DIFFICULTY
Moderate
DURATION
8 Days
BEST TIME
July – Sept
COST
INR 58000
OVERVIEW
Markha Valley, situated in the Zanskar range to the west of Leh, has been a favored destination among backpackers and mountaineers for many years. The valley is home to ancient villages, including Skiyu, Sara, Markha, and Hankar, spread across the area from Chilling to Nimaling, which serves as a base camp for mountaineers attempting the Kang Yatse I & II peaks. The trek begins at an altitude lower than that of Leh town and gradually ascends to Nimaling, which is at an elevation of 4,500 meters. From there, trekkers cross the Kongmaru La (5100 meters) before finishing the circuit in Chokdo.
The trek takes adventurers through the land of fluttering colorful prayer flags, mane walls, high passes, exotic wildlife, and unusual shear canyons. The trail passes through authentic villages, offering a glimpse into the Ladakhi culture. Trekkers must navigate through many river crossings, some of which are waist-deep. The Markha Valley trek offers mesmerizing views of Mt Kang Yatse, unique rocky canyons, and plenty of wildlife. The most charming aspect of this trek is, however, the picturesque villages, where humble mud houses are surrounded by lush green fields amidst the barren mountains of Ladakh. With its unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, the Markha Valley trek is a must-do for any avid trekker looking to explore the rugged terrain of the Himalayas.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation in Leh on sharing basis
- All meals throughout the trek (Day1 lunch to Day8 breakfast)
- Airport transfers (drop & pickup)
- Tents, Sleeping Bags & Mattresses
- Toilet tents & camp chairs
- Ponies to carry central load
- First-aid medical kits
- Qualified & experienced Trek Leader, Guide, and Support Staff
- Transport from Leh to Road head and return
- Camp setup during the trek
- Participants will get an exclusive discount on all Fast&Up products.
EXCLUSIONS
- Travel till Leh
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage (available at Rs 4500)
- Single occupancy room or Individual tent (available at extra cost).
- Meals during road journeys.
- Personal clothing & Insurance.
- Costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like bad weather, landslides.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions.
- Tips to ground staff (Guides & Porters)
PREPARATION GUIDE
- Have Previous High altitude Trekking/Mountaineering Experience.
- Weight train the body. Walk uphill or stairs steps with a weighted backpack.
- Strength training for the lower body and core. Do planks, crunches, and cycle.
- Doing the Markha Valley trek requires a fit body and a conscious mind. One needs to be exercising regularly for the past couple of months.
- Any high-altitude trek requires you to build a good amount of cardiovascular endurance. Jogging is the best exercise to increase your stamina.
- You need strong legs to successfully finish a high-altitude trek. Squats are the best way to build leg strength quickly—especially your thighs, glutes, and knees.
- For detailed advice and coordination, we’ll have a WhatsApp group
THINGS TO PACK
For Your Head:
- Woolen warm cap to protect against cold winds
- Balaclava for extra warmth
- Bandana (can be used as a sweatband or to cover your face from dust)
For Your Feet:
- 2-3 pairs of regular socks
- 1 pair of thick woolen socks for warmth
- Trekking boots with ankle support and good grip
- Extra pair of comfortable sneakers or shoes to wear at the campsite
For Your Hands:
- 1-2 pairs of warm inner gloves
- 1 pair of waterproof gloves to keep your hands dry
- Hand warmers (optional, but useful in very cold weather)
- A pair of fleece gloves for extra insulation
Clothing: The Armor of the Adventurer:
- 1 pair of thermal innerwear (top and bottom) for base warmth
- 2 pairs of lightweight, quick-dry trekking pants
- 1 pair of windproof and waterproof Gore-Tex trousers
- 1 Gore-Tex or waterproof jacket for wind and rain protection
- 1 poncho (optional) for sudden rain
- 1 fleece jacket for light warmth
- 3–4 full-sleeve dry-fit T-shirts for layering
- 1 heavy down or padded jacket for extreme cold
Navigational & Survival Gear:
- 20L backpack (for water, snacks, fleece, etc.)
- Duffel bag (provided by us; carried by mules/porters)
- 1 trekking pole (or 2 for better balance)
- Tiffin box for packed lunch
- Filter water bottle
- Thermos flask (for warm water or tea)
Personal Care Compact:
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Face towel, tissues & wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer & lip balm
- Moisturizer (optional but helpful in dry climate)
- Personal medication kit
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Illumination & Eye Protection:
- Headlamp with extra batteries – a must-have for night treks and early morning starts
- Sunglasses – Polarized, Category 4 with 100% UV protection and a wrap-around fit to guard your eyes from harsh sun glare and snowy reflections. Carry a backup pair just in case.
Soul Nourishment:
- Camera – capture the beauty and magic of the mountains
- Music player or earphones – enjoy peaceful moments with your favorite tunes
- Books or playing cards – perfect for downtime and relaxing at camp
