Ladakh's Hidden Treasure
From the ancient monasteries of Hemis to the rugged mountain passes of Kongmaru La, experience the raw beauty of Ladakh's most celebrated trek through remote villages, high-altitude desert, and stunning Buddhist culture.
Altitude: 3,500 m/ 11,500 ft..
Note: Markha Valley Trek is of 7 days and the highest altitude is of 17,100 ft.
The Markha Valley Trek in Ladakh is a 5–7 day high-altitude trek covering 68–90 km, known for its unique “tea house” experience with local homestays. Famous for its stunning lunar landscapes, the trek crosses high passes like Kongmaru La (5,200 m) and offers breathtaking views of Kang Yatse peak. Located within Hemis National Park, it is one of the best trekking experiences in Ladakh for adventure and nature lovers.
Sightseeings: Shey, Thiksey, Sangam, and Hemis.
Note: Downhill cycling tour around Leh without straining body.
Begin your Ladakh trip with acclimatization in Leh while visiting top attractions like Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Sangam, and Hemis Monastery. Enjoy a light downhill cycling tour around Leh, ideal for exploring the region comfortably at high altitude.
Hemis Monastery, or Hemis Gompa, is the largest and wealthiest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, India.
Shey Palace is a 17th-century royal residence and monastery complex located about 15 kilometers south of Leh in Ladakh, India.
Skiu (Altitude)- 3,400 m/ 11,150 ft.
Sara (Altitude)- 3600 m/11800 ft.
Drive Distance: 75 km | 2-3 hrs.
Trek Distance: 4-5 km | 2 hrs.
Drive from Leh to Skiu, the starting point of the Markha Valley trek, and begin your trek to Sara village. The trail runs along the Markha River, offering stunning views of Ladakh’s rugged mountains and traditional villages, making it a memorable start to the trek.
Skiu is a small village in Markha Valley, Ladakh, known for its traditional houses and monastery. Located within Hemis National Park, it serves as an important stop on the Markha Valley trek and offers a glimpse of local Ladakhi culture amid scenic mountain landscapes.
Sara is a small mountain village in the Markha Valley region of northern India. Situated along the Markha River within the Hemis National Park
Markha (Altitude)- 3,700 m/ 12,200 ft.
Trek Distance: 10 km | 5-6 hours
Markha Valley is a remote, high-altitude valley in Ladakh, northern India, known for its breathtaking Himalayan scenery, rich Buddhist culture, and one of the most popular trekking routes in the region. The Markha Valley Trek takes you through charming traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and rugged mountain passes rising above 5,000 meters. It offers a perfect mix of adventure and cultural immersion, making it a must-visit destination for trekkers and nature lovers alike.
Altitude: 4,100m/ 13,400 ft.
Trek Distance: 13 km | 7 - 8 hrs.
HankarHankar is a small, remote village nestled in the stunning Markha Valley region of Ladakh, in the Indian Himalayas. As one of the highest inhabited settlements on the Markha Valley trek, Hankar is known for its traditional stone houses, peaceful atmosphere, and dramatic alpine surroundings. The village is a popular stopover for trekkers, offering a perfect place to rest while exploring the breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife of Hemis National Park.
Altitude: 4,800 m/ 15,800 ft.
Trek distance: 12 km | 7 - 8 hrs.
The trail from Hankar to Nimaling is one of the most breathtaking sections of the Markha Valley Trek, taking you deeper into high-altitude terrain with wide-open landscapes and dramatic mountain views.
NimalingNimaling is a stunning high-altitude campsite and alpine meadow in the Markha Valley region of Ladakh, India. Situated at around 4,700 meters (15,400 feet), it is one of the highest and most scenic camping spots in the Indian Himalayas. Surrounded by vast open grasslands and towering peaks like Kang Yatse, Nimaling offers trekkers an unforgettable experience of raw Himalayan beauty and tranquility.
Altitude
Kong Maru La - 5,200 m/ 17,300 ft | Chokdo
- 3,900 m/ 12,900 ft.
Trek Distance: 13 km | 7 - 8 hrs.
Drive To Leh: 60 km | 3 hrs
The final stretch of the Markha Valley Trek is both the most challenging and the most rewarding. This route takes you from Nimaling across a high mountain pass before descending to Chokdo, followed by a drive back to Leh.
