The Markha Valley Trek is a popular trekking route in Ladakh, a region in the northernmost part of India. The trek takes you through the heart of the Ladakh region, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains, barren landscapes, and traditional Ladakhi villages.
The trek usually starts from the town of Stok, which is about 15 kilometers from the city of Leh, the capital of Ladakh. From there, trekkers follow the Markha River, passing through a number of small villages such as Skiu, Markha, and Hankar.
The trek usually takes around 6-7 days to complete and covers a distance of approximately 75 kilometers. Trekkers will be required to cross several high-altitude passes, including the Gongmaru La Pass, which is the highest point on the trek at an altitude of 5,270 meters.
One of the highlights of the trek is the chance to interact with the locals and experience their unique way of life. Trekkers will also have the opportunity to visit several ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples along the way.
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Breathtaking scenery: The trek offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, high-altitude desert landscapes, lush green meadows, and picturesque Ladakhi villages.
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High-altitude passes: The trek includes several high-altitude passes, including the Gongmaru La Pass, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
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Ancient monasteries: The trek takes you past several ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples, such as Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, and Stok Monastery.
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Traditional Ladakhi villages: The trek takes you through several small villages, allowing you to experience the unique culture and way of life of the Ladakhi people.
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Wildlife: The Markha Valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including ibex, blue sheep, and even snow leopards.
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Camping: The trek involves camping in some of the most scenic locations, giving you the opportunity to experience the wilderness and beauty of Ladakh up close.
Day 1 - Arrival Leh
Arrival Leh, Our representative will meet, greet, assist and transfer you to Hotel in Leh. Rest of the day free to acclimatize to the high altitude of Ladakh. In the evening take a walk to the local bazaar in Leh.
Day 2 - Acclimatization at Leh
Early morning drive to Lamayuru. Lamayuru is famous for its ancient monastery and the surrounding landscape, which closely resembles the surface of moon. This is where Ladakh gets its name ‘The Moonland’.
Conflence Of The Zanskar & Indus: On way to Sham Valley before Nimu village one can have this magnificent view of two rivers in wed-lock! In seasons they have different colors and flow and wildness.
MAGNETIC HILL: Defying the Law of gravity. This place is close to the Gurdwara Shri Patthar Sahib. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked on neutral gear on this metallic road the vehicle slides up-hill that’s the Believe it or not of Ladakh!
Alchi monastery: Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa is a Buddhist monastery, known more as a monastic complex (chos-'khor) of temples in Alchi village
Traditionally, the creation of the Alchi complex is attributed to the famous scholar-translator Rinchen Zangpo (958–1055) in the 10th century
Lamayuru monastery: The Drikung history states that the Indian scholar Naropa (956-1041 CE) allegedly caused a lake which filled the valley to dry up and founded Lamayuru Monastery, the oldest surviving building at Lamayuru is a temple called Seng-ge-sgang, at the southern end of the Lamayuru rock, which is attributed to the famous builder-monk Rinchen Zangpo (958-1055 CE). Rinchen Zangpo was charged by the king of Ladakh to build 108 gompas, and certainly many gompas in Ladakh, Spiti Valley and the surrounding regions
Day 3 - Drive Leh to Chilling and trek to Skui
Today we start in Chilling. The bridge to cross the river is broken by the recent flood and hence you get to cross the river in an interesting rope trolley.
All your trek stuff and equipment will be transferred in the similar fashion. Once you cross the river, the horses are loaded and then we are set to start our trek to Markha Valley. Today, we camp at Skiu – A three hour easy trek on mostly flat trail with occasional short ascends and descend.
The trek route is very interesting and the landscape is very fascinating and unique. Sudden appearance of a few green patches on the otherwise barren, creamy mountain adds a unique contrast to the scenery. Sightings of a few wild animals and locals enhance the day. Our campsite is defined and after some 3- 4 hours, we reach our campsite.
Day 4 - Skui to Markha
Waking up to a wonderful morning in Skiu, today we trek to the village of Markha. An easy trek with almost flat walks on most parts of the trail, with occasional short ascents and descends like yesterday's.
The views throughout are breathtaking. Watch out for the different and unique rockscapes and structures of the mountains formed by wind and water erosion. With our previous experiences, we tried to tickle our imagination with the illusions created by these unique structures and strongly supported our conclusions of what they looked like - ‘trunks of elephant’, ‘doorway to a very old tomb’, 'dinosaurs', etc. Its an interesting game to play which keeps us engaged with the mountains continuously and it goes unrealized when we reach our campsite.
