Markha Valley Trek

The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most popular treks in the Ladakh region of northern India. The Markha Valley combines trans-Himalayan landscapes with Ladakhi villages. Ladakh is known as the lost Tibetan kingdom, and also as Little Tibet.

Duration
16 days
Group size
14 people
Country
India

Markha Valley Trek Overview

The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most popular treks in the Ladakh region of northern India. The Markha Valley combines trans-Himalayan landscapes with Ladakhi villages. Ladakh is known as the lost Tibetan kingdom, and also as Little Tibet.

The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most popular treks in the Ladakh region of northern India. The Markha Valley combines trans-Himalayan landscapes with Ladakhi villages. Ladakh is known as the lost Tibetan kingdom, and also as Little Tibet.
There is a good chance of seeing high-altitude wildlife and of meeting nomadic families herding their yaks in the wide, open valleys. After a couple of days acclimatising to the altitude in Leh, you set out to explore the heart of central Ladakh. The route crosses high passes, the Stok La (4,848 m), the Kongmaru La (5,274 m) and the Ganda La (4,878 m), and follows the banks of the Markha River. Kang Yatse peak (6,400 m) can be approached from this route, as its base camp is on the plains of Nimaling.

Key highlights of the Markha Valley Trek

Itinerary

  1. Arrive in Delhi and fly to Srinagar (1,585 m). Transfer to your hotel in Srinagar, the Heevan Resort or Regal Palace. In the afternoon, visit old Srinagar and take a shikara boat ride.

    Altitude
    1,585 m (5,200 ft)
    On foot
    None, arrival day
    Night in
    Hotel, Srinagar
    Meals
    Dinner

  2. Day excursion to Gulmarg, a popular skiing destination in India. During British rule it was a favoured place for golf and skiing. Gulmarg has the highest golf course in the world, at 2,650 m. Overnight in Srinagar.

    Altitude
    1,585 m (5,200 ft)
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Srinagar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Sightseeing in the Mughal gardens. After lunch, drive to Sonmarg.

    Altitude
    2,740 m (8,990 ft)+1,155 m
    On foot
    None, 2–3 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Sonmarg
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Drive to Kargil (2,260 m), the second largest town in Ladakh after Leh. The area was affected by the 1999 war between India and Pakistan.

    Altitude
    2,680 m (8,790 ft)−60 m
    On foot
    None, 4–5 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Kargil
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. After breakfast, drive about 160 km from Kargil to Alchi (3,200 m), then a further 60 km to Leh. Total driving time is about 7 hours.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)+820 m
    On foot
    None, 7 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Leh
    Meals
    Breakfast

  6. Acclimatisation walk around Leh and visits to monasteries.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Leh
    Meals
    Breakfast

  7. After breakfast, ride a motorbike to the Khardung La (5,359 m), the highest motorable pass in the world. The pass is 60 km away and takes about 2 hours each way. Two people share each motorbike. If you are not able to ride, you can travel by car instead. Return to the hotel afterwards.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)
    On foot
    None, 4 hr round-trip ride
    Night in
    Hotel, Leh
    Meals
    Breakfast

  8. The trail crosses a flat, barren plain along the Indus River and then turns into the mountains through the willow-lined Zingchan gorge. Overnight in camp.

    Altitude
    3,400 m (11,150 ft)−100 m
    On foot
    3–4 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Skiu
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. The trail to Markha is not very strenuous. It climbs about 300 m over 22 km and crosses the Markha River a few times. Markha is a large village with a ruined fort on the hillside and a small monastery. Overnight in camp.

    Altitude
    3,800 m (12,470 ft)+400 m
    On foot
    22 km, 6–7 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Markha
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Kang Yatse (6,400 m), a large snow-covered mountain, dominates the view for the next two days. This is a good place to see herds of blue sheep moving quickly up and down the steep cliffs. Overnight in camp.

    Altitude
    4,100 m (13,450 ft)+300 m
    On foot
    5–6 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Thachungtse
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. You pass several mani walls (stones carved with prayers) and then reach a small lake. From here there are views of Kang Yatse, reflected in the still water of the lake, and of the Markha Valley, which is now well below you. Overnight in camp.

    Altitude
    4,700 m (15,420 ft)+600 m
    On foot
    3–4 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Nimaling
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. The last section to the top of the pass is short but steep, with good views over the Zanskar Range and of the vertical ice walls on the north face of Kang Yatse. The trail then becomes easier and descends to the river bed at Shang Sumdo. Overnight in camp.

