Things to Explore about Markha Valley Trek

Unquestionably one of the most stunning and majestic mountain ranges in the world is the Indian Himalaya. As soon as one begins a trip through this massive mountain range, they come across a number of towns, historic temples, and secluded monasteries. The bucolic way of life of the common people transports the visitor to a different era and location. Finding oneself among snow-capped peaks, glaciers, slopes covered with pine trees, rivers, and beautiful meadows full of wild flowers is an exhilarating experience that cannot be compared. Here are some points about Markha Valley Trek –

Point 1

The Lahaul, Spiti, Kullu, and Kangra valleys in Himachal Pradesh, north of Rishikesh, Darjeeling in West Bengal, Yuksam in Sikkim, and Leh and Ladakh in the Kashmir valley are the main locations for snow trekking in India.

One of the most well-known treks is across the Markha Valley in Ladakh. Ladakh, which lies in the northwest of India and encircled by the Himalayas, is a wonderfully inspiring location for hikers. Ladakh, a beautiful region, takes you past colourful people and cultures, lush farms, towns, and monasteries.

Point 2

This challenging hike ascends gradually along a riverbank route as it meanders through a lovely valley. The Nimaling Plain, home to the snow leopard, mountain wolves, and majestic Iammergeier – the ancient Eurasian birds of prey, has the highest camping area at 4,700 metres.

Point 3

In Uttarakhand, Roopkund is a popular snow trek. It is a blessing that the majority of the Indian Himalayas are located in Uttarakhand. Without a doubt, it is a trekker’s heaven with its huge expanses of pristine forest. There are several snow-covered peaks exceeding 6,500 metres in height in the state’s Kumaon and Garhwal areas. The Roopkund walk is one of the most well-liked hikes in the Garhwal area. A lake in Roopkund, which is located at a height of 5,029 metres, has been shrouded in mystery for years. The region, which sits under the shadow of the Trishul mountain and is referred to as the “mystery lake,” is full with odd legends.

Point 4

There are between 300 and 600 human skeletons and the wreckage of horses along the lake’s shore. They were, in fact, the remains of persons who had perished in the 9th century after being struck in the head by enormous hailstones the size of cricket balls. In the spring when the ice melts and the lake is still frozen, the bones may be seen plainly through the waters. Trekkers from all over the world swarm the region in order to experience the lake’s eerie aura.

Point 5

The lake is surrounded by peaks covered in snow and ice in addition to the skeletons. The journey begins in Lohajung, which is reachable from Rishikesh and Almora through a motorable road. Another access to Roopkund is through the motorable road that runs from the ‘Ghat’ on the major Badrinath route to Nandprayag.

Point 6

The path travels through verdant grasslands and coniferous trees that cling to the hillsides. After then, the route follows the Pindar River’s rugged cliff. One can finish this walk by trekking to Ghat or Nandprayag after approaching Homekund through the Shail Samudra glacier. The entire 40 kilometre trip is a captivating adventure across the stunning Himalayan landscape.

Also See: Trekking in the Himalayas

India’s most popular snow trek is the 10–12 day Manikaran Spiti Valley trek in Himachal Pradesh. Few routes across the main Himalayan ranges offer such satisfaction for high-altitude walking. This trip ascends steadily toward Bhojtunda via lovely fields. One reaches a large snowfield after a difficult ascent, and after crossing it, the famous Pin Parbati Pass, marked with prayer flags. The trekker must make a rather steep slope to get to the Pin Valley.

Point 7

Beautiful streams, grazing grasslands, and sheer cliffs may be seen along the road at a number of camping areas. There are many intriguing tales about this journey. According to legend, the Pandavas travelled the Pin Parbati Trek on their way to their agyaatvaas (voluntary exile). They had travelled from India to Tibet through Spiti. One can sleep overnight on the banks of the Parbati River as the walk continues to the Mantalai Lake. To get to the opposite side of the pass, the trip continues on to Pin Parbati valley from here. Famous camping areas include Chinapatta Maidan, Mud, Sangam, Dankar, and the breathtaking Kaza region.

Point 8

The journey descends to Keylong, which is located at 4551 metres, after exploring the life and culture of Kaza, the historic monasteries, and Gomp. Lahaul and Spiti’s district administration is located at Keylong. The walk ends here, and from Keylong, the hiker may go seven kilometres by car to Manali.

Point 9

Another spectacular trek option is the Curzon Trail – Kuari Pass trek in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas. The Kauri Pass is undoubtedly an adventure of a lifetime. Since the upper portions of the river valley have not yet been thoroughly explored, this area remains mostly uninhabited. It became known as Curzon’s path when the British Viceroy Lord Curzon travelled to Kuari Pass in 1905. The spectacular panorama of the twin peaks of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, and Hathi-Ghodi Parvat is the highlight of Curzon’s trek. For westerners, the walk is well-liked. Lord Curzon travelled from Ghat to Kuari Pass via Ramni.

Today, a lot of hikers choose to go backwards when on a walk. They ascend the slope above Tapovan and arrive at Gailgarh, where they meet the Gorson trail. Kuari Pass is also accessible from Auli Bugyal via Borson Top. Rhododendron, oak, and deodar woodlands may be found along this icy path. This area is rich in Himalayan plants and animals. There is a sizable sulphur spring near Tapovan, and it is said that its waters have significant therapeutic qualities.

Along the way, one may enjoy a beautiful view of several undiscovered lakes, including the Gauna Lake. The road passes through a number of isolated towns in the woods, where the modern world has yet to establish itself. In the centre of Chamoli region, at an elevation of 3,711 metres, the Khal pass is reached through a constrained goat trail. The magnificent vista of the Garhwal Himalayas’ majestic eastern peaks is mesmerising. With their gleaming snowcaps, the peaks give off an illusion that they are only an arm’s length away. The stunning vista of Mt. Nanda Devi, a sentinel of numerous colours, is the highlight of this 12-day journey.