🏔️ Markha Valley Trek – Where Mountains Meet Monasteries
Trip Style: Adventure + Culture + Homestays
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Max Altitude: 5,260 m (Kongmaru La Pass)
Region: Hemis National Park, Ladakh
Group Size: 6–12
Best Time: June to September
🌄 Overview
The Markha Valley Trek is more than just a trail—it’s a window into Ladakhi life. Starting from Chilling, you walk beside the Zanskar River, cross lush pastures, stop in tiny villages like Skiu and Markha, and sleep under the shadow of mighty peaks like Kang Yatse.
This trek blends breathtaking Himalayan scenery with ancient gompas, cliff-side forts, and cozy local homes—making it a favorite for first-timers and seasoned trekkers alike.
🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary
🚌 Day 1: Leh → Drive to Chilling → Trek to Skiu (3 hrs)
Cross the Zanskar River via hanging bridge
Enter Hemis National Park and begin trek
Gentle walk to Skiu village
🛖 Stay: Homestay
Distance: 6.9 km | Elevation gain: +189 m
⛰️ Day 2: Skiu → Markha (6–7 hrs)
Walk along the river through barley fields and stone houses
Cross streams, spot ancient chortens
Visit Markha Monastery & Fort Ruins
🛖 Stay: Homestay
Distance: 21.2 km | Elevation gain: +451 m
🏞️ Day 3: Markha → Hankar (4–5 hrs)
Trail narrows, views widen
Visit Techa Gompa, perched on a cliff
🛖 Stay: Homestay in Hankar village
Distance: 11.2 km | Elevation gain: +305 m
❄️ Day 4: Hankar → Nimaling (5–6 hrs)
Enter open meadows with 360° views
See Kang Yatse Peak (6,400 m) and summer grazing fields
Optional hike to Kang Yatse glacier base
🏕️ Stay: Camping at 4,841 m
Distance: 10.7 km | Elevation gain: +836 m
🏔️ Day 5: Nimaling → Kongmaru La (5,260 m) → Shang Sumdo (6–8 hrs)
Early start to climb the highest point
Breathtaking views + colorful prayer flags at the pass
Steep descent through dramatic red canyons
🏕️ Stay: Camping / guesthouse
Distance: 17 km | Elevation gain: +439 m, loss: -1601 m
🛕 Day 6: Shang Sumdo → Hemis Monastery → Drive to Leh (3–4 hrs)
Easy walk to Hemis or Martselang
Visit Hemis Monastery, a Ladakhi spiritual icon
Jeep transfer to Leh (1 hr)
Distance: 10.7 km | Gain/Loss: ±280 m
✅ Inclusions
Transport: Leh–Chilling & Hemis–Leh
Trek leader, support staff, permits
Homestay & camping accommodation
Veg meals (B/L/D) during trek
Oxygen, first aid & backup support
❌ Exclusions
Flights to Leh
Hotel stay in Leh (can be arranged)
Backpack offloading (available on request)
Personal expenses, tips
🧭 Who is this Trek For?
✅ Physically fit beginners
✅ Anyone seeking cultural & landscape diversity
✅ Photographers & solo travellers
❌ Not suitable for those without 2–3 days of acclimatization
📣 What Trekkers Say
“A life-changing blend of solitude and connection. The mountains, the people, the silence… unforgettable.”
— Anika R., Pune
“Even in peak season, we never felt rushed. Homestays were warm, food was delicious, and views—beyond words.”
— Karan S., Delhi
📅 Fixed Departures Every Week (June–Sept)
📍 Private departures available for groups | Customizable itineraries