One of the most amazing alpine treks in Ladakh that passes through a remote region and snakes through varied landscapes, the Markha Valley Trek is no doubt a serious quest amid the barren beauty.

The Markha Valley trekking tour starts from Leh at 3,500 meters and heads to Spituk, which is a few hours of drive from Leh. Thereafter an easy trek of 4 - 5 hours leads to Zingchen where from the trail turns to Yurutse at 4,160 meters. The trek from Zingchen to Yurutse mostly stretches over a phantasmagoric landscape and cuts across the Zingchen Nallah and Kandala Nallah. Thereafter en route the Rumbak village the trail proceeds to the base of Kandala or Gandala thus making your journey a bit strenuous. A steep descent from Gandala turns you to pass through the beautiful barley and mustard fields where the journey leads to Skiu. The trek from Yurutse to Skiu is approximately 8 - 9 hours and hence one needs to be prepared for the long day hardships. Following the barren landscape and a few remote villages the trail from Skiu heads to the picturesque Markha village and later leads to Thochuntse at 4,150 meters. From Thochuntse the trail slowly follows a gradual climb to Nimaling at 4,750 meters and later dips down to conclude at Shang Sumdo via Kongmaru La.

Detail Itinerary

Duration : 9 Nights / 10 Days

Day 01 : Leh
On arrival at airport pick up and transfer to the hotel. Full day free and rest for complete day for acclimatization. In the evening visit to visit to Shanti Stupa, Leh palace & Market. Stay overnight in Leh.

Day 02 : Acclimatization day in and around Leh
We take the opportunity to visit some of the splendid monasteries in and around Leh like Shey, Thikse, Hemis etc.

Day 03 : Leh to Chilling by road and then walk to Skiu 3400m (4 hours)
We leave Leh in the morning after an early breakfast and then drive to Chilling in around two and a half hours. We meet our pony man and support team in Chilling. From Chilling we start our four hour walk to Skiu and reach by later afternoon.

Day 04 : Skiu to Tunespa 3600 m ( 4 hours)
The trail is mostly flat following the Markha river. After around three hours the trail crosses a bridge and then traverses some steep slopes before entering the hamlet of Chaluk. From Chaluk there is a short walk to Tunespa which is small village with cultivated fields.

Day 05 : Tunespa to Markha 3700 meters 3 hours and then Markha to Hankar 3900 metres 3 hours
The trail from Tunespa climbs up to some chortens from where there is a good view of the valley. It continues to follow the river until it enters Markha where we have lunch. From Markha it is a gentle climb past Umlung to Hankar where we stop for the night.

Day 06 : Hankar to Tahungtse 4150 metres 3 hours and the Tahungtse to the Tea Tent (lake) 3 hours
From Hankar the trail climbs to reach the walled pastures of Tahungtse. We stop for an early lunch here and then proceed after lunch to reach the small tarn with excellent mountain views. There is a small tea tent here in season for refreshments.

Day 07 : Tea Tent to Nimaling ( 4720 meters) 2 hours uphill
The trail climbs to Nimaling which is a large valley where yaks, sheep and goats are grazed by the villagers of Markha. We do a short day to Nimaling as the next day has a pass crossing and a stiff downhill! It is beautiful campsite but can often be cold and windy!

Day 08 : Nimaling to Kongmaru La 5100 meters 2 hours and then down to Chukirmo 4050 meters four hours
The trail then climbs to the pass of Kongmaru La from where there are good views over the Zanskar mountains and the peak of Kang Yaze. From the pass the trail drops steeply for about 1000 metres to the settlement of Chukirmo where we camp for the night.

Day 09 : Chukirmo to Shang Sumdo 31/2 hours and then drive to Leh two hours
The trail continues to drop but more gradually now to Chogdo and then passes a school and finally enters Shang Sumdo. We have our packed lunch in Shang Sumdo and then drive back to Leh.

Day 10 : Leh Departure
After breakfast, check out from the hotel & drop at Airport for return journey with sweet memories of Ladakh Tour.