Markha Valley Trek in Ladakh with finish on Dzo Jongo Peak 6400mm
Trek started in good weather following flooding 2 weeks before.
Although hot conditions on the second day we were dogged by unseasonal cloudburst, which resulted in serious swelling of the Markha River. After several crossings and recrossings due to washed out paths we made it to Markhe village and then on up to Nyimaling Plain. Arrest day followed then we head up to Dzo Jongo Base camp at 5400mm. We were due to set off about 4am for the summit but around 11pm the previous evening it started snowing heavily, and we spent the remaining early hours continually diging out the tents. Unfortunately due to deteriorating conditions we opted to abandon the climb and put all our efforts into getting out.
From Blog...
Eventually back in Leh y after 'Deliverance' style epic 30k, 14hr trek from Nyimaling Plain to Hemis. The Markha Trail was decimated following prolonged storms causing severe flooding and damage to road and trail infrastructure. The road from Shang to Hemis is impassable, washed out in several places, bridges were still standing up to Wed 5th Aug as we came out, but the halfway bridge crossing to true left bank had a gaping hole on the right hand bastion so that may be gone by Thus 6th August. Our escape back to Leh was only possible due to superhuman efforts of our Nepali guides. Heading down from the Gongmaru La Pass 5287m we had to 'Canyon' most of the mid to lower section from Lartsa to Shang. Sections had to be rappelled over waterfalls, and the majority of river crossings had to be roped. On one section of missing road below Shang we had to run a 60m rope to protect the traverse over the torrent. I believe their is a group of trekkers still camped at Shang waiting to get out when the river levels lower, thou if storms continue they may have to wait their a while. No WiFi coms from Leh at present, maybe out for 4/5 days, so posting this from Agra India. Helen had to summon up supreme courage to make it back to Leh, what a trooper!
