Markha Valley Trek

Overview

The Markha Valley is Ladakh's classic trek for good reason: it packs two high passes, a river-carved gorge of purple and ochre rock, whitewashed chortens and village homestays into nine days, all within Hemis National Park — the best snow-leopard habitat in India (you will not see one in summer; you may well see blue sheep and golden eagles). From Chilling the trail crosses the Zanskar and climbs gently through Skiu and Markha village, wading the river repeatedly — strapped sandals are not optional — before the landscape opens at Hankar into the high pasture bowl of Nimaling (4,700 m), where yaks graze beneath the glaciated pyramid of Kang Yatze (6,270 m). The final day is the test: over Kongmaru La at about 5,260 m, then a long, knee-hammering descent through a slot gorge to Shang Sumdo. Altitude is the variable that ruins trips — spend at least two full days in Leh (3,500 m) first, or take the Ganda La approach from Spituk for gentler gain. The homestay system makes this the rare Himalayan trek that needs no tent or cook crew: about £15 a night buys a mattress, dinner and butter tea. July to mid-September is the window; around £600 covers the lot from Leh.

Book This Trip

Plan Your Dates

Prefilled for 1 June 2027 — the next best-season window. Search on partner sites — opens in a new tab.