Markha Valley Trek

The Markha Valley Trek is one of the best treks in Ladakh and allows you to walk down the lanes into the roots of India and the Indus Valley Civilization. We organize both fixed departure and premium, small-group, customized private trekking expedition to Markha Valley Trek every year. Join us Book online

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Duration
8 days 7 nights
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Altitude:
5130m
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Grade:
Moderate+
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Best Time:
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
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Temperatures:
-5 to 6 on higher camps
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Starts From:
Leh
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Airport:
Leh, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport ( IXL)
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Railway:
Katra, (KEA), Jammu Tawi ( JAT)

Key Geographical Highlights

2 Popular Peaks:

Kang Yatse 1 ( 6400m ), Kang Yatse 2 ( 6200m )

2 High Passes:

Kongmaru La - 5130m ( 5130m ), Ganda La ( 4970m )

2 Rivers:

Markha River, Zanskar

1 Villages:

Leh

1 National Parks Or Forest Reserve:

Hemis National Park

Reach Leh find other treks

Daywise Itinerary For Markha Valley Trek

(click to read detailed route briefing, elevation graph, altitude time info and photos from the day)

▼ Day 1Arrival DayLeh 3500m
Arrive In Leh
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Morning Tea,Breakfast,Soup,Dinner,Dessert,Hot Drinks,None
Cost Of Transport Included: NO
Where and How To Reach Leh
Arrival in Leh
Upon reaching Leh, our team will meet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel.
Adapting to Ladakh's Environment
- Sudden Environmental Change: Landing in Leh brings a sudden shift to cool, dry air, which your body may struggle to adapt to in just a few hours.
- Weather Conditions:
  - The dry and cold wind can be harsh on your body.
  - The Sun is scorchingly intense despite the cool air.
Tips for Acclimatization
- Stay Hydrated: Begin drinking plenty of water the night before your arrival, not after landing in Ladakh.
- Moisturize Your Nostrils: Keep Vaseline handy to apply inside your nostrils to combat the excessively dry and cold air, ensuring comfortable breathing.
Day Schedule
- Rest: The remainder of the day is reserved for rest to help your body acclimatize.
- Evening Team Meet-Up:
  - Enjoy light snacks.
  - Participate in the formal team introduction.
  - Receive important information on trek preparation and planning.
Day 1
220 - Delhi
Day 1
3500 - Leh
0.00Km, 2.00hrs.
▼ Day 2Acclimatization DayLeh 3500m
Explore Tsemo Monastery, Shanti Stupa & Nearby. - 3.00 Hrs. 6.00 Kms
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Morning Tea,Breakfast,Soup,Dinner,Dessert,Hot Drinks,None
Day Activities in Leh
Today, we spend the day exploring Leh and further acclimatizing to the high altitude. This day is crucial for preparing our bodies for the trek.
Places to Visit by Walking
- Leh Palace: A historic site with stunning views.
- Chemo Monastery: A serene place to visit and explore.
- Shanti Stupa: A peaceful spot to relax and soak in the spiritual aura, especially in the evening.
Activities
- Hiking: If not exhausted, hike to the above-mentioned places for acclimatization.
- Light Walks: If tired, take light walks in the town for window shopping or exploring local markets.
- Trekking Gear Shopping: Leh has great shops for last-minute trekking gear purchases.
Preparation for the Trek
- Recheck your gear and ensure everything is ready for the trek.
- Do any last-minute purchases if needed.
- Repack your bag as per trek requirements.
