Markha Valley Trek Spitok to Hemis via Markha Valley across Kongmarula( 5,030m)
Drive from Leh to Spitok village, visit 15th century old Spitok monastery of the gelugpa order, enter the Jingchan valley and walk along the Jingchen river to the village of Jingchen( 3,600m) walk further to reach Rumbak village. Camp Ascend up the valley, heading south to village of Yurutse, camp away from the village which offers views of Stok Kangri Range including Stok Kangri( 6,121m) Climb to gunda la and then descend to Shingo village( 4,150m) into the narrow gorge enter the Markha Valley, turn up the valley to the village of Skiu. After a series of river crossings reach Markha village with a derelict fort on the hillside. Walk right up the valley to reach the village of Hankar( 4,000m) highest in Markha valley, hereafter trail ascends the valley to Nimaling plains, the grazing grounds of the people of Markha and Hankar villages. Follow the well defined track to Kongmaru la( 5,030m), which offers some spectacular views of the Kangyaze, Indus Valley due North East and the Ladakh Range, descend to reach Chogdo Village. Trail leads to the the village of Sumdo(3,850m) then approach westwards to reach Hemis, which has a 17th century Drukpa order monastery. Drive to Leh.