Markha valley trek
Explore the Breathtaking Markha Valley Trek in Ladakh
The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most scenic and rewarding treks in Ladakh, offering a perfect blend of cultural immersion and high-altitude adventure. As you journey through the Hemis National Park, you will traverse lush valleys, cross glacial streams, and ascend high-altitude passes while surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks.
The trek follows the Markha River, winding through a stunning landscape where the valley floor is covered with high-altitude forests until the picturesque village of Hankar. Beyond this point, the trek takes you above the tree line, entering a dramatic world of alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and glacial landscapes. Along the way, you will encounter Tacha Monastery, perched on a cliffside, the serene Tachungtse campsite, and the mesmerizing Twin Tigu Lakes just before reaching Nimaling, one of the most breathtaking high-altitude grazing lands in Ladakh.
This trek also offers a rich cultural experience, as you pass through traditional Ladakhi villages with irrigated fields and whitewashed houses, where locals welcome travelers with warm hospitality. The journey is also a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, with chances to spot blue sheep, marmots, Himalayan foxes, and even the elusive snow leopard in the rugged terrain of the Hemis National Park.
The Markha Valley Trek is suitable for trekkers of all experience levels, as most trails do not require technical skills – unless you choose to extend your adventure by climbing Kang Yatse. With several route variations, you can tailor your trek based on your available time and fitness level. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a first-timer in Ladakh, this trek promises an unforgettable experience in one of the most pristine and remote regions of the Himalayas.
Markha valley trek features (Markha to Shang Sumdo)
Duration of your trek
Day-min : The minimum number of days required for the trek (from Leh to Leh)
Day-max : The maximum number of days you can spend on this trek. Prolonged itinerary can be discussed with our team.
AWTD : Average walking time per day (<3 : easy, 3 to 5 : moderate, >5 : strenuous
Altitudes of your trek
Min : Minimum altitude of your trek.
Max : Maximum altitude of your trek.
Ascent : The total ascending difference of altitude on the trek.
Descent : The total descending difference of altitude on the trek.
Difficulty of your trek
Stamina : The physical effort involved during your trek. Rated from 0 (easiest) to 100 (most strenuous). If you have an average fitness you can consider all the treks up to 50. See here for more details
Technical : Difficulty of your trek in terms of exposure to danger and required experience.
0 to 20 : No difficulties,
20 to 40 : Walking on good mountain trails,
40 to 60 : Some walking on difficult mountain trails (steep slopes, rocks, etc.),
60 to 80: You are exposed to some dangers (void, snow, falling rocks, etc.),
80 to 100 : Experience required (please inquire).
Overall : Average between Stamina and Technical rating.
Duration
Altitudes
Difficulty
Markha valley trek map
MARKHA VALLEY TREK ITINERARY
There are several options for your trek in the Markha valley and around. There are all shown in green on the map. In this page the main itinerary starts from the village Sara and ends at Shang Sumdo. It is a 4-day trek that can be done two days after reaching Leh by air. Even if the start of the Markha valley trek strats at a lower altitude compared to Leh, don’t forget to acclimatize as you will quickly reach higher elevations. Visit this page for the trek to Shang Sumdo via Rumbak.
Markha valley trek, best time to go
Best time to trek into the Markha valley is from May to September In early season you may not be able to cross the high passes because of the snow.
The Markha valley is known for the presence of the Snow Leopard. If your purpose is to observe the Snow Leopard, you must trek the valley in winter time and cope with the extremely low temperatures that fall to minus 20 or 30 degree Celcius.
JAN
Avoid
FEB
Avoid
MAR
Avoid
APR
Avoid
MAY
You may go
JUN
Best time to go
JUL
Best time to go
AUG
Best time to go
SEP
Best time to go
OCT
You may go
NOV
Avoid
DEC
Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions about the Markha Valley Trek
1. How many days does it take to trek the Markha Valley?
Traditionally, the Markha Valley trek used to take 6 to 8 days starting from Chilling. However, due to the recent construction of a road, it can now be completed in just 4 days. If you wish to extend your trek, there are several options:
- 5-day trek: Continue to Lato via the Lalung La pass.
- 8+ day trek: For a more challenging experience, trek towards the Changthang plateau and Tso Moriri via the Zalungkarpo La.
- Short treks (2-3 days): You can trek to Markha or Hankar village and return.
- Alternative route (6 days): Start from Skiu and finish at Shang Sumdo via Rumbak and Stok.
2. Can I do the Markha Valley trek without a guide?
If you’re an experienced trekker familiar with high-altitude conditions, it is possible to trek without a guide. However, we strongly recommend hiring one. A guide ensures safety, especially in case of bad weather or unexpected challenges. Additionally, they enhance your experience by facilitating interactions with local villagers and providing cultural insights.
3. Do I need to camp on the Markha Valley trek?
Yes, camping is required for at least one night at Nimaling, as there are no permanent accommodations available. However, for the rest of the trek, you can stay in traditional Ladakhi homestays in Markha and Hankar villages.
4. Do I need a permit for the Markha Valley trek?
No permit is required for the Markha Valley trek itself. However, if you plan to attempt the Kang Yatse expedition, you will need a special permit.
5. How do I reach the starting point of the Markha Valley trek?
The trek starts from Sara village, which is accessible only by private taxi. There is no public transport to the starting point. Contact us for assistance in arranging transportation.