- Have dinner and sleep early to rest well for the trek starting tomorrow.
Day 2
3500 - Leh
Day 2
3500 - Leh
Day 2
3600 - Tsemo Monastery, Shanti Stupa
Day 2
3500 - Leh
6.00Km, 3.00hrs.
▼ Day 3Driving Cum Trekking DayMarkha 3700m
From Leh (3500m ) To Markha (3700m ), Via - Chilling (3200m ), Sara (3500m ) - 6.00 Hrs. 11.00 Kms
Overnight In: Markha (3700m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea,Breakfast,Lunch,Soup,Dinner,Dessert,Hot Drinks
Drive to Chilling
This morning, after breakfast, we drive to Sara. It takes about 3 hours to drive till Sara - the current roadhead for the Markha Valley trek.
Start of the Trek to Markha
- After crossing the river bridge over the Zanskar river, we further drive to Sara
- We then begin our trek to Markha Village from Sara.
- Its about 3 - 4 hour trek.
- We stop by in mid-point for hot simple lunch
Trail Details
- Difficulty: An easy trek on a mostly flat trail with occasional short ascents and descents.
- Scenic Landscape:
  - Fascinating and unique scenery with barren, creamy mountains.
  - Sudden green patches create a beautiful contrast in the landscape.
  - Keep an eye out for the classic and illusionary rockscapes and structures of the mountains formed by wind and water erosion
- Wildlife and Locals: Sightings of wild animals and interactions with locals add to the experience.
Arrival at the Campsite
- After trekking for 3-4 hours, we reach the defined campsite at Markha.
- Enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the stunning Ladakhi landscape.
Evening Acclimatization Walk
- After resting for a while on reaching the campsite, we walk to explore the Markha village
- Enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the stunning Ladakhi landscape.
- Visit old monastery in the village
Day 3
3500 - Leh
Day 3
3200 - Chilling
Day 3
3500 - Sara
Day 3
3700 - Markha
11.00Km, 6.00hrs.
▼ Day 4Trekking DayHankar 3980m
From Markha (3700m ) To Hankar (3980m ) - 5.00 Hrs. 12.00 Kms
Overnight In: Hankar (3980m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea,Breakfast,Lunch,Snacks,Soup,Dinner,Dessert,Hot Drinks
Trek to Hankar
The trail from Markha to Hankar is a short and simple trek, but it is incredibly scenic and memorable.
Highlights of the Trail
- Surprisingly Green Valley: The lush green valley is surrounded by
- First glipmse of the Kang Yatse Peak: the stunning snow-covered peak of Kang Yatse is visible for the first time from Hankar, creating a breathtaking backdrop.
- Relaxed Itinerary: The shorter trek allows you to spend ample time soaking in the beauty of the valley.
Experience the Local Culture
- Spend a night in Hankar and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance.
- We will stay in a homestay to make the maximum of spending time with the local people and experience the local way of life
- Engage with local herders and farmers to learn about their way of life.
- These connections and stories make your journey meaningful beyond just photographs.
Gateway to the Wildlands
- Hankar is the last village on this route before entering the wildlands.
- These wildlands are home to incredible wildlife, including snow leopards and ibexes.
Day 4
3700 - Markha
Day 4
3980 - Hankar
12.00Km, 5.00hrs.
▼ Day 5Trekking DayNimaling 4730m
From Hankar (3980m ) To Nimaling (4730m ), Via - Thochungtse (4200m ) - 5.00 Hrs. 11.00 Kms
Overnight In: Nimaling (4730m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea,Breakfast,Lunch,Soup,Dinner,Dessert,Hot Drinks
From Hankar to Nimaling
After a peaceful night in the village of Hankar, we head to the lush green, high-altitude pasture land of Nimaling. The lush green platue of Nimaling with horses grazing around and the backdrop of Kang Yatse and Dzo Jongo will take your heart right away
Trail Highlights