- Apr 13 – Apr 25 10 Seats Left
- Apr 18 – Apr 30 7 Seats Left • Filling Fast
- Apr 19 – May 1 11 Seats Left
- Apr 24 – May 6 1 Seats Left • Filling Fast
- Apr 25 – May 7 Open
- May 2 – May 14 Open
- May 15 – May 27 15 Seats Left
- Jun 5 – Jun 17 Open
- Oct 10 – Oct 22 Open
- Nov 5 – Nov 17 Open
End Of Trip
By Air
- Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh is the main airport.
- It's well-connected with Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar.
By Road (Manali)
- The Manali-Leh Highway (473 km) is a very scenic route.
- It usually takes 2 days with an overnight stay at Sarchu or Jispa.
By Road (Srinagar)
- The Srinagar-Leh Highway (420 km) passes through Kargil.
- It's generally open from May to November.
Acclimatization is CRITICAL in Leh. Spend at least 2-3 full days in Leh before starting the trek to avoid AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
- Age Requirement: Minimum 14 years.
- Experience: First-timers are welcome, though prior trekking experience is preferred. Good fitness is a must.
- Fitness Criteria:
- Ability to cover 5 km in 30 mins or 10 km in 70 mins without stress.
- For cycling enthusiasts: Ability to cycle 18 km in 50 minutes.
- Backpack Load: 10-12 kg (Self-carry) or 3-5 kg (Off-load option).
- Ideal BMI Range: 18.5 - 27.
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- Pulse rate at rest must be between 60 to 100 bpm.
- BP Reading: 75-85 (DIA) / 100-130 (SYS) mm Hg.
- Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
- No history of chronic liver or kidney issues.
- No severe Diabetes, Asthma, Heart problems, or Hypertension.
- No pacemaker implants or similar devices.
- Consult our coordinator for Sinus issues or Epilepsy.
Complete packing list for your upcoming adventure. Ensure you have everything for a safe and comfortable journey.
| Item Name | Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Backpack with rain cover
|
(50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
|
Day pack with rain cover
|
20 - 30 ltr (If off-load opted) |
|
Walking stick
|
Advisable (At least one) |
|
Water Bottle / Hydration pack
|
2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask. |
|
Small size tiffin/lunch box
|
1 Nos |
|
Snacks
|
Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
|
Personal Medical Kit
|
Consult your doctor |
|
T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry)
|
2 Full & 2 Half sleeves |
|
Fleece T-shirt
|
2 Nos |
|
Fleece jacket
|
1 Nos |
|
Windproof Jacket
|
1 Nos. |
|
Down feather / Hollow jacket
|
1 Nos. |
|
Thermal inner (Upper & Lower)
|
1 Pair |
|
Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry)
|
3 Nos. |
|
Fleece Pant
|
1 Nos. |
|
Waterproof gloves
|
1 Pair |
|
Fleece / woollen gloves
|
1 Pair |
|
Poncho / Waterproof Jacket & Pant
|
1 Nos. |
|
Head torch
|
1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
|
Sun Cap
|
1 Nos. |
|
Woolen cap
|
1 Nos. |
|
Balaclava
|
1 Nos. |
|
Buff / Neck-gaiters
|
1 Synthetic & 1 Woollen |
|
Sunglasses
|
UV with dark side cover. (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses for spectacle wearers. |
|
Trekking shoes
|
1 Pair (Water-resistant, high ankle, good grip) |
|
Floaters / flip-flops
|
1 Pair |
|
Cotton socks
|
8 pairs |
|
Woollen socks
|
3 pairs |
|
Gaiters
|
1 Pair (Next Peak provides when required) |
|
Micro spikes
|
1 Pair (Next Peak provides when required) |
|
Sunscreen
|
1 Nos. |
|
Moisturiser
|
1 Nos. |
|
Chap-stick / Lip balm
|
1 Nos. |
|
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
|
1 Nos. |
|
Toilet paper & Wipes
|
1 Nos. |
|
Soap / Hand Sanitizers
|
1 Nos. |
|
Antibacterial Powder
|
1 Nos. |
|
Quick Dry Towel
|
1 Nos. |
