Markha Valley Trek

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Total Duration

10 Days

No of Trekking Days

7 Days

Starting Point / Place

Zingchen

Ending Point / Place

Chokdo

Grade

Difficult

Maximum Altitude

5,200 meters / 17,050 feet

Best Time To Visit

May-June,
Sept – December

Price

24500 + 5%GST

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Overview

The Markha Valley trek is amongst the most famous and beautiful treks of Ladakh. It comes under the Hemis national park region. This trek has lot many things to offer. The exploration of the local sightseen around the town of palaces and monasteries during the initial acclimatization days. On the trek you’ll experience the pure Ladakhi tradition, their lifestyle, pure and organic local cuisines, two high altitude passes. The trek starts from a different valley and after crossing the first pass enters into the main Markha valley. During the trek you’ll explore the villages of Yurutse, Shingo, Skiu, Sara, Markha and Hankar with some old monestries, ruined forts. The trek also offers rich wildlife like Mountain Goats, Marmots, Himalayan Pika, Snow Leopard. There are lots of unique and fancy parachutes cafes cum tea stall in between the trail, running by the women of the villages which offers a variety of teas and local juices. You’ll also see the famous Kang Yatse massif. After Hankar there will not be any permanent settlement in the trial. The last campsite is a wide meadow with a big tent settlement, a stream in the middle and home of nomads. After that you’ll have to cross the Kongmaru La which is the highest point of the trek. The trail after the pass is also very fascinating through coloured mountains and deep gorges. In this trek it will be very hot during day time on a bright sunny day so have proper sun protection. The trek ends at Chokdo. The best season to do this trek is June to August.

Available Batches

June 2025

10 June – 19 June (Open)

24 June – 03 July (Open)

July 2025

08 July – 17 July (Open)

22 July – 31 July (Open)

August 2025

05 Aug – 14 Aug (Open)

19 Aug – 28 Aug (Open)

September 2025

02 Sep – 11 Sep (Open)

16 Sep – 25 Sep (Open)

Brief Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 : Report at Leh

Day 2

Rest, acclimatization and sightseen at Leh.

Day 3

Leh to Zingchen Drive to Yurutse

Day 4

Yurutseto Shingo via Ganda La

Day 5

Shingo to Sara

Day 6

Sara to Markha

Day 7

Markha to Hankar

Day 8

Hankar to Nimaling

Day 9

Nimaling to Chokdo and drive to Leh

Day 10

Departure from Leh

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Report at Leh (3500 mts./ 11,500 ft.)

Reach Leh in the morning, check into your respective hotel. Today you’ll have to spend the whole day putting your body at rest. You’re only allowed to go to the market in the evening if you’re feeling 100%. There will be orientation cum briefing + documentation in the evening by the trek leader. Don’t hide anything from him regarding your health. Drink plenty of water. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2 : Rest, acclimatization and sightseen at Leh.

You can spend the day exploring the nearby places of Leh. There are many options for a single-day visit. Reach Leh by late afternoon and spend the evening for last-minute shopping of the trek essentials if you’ve missed anything according to the packing list. Be strict with your water intake. Pack your trekking bag at the night itself so that you don’t miss anything in the morning and be ready on the time tomorrow.

Day 3 : Leh to Zingchen Drive to Yurutse(4,200Mts./14,105 Ft.), Approx. 3-4 hours of trek.

Max. Elevation of the day– Yurutse(4,300Mts./14,105 Ft.) Route Detail– Board your respective vehicle from Leh and drive till Zingchen, which will be 1 hour of drive. The trek starts from here. Today the trail will be very steep. After some time you’ll reach Rumbak village which is very famous for Snow Leopard sighting. Resting for a while at the tea stall and then moving ahead for our destination which is a village of just a single home. It’s a big house with occupancy of around 50 peoples. You’ll reach there by late afternoon. Rest relax and enjoy the stay at the traditional homestay. Overnight stay at the homestay. Highlight of the day– The night sky from the homestay Accommodation– Homestay

Day 4 : Yurutse(4,300Mts./14,105 Ft.) to Shingo via Ganda La (4,900 Mts./16,070 Ft.), Approx.7-8 hours of trek.

