Markha Trek via Charchar-La, Rabrang-La
Useful Resources :: Ladakh Pictures Takeover Point: Delhi/Manali/Leh	Maximum Elivation: 4950m Region: Markha river valley Grade : moderate - strenuous Duration: 26 days
Standard Trekking Plan

This trek follows the course of the previous trek to Zangla. In Zangla it leaves the Zanskar River and starts ascending steeply toward the Charchar La, the first and higher of the two major passes to cross on this trek. In general all the characteristics of the Chadar trek on ice apply, however, additionally the treks involves possibly strenuous trekking in deep snow once the ice of the river is left behind. The crossing of the passes is only undertaken weather permitted only and when the snow bound passes actually allow for a passage at all and thus conceivably subject to change upon short notice! Although this trek on account of sustained trekking for twenty days is one of our most difficult, traversing the winter wonderland of the Zanskar Range promises to be one of the most rewarding, offering the best of Ladakh and Zanskar trekking with visits to some of the region's most unique monasteries.

Day 1: Early morning flight Delhi to Leh, transfer to hotel and rest.

Day 2: Morning sightseeing - Shanti Stupa, and Sangkar Gompa; lunch at hotel, afternoon rest.

Day 3: Day trip to Shey and Thikse monasteries.

Day 4: Leh to Chiling (by private bus or jeeps) along with our porters from Pishu village of Zanskar, 5 hours; visit coppersmithing workshops.

Day 5: Walk on ice of the frozen Zanskar river, Chadar, commences from Chiling, stage one to Zaribago, 5 hours.

Day 6: Zaribago to Deepyokma 4 hours.

Day 7: Deepyokma to Nyrakpulu 4 to 5 hours; camp below Nyarak village, ten minutes up along a small stream.

Day 8: Nyarakpulu to Lingshed, one hour walk on Chadar, then 5 hours steeply up to Lingshed village; stay in private house, relax in a heated room.

Day 9: Full day rest in Lingshed, one of the most remote villages in Ladakh, visit monastery, school for monks, roam around the village.

Day 10: Trek Lingshed to Deepkongma.

Day 11: Trek Deepkongma – Warsangdo.

Day 12: Trek Warsangdo – Pishu.

Day 13: Trek Pishu – Karsha.

Day 14: Rest and visit the famous Karsha Gompa.

Day 15: Trek Karsha to Zangla, visit Zangla Gompa

Day 16: Zangla to Zangla Sumdo; walk in the valley following small stream.

Day 17: Zangla Sumdo to Chupchak, cross the Charchar-La (4950m), 7 hours.

Day 18: Chupchak to Wangchuk Chenmo, 5 hours.

Day 19: Wangchuk Chenmo to Kharnak Sumdo, walk in the valley.

Day 20: Kharnak Sumdo to Rabrang, walk in the valley.

Day 21: Rabrang to Themkachen, cross the Rabrang-La (4750m).

Day 22: Themkachen to Markha.

Day 23: Markha to Skyu, visit Markha Gompa in the morning.

Day 24: Skyu to Chiling, return to Leh.

Day 25: Full day rest in Leh.

Day 26: Return flight Leh - Delhi; depart India.

IMPORTANT: Taking part in the above tours to Ladakh that will take you into altitudes above 4,500 meters/14,000 feet, you should be familiar with the prevention, recognition, and treatment of altitude illness including shortness of breath, restlessness, sleeplessness and headaches as well as other health dangers potentially arising from trekking at high altitude. To learn more about this topic, dial +91 9815620040 or write to info@himadventures.net. Please do note that for some treks we will require proof of your medical fitness, a thorough physical exam and certification from your doctor that you have no general medical problems that could result in any potentially serious medical consequences while on a trek. Trekking at high altitudes is strenuous and you must be in top physical shape in order to endure up to eight hours of trekking over steep, often rocky terrain as well as snow. To be able to sustain and hopefully enjoy such a demanding exercise, you need to possess good cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. In order to prepare yourself for your trekking tour you should undertake regular aerobic exercise or training that includes jogging, cycling or swimming, exercising 3 -5 times per week for at least six months prior to your trip.