- Change in Terrain: Beyond Hankar, the greens disappear, replaced by striking, barren landscapes with unique mountain and rock formations.
- Wildlife Sightings: This area offers great opportunities to spot blue sheep, ibex, and, if lucky, even snow leopards!
Stop at Thochungtse
- A 2–3 hour walk brings us to Thochungtse, a small grassy plain and designated campsite.
- After a short rest, we continue towards Nimaling.
- After crossing Thochungtse, we climb a mountain hump straight ahead, which can be challenging at this altitude but rewarding.
- At the top, enjoy an up-close view of Kang Yatse, a massive and elegant mountain massif.
- We rest near a small lake where the reflection of Kang Yatse can be seen on the water surface.
Route to Nimaling
- From the lake, the route splits:
  - One path leads to Kang Yatse base camp.
  - The other descends to Nimaling, a vast plateau encircled by tall mountains.
- The final stretch to Nimaling takes about 30 minutes.
Day 5
3980 - Hankar
Day 5
4200 - Thochungtse
Day 5
4730 - Nimaling
11.00Km, 5.00hrs.
▼ Day 6Exploration Day - TrekNimaling 4730m
Excursion to Kang Yatse BC or Dzo Jongo BC & Nearby.. Return To Nimaling - 5.00 Hrs. 5.00 Kms
Overnight In: Nimaling (4730m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea,Breakfast,Lunch,Snacks,Soup,Dinner,Dessert,Hot Drinks,None
A rest day on this wonderful land. We use it to the fullest by exploring it deeper. We have the option to go till Kang Yatse or Dzo Jongo Glacier, climb up nearby tops, etc. Its a vast lush green pasture green land. Just doing nothing here also is worthy enough.
Day 6
4730 - Nimaling
Day 6
4730 - Nimaling
Day 6
5000 - Kang Yatse BC or Dzo Jongo BC
Day 6
4730 - Nimaling
5.00Km, 5.00hrs.
▼ Day 7Pass Crossing Day, Trek Cum Driving DayLeh 3500m
Cross Kongmaru La And Reach Leh via Chuskirmo - 8.00 Hrs. 18.00 Kms
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Morning Tea,Breakfast,Lunch,Soup,Dinner,Dessert,Hot Drinks
Crossing the Kongmaru La Pass
One of the most beautiful days of the trek. The Markha Valley Trek continues to amaze even 6 days into the journey! Today we cross them ighty Kongmaru La protecting this beautiful place
Highlights of Kongmaru La (5130m)
- High Pass Adventure: The climb to Kongmaru La involves multiple switchbacks and takes about an hour or slightly more.
- Summit Views: The summit is marked by colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, offering breathtaking views all around.
- Mobile Network: You can finally get a signal here, allowing you to connect with your loved ones
- Descend from Kongmaru La: The trail descends steeply through the stunning and narrow Markha gorge, an unforgettable experience.
- Stop at Lartsa: A sharp descent from the pass brings you to Lartsa, a key point along the route.
- Stop Chyuskirmo: Further down from Lartsa, the trek trail winds down with multiple rives crossings to reach Chyuskirmo. Chyuskirmo serves as a gateway to Gangbachen towards Stok Kangri and abnother route descends down straight to the village of Chikdoh
- End the trek in Chokdoh: Chokdoh is the last point on the trek where the road from Hemis end. We end our trek here, have some hot soup as we wait for the horses to arrive with our equipment, and depart to Leh
Return to Leh and Party
- Our trek concludes as our vehicle waits at the endpoint to take us back to Leh.
- In the evening, we may meet to call it a last dinner together
Day 7
4780 - Nimaling
Day 7
5130 - Kongmaru La
Day 7
4140 - Chuskirmo
Day 7
3500 - Leh
18.00Km, 8.00hrs.
▼ Day 8Departure DayDelhi 300m
From Leh (3500m ) To Delhi (300m ) - 1.00 Hrs. 1.00 Kms
Accommodation: None
Meals Included: Morning Tea,Breakfast
Cost Of Transport Included: YES (only to Leh airport)
Departure from Leh for onward journey. We will drop you to the airport as per your flight timing
Day 8
3500 - Leh
Day 8
300 - Delhi
1.00Km, 1.00hrs.

