The Markha Valley trek is located within the Hamis National Park, which was established in 1981 to protect the valley’s diverse flora and fauna. This remote valley in Ladakh lies within the Zanskar Range gorge, parallel to the Indus Valley, and is renowned for its stunning landscapes. Markha Valley trek is one of the popular and scenic treks in Ladakh. Slightly difficult due the high altitude, however if well acclimatised its a great hike across the beautiful Markha valley overshadowed tall Kangyatse and other majestic peaks. The trek begins at the Chilling village or spituk and crosses through the arid lands, small villages, shepherd camps and passes.
DRIVE TIME: 1.5 HRS (LEH-ZINCHAN)
TREK DISTANCE: 8.5 KM’S/4-5 HOURS (ZINCHAN TO YURUTSE)
ALTITUDE: ZINCHAN 3,530M/11,500FT, YURUTSE 4,148M/13,600FT
Start the day with an early breakfast and proceed for the drive upto chilling which is roughly 65 Km’s from Leh town. The drive from Leh to Zinchan takes roughly 1 Hour and 30 mins through patchy roads. Zinchan is the starting point of our trek. It's a gradual climb from Zinchen to Rumbak. From here one gets fabulous views of the snow capped Stok Mountains. From here we move along the Rumbak Nala towards Yurutse. At Yurutse village you will find fields of barley and potatoes. Overnight in homestay / tent
TREK DISTANCE: 19 KM’S - 6-7 HOURS (YURUTSE TO SHINGO)
ALTITUDE: GANDA-LA 4,961M/16,280FT, SHINGO 3,600M/11,150FT
Today after breakfast gradual climb to Ganda la pass 4961m. The views from top Zanskar range to the south and Ladakh range to the north and Karakoram beyond Ladakh range. Soon after long descent to Shingo 4060m and then on a narrow and stunning gorge leading towards Skyu and the valley opens out. We are in main Markha valley. Overnight and dinner at a local homestay in Skyu village.
DISTANCE: 10.5 KM’S/4 HOURS
ALTITUDE:-SKUI: 3,400M/11,200, SARA: 3,500M/11,490FT
Post breakfast at homestay in Skyu, we will proceed for the day trek to Sara village. The trail from here has a few washout sections requiring you to climb up and down to pass the broken section of the trail. The trail ahead goes through a bridge crossing. 2 km further from this bridge is a clearing known as Narding. Another 3 km ahead is the village of Sara. Overnight at a local homestay and dinner in Sara.
DISTANCE: 11 KM’S/4-5 HOURS
ALTITUDE:- MARKHA 3,700M/12,200FT.
The trail continues through a series of willow and gorse thickets to a bridge over the Markha River. Trekking along the Markha River we get stunning views of the valley below. We will cross the river at and reach Markha (3800m). Markha is the largest village in the valley, consisting of around 20 houses, an old monastery and a ruined fort. Overnight and dinner at a local homestay in Markha village.
Stay: overnight stay at the homestay/tent
Trek Distance: 11 km, Time Taken: approx. 5 hrs.
Altitude: Markha (12,360 ft / 3767 meters.), Hankar (13,990 ft / 4264 meter.)
Altitude gain: 1630 ft / 497 meters.
Trek Grade: Gradual – Moderate
Start your morning with breakfast with hot tea and enjoy Kang Yatse’s view. After walking for a few kilometres, you need to cross the river, and you will reach a small settlement, Umlung, once you have walked through the picturesque village of Hankar.
Trek Distance: 10 km, Time Taken: approx. 6 hrs.
Altitude: Hankar (13,990 ft / 4264 meters.), Nimaling (15,380 ft / 4689 meter.)
Altitude gain: 1390 ft / 425 meters.
Upon waking up the next morning, you will be greeted with a spectacular view. The trek from Hankar will be a steep climb. After that, you will pass through a pass called Zalung Karpo La; you will then be walking through the lower trail till you arrive at the campsite of Thochuntse. Soon after the view of Kang Gyatse Peak remains on our site while trekking. Kang Gyatse Peak dominates the Markha valley. During summer several small doksas look after their sheep, yak, dzo, horse, and goat. Continue trekking across the vast and grassy plains of Nimaling and have a 360° view of the impressive landscape night stay at nimaling.
Trek Distance: 12 km, Time Taken: approx. 6 hrs
Altitude: Nimaling (15,380 ft / 4689 meters.), Kongmaru La (17,050 ft / 5197 meter.), Chokdu (12,800 ft / 3901 meter.)
Today after breakfast continue to the path the trek will take you to the highest point. After crossing small stram gradual steep hill till you reach Kongmaru La Pass 5159 mtr. From there, you will catch sight of the huge, beautiful K2 Mountain, the second-highest mountain peak in the world. The trail then gradually descends through a narrow pass till you reach Chuskurmo. On the way, you will be mesmerized by the view of the Indus Valley and Ladakh ranges. And from there, climb down through the rocky terrain till you reach Chokdu. We pass the small village of Chogdo drive to the Shang Sumdo and continue to Leh.
Cost Includes
- Trekkking guide
- Homestay
- Wildlife perimit
- Meal (B,L,D)
- Pack launch
- Lunch box
- Guide expenses
- Pickup to start point and pickup
Cost Excludes
- Insurance (Mandatory).
- Food during the transit.
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Mule or porter to carry personal luggage.
- Emergency evacuation, hospitalization charge or etc.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusion.
- Airfare and pickup and drop from airport.
- Ruck sack bag with rain cover.
- Day Pack Bag – Recommended for treks with summit day.
- Head Torch with spare Batteries.
- UV protection sunglasses.
- Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each
- Sun screen cream
- Dry fruits
- Sun protection cap
- Walking stick if need
- Trekking shoe , trekking jacket, trek pants, thermal, rain wear, gloves.