Markha Valley Trek – Ladakh’s Most Popular Trek

From Delhi international airport you will need to take a domestic flight to the city of Leh. It is worth spending a day in Dehli if you have the time, as well in Leh, where you can visit Leh Market, Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa.

If you have more time it is worth getting a taxi to visit the Shey Palace, Likir, Basgo & Alchi Monastery, Sangam and Thickset. If you’re lucky you’ll witness the Grand Hemis Festival at Hemis monastery.

You will need to get a jeep from Leh to the starting point at Martselang (3600 m). As you drive you may be given the opportunity to visit the Palace of Ladakh. The trek begins as one enters the Hemis National Park, where, if you’re lucky, you may glimpse endangered wildlife such as the elusive snow leopard, Tibetan wolf and the great Golden eagle. You will trek for several hours to the small village of Chogdo (4000 m).

Today begins with a steep ascent that leads to your first mountain pass – Kongmaru La (5260 m). The climb is worth it though as you get outstanding views of the north face of Kangyatse (6400 m), Zanskar and the epic Karakoram range. After taking in the view you then descend down towards the greener pastures of Nimaling. It is here that you will meet villagers who spend the summer months tending their herds. You camp the night here.

From here you begin the descent to the village of Hankar. You begin by walking through lovely green pastures whilst also taking in the Himalayan wildlife such as the Marmot, Mountain Vole and Weasels. You then cross a cool mountain lake. This is the perfect place to take lunch and enjoy the stunning scenery. As you continue down you reach the irrigated farmlands of Thochungtse. At the campsite there is a lovely spring that is well known throughout the region for its medicinal properties!

Today you head for Skiu via Markha! Along the way you will make several river crossings. Once at Markha you will have time to explore the village before pushing on to Skiu. Once out of Markha you will descend through the small provinces of Nakdi , Sarah and Hamburjah and Pentre. Each province is only inhabited by 2 to 3 families roughly.  After trekking through lush flatlands you reach your campsite at Skiu where you bed down for the night.

Today you follow the Zankar river upstream to the small village of Skiu. Here you will turn away from the main river and follow the stunning gorge up into Shingo. You camp overnight here.

From Shingo you climb gradually as you ascend over the Ganda La pass at 4850 meters.  From there you pass Yurutse and continue down to your camp near Rumbak.