One of India's Best 'Cold Dessert' Treks with Breathtaking view of Trans-Himalayas
Duration
6 Night and 7 days
Altitude
17,100
Trek Difficulty
Moderate to Difficult
Distance
Road Distance: 150 km & Trek: 60 km
Stay
Hotel and Homestay
Meals
3 times a day & Tea, Snacks
The Markha Valley trek in Ladakh features a trail through a rugged landscape, with unique mushroom rocks and colorful mountains. As you walk mostly beside the tranquil Markha River, you’ll pass through villages dotted with ancient monasteries, old forts, and temples, all beautifully preserved in this remote area.
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Trek Highlights
The must do experiences that you can cross off your bucket list
Explore the 'Cold Desert' Valley
The Markha Valley trek takes you through a cold desert valley, featuring trails that passes through fascinating Buddhist villages, ancient ruined forts, and rocky canyons. These unique sights add a special charm to the trek.
Thrilling River-Crossing Experience
Crossing the Chill Water River in the Markha Valley includes waist-deep sections that make the experience very exciting. Walking through the cold water as you cross the river adds a fun challenge to the trek.
Breathtaking View of Trans-Himalayas
While trekking in the cold desert valley of Markha, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Ladakh and Zanskar mountain ranges, including notable peaks like Kang Yatse and Dzo Jongo. This striking contrast between the arid landscape.
Witness the Stunning View from Tacha Monastery
Tacha Monastery, is accessible by a steep 250-meter walk on the way to Hankar. From here, enjoy stunning valley views. If you're lucky, you might spot a lammergeier hovering near the monastery,.
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Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Leh
Welcome to Leh
Leh, situated at 11,500 feet, is a dream destination for many travelers. Its stunning monasteries and breathtaking landscapes will captivate anyone who visits.
- It’s advised to get to Leh by noon.
- Get enough rest and drink plenty of water.
- Trek briefing and documentation will be held at 5-6 PM
- Bring a copy of your ID and two photos. Foreigners should also bring passport and visa copies.
- The network is available (only post-paid)
- Explore the local market of Leh.
Max Altitude
11,500 ft.
Stay
Hotel on a Shared Basis
Food
Not included
Day 2: Accmalatization in Leh
- Acclimatizing your body to the High altitude.
- Avoid visiting high-altitude areas or passes as it may hinder the process of acclimatization.
- You can do a small hike to Leh Palace or visit nearby monasteries (Shey, Thiksey, Hemis)
- You can do your last-minute shopping for the trek in Leh.
Leh Palace
Leh Palace, a nine-story landmark in Ladakh, offers panoramic views and showcases 17th-century Tibetan architecture, making it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Thikshey Monastery
It is renowned for its striking resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. This 12-story complex houses precious statues and artifacts, offering a captivating glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist culture. Its hilltop position provides breathtaking views of the Indus valley, making it a spiritual and scenic haven.
Hemis Monastery
It is considered one of the largest and wealthiest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the Ladakh region. Celebrated for its annual Hemis festival showcasing colorful masks and traditional dances, the monastery is home to exquisite murals and a significant collection of ancient relics.
Altitude
11,500 ft
Stay
Hotel on a Shared Basis
Food
Not Included
Day 3: Drive from Leh to Chilling and Trek to Skiu
- The Drive from Leh to Chilling covers 65 km and takes about 3 hours.
- Trek 2 km to Skiu, which will take around 2 hours.
- Drive through Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, and Sangam Point.
- At Chilling, the Markha River merges into the vast Zanskar River.
- Today’s trail will be a gradual and easy walk.
- Visit Skiu monastery in the evening
- Markha is the Biggest Village in the Valley.
Altitude
11,150 ft
Stay
Homestay
Food
Hot Lunch, Tea Snacks, Dinner
Visit the Sangam Point
Sangam Point in Ladakh is where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meets. You can see the different colors of the two rivers mixing, making it a beautiful spot to visit.
Day 4: Skiu to Markha
- It is going to be the longest day of your Trek.
- Trek 22 km to Markha, which will take around 6-7 hours.
- Enjoy relatively flat trekking along the riverside.
- Expect 1-2 river crossings sections along the way
- En route, you will pass through Narding, Hamurja, Sara, and Chalak.
The Sacred 'Mani Stones'
Along the trail, you will encounter numerous mani stones, which are considered sacred in Buddhism due to the mantras carved into them. These stones are a significant part of the spiritual landscape. To maintain the serenity and sanctity of the area, it's important to avoid touching the stones.
Altitude
12,200 ft
Stay
Homestay
Food
Morning Tea/Coffee, Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Tea Snacks Dinner
Day 5: Markha to Hankar
- Trek 10 km to Hankar, which will take around 4-5 hours.
- Today, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Kang Yatse I and II,
- 1-2 water points throughout the way.
- Expect 2-3 river crossings sections along the way
- Umlung will be the last village in the valley.
Seabuckthorn Juice
In the teahouses, you can try seabuckthorn juice, made from berries found in the valley. Seabuckthorn is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, supporting immunity and skin health. It's a tangy, nutritious drink worth trying during your visit.
Tacha Monastery
On your journey to Hankar, you can visit Tacha Monastery, accessible by a steep 250-meter walk. From here, enjoy stunning valley views. If you're lucky, you might spot a lammergeier hovering near the monastery, which is a spectacular sight.
Altitude
13,400 ft
Stay
Homestay
Food
Morning Tea/Coffee, Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Tea Snacks. Dinner
Day 6: Hankar to Nimaling
- Trek 9 km to Nimaling, which will take around 4-5 hours
- The route starts with a gradual ascent to Thachungtse, climbs steeply to Twin Lake, and then gently slopes down to Nimaling.
- No Water Point on the way.
Marmots: The Cutest Himalayan Animal
On the way to Nimaling, you might get lucky and see a marmot coming out of its burrow. Marmots are round, fluffy animals that look a bit like large squirrels. They have small eyes and whiskers, and they can be seen popping out to enjoy the sunshine, making the journey more interesting with their cute appearance.
Altitude
15,800 ft
Stay
Tents
Food
Morning Tea/Coffee, Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Tea Snacks, Dinner
Day 7: Nimaling to Chokdo via Kongmaru La and Drive to Leh
- It is going to be a challenging day of your Trek (Summit Day)
- Trek 16 km to Chokdo (Shang Valley), which will take around 7-8 hours
- The route is steep until you reach Kongmaru La Pass. After the pass, expect a steep descent to Chokdo.
- After crossing Kongmaru La, there’s just one water point.
- Today, you’ll cross multiple streams, so keep your sandals handy.
- Peak Visible: Kang Yatse 1 and 2, Dzo-Jongo East and West, and a panoramic glimpse of the surrounding Himalayan range,
- 2 hours Drive to Leh form Chokdo (Shang Valley)
Kongmaru La Pass
Kongmaru La Pass is the highest spot on the Markha Valley trek. Here, you can get cellphone service and see amazing views of the big mountains around.
Altitude
17,100 ft
Stay
Guest House/Hotel