Markha Valley Trek

Himalayan Trekking

Moderate

Markha Valley Trek

Max Altitude

7 Days

53 Km

Ladakh

India

Overview

Trek Name: Markha Valley Trek

Days: 7

Adventure Type: Trekking

Base Camp: Leh

Season:Summer | Monsoon |

Country: India

Altitude: 17300 Ft.

Grade: Moderate

Rail Head: Manali is the nearest rail head to the base camp

Stay: Camping (Twin sharing) & Hotel/Guesthouse (Separate for male & Female)

Food: Meals while on trek

Location: Ladakh

Distance: 53 Km.

Trail Type: Cross over trail | Start in one valley, traverse the pass, and ends in another valley.

AirPort: Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee)

Highlights:

Services Leh to Leh | Included Transport.

Who Can Participate

Age Requirement:
- Minimum 12 years
First-timers are welcome, though prior trekking experience is preferred. Good fitness is a must.
Fitness Criteria:
- The Trekker should have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance by jogging in 33 minutes without stress or 10 km of distance in 75 minutes without stress
- If the trekker prefers cycling he/she should be able to cycle 15 km of distance in 45 minutes.
If the trekker wants to carry a backpack then he/she should be able to carry a 10-12 kg backpack. If opt Off-load option then the trekker should be able to carry 3-5 kg backpack.
If a trekker’s BMI is more or less than the normal range (18-28), please consult our Trek Coordinator before booking.

Itinerary

Day-1: Arrival in Leh

Altitude: 3,500 m/ 11,500 ft.

Note:

Markha Valley Trek is of 7 days and the highest altitude is of 17,100 ft. If you are looking for 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: Acclimatization in Leh

Acclimatization and sightseeing in Leh.
Can visit monasteries: Shey, Thiksey, Sangam, and Hemis.

Note: Downhill cycling tour around Leh without straining 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: 75 km | 2-3 hrs.
Trek Distance: 4-5 km | 2 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

Note:

Keep a buffer day in your travel plan.
If buffer day is not used in the travel then it can be used to Explore Leh.
Distance, Altitude, and Trekking hours are approximate and rounded off.
Keep the original and copy of ID proof handy.
Come one day early if planning to come by flight.

Day 1: Arrival in Leh

Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,500 ft
Check-in hotel
Trek briefing at 5 PM (mandatory)
Bring ID proof and 2 photographs
Network available (postpaid only)
ATM available
Trekking equipment available for purchase or rent

The Markha Valley trek begins from Leh. Since Leh lies at high altitude, it is important to rest and allow your body to acclimatize. Avoid exertion, alcohol and smoking on the first day.

You may explore the cafes, markets and monasteries of Leh city. Spend the evening resting so your body can adjust to the altitude.

Day 2: Acclimatization in Leh

Acclimatization and sightseeing in Leh
Visit monasteries like Shey, Thiksey and Hemis
Avoid high altitude passes
Stay in hotel

This extra day helps your body adjust to the altitude. Explore Leh city, visit monasteries and interact with locals. Avoid strenuous activities so your body acclimatizes properly.

You may also visit Shanti Stupa during sunset and explore Leh Bazaar.

Day 3: Drive from Leh to Skiu and Trek to Sara

Skiu: 3,400 m / 11,150 ft
Sara: 3,600 m / 11,800 ft
Drive Distance: 75 km | 2–3 hrs
Trek Distance: 4–5 km | 2 hrs

Today you drive from Leh to Skiu passing famous landmarks like Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnet Hill and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers.

From Skiu you begin trekking along the Markha River. The trail passes through small settlements, green patches of farmland and rocky terrain before reaching Sara village.

Day 4: Sara to Markha

Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,200 ft
Trek Distance: 10 km | 5–6 hrs

Start your trek through cold desert landscapes and cross wooden bridges and streams along the route. You will pass the village of Chalak with tea houses and small settlements.

Eventually reach Markha village, the largest village in the valley. Visit the monastery and ruins of Markha fort before camping overnight.

Day 5: Markha to Hankar

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

Today the trek continues through the upper Markha valley with stunning landscapes and river crossings. You will pass Umling village which has the last teahouse on the trail.

From here you get your first view of Mt. Kang Yatse. Continue trekking to Hankar village where you will stay overnight.

Day 6: Hankar to Nimaling

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

Today is a relatively shorter but scenic trek. The trail climbs gradually through alpine pastures and streams.

Enjoy spectacular views of Kang Yatse peak and reach the beautiful grassland campsite of Nimaling, one of the most scenic camps on the trek.

Day 7: Nimaling to Chokdo via Kongmaru La and Drive to Leh

Kongmaru 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

This is the final day of the trek. Climb to Kongmaru La Pass for stunning views of the Karakoram Range and surrounding peaks.

Descend through rocky trails to Chokdo village and drive back to Leh, concluding the Markha Valley adventure.

