The Markha Valley Trek is one of the best in India’s Ladakh region.
The Markha Valley Trek promises a striking contrast of scenery: desert landscapes, river valleys, alpine meadows, and roaming wildlife. It’s an outdoorsy wonderland for anyone seeking a rugged, mountainous getaway!
The eight-day Markha Trek takes you deep into a pocket of India’s massive backyard—hello, Himalayas—submerses in the wild and introduces you to fascinating elements of India’s culture. Catch glimpses of India outside the monstrous, well-known cities of Leh and Markha.
Trekkers with moderate hiking experiences can tackle this beautiful, guided trek cutting through the Markha Valley, but note the high altitude before going!
Highlights of the Markha Valley Trek
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Markha Valley Trek Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Leh
Transfer to hotel. Relax and acclimatize. Then, visit Leh market in the evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leh (3500m / 11482’)
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Acclimatize in Leh
Take this day to get used to the climate. You can also take an optional trip to the Leh palace and the Shey, Thikse and Hemis gompas. Don’t forget to do any last-minute shopping in the Leh market.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leh (3500m / 11482’)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Trek to Sara
Get ready for your first day of trekking! The trail goes through a flat and desolate plain along the river Indus and swings into the mountains along the pretty, willow lined Zingchen gorge.
Overnight Location: Camp in Himalayas (3800m / 12467’)
Distance: 10km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Hike from Skiu to Markha
Today’s trail will have you crossing the Markha river a couple times. There are ancient chortens along the trail and a number of wolf pits used to trap wolves when they roam the valley during the winter months. Markha is a big village, complete with a derelict fort on the hillside and a small village monastery.
Overnight Location: Camp in Himalayas (4150m / 13615’)
Distance: 14km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Go from Markha to Thachungtse
Stretch your limbs, and prepare for another on the trail, where phenomenal views await. Kang Yatse, a lofty, snow-capped mountain, captures your sightline for the next two days. On the walk there are sights of some fascinating geological creations of large boulders balanced precariously on top of consolidated earth spikes. Continue down over a bridge to Thachungtse, a popular place to spot blue sheep slide up and down the steep cliffs with incredible agility.
Overnight Location: Camp in Himalayas (4720m / 15485’)
Distance: 14km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Trek Thachungtse to Nimaling
Pass several Mani walls before coming across a small lake. The view is wonderful from here – both of Kang Yatse, whose bulk gets reflected in the still waters of the lake, and also of the Markha Valley which you are now well above. Descend slowly to the valley of Nimaling, which has a semi-permanent population of villagers who come from the Markha Valley to graze their livestock on the summer pastures.
Overnight Location: Camp in Himalayas (5200m / 17060’)
Distance: 8km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Reach the top
Today you will climb the last short but steep slope to the top (5200 m), where you will find unforgettable views over the Zanskar Range and of the vertical ice walls on the north face of Kang Yaze. It takes around three hours to climb to the top. The descent initially is quite steep and then eases out to reach Chuskirmo, where you will board waiting vehicles for the two-hour drive back to Leh. Wash up & spend the evening shopping in Leh.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leh (3500m / 11482’)
Distance: 13km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Transfer to the airport
Take an early morning transfer to the airport for your flight. Your trip ends here!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Markha Valley Trek Price and Dates
This guided tour can be run either as a private departure for your group only or you can choose to join a mixed group on a scheduled departure.
Private Guided Tour
Have your own private tour with just your group! Prices below are per person:
- Guided Groups of 6-10: $1,325 USD
Join a Group Tour
Make new friends and join a group departure. Prices below are per person:
Accommodation on Markha Valley Trek
This tour is based in tents and hotels. Hotels on this trip offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Omasila in Leh ★★★
Hotel Omasila in Leh offers travelers a comfortable and convenient stay amidst the stunning Himalayan landscapes, with modern amenities and warm hospitality.
Camping in the Himalayas
Enjoy camping under the stars at various scenic locations throughout the Himalayas.
Hotel Omasila in Leh ★★★
Hotel Omasila in Leh offers travelers a comfortable and convenient stay amidst the stunning Himalayan landscapes, with modern amenities and warm hospitality.
What’s Included in the Markha Valley Trek?
Meals
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 8 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the Markha Valley Trek are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, including transfers to and from the airport.
Also included
- English-speaking guide
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and permits where applicable
- Common trekking equipment
- Camp staff and cooks
- Portage for up to 15kg per person
- GST (5%)
Not included
- Flights to and from Leh
- Meals, drinks (such as bottled water), or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Expenses incurred from nature or out-of-control circumstances
- Sleeping bag
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Frequently Asked Questions about Markha Valley Trek
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