Markha valley trek is one of the most popular treks in Ladakh, the Markha valley trek gives you the real feel of the stark landscape of Ladakh. The popularity of the trek comes from the landscape diversity the trail offers, from deep gorges and huge canyon walls to high alpine meadows where nomadic shepherds rear goats, sheep and yaks. There are multiple entry points into the Markha valley and over the years we have run most of them however itinerary below is the most popular one.
Incase you want to hear about the other options drop us a line and we can chat 
SEASON: June – October
MAX. ALTITUDE: 5200m
NUMBER OF DAYS: 8 days
HIGH PASSES: Kongmaru La (5200m), Ganda La (4900m)
TREK GRADIENT: Moderately challenging
Day 01: Participants arrive in Leh.
Day 02: Leh – Spituk – Zingchen
Duration: 5 hours
The first part of the trek is by road to the village of Spituk. What follows is a long barren stretch before entering the lush Zingchen valley where the Rumbak river meets the Indus.
Day 03: Zingchen – Base of Ganda La
Duration: 4 hours
Today, you will enter the Hemis National Park. Once inside, look out for rare sightings of high altitude wildlife like snow leopard and blue sheep. A gradual climb will take you past a couple of villages before arriving at the camp.
Day 04: Base of Ganda La – Skiu via Ganda La (4900m)
Duration: 7 hours
The trail starts off with an ascent to Ganda La. A gradual descent and an easy walk will bring you to the camp at Skiu.
Day 05: Skiu – Markha
Duration: 8 hours
It’s an easy walk today on the banks of the Markha river, crossing it at various points. The village of Markha is the largest in the valley.
Day 06: Markha – Thachungtse
Duration: 6 hours
Past old stone mills, mani walls, an old castle and a monastery the trail winds past the last villages of the Markha valley before branching out towards Thachungtse.
Day 07: Thachungtse – Nimaling (4878m)
Duration: 4 hours
Today is the easiest day of the trek with a gradual ascent over the open meadows of Nimaling.
Day 08: Nimaling – Shang Sumdo via Kongmarula (5200m)
Duration: 7 hours
On the last day of the trek you will cross the highest pass of the trek as well. The descent on the other side is steeper but will level out once you enter the Shang gorge. From there it’s an easy walk of a few hours to the village of Shang Sumdo from where a vehicle will pick you up and drop you to Leh.
