★★★★★
“Hard, beautiful, and completely worth it. The local guides knew the mountain like family, which made a genuinely demanding trek feel safe from start to finish.”
Mountain Expeditions
Markha Valley Trek
Trek through Ladakh's Markha Valley, crossing high passes and remote villages beneath the Stok Kangri range.
Ladakh’s classic trekking route, following the Markha River through a valley of ochre cliffs, whitewashed monasteries, and villages that have farmed this high desert for centuries. Over nine days you’ll cross two passes above 4,900 metres with views toward Stok Kangri, staying in a mix of homestays and camps along the way.
This is a genuinely remote trail — most days you’ll see more mountain goats than other trekkers.
Itinerary
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1
Arrival & Acclimatisation
Arrive in Leh and rest at altitude, with a short orientation walk.
2
Day 2
Drive to Trailhead & First Camp
Drive to the trailhead at Chilling and trek to the first riverside camp.
3
Day 3–4
Into Markha Valley
Trek deeper into the valley, passing traditional villages and the ruined Markha fort.
4
Day 5–6
Nimaling & Kongmaru La
Climb to the high meadow at Nimaling before crossing Kongmaru La, the trek's highest pass.
5
Day 7–8
Descent to Shang Sumdo
A gradual descent through remote side valleys back toward the roadhead.
6
Day 9
Departure
Drive back to Leh and transfer to the airport.
What's Included
- All trekking permits
- Experienced local trekking guide
- Pony support for equipment
- All meals on the trail
- Homestay and camping accommodation
What's Not Included
- Flights to and from Leh
- Personal trekking gear
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and crew
Availability
Check Dates & Book
Open
Limited spots
Fully booked / closed
No fixed departure dates are open right now — but we're happy to plan something for you.
Enquire About Dates
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
It's the trek's toughest day — a steady climb to just over 5,200m — but achievable for fit trekkers with proper acclimatisation, which our itinerary builds in.
A mix of village homestays and tented camps, simple but comfortable, with hot meals prepared by our trekking crew each night.
Mid-June through September, once the high passes are clear of snow.
Traveller Reviews
What Travellers Say
★★★★★
“We saw three leopards in two days at Yala, which our guide told us was rare even for him. Every detail of this trip felt considered — nothing generic about it.”
★★★★★
“Riding Khardung La was the highlight of my life on two wheels. Tenzin and the team handled everything — permits, altitude, the works — so all we had to do was ride. Genuinely life-changing.”
