The Markha River is a river in Ladakh, India. It is a tributary of the Zanskar River and starts at the junction of the Langtang Chu and Nimaling Chu. Villages along the river valley include Skiu (Skyu), Markha, Umlung and Hangkar (Hankar). [1] The Markha River lies within the Hemis National Park. [2]
The Markha Valley is one of the most popular trekking routes in Ladakh, [3] accessible from Ganda La pass near Spituk in the west, which is usually the beginning point of the trek, [4] and Gongmaru La pass near Hemis, [5] where the trek usually ends. [4] Villages on the route of Markha valley trek are Rumbak, Shingo, Skyu, Sara, Markha and Hankar.
Towards the head of the valley you can find the Kang Yatze, a 6,400-metre-high (21,000 ft) mountain. The Markha River also passes to the south of the Stok range which includes the 6,153-metre-high (20,187 ft) Stok Kangri mountain. [1]
Nomadic families herd their yaks in this valley. [6]
Many small monasteries exist, of which Techa Monastery [6] is the most important Buddhist monastery in the Markha valley.
34°00′11″N 77°12′42″E / 34.00306°N 77.21167°E