Markha Valley Trek – Ladakh’s Most Popular Trek
On this page you will find a comprehensive and impartial guide to the Markha Valley Trek.
Please Note: We are not a tour operator, but we can put you in touch with our recommended partner, see the tour recommendation section below.
As this is a very long and detailed article on the Markha Valley Trek, we recommend using the quicklinks below to navigate to the sections that interest you most. Alternatively, you can bookmark this page for future reference.
Marka Valley Trek
Overview
The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most spectacular and famous treks in the Ladakh Region of India.
Located in the north western area of India, the Ladakh region is famed for its wildness and untouched beauty.
The trek follows a stunning high valley with superb views across the mountain region and is one of the best ways to still experience the unique culture of the High Himalaya region. The Markha Valley trek follows the Markha River downstream taking in several high passes including Ganda La (15748 ft) and Kongmaru La, (17,060 ft). From both passes you get epic views across the landscape with the tall peaks of Kang Yissay and the 20,086 ft Stok Kangri coming into sight.
Not only is the trek one of mountain beauty, but it also takes trekkers through a landscape of ancient farming with many green irrigated fields and local villages being passed along the way. You’ll also experience several monasteries and meet the brightly dressed monks as they go about their daily lives. You’ll will be exposed to several waist-deep river crossings, high rocky canyons and explore many buddhists villages en-route.
Please Note: The trek is moderately difficult due to the length and high altitude of both passes. There will be several steep trek ascents and you may have to walk over slippery scree on occasion. You will need to have a good level of stamina and fitness to have a really good time. Accommodation will generally be camping.
Regional Map
The Markha Valley Trek is located between the Zanskar and Ladakh in the Himalaya region of North-west India. Please see map below for details.
Please see map for details
Markha Valley Itinerary
Below is a detailed Markha Valley Trek itinerary. Please note that this is a typical itinerary that we would expect many operators to adhere to. Some tour operators however, offer variations on this route. For example it is not uncommon to start from Spitok and follow the route that leads to Hemis. Click each day to read more...
Day 1-3: Arrive Delhi - Transfer to Leh
Day 4: Leh to Chogdo via Martselang (4½ hours)
Day 5: Chogdo 4000m – Nimaling 4700 m via Kongmaru La 5200 m (6-7 hrs)
Day 6: Nimaling – Hankar – Markha 3650m (5-6 Hours)
Day 7: Markha to Skiu
Day 8: Skiu to Shingo 4125m (4-5 hrs)
Day 9: Treks to Rumbak 3800m (6-7hrs)
Day 10: Rumbak to Stok 4200m via Stok la 4900m (5-6 hrs)
Video Overview
A beautiful video overview of the last several days of the Markha Valley Trek by Martin Kubini. The video is 2:50 long.
Recommended Guidebook
There are a number of excellent guides we recommend for the Markha Valley Trek. These are:
- Trekking in Ladakh by Radek Kucharski.
- Trekking in the Indian Himalaya by Lonely Planet
- Trekking Guide to the Western Himalayas by Depi Chaudhry
- Ladakh: the Essential Guide: Including Kashmir & Manali by Partha S. Banerjee
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Markha Valley Trek cost?
Are permits required for the Markha Valley Trek?
When is the best time to complete the Markha Valley Trek?
Is altitude sickness a risk?
How difficult is the Markha Valley Trek?
What gear do I need?
What travel insurance do I require?
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