Markha is a very beautiful campsite. The campsite is designated on a flat meadow with the a stream flowing by. Do take time out in the evening to visit an old monastery nearby
Day 5 - Markha to Thochungtse
The trek to Thochungtse goes via Hankar from Markha. It is a beautiful trek and takes about 4 - 5 hours. The route to Hankar is mostly flat with occasional ups and downs. Soon, we get a glimpse of Kang Yatse which fills us with excitement. After about 3 hours of trek we reach the beautiful village of Hankar with few houses, lots of greens and the massif of Kang Yatse looks over it. It’s a perfect picturesque setting. It’s a good idea to spend some time here and have our lunch here.After leaving Hankar behind, the terrain changes immediately with no mentionable greens to be seen further. The route is jaw-dropping with unique structures of the mountains and the rocks. Here it’s very easy to spot blue sheep and ibex, snow leopards too! A walk of some 2 - 3 hours brings us to a small grassy plains which is the designated campsite of Thochungtse.
Day 6 - Thochungtse to Nimaling
- Altitude:- 4,800m/15,800ft
Starting the trek from Thochungtse to Nimaling , we climb a mountain hump straight ahead of us. At that altitude, it does take some time, but once done, enjoy up-close views of Kang Yatse. A huge massif, overwhelming us with its presence. Also, the very thought that we will be approaching the to the base of it further adds to our spirit.
Day 7 - Nimaling to Chokdo via Kongmaru La to Leh
- Altitude:- Kongmaru la 5,200m/17,100ft, Chokdo 3,700m/12,100ft
This day will be nostalgic and exciting, as this is the last day of the trek landing to the highest pass of the trek. Also, this day will be filled with surprises. After a strenuous climb of 2 hours to Kongmaru La pass, you will be pleasantly welcomed by the Karakoram Range Mountains and the excellent array of peaks. Hold your breath for the mind-blowing sight of the huge K2 Mountain, the second highest peak in the world. There are prayer flags moving along the wind. To your surprise, there is a good network connection from the pass.
The trail then gradually descends, coinciding with villages to say goodbye. The immediate trail from pass has steep and narrow descend which later opens to Chikirmo village. Throughout the route, you can get indulged into the scenery of Indus valley and Ladakh range. After a gradual climb down and rocky terrain, you will reach Chokdo. This this the last stop of the entire trek, that also has many homestays. Get into the pickup vehicles that will take you to Leh.
Day 8 - Departure Leh.
What is included in the tour
- Transport support from Leh to Leh
- All meals starting
- Professional guide, cook and support staff.
- Clean sleeping bags and mattress
- Good quality ‘A’ shaped or dome tents
- Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
- Forest entry charges for Indian nationals. For non-Indian passport holders, there will be an additional charge
- Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and NOT personal luggage
- Tented accommodation throughout the trek on sharing basis.
- Accommodation on Twin / Triple Sharing Basis
- All applicable taxes
What is NOT included in the tour
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
- Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
- Cost of Sightseeing, Shopping and etc.
- Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, road blocks etc.
- Mule charges to carry personal luggage can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 350 per day (1 soft bag per person < 12 kg)
- Personal Porter/Mule charges to carry personal luggage Rs 1200 per day
| Basic Gear : | |
| Back pack & rain cover | (40 - 50 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps) (can be rented from Mountainfit) |
| Day pack + rain cover | 10 - 20 ltr (If you hire a mule or porter and also for Summit day) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) ) (can be rented from Mountainfit) |
| Head torch | 1 Nos. ) (can be rented from Mountainfit) |
| Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one litre each |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electoral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
| Clothing : | |
| T-shirts | 2 to 3 (Dri Fit Preferred) |
| Full T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
| Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
| Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. (can be rented from Mountainfit) |
| Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
| Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
| Trek pants | 2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
| Poncho (Rain Protection) | 1 Nos. ) (can be rented from Mountainfit) |
| Personal Utilities : | |
| Sunscreen cream | Hand sanitizer |
| Moisturiser | Antibacterial powder |
| Toilet Paper & wipes | Toothbrush and toothpaste |
| Lip balm | Quick dry towel |
| Sun cap | 1 Nos. |
| Woollen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Buff / Bandana | 1 Nos. |
| Sunglasses | U/V protected advisable. |
| Protect your feet : | |
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair (Very useful to roam around camp). |
| Cotton socks | 4 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 2 pairs |
| Gaiters and Crampons | 1 Pair (MountainFit team will notify you if required) |
| Protect your hands : | |
| Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
| Fleece/woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
Few Important Tips:
- Dress in layers: Carry at least 3 layers at the trek. Weather is quite unpredictable so we need to keep ourselves warm. Keep it simple, but warm enough. Pack your backpack as per provided Trek essential list.
- Thermos Flask (1ltr) is very important on winter trek as water in normal bottle freezes due to severe temperature.
- Do not carry any precious items like jewellery at the trek. Mountainfit Team will not be responsible for loss of damage of such items.
- Carry extra plastic bags for wet clothes/garbage/etc. “DO NOT LITTER THE TRAIL, KEEP IT CLEAN”
- Drone and satellite phone is not allowed so please don’t bring any
