Markha Valley Trek

Markha Valley Trek

Markha Valley Trek

Prices

From $1,460USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels and camping

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Discover the pristine wild scenery spanning Ladakh’s backyard on foot

Look out for an array of exotic wildlife on the landscape as you trek: birds, blue sheep, and the exotic snow leopard.

Enjoy fresh cheese and yogurt provided by local shepherds in Nimaling, the charming area you'll tent for two nights.

Explore the remarkable cultural highlights and architectural knockouts, like gompas and palaces, in Leh.

Discover the great attractions of New and Old Delhi with a tour guide on this tour's last full day.

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!

Markha Valley Trek Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Leh from Delhi

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.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Leh (3,500m / 11,482ft)
Distance
None
Meals
Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 Sightseeing around Leh

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.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Leh (3,500m / 11,482ft)
Distance
Flexible
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Relax in Leh

Spend another day getting acclimated before your hiking adventure. Enjoy walking around and visiting Shanti stupa, the old royal palace, and Tsemo Gompa.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Leh (3,500m / 11,482ft)
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Begin your trek

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!

Overnight Location
Camping in Skiu (3350m / 11,000ft)
Distance
6-7km
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 Hike to Markha

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.

Overnight Location
Camping in Markha (3,480m / 11,417ft)
Distance
12km
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 Hike to Thachungtse

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.

Overnight Location
Camping in Thachungtse (4,313m / 14,150ft)
Distance
6-7km
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 Hike to Nimaling

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.

Overnight Location
Camping in Nimaling (4,700m / 15,420ft)
Distance
6-7km
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Rest in Nimaling

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.

Overnight Location
Camping in Nimaling (4,700m / 15,420ft)
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Cross Kongmaru La

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.

Overnight Location
Camping in Chokdo (3,900m / 12,795ft)
Distance
6-7km
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Finish the trek

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.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Leh (3,500m / 11,482ft)
Distance
6-7km
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Fly to Delhi

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.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Delhi (216m / 709ft)
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Sightseeing around Delhi

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.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Delhi (216m / 709ft)
Distance
Flexible
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 Depart Delhi

Head to the international airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Markha Valley Trek Price and Dates

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:

  • Guided Groups of 2: $1,950USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 3: $1,875USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 4-6: $1,460USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 7+: on request
Start Your Booking

Accommodation on Markha Valley Trek

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.

Hotel 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.

Night 2-10

Guesthouses and homestays in Ladakh

Enjoy sleeping under the stars! You’ll camp in beautiful locations along the trail and all necessary equipment will be provided.

Hotel 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.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s included in the Markha Valley Trek?

Meals

12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 12 dinners are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 12 nights is included.

Transportation during the Tour

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.

Also Included

  • Guide for trekking in Ladakh
  • Camping, permit, entrance fees
  • Trekking arrangements: tents, cook, ponies, helpers, one-inch mattresses
  • Toilet tent

Not included

  • Flights to and from Delhi
  • Flights to and from Leh
  • Any additional nights in Delhi before or after the tour
  • Tour guide gratuity
  • Personal necessities such as drinks during mealtimes and laundry
  • Sleeping bag

Optional Extras

  • Extra night in Delhi before or after the tour
  • Flights between Delhi and Leh: $216USD per person (prices vary based on availability)
  • Sleeping bag rental: $13USD per day

Frequenty Asked Questions about Markha Valley Trek

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.

Reviews

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.

4.7
93 ratings
5 star
78
4 star
9
3 star
3
2 star
2
1 star
1

Written Reviews

There are no written reviews yet.

93 total ratings, 0 with reviews

Add a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Thank you!

Thank you for submitting your review!

If you enjoyed your tour please consider leaving a Google review for 10Adventures to help others discover the world of custom adventure travel.

Google Review

Prices

From $1,460USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels and camping

Start Your Booking

What travellers say

When can I do this tour?

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Why 10Adventures?

Save time and let us plan your perfect trip.

Customize your travel experience to get it just right.

Knowledgeable adventure specialists are a click or call away.

Stress-free booking at your fingertips.

Flexible payments with interest-free installments.

Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

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.

Local guide

Rajiv

New Delhi, India

Get in touch

+1 (587) 327-9828

Book your next Adventure on 10Adventures

Hassle-free Adventure Travel

Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.

Don't Just Take A Trip, Take YOUR Trip

Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.

No Hidden Fees

We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!

Happiness Guarantee

We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.

Personal Adventure Travel Concierge

Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.

Vetted Local Guides

Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Tours

Routes

Blogs