This trek combine the traditional Markka valley trek with an extension to the Shang and Matho Phu (Phu means mountain pastures). This also include camping at the Kang Yatse base camp and a 1 day option to visit he upper Nimaling valley up to the Pobe La (5700m) to benefit from the spectacular view to the surrounding snowy summits.
It is a demanding 14 days trek with 5 days at an elevation above 5000m, so good acclimatization before starting the trek will be required, but walking time is kept moderate at around 5 hours per day . This is a trek in full autonomy with horses carrying food and tents.
Total positive elevation gain : 7800m, total trekking time : 70h , total distance : 155km
Itinerary :
Day 1 : From Stok to the camp below the Stok La
Day 2 : passing the Stok La , passing Rumbak and camping above the Ganda La
Day 3 : passing the Ganda La and camp in Shingo
Day 4 : From Shingo reach the Markka valley that the trail will follow for few days and camp at the Nakdi site
Day 5 : From Nakdi reach the village of Markka and camp there
Day 6 : From the Markka village reach the Hankar village where the camp will be established
Day 7 : From Hankar leave the traditional Markka valley trail to camp by a small lake on the way to the Kang Yatse base camp
Day 8 : Reach the Kang Yatse base camp
Day 9 : From Kang Yatse base camp start to hike up the Nimaling valley and camp at its lower part.
Day 10 : From the camp hike up the Nimaling valley up to the Pobe La and return to camp
Day 11 : pass the Gongmaru La and camp in Chukirmo.
Day 12 : Beginning of the extension to the Chang and Matho phu. Pass the Gyuncho La and camp at Shang Phu
Day 13 : Pass the Shang La, pass the village of Gyanpoche and camp before the Matho La
Day 14 : Pass the Matho La and return to Stok
