Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel The Royal Plaza in Delhi
Enjoy a sprinkle of luxury here. During your stay, let your body unwind in the indoor or outdoor pool or head to the spa for an added boost of relaxation.
Discover the pristine wild scenery spanning Ladakh’s backyard on foot
The Markha Valley and Stok Kangri Trek is the adventure of a lifetime! You’ll discover the unspoiled outdoor oasis spanning the Markha Valley in India’s Hemis National Park on this magnificent trekking adventure. Admire the ice-laden mountains soaring around you, the alpine pastures coating the land, the vibrant flower meadows, and every so often you’ll catch a glimpse of rural daily life as you wind from Chilling to Shang Sumdo.
Hemis National Park is also home to a collection of wildlife, including blue sheep, an abundance of birds, and snow leopards. You may be lucky enough to spot this exotic animal roaming the land—there are around 50 in the park! Outside of snaking through wild landscapes, enjoy visits to cultural highlights: gompas, monasteries, and stupas. The Markha Valley and Stok Kangri Trek is not to be missed-book today!
Meet and greet a tour representative upon arrival in Delhi before transferring to the domestic airport for your flight to Leh. Once you reach Leh, meet another tour representative and transfer to your hotel. Do note that you’ve just landed at 3,500 m above sea level, so it's essential to get acclimatized before embarking on your trekking adventure. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. It's suggested to check out the Leh Market, where they sell souvenirs, jewelry, and antiques.
Catch a glimpse of the spirituality embedded in India's culture today! Visit Shey Monastery, a complex on a stony hillside. Admire the towering 350-year-old Buddha statue towering over the land. After, embark on a short hike to Thikse Gompa. During sunrise, the monks all gather for a prayer ritual (Puja) at this monastery.
Spend another day getting acclimated before your hiking adventure. Enjoy walking around and visiting Shanti stupa, the old royal palace, and Tsemo Gompa.
You’ll start the morning with a 60 km drive to Chilling. Admire the Indus River and Zanskar River as you wind along the road. Upon arrival, you’ll store your non-trekking luggage at the hotel. After, head to the river bank to meet your hiking companions and place your gear on the pack animals. Once you’re all set, prepare to start your week-long adventure in Hemis National Park. Today you will head to Kuki La (pass). Eventually, the Markha River will replace the Zanskar River. Amid the beautiful scenery, you’ll pass Kaya, a settlement home to the ruins of an old gompa. Spend your first night in a tent in Skiu. Before you go to bed, enjoy a delicious three-course meal!
Hike through fertile, lush fields and pastures, coming across a deserted gompa. Expect to cross the Markha River on numerous occasions. Sometimes a bridge will carry you across, but other times you’ll have to walk through the water—which can be knee-deep. Soon, Markha village will come into view. Spend the night in a tent below an old, crumbled castle. Interact with the locals while you’re here.
Get ready for an eventful hike packed with river crossings, colourful birds, and remarkable views. Amid the scenery, expect to experience some of the spirituality rooted in India’s culture via a possible visit to the Tsetang Gompa and a visit to another stupa after a set of steep switchbacks. From the stupa, marvel at the views sprawling below before descending to your campsite.
Encounter an array of scenery on today’s route, from earthy pyramids to edelweiss, and a pleasant mountain lake, where you’ll break for lunch. Hike up to the alpine pastures spanning Nimaling, and expect to interact with shepherds selling cheese and yogurt. Their goats, sheep, and dzos will roam between the tents dotting the campsite. From here, admire Kang Yatse, the imposing mountain peak demanding attention in the backdrop.
Spend a day resting in this charming, welcoming area. You can opt to embark on a day hike—all options unveil gorgeous views of Hemis National Park.
Admire the palette of colours painting the mountains spanning the land as you climb across Kongmaru La. Bask in the beauty of the edelweiss, which add a layer of magnificence to today’s hike. You’ll come across prayer flags fluttering and a crisp view of Kang Yatse, standing tall at 6,400 m, as you walk. Wind through a gorge where your destination awaits. In Chokdo, enjoy tea and interact with the locals.
Get ready for your last day totally immersed in the wild. Hike to Shang Sumdo. From here, hop in a vehicle and head to Hemis Monastery—the richest, biggest monastery in India. After admiring the expansive halls and paintings dotting the walls, take a bus back to Leh.
Depart Leh and fly to Delhi. Opt to explore the various attractions in and around this hustling and bustling city. Optionally, you can visit Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.
Enjoy a tasty breakfast before going on a sightseeing tour with a local guide. Check out notable attractions in Old and New Delhi: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat, India Gate, Qutub Minar, and more.
Head to the international airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
This guided trekking tour to Ladakh in India is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the size of your group. Please note that the prices might increase during public holidays.
Prices below are per person:
This tour will have you staying in a combination of hotels and alpine tents at overnight campsites. When you’re not camping, expect to stay in 2-4-star hotels. The hotels provided come with modern amenities that elevate your comfort. Do note that rooms are double occupancy, but you can always upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee. Single travellers are also required to pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may be swapped for other similar accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $645USD to have a private room in a hotel. It’s often also possible to match single travellers up.
Enjoy a sprinkle of luxury here. During your stay, let your body unwind in the indoor or outdoor pool or head to the spa for an added boost of relaxation.
Enjoy sleeping under the stars! You’ll camp in beautiful locations along the trail and all necessary equipment will be provided.
Enjoy a sprinkle of luxury here. During your stay, let your body unwind in the indoor or outdoor pool or head to the spa for an added boost of relaxation.
12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 12 dinners are included.
Accommodations for 12 nights is included.
Transportation is included for transfers to the different locations, pick-up, and drop-off spots throughout the tour. However, the airfare for flights between Delhi and Leh is not included and will be available to add to the tour package during the booking process.
How hard is the Markha Valley Trek?
This tour is rated as a 5 / 5. This tour requires you to hike at a high altitude. Therefore, a high level of fitness and experience hiking at altitude is recommended.
Do I need a visa to travel to India?
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?
12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 12 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 hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Delhi to start this tour?
You can fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, where you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
Is the Markha Valley Trek in English?
Yes, the tour guide speaks English.
Where does the Markha Valley Trek end?
The tour ends in Delhi, where you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
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.
When is the best time to travel to India for this tour?
The best time to travel to Ladakh in India for trekking is from April to September. The summer months (June through August) tend to provide the warmest weather for trekking.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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Google ReviewStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
This tour is rated as a 5 / 5. This tour requires you to hike at a high altitude. Therefore, a high level of fitness and experience hiking at altitude is recommended.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
New Delhi, India
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