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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.
(click to read detailed route briefing, elevation graph, altitude time info and photos from the day)
▲ Day 1Arrival Day
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
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 Day
Rest Well & Explore Tsemo Monastery, Shanti Stupa & Nearby to acclimatize properly. - 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 3Drive & Trekking Day
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 Day
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 Day
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 - Trek
Excursion or Acclimatization walk 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,Trek & Drive Day
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 Day
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.
Altitude and Acclimatization Profile For The Markha Valley Trek
- Day 1
- D1Delhi
- Day 2
- D2Leh
- Day 2
- Leh
- Day 2
- Tsemo Monastery, Shanti Stupa
- Day 3
- D3Leh
- Day 3
- Chilling
- Day 3
- Sara
- Day 4
- D4Markha
- Day 5
- D5Hankar
- Day 5
- Thochungtse
- Day 6
- D6Nimaling
- Day 6
- Nimaling
- Day 6
- Kang Yatse BC or Dzo Jongo BC
- Day 7
- D7Nimaling
- Day 7
- Kongmaru La
- Day 7
- Chuskirmo
- Day 8
- D8Leh
- Day 9
- Delhi
Route Map For Markha Valley Trek
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.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 12:16:08 AM
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