAKH: THE MARKHA VALLEY

Written July 2008
This is a tough trek, due partly to the altitude, but we also had incredibly hot weather which sapped the energy. The nature of the rocks in Ladakh changes constantly, creating an ever-changing landscape, the like of which I've never seen before.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Going over two high passes was really something. I found it hard, but very worthwhile. The sense of achievement, as well as new views into the next valley made all the huffing and puffing worthwhile.
What did you think of your group leader?
Sanjay was superb. His organisational skills were good, and he dealt with any minor problems that arose very competently and with humour. He motivated us when the going got tough, and amused us at the dinner table! His presence meant that we really didn't have to worry about any aspects of the holiday.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take an umbrella to protect you from the sun. Some of the walking is in very exposed areas, and it was worth taking the ridicule of others to have the benefit of my little pink umbrella!
Whilst the Hotel City Park in Delhi was very nice, staff seemed to make an absolute meal of sorting out bills for anything. Watch you don't pay for stuff, and then get charged a second time when you check out.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't expect too much from the toilets whilst camping!
Anne Duke

Stay vegetarian

Written January 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
For me it was the independent part of our holiday after the trek where we travelled by train around North India. My husband rated the trek, inspired by the high desert scenery.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was excellent. in terms of his organisational skills, good humour and the support he instinctively offered when anyone appeared to be finding the going tough. Fluent in English and willing to share information and anecdotes with us which made the trip even more interesting.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Stick to vegetarian meals in Leh - my Ginger Chicken ruined the trek for me!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The hotel used in Leh was disliked by the whole group. We were not looking forward to returning to it which is saying something after the confines of camping. Rooms were dark, cheerless and nothing looked clean. Many of the group used their sleeping bags for this reason. Surely for the cost of the trek you could book the group into somewhere more appealing? Perhaps with a view of the mountains?
Exodus Response
I was sorry to read Ms Duke's comments about the hotel in Leh. We will certainly be looking into the points raised for future groups. Delighted to read the comments about the leader on this trip.
Emma Garrick

- Exodus Staff