Markha Valley Trek
Ladakh's greatest walk
The journey
The Markha Valley is where trekking in India began, and it remains the benchmark. You walk between villages that have grown barley for a thousand years, sleep in homestays with wood stoves and apricot jam, then climb into the wild upper valley where Kang Yatse's pyramid fills the sky. The crossing of Kongmaru La (5,260m) is the big day — prayer flags, thin air and a panorama from Karakoram to Zanskar. Two acclimatisation days in Leh are built in, because altitude done slowly is altitude done right.
Fitness required
Two full acclimatisation days are mandatory and included. Beyond that, expect 5–7 walking hours daily and one 10-hour pass day. Prior trek experience is strongly recommended.
Day by day
Day1Arrive Leh — do nothing, seriously
Leh (3,500m)
Arrive Leh — do nothing, seriously
Leh (3,500m)
Land at 3,500m and follow the golden rule: rest. Short evening walk only if you feel strong. Briefing and dinner with the trek team.
Day2Leh acclimatisation
Leh (3,500m)
Leh acclimatisation
Leh (3,500m)
A gentle day — Shanti Stupa at sunrise for those up to it, Leh palace and market at an amble. Altitude done slowly is altitude done right.
Day3Drive to Chilling, trek to Skiu
Skiu (3,400m)
Drive to Chilling, trek to Skiu
Skiu (3,400m)
Past the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus to the trailhead, then an easy first walk into the Markha valley. First night in a village homestay.
Day4Skiu to Markha village
Markha (3,700m)
Skiu to Markha village
Markha (3,700m)
A full valley day — river crossings, mani walls and barley fields — to Markha, the valley's namesake village beneath its small monastery.
Day5Markha to Hankar
Hankar (4,000m)
Markha to Hankar
Hankar (4,000m)
The valley narrows and the walking turns wilder. Tea at Techa gompa's cliff perch, then up to Hankar, last village before the high country.
Day6Hankar to Nimaling
Nimaling (4,700m)
Hankar to Nimaling
Nimaling (4,700m)
Climb onto the great grazing plateau of Nimaling, with Kang Yatse (6,400m) filling the southern sky. Herds of yak and blue sheep for company.
Day7Kongmaru La — the big crossing
Kongmaru La (5,260m)
Kongmaru La — the big crossing
Kongmaru La (5,260m)
The summit day: up to Kongmaru La (5,260m) for a panorama from Karakoram to Zanskar, then the long knee-testing descent to Chokdo and the drive back to Leh.
Day8Leh — departure
Leh
Leh — departure
Leh
Breakfast and airport drop. Book flights from 10am onwards; mountain weather likes to keep people an extra day, so buffer if you can.
Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- All meals on trek, breakfasts in Leh
- Trek leader, local guide and support staff
- Mules for group gear and personal duffels (12kg)
- All permits and wildlife fees
- Airport and trailhead transfers
- Oxygen and medical support
Not included
- Flights to and from Leh
- Lunches and dinners in Leh
- Personal gear and expenses
- Travel and evacuation insurance (mandatory)
- Anything not listed in inclusions
What to pack
- Broken-in trekking boots
- Down jacket rated to -15°C
- Thermals, fleece and trekking trousers
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp, sunglasses, SPF 50+
- Personal medication
- 2L water carrying capacity
- Dry bags for duffel
Good to know
Fly into Leh at least a day early if possible and plan nothing strenuous on arrival. Ladakh is a restricted-area region — carry your original ID everywhere. Network is limited to Leh; inform family beforehand.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 45 days before departure. 50% refund 30–44 days. 25% refund 15–29 days. No refund within 15 days. One free date transfer up to 21 days before departure.
Traveller reviews
"Third trek with Wandrcrew and the consistency is remarkable. Homestays in Markha felt like visiting family. Kongmaru La was the hardest and best day of trekking I've done in fifteen years."