Markha Valley Trek - An Elaborate Description

The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most iconic treks in Ladakh, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and thrilling adventure. This trek takes you through the rugged landscapes of the Ladakh region, deep into the heart of the Markha Valley, where you’ll experience the charm of ancient Buddhist monasteries, traditional villages, and breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks like Kang Yatse. As you traverse this stunning trail, you’ll cross rivers, climb high passes like Kongmaru La, and interact with the warm and resilient people of Ladakh. The trek not only brings you close to nature but also allows you to immerse yourself in the rich history of the ancient Silk Route and the Indus Valley Civilization. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a nature enthusiast, the Markha Valley trek is an unforgettable journey that combines adventure, culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Markha Valley Trek - Why Its A Must-Do

The Magical Landscape of Ladakh: The rugged mountains of Ladakh work their magic on every traveler’s heart. If you haven't experienced this mesmerizing landscape, you’ve truly missed out on something extraordinary. With barren, creamy mountains dotted by patches of green, the contrast is as surreal as it is breathtaking.
Sensing the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization: Walk along a part of the ancient Silk Route, connecting the present to the rich history of the Indus River Civilization. The trek brings this heritage to life, blending nature and history seamlessly.
Ancient Buddhist Monasteries and Culture: Ladakh, often called "Little Tibet," is home to some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries. This trek offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural richness of the region, with raw Tibetan Buddhist traditions preserved in their most authentic form.
River Crossings: Crossing Himalayan rivers is a thrilling adventure during the trek. Whether it’s wading through icy waters or using rope trolleys, these crossings add a touch of excitement and a reminder of nature’s power.
The Warmth of the People and Their Culture: The people of Ladakh, despite the harsh conditions they face, welcome trekkers with warmth and smiles. Their simple yet profound way of life inspires trekkers to appreciate the beauty of simplicity.
The Majesty of Kang Yatse: Approaching Hankar, you are greeted by the towering presence of Kang Yatse, a majestic peak that captivates all who see it. Its beauty leaves trekkers in awe, making it a centerpiece of the journey.
Nimaling: The High-Altitude Pastureland: Nimaling, a vast plateau surrounded by towering peaks, is one of the trek’s most stunning highlights. The lush green meadows and grazing animals provide a serene spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of Ladakh.
The Thrill of Kongmaru La: Crossing Kongmaru La, a high pass at 5315 meters, is a challenging yet rewarding experience. The panoramic views of the East Karakoram and surrounding peaks make the effort worthwhile. The descent through the Markha Gorge is equally breathtaking.
Feel the Himalayan High: The Markha Valley trek combines history, culture, adventure, and natural beauty. From magical landscapes to inspiring locals, this trek offers an unforgettable experience that leaves an indelible mark on every traveler.

How We Grade Our Treks and Expeditions

Easy

Usual daily walks of 4 - 5 hours in altitude below 4000 meters. The sleeping altitude on these treks are below 4000 meter and the trails are gradual involving no steep ascent or descent. Sometimes, the trail may be longer, but on level trails. The duration of trek may be a week or lesser than it. The trek is not too remote and evacuation might be possible from almost any point of the trek

Moderate

The trek duration each day may span from 4 - 5 hours, but on some days, it may push up to 8 - 9 days. The trail might involve steep ascents or descents on occasions This kind of treks demand good fitness, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude are below 4000 meters or little above it, but the trail might go as high as 4500 - 5000 meters. The trek is bit remote and evacuation might be possible from almost all, but not all campsites

Moderate+

This type of treks are bit more demanding than the moderate ones. It might involve few days of very long walks at higher altitude, or serious gradients, exposures, more remote or involves sleeping at higher altitudes for more days.

Strenuous

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Good fitness are demand of these treks, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude may go above 4000 meters or little above it on couple of days, but not more than that. The trail might go as high as 4500 - 5200 meters. These trek are remote and evacuation might not be possible from all the campsites

Challenging

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Crossing a glacier or a scree zone might be a feature of these treks. You might on some occasions, require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high or remote or both. The trek usually might be a week long.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Challenging+

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Negotiating glacial moraines, scree zones, crossing them, camping on them etc are features of these treks. You might also require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high and remote. A good technical support team and knowledgeable local guide is a must. Only experienced trekkers are advised to do these treks. The trek goes over 2 week and may be longer than that.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Page Cost Inclusions and Exclusions For The Markha Valley Trek

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE STANDARD PRICE

Duration: 7 Days / 6 nights of the trek cost from Leh to Leh
Accommodation In Leh: 3 night in a good quality hotel or homestay in Leh with emphasis on local organic food and cultural exposure. MAP plan.
Accommodation On Trek: In local homestays or in Spacious, sturdy, and High-Quality Dome Tents will be provided on twin sharing basis.
Sleeping In Tents: Thick Waterproof Mattress complemented with Sub Zero Sleeping bags supported with Warm Fleece Sleeping Bag Inners For Extra Hygiene and Warmth will be provided by us
Dining On Trek: We will provide Dining and Kitchen Tents with camping stools and tables for extra hygiene and comfort.
Toilet On Treks: Dry eco-toilet will be set up with a toilet tent and toilet seat.
Meals In Leh: Breakfast and Dinner Only.
Meals On Trek: All meals. 3 meals (B,L,D) suited for high altitude with evening snacks, soup, hot drinks, and extra energizers/juice for summit days
Trail Safety: Gaiters, Anti Slip Crampons, and Ice Axe depending upon snow conditions.
Communication: For efficient management of the trek, the team will be communicating with each other and trek base with the help of long-range wireless sets.
Medical Safety: Oxygen cylinder, Pulse Oximeter, Thermal temperature scanner, and Emergency Medical Kit accompanied with a trek leader knowledgeable on high altitude medicine and physiology
Trek Leader and Guide: Experienced and Well Equipped English/ Hindi Speaking Trek Leader maintaining guide to trekker ratio of 1:6. That is 1 guide for every 6 trekkers.
Local Support Staffs: Expert and Knowledgeable local guide with cooks, helpers, porters, mules, etc
Permits: All required forest entry permits and camping fees as per the rules of local administrations
Transfers: Leh to Chilling, Shang Sumdo to Leh, for trekkers, equipment and crew members
Max Team Size: Small group of not more than 12 members. You can make any batch a private batch by paying a little extra over the base trek fees.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Personal Travel and Climbing Insurance
Personal Purchases
Food Purchased Outside Our Menu
Personal Gears
Lunch in Leh
Bottled Water or Any Other Drinks
Anything else not mentioned in the inclusion list