Max. Elevation of the day– Ganda La (4,900 Mts./16,070 Ft.) Route Detail– Start the trek after breakfast within next hour you’ll reach the base of Ganda La, after that the trail will be very steep. It will take around 2-3 hours to reach the top of the pass. The view of the pass is amazing. Enjoy the view and then descend down to the destination. You may spot some wildlife like the cute little Marmots and the Blue Sheep during your descent from the pass. Highlight of the day– The views from the pass Accommodation– Homestay Remark– Drink a good amount of water to avoid any short of AMS symptoms.

Day 5 : Shingo (4,100Mts./13,440Ft.) to Sara (3,500Mts./11,480Ft.), Approx. 5-6 hours of trek.

Max. Elevation of the day– Shingo (4,100Mts./13,440Ft.) Route Detail– Today will also be an easy day. From Shingo to Skiu the trail is all the way down with a continuous zig-zag through the stream. This trail is through a narrow gorge till Skiu. At Skiu you’ll meet the Markha river a tributary of Zanskar . After Skiu the valley opens up and the trail ahead till Sara is a gradual one along the Markha river. It will be very hot if it’s a sunny day. Reach the destination by afternoon. Overnight stay at homestay. Highlight of the day– The villages of Skiu and Sara Accommodation– Homestay

Day 6 : Sara (3,500Mts./11,480Ft.) to Markha (3,710mts. /12,170 ft.), Approx. 4 hours of trek.

Max. Elevation of the day– Markha (3,710mts. /12,170 ft.) Route Detail– Today will be the easiest day as the distance is short and the terrain is also not very steep. You can your day a little late and reach Markha by afternoon. Markha, the biggest village in the valley. There is an old monastery, a small school, and a ruined fort in the village. The village also has many big fields. Check into your respective homestay spend the evening exploring the monastery. Overnight stay in the homestay. Highlight of the day– The Village Accommodation– Homestay

Day 7 : Markha (3,710mts. /12,170 ft.) to Hankar (4,005 mts./13,130 ft.), 10 km., Approx. 7 hours of trek.

Max. Elevation of the day– Hankar (4,005 mts./13,130 ft.) Route Detail– Start the day after breakfast, you’ll be going through the green fields of the village. The view of the village from the fields is also very nice. After one hour you’ll reach a spot where you’ll have to the river. Try to cross the river as early as possible so that the water level will be low. After the refreshing river crossing trek for your next surprise i.e., Techa Gompa. A small monastery situated on a steep hill. Explore the gompa, you’ll get a birds-eye view of the valley from the top. There is a sharp pinnacle just in front of the gompa whose shape is also very interesting. Later ahead you’ll again have to cross the river this time by the bridge. The valley again opens up and you’ll reach your destination, Hankar Village. The village is divided into two parts lower and upper. The famous ruined fort is at the Upper Hankar. Check into your respective homestay and spend the evening exploring the Fort. You can imagine that how royal the fort was in the past. The view from the top is amazing. Today you’ll also get a glimpse of your destination, the Kang Yaste 2 peak. Overnight stay in the homestay. This will be your last stay in the homestay as, after Hankar, there is no permanent settlement in the valley. Highlight of the day– Techa Gonpa, River crossing and the fort of Hankar Accommodation– Homestay Remark– Be very careful during your Techa Gonpa and Hankar fort visit

Day 8 : Hankar (4,005 mts./13,130 ft.) to Nimaling (4,726 mts./15,500 ft.) 14 km., Approx. 7 hours

