About the Trek
The Markha Valley trek is the most popular multi-day trek in Ladakh, and for good reason. It takes you through the heart of the Hemis National Park, crossing two passes above 5,000 metres — Gandala La and Kongmaru La — while passing through traditional Ladakhi villages where homestay culture is deeply rooted.
The valley itself is a stunning tapestry of barley fields, whitewashed stupas, fluttering prayer flags, and dramatic canyon walls. The trail passes beneath Kang Yatse (6,400m), one of the most striking peaks in Ladakh, and offers views of the Stok Range and Zanskar mountains.
What makes the Markha Valley special is the cultural experience. You stay in village homestays, share meals with Ladakhi families, and experience a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The combination of high passes, dramatic landscapes, and rich culture makes this one of India's finest treks.
Trek Highlights
- Cross Gandala La (4,900m) and Kongmaru La (5,150m)
- Stay in traditional Ladakhi homestays along the valley
- Views of Kang Yatse (6,400m) and Stok Range
- Trek through Hemis National Park — home to snow leopards
- Visit ancient monasteries and whitewashed stupas
- Experience authentic Ladakhi village culture
Day-by-Day Itinerary
An 8-day journey through Ladakh's Markha Valley crossing two high passes with village homestays.
- Arrive at Leh airport
- Complete rest for acclimatisation
- Short walk around Leh market
- Overnight at hotel
- Visit Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace
- Drive to Spituk or Hemis monastery
- Continue acclimatisation
- Overnight at hotel
- Drive to Chilling village via Zingchen
- Begin trek along the Markha river
- Walk through dramatic canyon
- Reach Skiu village
- Overnight in homestay
- Trek through the valley with river crossings
- Pass ruins of an ancient fort
- Reach Markha village — the largest in the valley
- Overnight in homestay
- Continue up the valley through Umlung
- Views of Kang Yatse become increasingly dramatic
- Reach Hankar village
- Overnight in homestay
- Ascend to the vast Nimaling plateau
- Beneath the towering Kang Yatse peak
- Nomadic yak herders in summer
- Camp at Nimaling
- Overnight in tents
- Early start for Kongmaru La crossing
- Reach the pass at 5,150m — highest point
- Long descent through a spectacular gorge
- Reach Shang Sumdo
- Drive to Leh
- Overnight at hotel
- Airport transfer and departure
- Or extend stay to explore Ladakh
- Trek concludes
What's Included
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation — Hotel / Homestay / Tents on triple sharing
- All necessary entry fees and permits
- Professional trek leader, guide, cook and support staff
- Camping equipment — sleeping bags, blankets, mats, toilet tents
- Safety equipment — medical kit, oximeter, crampons & gaiters
What's Not Included
- Meals during the road journey
- Any kind of insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Medical / evacuation expenses (assistance provided in emergencies)
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in inclusions
Things to Carry
Essentials
- Backpack (50-60 L) with rain cover
- Day pack (20 L)
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Headlamp / torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles (2 L)
- Personal medication
Clothing
- Thermal innerwear (top + bottom) x 2
- Heavy fleece / down jacket
- Waterproof outer shell
- Woollen cap, balaclava, gloves (inner + outer)
- Trekking pants x 2
- Quick-dry t-shirts x 3
- Gaiters
Documents
- Government photo ID (Aadhaar / Passport / DL)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Medical fitness certificate
Optional
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Power bank
- Energy bars / dry fruits
How to Prepare
This is a Moderate grade trek. You'll be walking 5–8 hours on some days, often at altitudes above 3,500 m. Prior trekking experience is not mandatory but a solid 4–6 weeks of preparation will make a real difference.
Cardio — Start 4–6 Weeks Before
- Run/jog: Build up to 5 km in under 28 minutes, 4x per week
- Brisk walks: 8–10 km weekend walks with a 5–8 kg daypack
- Stairs: 10–12 floors daily, or use a stair machine at the gym
- Cycling / swimming: Great cross-training — 30 min sessions, 2x per week
Strength (3–4x per week)
- Squats — 3 sets of 20 (add 5 kg dumbbells in week 3+)
- Lunges — 3 sets of 15 each leg
- Step-ups on a bench — 3 sets of 12 each leg
- Planks — hold 60 seconds, 3 sets; side planks 30 sec each
- Dead hangs — grip strength helps on rocky scrambles
Diet & Hydration
- 3–4 litres of water daily throughout your training period
- High-protein meals (eggs, dal, paneer, chicken) for muscle recovery
- Complex carbs (oats, brown rice, sweet potato) for sustained energy
- Cut alcohol completely 1 week before departure
- Carry electrolyte sachets and glucose powder for the trail
Altitude Awareness
- Moderate treks often cross 3,500–4,200 m — AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a real risk
- Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and hydrate constantly above 3,000 m
- Know the symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness
- Inform your trek leader immediately if you feel unwell — never push through altitude symptoms
- Consult your doctor about Diamox if you have a history of altitude sensitivity
Photo Gallery
Photos from the trail. More coming soon — follow us on Instagram for daily updates.
Gallery photos will be added soon. Binoy is preparing the best shots from the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Leh itself is at 3,500m. You need at least 2 days of acclimatisation in Leh before starting the trek.
Yes, several river crossings in the Markha Valley. In June-July, water levels can be high. Our guides know the safest crossing points.
Homestays are basic but warm. You sleep in traditional rooms, share meals (local Ladakhi cuisine), and interact with your host family.
Due to the altitude (two passes above 5,000m) and Leh's elevation, it is rated moderate. Some prior trekking experience and good fitness are recommended.