Cost Terms For The Markha Valley Trek

Price Specifications:

Standard Price Specifications:

Below is the Specification for our Standard Trek package. Do note that our service is a full-board service from Leh airport back to Leh airport. Refer to inclusions and exclusions in the trek package description to know about it. This sections details the specifics of that inclusions.

Hotels: 3 Star superior hotel on double sharing basis
Meals In Leh: In Leh, we provide buffet meal (only breakfast and dinner) through the hotel. The menu contains a mix of Indian, Ladakhi, Chinese and Continental menu options varying from day to day.
Service Expectation in Leh: A trek leader will meet you in the airport or hotel on your arrival and his role be as below, but not just limited to these:
1. will brief you about the entire trek plan and day-to-day plans as well.
2. will check your personal gears and suggest if you're good or need to buy anything from Leh.
3. will take you on city walk to get you introduced to the city
4. will show you important counters like foreign exchange, ATMs, main market, mobile shop, cafeterias, etc.
5. will take you to acclimatization walks as per the itinerary
6. will undertand your food choice and coordinate with his logistics team to plan the ration and menu on trek accordingly.
7. will take concern of your medical sencitivities and plan accordingly
8. will understand your communication comfort and plan accordingly
9. will cordinate with you and keep the entire team on the itinerary and time
Transportation: All transportation will be in standard tourist vehicles on Mahindra Xylo, Suzuki Ertiga for longer tourts and Suzuki Eeco for city tours
Sleeping Tents: All-weather 4 person tent shared by 2 person (single accommodation available as add-on)
Sleeping Bags: 1 sub zero polyamide sleeping bag, 1 down sleeping bag inner
Sleeping Mattress: 1 hitlon mattress + 1 thick waterproof foam mattress
Light: solar lights in sleeping tents, mess and kitchen tent
Dining: Big mess tent with camping table and stools
Water: Boiled and hot drinking water in camps on morning, evening, dinner and on-demand
Meals on Camps: All meals from morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks, soup, dinner, dessert and hot drinks. The menu contains a mix of Indian, Ladakhi, Chinese and Continental menu options varying from day to day. Our menu typically is like the one below, which is subject to localizations as per the region we trek in.

Morning Tea: Black tea with ginger. Lemon, sugar, honey, etc can be added to it

Breakfast: oats porridge, milk cornflakes, bread, chapatti with vegetables, boiled eggs, omelets, upma, pancakes, poha, etc.

Fruits: Seasonal. Bananas, oranges, apples, watermelons, pears, peaches, plums, etc.

Lunch: Rice, dal, curries, khichdi, pulao, seasonal vegetables, papad, pickle, salad, etc

Evening Snacks: Pakoda, Popcorns, noodles, pasta, dumplings, maggie, soup noodles, fried noodles, poha, etc with coffee or tea

Soup: Packet soup like tomato, mushroom, mixed veg, etc

Dinner: Rice, chappati, pizza, pasta, dumplings, curries, dal, seasonal vegetables, papad, pickle, salad, etc

Hot Drinks: hot chocolate, mint tea or ginger tea
Hot Washing Bowls: None
Solar Charging: None
Tea/Coffee/Drinks: only on breakfast, on reaching campsite and evening snacks
Camping pilllows: None
Hot Showers: None
Guide to Trekker Ratio: 1: 6
Cloakroom In Leh: Yes (its not a locker room, no fragile or valuable items)

Premium Price Differentiators:

Our Premium trek package is a luxury, yet eco-friendly. It includes everything thats included in Standard package with topmost quality gears with below specifications and added services:

Hotels: 4 star premium hotel in Leh on twin sharing basis and best hotels in other sites as per availibility
Meals In Leh: same as standard, but with upgraded menu as per hotel
Transportation: All transportation will be in Toyota Innova
Sleeping Tents: premium all-weather tents on twin sharing basis
Sleeping Bags: super-down sleeping bag with fleece inner liner
Sleeping Mattress: 1 hitlon mattress + thick inflatable air mattress
Light: solar lights in sleeping tents, mess and kitchen tent
Dining: Big mess tent with camping table and chairs (instead of stools)
Water: Boiled and filtered hot drinking water in camps on morning, evening, dinner and on-demand
Meals on Camps: All meals as on standard but on upgraded menu with more emphasis on fresh fruits, meat or veg proteins and as requested
Hot Washing Bowls: Yes, morning and after reaching campsite
Solar Charging: Yes
Tea/Coffee/Drinks: any time. It will be ready to drink in the mess tent
Camping pilllows: Yes
Hot Showers: yes, requested
Guide to Trekker Ratio: 1: 4
Cloakroom In Leh: Yes (its not a locker room, no fragile or valuable items)

Trek Gear Rental Specifications:

Our trekkers come from far away countries and hence flights have their own limits on weight and also restictions on certain mountaineering gears. Also, our trekkers usually have long plans in India and they travel elsewhere after the trek. Keeping all of these in mind, we offer all the personal trek gears on rent so that you travel light weight and need to just reach us in Leh. We take care of the rest!

Do note that all personal climbing and camping gears are included in the trek cost. This is personal 'trekking' gears only and includes the below:

65 Liter Rucksack with waterproof cover
Expedition Down Jacket Supports Upto -25 Degree Celcius
Trekking pole ( 1 per person)
Rain poncho
Waterproof Trekking shoes
Waterproof gloves
Headlamp

Extra Permit Cost For Foreigners - Explainer:

Trek cost for foreigners is slightly higher than the cost for our Indian guests, mainly due to the higher permit fee applicable for admission to National Parks or protected forest areas. Sometimes, it may be higher due to higher local crew wages and other specific arrangements we make to ensure a safe, comfortable and enriching travel experience in India. However, we absolutely DO NOT 'hyper-charge' our International guests ever and at the same time, ensure that we meet all the standards for highly qualified trek leaders and guides, safety, medical preparation, evacuation strategy, rescue arrangements, eco-sensitive travel, high-value knowledge sharing about the area and customs of the locals.

This cost includes:

Altoa Trekking Fee
Red Cross Environmental Fee
Inner Line Permit
Support Crew Adjustments
Document and Handling Charges

Personal Porterage For Bags - Explainer:

Free personal baggage load porterage, upto 11 Kgs per bag, is included in all of our package types like Fixed Departure/Standard Private/ Premium Private Treks. However, if you need to offload more than 11 Kgs, then you may add this service to your cost. This typically applies for heavy camera gears, telescopes or similar things, as usually a trekkers bag weighs about 8 - 10 Kilograms, given that all technical gears, camping gears including sleeping bags, climbing boots, etc required for the trek will be carried by our logistics team.

For Personal Baggage Porterage, do note the below pointers:

cost is for a single bag only
no duffel bags or suitcases will be allowed. only trekking rucksacks.
The weight of the bag should not be more than 11 kg.
bags will move from camp to camp and not with you during the trek
if you offload your rucksack, you should carry a day pack with you containing emergency use items, rainwear, jacket, medicines, food, and water.
it is either full or none and cannot be arranged on an ad-hoc basis in between the trek or for partial trek days only.
you need to book your baggage porterage along with the trek booking as it cannot be served if too late.

Single Accommodation In Hotels - Explainer:

We do provide single accommodation in hotels in Leh as Add-on service. However, since the cost of it depend upon so many factors, like the hotel, season and demand. It also depends upon which category of Hotel we will be staying as well, their availibilities, and so many other things. Hence we are not able to provide this cost now, but we can arrange this. Do let us know if you need us to book you single accommodation in Leh, and we will let you know the cost on actuals without any assumption

Single Accommodation On Camps - Explainer:

Single accommodation on tents is a very popular demand on our trek. Despite the fact that we provive 4 person tent for 2 people only, privacy sometimes is still important and we understand that well. You may book this Add-On service if you need single accommodation on camps and we will carry separate tents and all other required gears for that on the trek. Do note that sleeping solo on big tents makes it really cold, hence if you choose Single Accommodation, we will provide All-Weather 2 Person tent which will be spacuious as well as not that cold on higher camps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Is The Best Time To Do The Markha Valley Trek ?

