Markha Valley Trek
Overview
The Markha Valley Trek promises a striking contrast of scenery: desert landscapes, river valleys, alpine meadows, and roaming wildlife. It’s an outdoorsy wonderland for anyone seeking a rugged, mountainous getaway!
The eight-day Markha Trek takes you deep into a pocket of India’s massive backyard—hello, Himalayas—submerses in the wild and introduces you to fascinating elements of India’s culture. Catch glimpses of India outside the monstrous, well-known cities of Leh and Markha.
Trekkers with moderate hiking experiences can tackle this beautiful, guided trek cutting through the Markha Valley, but note the high altitude before going!
Markha Valley Trek Overview
The Markha Valley Trek promises a striking contrast of scenery: desert landscapes, river valleys, alpine meadows, and roaming wildlife. It’s an outdoorsy wonderland for anyone seeking a rugged, mountainous getaway!
The eight-day Markha Trek takes you deep into a pocket of India’s massive backyard—hello, Himalayas—submerses in the wild and introduces you to fascinating elements of India’s culture. Catch glimpses of India outside the monstrous, well-known cities of Leh and Markha.
Trekkers with moderate hiking experiences can tackle this beautiful, guided trek cutting through the Markha Valley, but note the high altitude before going!
Experience the unique, unforgettable setting spanning India’s Markha Valley, where a cold desert meets a river valley.
Admire the lofty Kang Yatse pouring into your sightline on day 5 of your trek, an intimidating mountain brimmed with snow.
Enjoy the landscape contrast painting Markha, a mountain village fused with desert and lush greenery.
Spend time acclimatizing in Leh, the largest city in Ladakh, where colourful culture, fascinating architecture, and a scenic, mountainous backdrop await.
Trip map for Markha Valley Trek
Barbara C.
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We went through 10Adventures not familiar with them at all, and it was the best decision we ever made!
Allyson K.
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Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
Amy D.
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It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Itinerary for Markha Valley Trek
Arrive in Leh
Transfer to hotel. Relax and acclimatize. Then, visit Leh market in the evening.
Acclimatize in Leh
Take this day to get used to the climate. You can also take an optional trip to the Leh palace and the Shey, Thikse and Hemis gompas. Don’t forget to do any last-minute shopping in the Leh market.
Trek to Sara
Get ready for your first day of trekking! The trail goes through a flat and desolate plain along the river Indus and swings into the mountains along the pretty, willow lined Zingchen gorge.
Hike from Skiu to Markha
Today’s trail will have you crossing the Markha river a couple times. There are ancient chortens along the trail and a number of wolf pits used to trap wolves when they roam the valley during the winter months. Markha is a big village, complete with a derelict fort on the hillside and a small village monastery.
Go from Markha to Thachungtse
Stretch your limbs, and prepare for another on the trail, where phenomenal views await. Kang Yatse, a lofty, snow-capped mountain, captures your sightline for the next two days. On the walk there are sights of some fascinating geological creations of large boulders balanced precariously on top of consolidated earth spikes. Continue down over a bridge to Thachungtse, a popular place to spot blue sheep slide up and down the steep cliffs with incredible agility.
Trek Thachungtse to Nimaling
Pass several Mani walls before coming across a small lake. The view is wonderful from here – both of Kang Yatse, whose bulk gets reflected in the still waters of the lake, and also of the Markha Valley which you are now well above. Descend slowly to the valley of Nimaling, which has a semi-permanent population of villagers who come from the Markha Valley to graze their livestock on the summer pastures.
Reach the top
Today you will climb the last short but steep slope to the top (5200 m), where you will find unforgettable views over the Zanskar Range and of the vertical ice walls on the north face of Kang Yaze. It takes around three hours to climb to the top. The descent initially is quite steep and then eases out to reach Chuskirmo, where you will board waiting vehicles for the two-hour drive back to Leh. Wash up & spend the evening shopping in Leh.
Transfer to the airport
Take an early morning transfer to the airport for your flight. Your trip ends here!
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
Dates and prices for Markha Valley Trek
This tour is operated as a private trip for your group. Please submit a booking request to enquire about accurate pricing for your group size and dates.
What’s included for Markha Valley Trek
Meals
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 8 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the Markha Valley Trek are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, including transfers to and from the airport.
Also included
- English-speaking guide
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and permits where applicable
- Common trekking equipment
- Camp staff and cooks
- Portage for up to 15kg per person
- GST (5%)
Not Included
- Flights to and from Leh
- Meals, drinks (such as bottled water), or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Expenses incurred from nature or out-of-control circumstances
- Sleeping bag
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Accommodation for Markha Valley Trek
This tour is based in tents and hotels. Hotels on this trip offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Frequently asked questions for Markha Valley Trek
How hard is the Markha Valley Trek?
We rate this tour as a 5 / 5. This is a moderate trek however it travels and sleeps at high elevations which makes the distances and elevations much more challenging. This trip requires acclimatization and hiking experience.
Do I need a visa to travel to Markha Valley Trek?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Markha Valley Trek?
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover trekking. Get your travel insurance.
How do I get to Leh to start this tour?
Fly into Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. Someone from the tour will pick you up! This is a domestic airport.
Is the Markha Valley Trek in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the Markha Valley Trek end?
The tour ends at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, a domestic airport.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to India?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for India?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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