Markha Valley Trek

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!