The best time to do the Markha Valley Trek is fro the mid-month of May till the mid of October. It can even be stretched a bit but the availability of water becomes a big concern. The winter here is very harsh but this trek can even be done in the winter months from November to April. However, it gets costly as we have to rely on porters and melt ice for water. Well, this trek will never disappoint you in terms of what it has to offer.

How Cold Is The Markha Valley Trek ?

While in the summer months from June till September, the temperature is quite comfortable ranging between 6 degrees Celius in the night to 20 degrees in the daytime. High camp of Nimaling can be a little colder. The winter here s very harsh and the temperature drops to -20 Degrees in nights while the daytime temperature remains around -8 Degrees.

What Varieties Of Flora And Fauna Can Be Seen On The Markha Valley Trek ?

The Markha Valley trek falls under the Hemis National Park which is the largest National Park in Ladakh and is home to the most elusive Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolves, Red Fox, Ibex, and Blue Sheeps. Many lucky trekkers were able to sight snow leopards on this trek route. In the winters, the leopards come to ower altitude making it easier to sight one, often mating or with their cubs./p>The trek route is also home to many shrubs of rare varieties, junipers and wild flowers.

How Are The Accommodations And Toilet Facility On The Markha Valley Trek ?

This trek has homestays in the village of Skiu, Markha and Hankar, and locals set up camp stays in Nimaling making it easier for solo travellers to do this trek. However, a local guide is mandatory for this trek in order to get permits.

On our trek we keep on our private tents with our own crew members to provide full support and a comfortable trek experience. We do mix homestay accommodation on a few nights as well in order to experience the local way of life and rich cultural exchange. Toilets in this trek are dry toilets.

What Are The Fitness Requirement Of The Markha Valley Trek ?

As with any other treks in Ladakh, this trek demands a good level of physical fitness and stamina. Each day on this trek involves long walks over an average altitude above 4000 meters. That's quite a bit demanding and requires good physical capacities. The highest altitude is 5130 meters and if the weather plays foul, it may get quite tricky to find a safe exit route.

Can Novice Trekkers Do The Markha Valley Trek ?

A beginner possessing good stamina and fitness can undertake this trek under the guidance of a superior support team who with their experience and knowledge helps make it easier for them. Proper advice and support is required with pre-trek preparations, packing, exercises, and grooming.

What Are The Risk Of AMS On The Markha Valley Trek ?

This trek gets serious in terms of managing high altitude and requires a good plan and routine to manage through it safely. A slow-paced itinerary, fit body, proper hydration, good warm food, and light mood is required to beat the threats of high altitude and AMS.

How Safe Is The Markha Valley Trek ?

In terms of terrain this trek is quite safe but what matters most is the altitude of this trek. The average altitude of this trek is above 4000 meters and we start this trek from Leh, which is at 3500 meters. Acclimatization is the key to success o this trek and for that, a well-planned itinerary, good meals, and guidance is required. Ethically we focus o natural acclimatization only and not medicated acclimatization. Our itinerary, meal plans, safety practices are all well aligned to make this a safe experience and till now we have faced no issues on all of treks with regards to altitude sickness.

Which Is The Nearest ATMs and Cash Points On The Markha Valley Trek ?

Leh is the capital city of Ladakh and has many ATMs and Western Union Money Collection Centers. Many of the shops and hotels even accept credit cards.

Is Mobile Network Available On The Markha Valley Trek ?

While in Leh good network coverage is available on Airtek, Jio, and BSNL. Only postpaid connections work here. Both domestic and International trekkers can buy a local sim card with their passport or voters ID card for domestic nationals.

On the trek, network is not available except for the Kongmaru La top. The villages of Skiu, Markha and Hankar has a satellite phone to be used in case of emergencies.

Is Internet Available On The Markha Valley Trek ?

Good internet connection is available in Leh. Internet will not be available on the trek.

What Are The Unique Religion And Cultural Beliefs Of The Markha Valley Trek ?

Ladakh is primarily a Buddhist majority destination which is house to some of the oldest monasteries in the World. It is even believed that Ladakh and Spiti valleys still retain the oldest and purest form of Tibetan Buddhism which actually cannot be found in modern-day Tibet due to genographic changes.