Markha Valley Trek

Trek Cost

₹22,500 per person

Duration

8 Days / 7 Nights

Max Atitude

5,200 m (Kongmaru La)

Trek Distance

65–70 km approx

Trek Grade

Moderate to Challenging

Region

Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

Stay

Camps / Homestays

Photo Gallery

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.
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.
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.
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.
  • 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
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.
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.

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