Max. Elevation of the day– Nimaling (4,726 mts./15,500 ft.) Route Detail– Today the trail will be majorly uphill right from the starting. We’ll be going through the green fields of Hankar along the stream. The next stop will be Thachungsey, having nice camping ground and a parachute café. After that, a steep ascends for about 1.5 hours will take you to a top from where the view of the valley is amazing. A little ahead you’ll find two small lakes. The view of Kang Yatse peak, from this place, is astounding. Have your pack lunch here. There will no be any steep section ahead till the campsite. You’ll also spot wildlife such as Blue Sheep, Marmot, and Himalayan Pika today. Nimaling is a big meadow just below Kongmaru La with a stream flowing. Right in the middle of it. There is a big tent settlement there and a shop also. You can get a glimpse of peaks like Kang Yatse 1 & 2, Zozongo from here. Go for the acclimatization walk and have dinner afterward. Overnight stay in the camps. Highlight of the day– Glimpse of Kang Yatse, Lakes and the campsite. Wildlife such as Blue Sheep, Marmot and Himalayan Pika. Accommodation– Tents on twin sharing basis Remark– Acclimatization walk is must. Today you might face a difficulty in sleep as it will be your 1st stay in the tents and the altitude is also high.

Day 9 : Nimaling (4,726 mts./15,500 ft.) to Chokdo and drive to Leh, 16 km, 7-8 hours of trek. 3 hours of drive

Max. Elevation of the day– Kongmaru La (5,200 mts./17,050 ft.) Route Detail– The trail till the top of the pass is visible from the camp. From Nimaling there will be a steep ascent for about 2 hrs, till the top of the pass. Enjoy the view from the pass and then descend down on the steep trail. You’ll enter a gorge after that the trail is a mix of up and down. The landscapes today is ultimate, you can relate them with the Grand Canyon. There will be a tea stall at Chuskryurmo. In the next one hour, you’ll reach Chokdo the roadhead. The sound of the horns of the car will be surprising after 7 days of isolation from civilization. Board into your respective vehicle and return to Leh. You can also explore the largest monastery of Leh, Hemis. If you reach Chokdo on time. Enjoy the luxury of the Hotel. Spend the night with a grand celebration of the summit. Overnight stay in the Hotels. Highlight of the day– The view from the pass and the route Accommodation– Hotel

Day 10 : Departure from Leh

Checkout from your hotel, reach airport and fly back home with loads of adventurous memories.

Inclusions

Complete accommodation for the whole trip as mentioned in the itinerary.
All meals during the trek as per menu.(Veg and Egg)
Services of mountaineering course qualified Outdoor Leaders with First-Aid certifications.
Services of experienced support staff (guide, cook and helper).
Porters and mules for carrying common supplies.
Safety equipment like rope, harness, carabiner, pulley.
Forest permits / Camping charges (up to the amount charged for Indian nationals.
All sorts of emergency and communication equipment first-aid kit, oxygen cylinder, walkie talkie etc.

Exclusions

Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.
Hotel meals in Leh.
Insurance fee.
Backpack offloading charges. If you want to offload, you’ll have to pay extra.
Additional services during hotel & homestays
Any expense of personal nature.
Any cost arising due to unforeseen events and natural calamities.
Anything apart from the inclusions.

Packing List

Ensure a smooth adventure with our comprehensive Packing List. From essential gear to personal items, we’ve got everything covered. Prepare efficiently for your outdoor journey, so you can focus on enjoying the experience with Advait Outdoors.

For complete details, click on this link

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to do the Markha Valley Trek?

The best time for the Markha Valley Trek is from May to September, when the weather is pleasant, the trails are accessible, and the views of the Himalayan landscape are at their best.

How difficult is the Markha Valley Trek?

The trek is considered moderate to difficult, suitable for trekkers with good fitness levels. It involves long walking hours, river crossings, and high-altitude passes, including the Kongmaru La Pass at 17,060 feet.

What kind of gear or equipment is needed for the Markha Valley Trek?

Essential gear includes comfortable trekking shoes, warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, trekking poles, a sleeping bag, a backpack, water bottles, and a personal first aid kit.

What is the duration of the trek?

The Markha Valley Trek typically takes 8-10 days, covering approximately 65-75 km, depending on the route and pace.

What are the food and accommodation options during the trek?

Trekkers can find homestays in Markha Valley villages for a unique cultural experience, along with campsites provided by trekking organizers. It is advisable to carry snacks like nuts, energy bars, and chocolates for additional energy.

Why Advait Outdoors?

Something for everyone
SafeTravels protocols for the ‘New’ normal
Exceptional Certified Leaders
Small group adventures (5-12 members per trip)
Fantastic meals
Top of the line gear
Responsible tour operator

Cancellation & Refund Policy

If it becomes necessary to cancel your trip, you must notify Advait Outdoors immediately in writing. Once we receive your notice, the cancellation will take effect.

