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At a Glance
Trip Overview
The Markha Valley Trek offers an unforgettable blend of high mountain trails, remote villages, and ancient Buddhist heritage, making it one of Ladakh’s most enriching trekking experiences.
The Markha Valley Trek is one of Ladakh’s most iconic and rewarding journeys, offering a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and stunning Himalayan scenery. Winding through remote villages, ancient monasteries, and dramatic high passes, the Markha Valley Trek takes you deep into the heart of Ladakh. Whether you’re crossing the towering Kongmaru La or walking alongside the Markha River, every step of the Markha Valley Trek reveals something unforgettable. It’s an ideal choice for trekkers looking to truly connect with Ladakh’s raw beauty and rich traditions.
Trip Highlights
- Cross two major high-altitude passes – Ganda La (4,900m) and Kongmaru La (5,150m) with breathtaking panoramic views.
- Camp in scenic valleys like Nimaling, set beneath the towering Kang Yaze peak (6,400m).
- Experience authentic Ladakhi culture in remote villages like Markha, Hankar, and Skiu.
- Visit ancient monasteries including Hemis, Thiksey, Shey, and the hidden Humlung Gompa.
- Trek through diverse landscapes – from river valleys and meadows to deep gorges and high passes.
- Unplug and reconnect with nature, surrounded by the raw, untouched beauty of the Himalayas.
At a Glance
When to Visit
Trip Itinerary
- Full Itinerary
- Outline Itinerary
Departure from home
Arrive in Leh (3,500m / 11,480ft)
Welcome to Ladakh! Upon arrival at Leh airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The day is reserved for complete rest to help your body acclimatize to the altitude. In the evening, you can take a gentle stroll through the vibrant Leh bazaar.
Sightseeing – Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis Monasteries
Today, we explore the cultural heart of Ladakh. We visit Shey Palace, the iconic hilltop Thiksey Monastery, and the serene Hemis Monastery — each offering a window into the region’s rich Buddhist heritage.
Drive to Rumbak – Trek to Yurutse (3,844m / 12,611ft)
After a 2-hour drive to Rumbak, we begin our trek towards Yurutse. The trail gradually ascends through green valleys, with views of the Stok Kangri range. We camp near the quaint village of Yurutse — a peaceful, remote settlement.
Trek to Skiu via Ganda La (4,900m / 16,076ft)
A challenging but stunning day. We climb to the top of Ganda La (4,900m / 16,076ft), where you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Zanskar and Stok ranges. From the pass, it’s a long descent to the lush village of Skiu (3,510m / 11,516ft), where we set up camp.
Trek to Markha (3,850m / 12,631ft)
We follow the beautiful Markha River through small hamlets and farmland. The path takes us through Chaluk village, and finally into Markha — one of the largest villages in the valley, known for its fields, stone houses, and monastery.
Trek to Hankar (4,000m / 13,120ft)
Today’s trail continues along the valley, past mani walls and prayer flags, with a visit to Humlung Monastery along the way. The scenery becomes more alpine as we approach Hankar — a scenic village surrounded by peaks.
Trek to Nimaling (4,650m / 15,256ft)
We cross into a wide, grassy valley and start climbing toward Nimaling — a high-altitude pasture used by nomads. Dominated by Kang Yaze (6,400m / 20,997ft), this is one of the most picturesque campsites of the trek.
Nimaling to Chokdo via Kongmaru La (5,150m / 16,896ft)
We climb steadily to Kongmaru La (5,150m / 16,896ft), the highest point of the trek. The panoramic views at the top are unforgettable. Then it’s a steep descent into the narrow gorge leading to Chokdo village (3,750m / 12,300ft). From here, we’re picked up and driven back to Leh.
Easy Day in Leh
A relaxed day to recover and reflect. Walk at your own pace to visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, and Tsemo Gompa, all offering spectacular views and rich history.
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight back, carrying with you memories of a lifetime — of high passes, quiet villages, sacred spaces, and the powerful stillness of the Himalayas.
Back to home
Cost Include
- Airport transfer
- All other transfer as required on private coach
- English speaking guide
- Meals as mentioned
- All hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner in the town
- All camping during trek
- Porter during trek to carry your beggage
- All permit and taxes
Cost Exclude
- Meals other than those mentioned
- Flight tickets
- Insurance
- personal drinks and Bar Bill
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Tips for guides and other trek staff
Tailor made Journeys
Your journey, your way - This itinerary can be tailored to your desire.
You can also use this tour as a base for a tailor-made itinerary. Like your personal architect creating your one-of- a-kind home, our Travel Specialists will execute the trip of a lifetime. It’s all up to you – logistics, pace, budget, dates, performances, visits, explorations, meals and lodging are hammered out down to the finest customized detail. Please fill in our tailor-made request form.
Private Journeys
Customize the departure dates suitable for you
If you do not want to join a group then you can also make this a private trip with your friends and family one at your own schedule. Considering this, Trekking Team Group organizes private journeys as well. Please choose your own departure date.
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How these top guide books have described us?
"Ein Absolut verlässlicher, superfreundlisher veranstalter mit erstlkassigem Service.”
“Long-established trekking company with a breadth of experience and an easy-to-find location."
"A very reliable, super friendly agency offering top-notch service.”
“une agence engagée avec une belle expertise du terrain.”
Additional Information
This is ADVENTURE travel, and many of the destinations on this site are in remote, underdeveloped areas where unpredictability is the norm. Despite careful planning and organization, our adventure trips can’t be taken for granted like regular trips. Many of the places we visit lack the emergency health and safety services you’re used to in the developed world. Internal flights can be canceled, road transport is often uncomfortable and unreliable, and hotel standards may not match those of the West.
If you’re not prepared for this, you shouldn’t travel with us. The unpredictability also means that our itineraries are statements of intent, not contractual obligations. Factors such as weather, transport difficulties, and political instability might require us to change any itinerary. The trip leader will make any necessary changes after consulting with the group. Such changes are rarely significant, and we always do our best to minimize their impact. However, we cannot be held responsible for changes or delays, regardless of their cause.
What makes this trip different ?
Trekking Team Groups is one of the main supporters of Ambe Foundation, a non-political and non-profit social organization. We contribute our support to the remote village of Nuwakot and different schools like Gramin Devi, Khumbeshwori through donation, sponsorship and partnership in various projects. For details click here what we do and why we do?
Donation
Trekking Team Group donates a percentage of business profits to the foundation on a yearly basis, which supports the ongoing maintenance cost required for Gramin Devi and Khumbeshwori school, a community-based school in Nuwakot.
Sponsorship
One of the major activities of Ambe foundation is the children sponsorship program, which is conducted with full collaboration with Trekking Team Group.
Partnership (Volunteering Program)
The Ambe Volunteer Program, organised by Ambe Foundation and Trekking Team Group, aims to mobilize teams of experts and interested individuals as an effective and economic measure in providing the human capital for education, health and community development in Nuwakot District.