    Altitude
    3,700 m (12,140 ft)−1,000 m
    On foot
    7–8 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Shang Sumdo
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  13. We have set aside two days for the climb, to allow for delays caused by bad weather. The summit is covered in prayer flags and has wide views of the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges to the north, the Zanskar Range to the west, and the Indus Valley and the city of Leh below. You then descend to base camp. Overnight in camp.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)−200 m
    On foot
    None, 2 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Leh
    Meals
    Breakfast

  14. Drive to Pangong, 140 km and about 5 hours each way. Overnight in a tent at Pangong.

    Altitude
    4,250 m (13,940 ft)+750 m
    On foot
    None, 5 hr drive
    Night in
    Tented camp, Pangong
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner

  15. Drive back to Leh. Overnight in a hotel.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)−750 m
    On foot
    None, 5 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Leh
    Meals
    Breakfast

  16. Fly to Delhi to connect with your onward flight to Heathrow.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)
    On foot
    None, departure day
    Night in
    No overnight
    Meals
    Breakfast

What's included

  • Heevan Resort, Regal hotel or similar in Srinagar with breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Hotel Snowland in Sonmarg with dinner, breakfast and a hot lunch
  • Zojila Residency in Kargil with dinner and breakfast
  • Transport by Tempo Traveller (minibus) for the Khardung La trip, from arrival in Srinagar to Leh, and to and from the trek start and end points
  • Sightseeing in Leh on the acclimatisation day
  • Ponies to carry luggage and full trek services
  • Tents shared by two people, with mattresses
  • Meals, the services of 2 cooks and helpers, experienced climbing Sherpas to guide the climb, and an emergency oxygen cylinder
  • Hire of a 350 Enfield motorbike or a jeep for the day
  • Transport for the Pangong day trip (Innova or Xylo)
  • Environment fee
  • Inner Line Permit fee for foreigners, which the district authorities have recently introduced
  • Sleeping bag, down jacket and duffel bag (to be returned)

Not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Personal expenses such as drinks and tips
  • Extra costs caused by roadblocks or landslides
  • Flight cancellations, rescue and evacuation, and insurance
  • Personal porter: GBP per porter per day

Reviews

Exceptional5.0 out of 5Reviews from Tripadvisor
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Showing 10 reviews from 901 on Tripadvisor

Experience and memories of a lifetime with Earthbound expeditions

August 2024, Tripadvisor

I cannot thank enough Rajan and his team for the success of our trip and experience of a lifetime! We completed Kailash Mansarovar yatra with a group of friends. This was preceeded by short stay in Chengdu. The logistics of the entire trip was seamlessly taken care of. Rajan and his team - from Nepal and Tibet were knowledgeable, warm, caring and funny. Even though the altitude and conditions were difficult they made the sure that the expedition was a success and an enjoyable, friendly and spiritual experience for each and everyone of us. Without a doubt they are THE TEAM for your trekking tour. I will not hesitate to recommend them to any of my friends.

gupta_amrita50Perth, AustraliaRead on Tripadvisor

We can only say good things as good things happened for us on our trip. Very thankful to Earthbound Expeditions.

August 2024, Tripadvisor

In August 2024 we went with our friends to kailash mansarover yatra. This we did with Earthbound Expeditions and we were taken care for every need of ours with lot of love and affection and sincerity from Rajanji and his team. We were treated like family and we had a very successful journey. Missing our trip. Wish it never ended. I really want to thank the Earthbound family to give us an experience of a lifetime. Really recommend them to everyone to book with them for your tour and travel needs. Hopefully one day we do the trek again with you Rajanji and team. We were served the most delicious meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner. I also enjoyed our tea times with Masala chai and hot snacks. Thank you to their chef Narain and sarke. Doctor Arjun always was there if any of us was not feeling well. Thanking Hari for his his very sweet smile and support and watching out for all of us. We are thankful to God for making us touch lives with very sweet Nepali family. Love you guys and missing you all.

Rakhi PRead on Tripadvisor

Spiritual-Adventure

August 2024, Tripadvisor

If you are seeking an adventurous trek combined with a spiritual experience, look no further than EarthBound Expeditions. This incredible team offers not just an adventure but a journey filled with personal care, daily health checkups, safe travels, and freshly cooked meals that cater to your needs. Their passion, positivity, and genuine love for what they do shine through every aspect of your journey, making it truly unforgettable. With EarthBound Expeditions, you are not just booking a trip; you are immersing yourself in an experience that blends adventure, spirituality, and heartfelt hospitality in a way that only they can provide.

Reena TRead on Tripadvisor

A unique experience of spiritual combined with adventure.

August 2024, Tripadvisor

Rajan Ji, I'm writing to personally thank you & your wonderful team for the once in a lifetime spiritual & adventure experience during Kailash Manasarowar parikrama. Your leadership and management style, good humour & positive spirits in difficult situations, your knowledge, passion and pride in your work and your country is inspiring. All the very best for the future. I look forward to other trips with you in the coming years. All the best. Amit

AmitNamjoshiRead on Tripadvisor

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