Please note that the following charges will apply to cancellation:

Cancellation up to 45 days prior to the departure date of the Trip (Trek/Expedition etc.) 5% deduction of the total amount of the trip OR 100% Trip fee back as an AdvaitOutdoors voucher (valid for one year).
Cancellation between 45 to 30 days prior to the departure date of the Trip (Trek/Expedition etc.) 25% deduction of the total amount of the Trip OR 80% Trip fee back as an AdvaitOutdoors voucher (valid for one year).
Cancellation between 30 to 15 days prior to the departure date of the Trip (Trek/Expedition etc.) 50% deduction of the total amount of the Trip OR 60% Trip fee back as an AdvaitOutdoors voucher (valid for one year).
Less than 15 days of departure date of the Trip (Trek/Expedition etc.) No monetary refund OR 40% Trip fee back as an AdvaitOutdoors voucher (valid for one year).

In the rare event of the Trip (Trek/Expedition etc.) cancellation from our side, we’ll follow the below mentioned policy: We almost never cancel our Trip (Trek/Expedition etc.). But there are many variables beyond our control like {weather condition,landslides, road condition and any other “force measure condition” or unexpected political unrest, curfews, local riots, government orders, unexpected global health issues} due to which we have to cancel the Trip (Trek/Expedition, etc.) under such circumstances Advait Outdoors will refund 50% of the total amount of the trip or issue a voucher (valid for one year) for the full amount of your Trip (Trek/Expedition, etc.).

Note: All cancellation refunds will be processed back to the bank account or the credit card account from which the Trip fee has been paid

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Testimonials & Reviews

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The overall experience was amazing.
Food was amazing, so were the supporting staff. Rohit, trek leader, is well experienced and shares his knowledge periodically. Also took care of us well. Thanks Advait. Looking forward to more adventures with you guys.

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The best team we have ever come across. Trek leaders Rohit and Lalit are amazing, highly professional and passionate individuals, took good care of all and made sure we are well fed with amazing food ❤.Had an amazing time together. A big thumbs up to them. I would recommend Advait outdoors 100% for our next outdoor adventures. Love them !!

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Till we meet again. Stay healthy and stay fit.

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ABC trek in April 2022,
The trek was led by Lalit, co-founder, shared by Lalit, very knowledgeable and experienced person. As a team we didn’t face any single issue throughout the Trek. All was planned and executed very well by Advait Outdoor,had some good times, trek, dance, eat, sing etc...
Planning for next outing Manali to leh with them in June 2023.

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Advait Outdoors, a trekking company founded by Rohit and Lalit has become a default choice for me to go on any trek. Especially when it is something that is considered one of the toughest as Kalindi Khal, my recent trek. After completion, I was pleased with my decision.After this trek with Lalit and another one with Rohit (Pin Parvati Pass) in which we had to face severely adverse weather, my confidence in them and Advait Outdoors, have grown many bounds.

Prashant C ChaturvediMountaineer and Writer

Hi all, Being mountain lovers, we decided to do our first trek to Sandhakphu Phalut , Since the climb was less steeper and the terrain flat n scenic to our comfort. Ideally such treks could feel monotonous due to lengthy walks, but thanks to our trek leader Rohit, that everything seemed perfect.
He was patient, smiling, timebound, helpful and extremely respectful towards the group. He made sure everything was perfect, specially the safety and the food. Had a very nice experience with him. Love to go on a trek with him again.
Thank u Rohit for being a perfect leader.

SuriyaActor

I did Sandhakphu Phalut Trek with Rohit,
Had a wonderful experience with him. He takes care of all the aspects and had every emergency item carried in his bag pack for all of us (group of 8) including candies too. We heard some of his adventurous stories about his previous treks which made us wanna trek again. Very rarely do we come across youngsters with utmost maturity, principles intact and true to their job. Rohit was all of that. If we do travel soon again, we would definitely contact him to be our leader again. Thank u Rohit for your perfect leadership and guidance

JyotikaActress