Make incomplete Stok Kangri trek complete with Markha Valley trek

Being on the most sought trekking peak and not able to stand on its top is disheartening. But that is part of the game. Reaching top is optional, coming down is compulsory! For whatever reason, one could be on the summit of Stok, and one must be delighted for having reached home safely. The time has come to overcome that disgrace and move on to something as exciting and stupendous as Stok. No guesses, it is the Markha Valley trek!

You might wonder Stok is a 6000-meter peak and it has no comparison with the Markha Valley trek. Yet, we feel Markha is best for those not satisfied with Stok. Find out why,

Lies in the same region as Stok: Markha Valley lies in the cold desert of Ladakh, extremely close to the Buddhist culture, authentic Leh lifestyle, and cordial homes. All of which one gets to experience for the small 2-day stay in Leh. During the whole Markha Valley trek of 6-7 days, one gets to live Buddhism. The mystic Stupas, monasteries, and Mani Stones enlighten the soul.

Staying in the most cordial houses of the typical Ladakhi villagers makes one humble. Just as one proceeds each day from one hamlet to the next, the book Seven Years in Tibet comes to life. It becomes a reality.

The wonderful display of flora-fauna: For nature lovers, Markha is a mother to the extensive biodiversity. It protects huge breedings of birds and animals like Magpai, mountain goats, blue sheep, etc. Every now and then one can encounter these animals. Surprisingly, it is known as the Snow Leopard valley. So, go all equipped with lenses and cameras to capture Snow Leopard.

Hidden Chadar trek: This is a secret, the Markha river in this valley also freezes hard as Chadar on the Zanskar river. Many people, therefore, visit this valley in winter for the thrill of the Chadar trek.

As tough as Stok: The reason why trekkers are attracted to Stok is its complexity. They want to try something challenging, something that allows pushing limits. Markha is on the same lines. Walking 10 km every day, crossing steep slopes, and freezing cold streams, is not that easy. Repeating that for 5-6 days, back to back, is strenuous and mind-boggling. Of course, the stunning surroundings are always there to rejuvenate. There is no way of giving up because the only option to return is to re-trace those long kilometers again. One has to move ahead no matter what! 

Summit views better than Stok: Of course, towards the end the amazing Kang Yatse peaks rise, getting higher and closer. Along with the incredible views of Stok Kangri, and Ladakh range, the Markha ends in a mystical, satisfactory, and enthralling manner.