The Markha Valley Trek is a 9-day adventure through the scenic landscapes of Ladakh and Zanskar ranges, starting and ending in Leh. This popular trek proceeds on a moderately difficult route and covers key locations such as Chilling, Skiu, Markha, Hankar, and Nimaling. The main highlights of this Markha Valley trek tour include crossing high-altitude passes like Gandala and Kangmaru, camping in picturesque villages, and witnessing stunning views of the Stok Kangri massif. The journey offers cultural experiences and natural beauty, including visits to remote monasteries and encounters with local wildlife. Undoubtedly, this trekking expedition is full of surprises and worth every effort that goes into it.
With our Ladakh tour package, you can transfer all your travel planning burdens to us! Our skilled team at Leh Ladakh India will curate the best itinerary and travel options for your Ladakh tour. Enjoy a hassle-free experience and focus solely on the wonders of Ladakh.
Trip Highlights
Sightseeing tour of Leh
Camp stay at Skiu, Markha, Hankar, and Nimaling
Admire the mesmerizing scenery sprinkled all around
Cross the Gandala Pass and Kangmaru Pass
A beautiful upward path toward Markha Valley
Walkthrough the green pasture of Nimaling
Get an enchanting view of the Stok Kangri massif and Karakoram ranges
Itinerary Detail
Day 1 Arrive at Leh (3500m) (Full day rest for acclimatization)
Arrive at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh and meet our tour representative, who’ll greet you and assist you in getting to the pre-booked hotel. After your check-in at the hotel, spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatizing. You will be at 3,500 m above sea level, with thin air and less pressure. So you just need to rest so that your body will acclimate according to the weather and altitude. Drink a lot of water as it will help your body to get more oxygen. You can explore the market in the evening.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
Day 2 Leh Sightseeing (Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Local Market)
On day 2 of the Markha Valley Trek tour, enjoy sightseeing of Leh and get acclimatized. After breakfast, you will head towards the Shanti Stupa, a white dome structure dedicated to Buddhism. From the Stupa, you can enjoy panoramic views of Leh as the monument is perched on a hilltop at a dizzying height of 11,841 feet above sea level. Leh Palace is another stopover of the day, one of the tallest buildings of its time, with nine stories in all. From the top of the palace, one can enjoy the picturesque view of the city and the Stok Kangri and Zanskar ranges.
In the evening, you will visit the local market in Leh. The vibrant aura of the local market will make you fall in love with the place. You can buy antiques from here. After the sightseeing tour, return to the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
Day 3 Leh – Chilling – Skiu (Transfer from Leh to Chilling)
You will start your day early, and after having breakfast, you will leave for Chilling, where you will start your trek. First, you must ascend the Ganda La (4,985 m), which will be tiring, so you must stroll. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Stok Kangri massif and surrounding valleys. After descending from here, you will reach a tiny hamlet called Shingo. Have your lunch here and then head towards the Skiu village. The path from Shingo to Skiu is easy and surrounded by several small streams. Skiu is located in the lower Markha valley at an altitude of 3,400 m. The Markha Valley is relatively narrow, and the temperature at night will be pretty high.
Overnight stay at the camp in Skiu.
Day 4 Skiu - Markha
Start for Markha village on the 4th day of the trip. Cross the river and trek up to Markha village, the longest valley. This day will be the longest trek day. The beautiful green fields and irrigation canals can be seen on the way. It is worth walking along the trail where the Skiu Nala meets the Markha to visit the small monastery.
Enjoy an overnight stay here.
Day 5 Markha to Hankar
On the 5th day of the tour, you will walk alongside the river, and the woody bushes will grow thickly along the river. You have to cross several bridges over which the trail marches towards the Thinlespa Village and further to the Hankar village, from where you can get the enchanting views of the Gyalpo-Ri Peak. Enjoy the dinner at Hankar and enjoy the majestic beauty of the valley.
Night halt in tents.
Day 6 Hankar to Nimaling (4,700 m, 3 to 4 hours)
On the 6th day of the trip, after having breakfast, you will head towards the Nimaling. You must climb steadily on this day through the narrow valleys and villages. The Nimaling Plain is a broad undulating meadow that slopes upwards to the base of the ice-clad Kang Yatse Peak (6,440 m). Nimaling is surrounded by ponds and streams that provide grassland to many animals, namely Yaks, Sheep, Goats, Horses, and Dzo. You can also spot occasional blue sheep and wolves here.
Overnight stay at the Nimaling.
Day 7 Nimaling to Shangsumdo (Transfer from Shangsumdo to the hotel)
On the last day of the trek, you will start climbing the Kangmaru Pass and enjoy the panoramic views from the top. The snow-laden peaks in every direction, and you can see the massive Karakoram Range on a clear day, including the K2. From there, you will start descending, and the trail will be steep towards the Martselang Valley past the Sulphur Springs of Chyushkarmo. Follow the Martselang stream to the village of Shangsumdo. The town is situated at the confluence of Shang Nala and Mastselang. From Shangsumdo, you will get an assisted transfer to the hotel in Leh.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
Day 8 Leh – Pangong - Leh
After breakfast, you will leave for Pangong Lake, 200 km from Leh. On your way to Pangong, enjoy the astonishing views of the beautiful valley. The emerald-colored lake is situated at an altitude of 4,350 m and extends from India to Tibet. The lake changes its color from azure to blue to green to grey. Soak in the enchanting beauty of this lake and spend some time in the tranquil surroundings.
Later, return to Leh in the evening. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
Day 9 Leh - Delhi
This is the last day of your Markha Valley Trek tour package. After a delicious breakfast, check out of the hotel and leave for the airport in the morning for your homebound flight from Leh Airport.
Start: Manali / End: Manali
