MARKHA VALLEY

5200 Meters | Ladakh

MARKHA VALLEY

5200 Meters | Ladakh

DIFFICULTY

Moderate

DURATION

8 Days

BEST TIME

July – Sept

COST

INR 58000

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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.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Leh

Take it easy today as it’s your first day at 11,500 ft. We recommend a short walk through the main Bazaar in Leh.

Day 2: Acclimatization in Leh

Walk to Shanti Stupa in the morning. Market visit for final shopping before the start of the trek. If time permits, visit the Leh Palace in the evening and back to your hotel.

Day 3: Drive to Skiyu

We depart from Leh post breakfast for Skiyu, which is a 2 hour drive from Leh. On the way you can stop for a quick visit to the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, an old Gurudwara that is a popular stop among travellers on this route. Today we Trek from Skiyu to the village of Sara (3500 meters). The approx distance is 10 kms and it will be a comfortable hike through the narrow Markha Valley.

Day 4: Sara to Markha

Today we will gradually gain 200 meters in altitude over a distance of 10-11 kms to reach the Markha village (3700 meters), after which the valley is named. Markha is the largest village on this route among all other habitations you will be crossing.

Day 5: Markha to Thachungtse

The route from Markha to Thachungste gradually takes you along the Markha river, upstream. Today you will cross two small villages of Umlung & Hankar. Today is the longest day on the trek with a distance approaching 19 kms. And max altitude touching at 4,200 meters at Thachungste.

Day 6: Thachugste to Nimaling

Today’s route is all about soaking in the stunning landscape of Ladakh. The terrain today blends the rugged peaks of the Markha (Zanskar belt) with the gentle slopes of the Changthang Plateau. You will visit a holy pond today that houses a statue of Guru Padmasambhava. You will have the mighty Kang Yatse peak on your right through this walk. You will reach and rest for the night at Nimaling (4700M). Distance – approx 10 km.

Day 7: Nimaling to Chokdo

The final day of our trek and you will summit the Kongmaru La pass (5,400 meters) on your way to Chokdo, where the Markha valley trek culminates. The climb from Nimaling to the pass is quite gentle. It will take about 1.5 – 2 hours to reach the top. The descent from the top to Chokdo will take you through a narrow gorge where you walk along and cross a small stream multiple times. The terrain is spectacular with purple, red, green, and brown colored rocks covering this entire gorge. The descent will take about 3.5-4 hours at a comfortable pace. We reach the road head where our pick-up vehicle awaits and drive back to Leh (2.5-3 hrs). Distance – 15-16 km.

Day 8 – Departure from Leh – Or continue with the itinerary as planned.

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