MARKHA VALLEY

OVERVIEW

MARKHA VALLEY

Markha Valley is a captivating Himalayan valley located in the Leh district of Ladakh, within the vast expanse of the Hemis National Park. Flanked by the Stok and Zanskar mountain ranges, it is celebrated for its stark yet mesmerising beauty, traditional Ladakhi culture, and spiritual serenity. The valley is dotted with quaint villages like Skiu, Markha, and Hankar, where whitewashed mud-brick houses, fluttering prayer flags, and ancient Buddhist monasteries offer a glimpse into the region's deep-rooted heritage.

The Markha Valley Trek is one of Ladakh's most iconic trekking routes. Starting from Chilling or Spituk, it leads adventurers through dramatic gorges, high mountain passes like Ganda La and Kongmaru La, lush riverbanks, and wide barren landscapes, all under the shadow of towering peaks such as Kang Yatse II and Stok Kangri. Along the way, trekkers may encounter wildlife like blue sheep, marmots, and golden eagles, as well as yaks grazing in high-altitude pastures.

The trek is not only a physical journey but also a cultural and spiritual one, with visits to remote monasteries and interactions with warm-hearted locals living in harmony with their rugged environment. With its raw beauty and cultural depth, Markha Valley stands as a profound experience for those seeking both adventure and connection with Ladakh’s timeless essence.

Day 1: Arrival in Leh

Altitude: 3,500 m/ 11,500 ft.
Note: Markha Valley Trek is 7 days and the highest altitude is 17,100 ft. If you are looking for a more challenging adventure in Leh, try out the Twin Peaks Expedition. You can go for either Kang Yatse II or Dzo Jongo Peak as well.

Day 2: Acclimatisation in Leh

Acclimatisation and sightseeing in Leh.
Can visit monasteries: Shey, Thiksey, Sangam, and Hemis.
Note: Downhill cycling tour around Leh without straining the body.

Day 3: Drive Leh to Skiu, then trek to Sara

Altitude: Skiu- 3,400 m/ 11,150 ft. Sara- 3600 m/11800 ft.
Drive Distance: 70 km | 2-3 hrs.
Trek Distance: 11 km | 5-6 hrs.

Day 4: Sara to Markha

Altitude: Markha- 3,700 m/ 12,200 ft.
Trek Distance: 10 km | 5-6 hours

Day 5: Markha To Hankar

Altitude: 4,100m/ 13,400 ft.
Trek Distance: 13 km | 7 - 8 hrs.

Day 6: Hankar To Nimaling

Altitude: 4,800 m/ 15,800 ft.
Trek Distance: 12 km | 7 - 8 hrs.

Day 7: Nimaling To Chokdo via Kongmaru La And Drive To Leh

Altitude: Kong Maru La - 5,200 m/ 17,300 ft | Chokdo - 3,900 m/ 12,900 ft.
Trek Distance: 13 km | 7 - 8 hrs.
Drive to Leh: 60 km | 3 hrs

Price

22499/-

Here’s your trekking essentials list:

Trekking Gear and Clothing

Up to -10° jacket
Backpack with rain cover- (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps
Day pack with rain cover- 20 - 30 ltr (If off-load opted)
Walking stick
Fleece or woollen layer
Base layer
Inners
Raincoat or poncho (lightweight)
Head torch/torch
Trekking shoes (better if waterproof)
Trekking pole (optional)
Woollen pants/thick pants
Woolen socks
Hand gloves
Inner Thermal (for extreme cold)
Slippers
Cap
Sunglasses

Personal Items and Essentials

Water bottle
Small-sized tiffin/lunch box
Hand sanitizer
Tissue paper
Toiletries
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Sunscreen
Basic medicines
Towel
Power bank
Speaker (if you have)

*CANCELLATION POLICY

INCLUDED

Accommodation (as per the itinerary): Guest house in Leh on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 7 as per the itinerary(double sharing/triple sharing). Camping/Home stay during the trek.
Meals (Veg + Egg): All meals while on trek as per itinerary from day 3 lunch to day 7 packed lunch.
Support: 1 Versatile base camp manager handles communication and deploys extra manpower in emergencies. 1 Mountaineering & First Aid qualified professional trek Leader. 1 Experienced high-altitude chef. Local experienced guides (Number of guides depending on the group size). Enough support staff.
Trek equipment: Sleeping bag, sleeping liners (if required), Mattress, Utensils. 3 men all-season trekker tent (twin sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet tent. Camping stool, Walkie-talkie. Ropes, Helmet, Ice axe, Harness, Gaiters & Crampon (if required).
First aid: Medical kit, Stretcher, Oxygen cylinder, Blood pressure monitor, Oximeter, and Stethoscope.
Transportation (as per the itinerary): Transport from the Leh guest house to Zinchen and return from Chokdo as per the itinerary.
Mules/porters to carry the central luggage.
A cloakroom facility is available at the base camp for additional luggage.
All necessary permits are included, up to the amount charged for Indian nationals.
Trek Completion Certificate.

EXCLUDED

Insurance (Mandatory).
Food during the transit.
Any kind of personal expenses.
Mule or porter to carry personal luggage.
Emergency evacuation, hospitalisation charge, etc.
Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusion.
Airfare and pickup, and drop-off from the airport.
Environment fee: Environment fee + ILP: Approx Rs. 600 to Rs700 per person. (As per the new Guidelines, need to pay in Leh only).