The
Markha Valley lies in Ladakh and is also called "The Little Tibet"
or "The Moonland" because of its topography. 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. 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. As you
will approach the upper end of the Markha Valley, you will witness a
spectacular views of jagged snow capped peaks before cross the 16500 ft. The
accessibility and beauty of this trek has made it the most popular hiking
and trekking routes in recent years. The best period to trek is from June to
October.
Major Trekking Routes of
Markha Valley
Spitok to Hemis via the markha valley
This circuit takes six to eight days to complete, and is usually followed
anti clockwise, Starting from the village of Spitok which is 10 km from Leh.
A more dramtic approach, via stok affords matchless views over the Indus
valley to the Ladak and KaraKoram ranges.
Phugthal Trek
By far the most spectacularly located monastic establishment anywhere in
Ladakh, The Phugthal complex spills out of the mouth of a huge cave high up
in the sheer mountain face of a lateral gorge through which a major
tributary of the southern Lungnak (Lingti-Tsarap) River flows. Perhaps, the
most isolated monastic establishment of Zanskar, its foundation date back to
the early 12th century ; at least one old chappel, among the several several
of which it is composed, has frescos and ceiling decorations reflecting
strong Indian artistic and iconographic influence. Phugthal is accessible
from the Padum-Manali trekking route through a 7 km long trail that branches
off from the Purney Bridge on the main trail. A visit to Phugthal, including
Bardan and Muney monasteries enroute, makes a good 5-days round trek from
Padum. Alternatively, one can add one extra day to Padum-Manali trekking
itinerary to include a day-return visit to this unique monastic
establishment inhabited by a resident community of about 40 monks.
Major Trekking Sites in and around Phugthal
Stongdey
The monastery of Stongdey lies 18 kms. To the north of Padum, on the road
leading to Zangla. An old foundation associated with the Tibetan Yogi,
Marpa, Stongdey is now the second largest monastic establishment of Zanskar,
inhabited by the resident community of about 60 Gelukpa monks. The sprawling
whitewashed complex has a number of temples, each a repository of the
region's rich monastic legacy. Stongdey can be reached by foot in about 4
hours along the recently laid rough road. The climb up to the monastery is
rather strenuous, but it is worth the trouble for the breathtaking scenery
of the valley available from here.
Zanskar
About 20 kms. south of Rangdum stands the Pazila watershed across which
lies Zanskar, the most sought after trekking site of all the Trans Himalayan
Valleys. The Panzila Top (4401 m) is the picturesque tableland adorned with
two small alpine lakes and surrounded by snow covered peaks. As the Zanskar
road winds down the steep slopes of the watershed to the head of the Stod
Valley, one of Zanskar's main tributary valleys, the majestic "Drang-Drung"
glacier looms into full view. A long and winding river of ice and snow, the
Drang-Drung" is perhaps the largest glacier in Ladakh, outside the
Siachen formation. It is from the cliff-like snout of this extensive glacier
that the Stod or Doda River, the main tributary of river Zanskar, rises.
