Markha Valley Trek

Transfer to hotel. Relax and acclimatize. Then, visit Leh market in the evening.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take an early morning transfer to the airport for your flight. Your trip ends here!