6. How difficult is the Markha Valley trek?
The Markha Valley trek is of moderate difficulty and requires good physical fitness. There are no technical climbing sections, but the trek includes:
- River crossings
- High-altitude trekking
- Potentially harsh weather conditions
If you’re a first-time trekker, we recommend choosing an easier trek in Ladakh before attempting Markha. However, if you have some trekking experience and want an adventurous challenge, this trek is a great choice.
7. Where do I stay during the Markha Valley trek?
For the standard 4-day trek, accommodation options are:
- Markha & Hankar – Stay in homestays run by local families.
- Nimaling – Camping is required as there are no permanent settlements.
8. Do I need to book the Markha Valley trek in advance?
Yes, we highly recommend booking in advance so that we can arrange :
- Transport to the trek’s starting point
- A knowledgeable local guide
- Accommodation and camping logistics
Contact us today to plan your Markha Valley adventure!
Why Choose the Markha Valley Trek?
- A perfect blend of cultural and natural wonders – Experience traditional Ladakhi villages, monasteries, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes.
- Unique wildlife encounters – Spot Himalayan wildlife, including blue sheep, marmots, and the elusive snow leopard in Hemis National Park.
- Breathtaking mountain scenery – Witness the towering Kang Yatse, the Twin Tigu Lakes, and the mesmerizing rock formations of Kongmaru La.
- A sustainable travel experience – Support local homestays and community-led tourism initiatives that help preserve Markha’s traditional way of life.
From our gallery
Markha valley trek photos
Itinerary
Day 1: From Leh to Markha (3810 m) – A Journey Through Changing Landscapes
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We leave Leh in the morning and head towards the Markha Valley. Since the road construction in 2020, the trek no longer begins in Skiu but further up the valley at Sara. The drive from Leh to Sara is relatively short, so to make the most of your day, you can opt for an exciting rafting experience on the Zanskar River in the morning before heading towards the valley. From Sara, we begin our trek with a short but beautiful walk to Markha village (1 to 2 hours), where you can enjoy the serene riverbed forests that have flourished over time. These lush groves provide a stunning contrast to the rugged mountains rising above. If you're lucky, you might spot a Himalayan Weasel, a small yet elusive predator that thrives in this unique ecosystem. Upon reaching Markha, we settle into a cozy homestay, giving you the opportunity to experience authentic Ladakhi hospitality. The villagers of Markha have seen changes in their way of life due to the road construction, which has impacted their income from trekking tourism. By staying in a homestay rather than camping nearby, you directly contribute to the local economy and help sustain traditional ways of life. |
Day 2: Markha to Hankar (4040 m) – Exploring Ladakhi Culture and Ancient Monasteries
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Today marks the beginning of a full day of trekking as we cover 12 km towards Hankar, a remote village and the last permanent settlement in the Markha Valley. The trek remains relatively easy, with an altitude gain of only 250 meters, allowing you to gradually acclimatize to the increasing elevation. As you walk along the river, you will pass Tacha Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside, offering a perfect photo opportunity. The monastery is an important religious site for the locals and adds a mystical charm to the journey. The trail winds through beautiful irrigated fields, Mani walls, and chortens, giving you glimpses of traditional Ladakhi life. Hankar is the highest and last inhabited village in the valley. Life here is harsh, and villagers rely on a mix of agriculture and livestock grazing to sustain themselves. Many elderly residents worry about the future of the village, as younger generations migrate to cities due to a lack of secondary schools. The traditional way of life, once supported by the trekking industry, is now at risk due to the road, making sustainable tourism crucial for their survival. |
Day 3: Hankar to Nimaling (4858 m) – Entering the Realm of High Mountains
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Today, we leave behind human settlements and enter the untamed wilderness of Ladakh. As we ascend, the landscape transforms dramatically—lush fields give way to vast high-altitude meadows, and soon, we find ourselves surrounded by barren rocky slopes. The towering Kang Yatse (6,400 m) dominates the horizon, making for a breathtaking backdrop throughout the day. The Tachuntse campsite offers a refreshing stop before we continue towards Nimaling, one of the most stunning summer pastures in Ladakh. Along the way, we pass the Twin Tigu Lakes, two beautiful turquoise glacial lakes that reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a dreamlike setting for trekkers. These lakes are sacred to the locals and are said to be home to mystical spirits. Nimaling is located at an altitude of 4,858 meters, making it one of the highest campsites on the trek. Here, Ladakhi herders graze their yaks and goats, relying on the scattered patches of alpine grass. The night sky at this altitude is nothing short of mesmerizing—away from any light pollution, you will witness an unparalleled view of the Milky Way. |
Day 4: Nimaling to Shang Sumdo (3700 m) via Kongmaru La (5283 m) – A Grand Finale
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The final day of our trek is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. We begin with a steep ascent to Kongmaru La (5283 m), the highest point of the trek. The climb is demanding, but once at the top, you are rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Zanskar Range, Stok Kangri, and the distant Karakoram peaks. Crossing Kongmaru La feels like entering another world. The descent into Hemis National Park is long but breathtaking, taking you through a dramatic canyon of multicolored rock formations. The geology of this region is fascinating, with layers of deep reds, purples, and ochre tones, giving the valley an almost surreal appearance. Keep your eyes open for Himalayan blue sheep, marmots, and golden eagles soaring above. The trek ends at Shang Sumdo (3,700 m), where you can choose to stay in a homestay for a final night of cultural immersion or take a taxi back to Leh, depending on your preference. |
Gallery
Markha valley trek photos
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