Trek Essentials

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	Advisable (At least one)
Water Bottle / Hydration pack	2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask.
Small size tiffin/lunch box	1 Nos
Snacks	Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors
Personal Medical Kit	Consult your doctor

T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry)	2 Full & 2 Half sleeves
Fleece T-shirt	1 Nos
Fleece jacket	1 Nos
Windproof Jacket	1 Nos
Down feather / Hollow jacket	1 Nos
Thermal inner (Upper and Lower)	1 Pair
Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry)	3 Nos
Fleece Pant	Not required
Waterproof gloves	Not required
Fleece / woollen gloves	1 Pair
Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant	1 Nos

Head torch	1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch)
Sun Cap	1 Nos
Woolen cap	1 Nos.
Balaclava	1 Nos.
Buff / Neck-gaiters	1 Synthetic & 1 Woollen
Sunglasses	UV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles – (A)- Use contact lenses \| (B)- Photo chromatic glasses

Trekking shoes	1 Pair (Water-resistant, high ankle, good grip)
Floaters / flip-flops	1 Pair
Cotton socks	6 pairs
Woollen socks	1 pairs
Gaiters	1 Pair (NK provides when required)
Micro spikes	1 Pair (NK provides when required)

Sunscreen	1 Nos
Moisturiser	1 Nos
Chap-stick / Lip balm	1 Nos
Toothbrush and toothpaste	1 Nos
Toilet paper & Wipes	1 Nos
Soap / hand sanitizers	1 Nos
Antibacterial powder	1 Nos
Quick dry towel	1 Nos

FAQs

The best time for the Markha Valley Trek is from mid-May to mid-September when the weather is relatively stable and the trails are accessible. During these months, the landscapes are beautiful and mostly free from heavy snow. However, weather in the mountains can change quickly, so trekkers should be prepared for sudden temperature changes.

The highest point of the Markha Valley Trek is Kongmaru La Pass, which stands at about 17,300 ft (5,270 meters). This pass offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

The Markha Valley Trek is considered a moderate-level trek. It involves long walking hours across remote Ladakh terrain. Although the trail is manageable, proper acclimatization is essential due to the high altitude.

The last reliable ATM before the Markha Valley Trek is in Leh. After leaving Leh, there are no ATM facilities available along the trekking route.

The Markha Valley Trek typically takes about 7 days from Leh to Leh. It is recommended to keep additional buffer days for acclimatization and possible weather-related delays.

A common itinerary for the trek is:

Day 1: Arrival in Leh
Day 2: Acclimatization in Leh
Day 3: Drive from Leh to Skiu and trek to Sara
Day 4: Trek from Sara to Markha
Day 5: Trek from Markha to Hankar
Day 6: Trek from Hankar to Nimaling
Day 7: Trek from Nimaling to Chokdo via Kongmaru La Pass and drive back to Leh

Yes, beginners can attempt the Markha Valley Trek if they have good physical fitness. Since the trek involves high altitude and long walking days, proper preparation and acclimatization are important.

The trek begins in Leh, Ladakh. Trekkers can fly to Leh from major cities like Delhi or Mumbai. From Leh, a drive takes you to Skiu village, which is the starting point of the trek.

The Markha Valley region is home to wildlife such as Himalayan ibex, blue sheep (bharal), marmots, and various mountain birds. Wildlife sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

Accommodation during the trek is usually in basic guesthouses, homestays, or tents depending on the location. These facilities are simple but comfortable, reflecting the remote Himalayan environment.

Yes, altitude sickness is possible because the trek reaches high elevations, especially at Kongmaru La Pass. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and a gradual pace are important to reduce the risk.

The trek package generally includes accommodation during the trek, meals, transportation to and from the trekking route, trekking equipment, a first aid kit, and support staff such as guides and trek leaders.

Some of the best trekking options in Ladakh include:

Markha Valley Trek
Kang Yatse II Trek
Kang Yatse I & II Combined Trek
Stok Kangri Trek
Chadar Trek

Payment & Cancellation Policy:

When you have firmly decided to undertake the Tour with New Knight Adventure, you will need to book the trip with us. We must allocate enough time to prepare, obtain necessary documents and permits, and book hotels and Transport for the trip.
25% advance during the time of booking for confirmation
50% Amount one month prior of arrival in India
25% Amount to be one week prior of arrival in India

Cancellation Policy:

• If the cancellation is made 30 days before the tour starts, 25% of the full payment will be deducted and 75% will be refunded.
• If the cancellation is made 20 days before the tour start, 35% of the full payment will be deducted and 65% will be refunded
• If the cancellation is made 10 days before the tour start, 80% will be deducted and 20% will be refunded.
• No refund is made if the trip is cancelled after the departure for Expedition.
• No refund is made during the running tour.
• The cost of travel permit or any other documentation charges will not be refundable

Note: New Knight Adventure do all the ground operations in advance (As soon as we received the confirmation request from the guest). We pay advance payment to all our vendors to ensure all the services that we promise with the guest.