MARKHA VALLEY TREK

Duration

8 Days / 7 Nights

Max Atitude

5,200 m (Kongmaru La)

Trek Grade

Moderate to Challenging

Region

Ladakh, J&K

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SHORT ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Leh (3,500 m)

Rest and acclimatization

Explore Leh Market & local sights

Day 2: Acclimatization Day in Leh

Visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery & Hemis Monastery

Easy walk to Shanti Stupa

Day 3: Drive to Chilling – Trek to Skiu (3,400 m)

Drive to Chilling, cross the Zanskar River on a trolley

Trek starts: ~8 km / 3–4 hrs

Camp at Skiu

Day 4: Skiu to Markha (3,700 m)

Walk through villages and barley fields

~20 km / 6–7 hrs

Day 5: Markha to Hankar (4,000 m)

Scenic day with Kang Yatse views

~11 km / 5 hrs

Camp near Tachungtse

Day 6: Hankar to Nimaling (4,700 m)

Steady climb to Nimaling meadows, base of Kang Yatse

~9 km / 5–6 hrs

Day 7: Nimaling to Shang Sumdo via Kongmaru La (5,200 m)

Cross Kongmaru La Pass – panoramic Himalayan views

~16 km / 7 hrs

Drive to Leh ( same day day)

Day 8: departure from Leh
Say goodbye with lifetime memories 👋

Transfer to airport for return journey

DETAILED ITINERARY

Markha Valley Trek – Detailed Itinerary (9 Days / 8 Nights)

Day 1: Arrival in Leh (3,500 m)

Rest and acclimatization
Explore Leh Market & local sights

Day 2: Acclimatization Day in Leh

Visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery & Hemis Monastery
Easy walk to Shanti Stupa

Day 3: Drive to Chilling – Trek to Skiu (3,400 m)

Drive to Chilling, cross the Zanskar River on a trolley
Trek starts: ~8 km / 3–4 hrs
Camp at Skiu

Day 4: Skiu to Markha (3,700 m)

Walk through villages and barley fields
~20 km / 6–7 hrs
Overnight in homestay or tented camp

Day 5: Markha to Hankar (4,000 m)

Scenic day with Kang Yatse views
~11 km / 5 hrs
Camp near Tachungtse

Day 6: Hankar to Nimaling (4,700 m)

Steady climb to Nimaling meadows, base of Kang Yatse
~9 km / 5–6 hrs
Camp with stunning views

Day 7: Nimaling to Shang Sumdo via Kongmaru La (5,200 m)

Cross Kongmaru La Pass – panoramic Himalayan views
Steep descent to Shang Sumdo
~16 km / 7 hrs
Drive to Leh ( same day day)

Day 8: departure from Leh

Say goodbye with lifetime memories 👋
Transfer to airport for return journey

Trek Highlights

Altitude: 5,200 m (Kongmaru La)
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Trek Distance: 65–70 km approx
Region: Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
Stay:* Camps / Homestays
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Markha Valley Trek Inclusions (Everything You Need for a Hassle-Free Adventure)

Airport Pick-up & Drop in Leh
Accommodation in Leh (Twin/Triple sharing in a hotel or guesthouse – Day 1, Day 2 & Day 7)
All Meals During Trek (Nutritious vegetarian meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner – from Day 3 to Day 7)
Trekking Permits & Wildlife Fees
Professional Trek Leader & Certified Guides
Experienced Local Support Staff (Cook, Helpers, Mule handlers)
Mule/Porter Support for Carrying Central Luggage
Tent Accommodation on Twin Sharing (Alpine tents during trek nights)
Sleeping Bags, Mats & Kitchen Equipment
First Aid Kit & Oxygen Cylinder for emergency use
Transport from Leh to Trek Start Point (Chilling) and Trek End Point (Shang Sumdo) to Leh
Backup Support from Leh Office throughout the trek

Markha Valley Trek Exclusions (What’s Not Included)

Travel to Leh and Return (Airfare, train, or any transport from your home city)
Meals in Leh (Lunch & dinner on Day 1, 2, and 8 – can be explored in local cafes)
Personal Trekking Gear (Backpack, trekking shoes, jackets – a checklist will be provided)
Tips for Guides, Cook, and Staff (Optional but encouraged)
Insurance (Travel or medical insurance is not included, but highly recommended)
Medical Costs or Emergency Evacuation Charges, if required
Any Kind of Bottled Drinks, Snacks, or Personal Expenses
Anything not mentioned in the “Inclusions” section

FAQ

Best Time to Visit

Mid-June to Mid-September is the best time for the Markha Valley Trek. During this period, Ladakh experiences pleasant weather, clear skies, and minimal chances of snowfall. The landscapes bloom with colors, and all mountain passes are open.

What is Special About Markha Valley Trek?

The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most iconic treks in Ladakh, offering a perfect blend of raw Himalayan beauty, Ladakhi culture, and adventure.

You’ll trek through charming villages, cross high mountain passes like Ganda La (4,970 m) and Kongmaru La (5,200 m), walk alongside the roaring Markha River, and spot wildlife such as blue sheep and marmots.

Breathtaking views of Stok Kangri, Kang Yatse, and Zanskar ranges will accompany you throughout the trail.

How Difficult is Markha Valley Trek?

Grade: Moderate to Challenging

Altitude: Max. 5,200 meters (Kongmaru La Pass)

It requires good physical fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience is beneficial. Acclimatization is key due to Ladakh’s elevation.

How to Reach Markha Valley?

Nearest Airport: Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport)

From Leh, drive to Chilling or Skiu, the starting point of the trek (2-3 hrs). The trek ends at Shang Sumdo, from where you drive back to Leh.

Why Choose Markha Valley Trek?

Unique blend of adventure, landscapes, and culture
Stay in authentic Ladakhi homestays
Explore ancient monasteries, prayer walls, and stupas
Cross two high-altitude passes
Experience the true spirit of Ladakh

Why You Should Do Markha Valley Trek?

If you dream of trekking in remote Himalayan valleys, meeting local people, and pushing your limits in a surreal landscape, this trek is for you.

It offers a fulfilling adventure without technical climbing, making it accessible yet truly rewarding.

Is It Safe for Beginner Trekkers?

While it’s not extremely difficult, it’s not ideal for absolute beginners due to high altitude and long trekking days.

Beginners with good fitness and some trekking experience can attempt it, provided proper acclimatization in Leh (2-3 days) is taken seriously.