Markha Valley Trek
Seven days on foot from Leh through the Markha valley, with two passes, village homes and camps on the river.
from$890
Ladakh, at walking pace.
Treks, homestays and slow road trips from Leh, run by people who live here and plan every day around the altitude.
Ladakh, quickly
- 3,500 m
- High desert trekking, monastery visits and Pangong day trips
- Indian rupee (INR)
- Ladakhi, Hindi and English
- GMT+5:30
- Type C, D, M
- Most foreign visitors need an Indian visa, and some areas need a separate permit; check current rules before you travel.
- Fly to Leh, or reach it by road from Manali or Srinagar when the passes are open. Allow a day to adjust to the altitude on arrival.
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- Jan Off season
- Feb Off season
- Mar Off season
- Apr Good
- May Good
- Jun Best
- Jul Best
- Aug Best
- Sep Best
- Oct Good
- Nov Off season
- Dec Off season
Seven days, one valley
The profile shows where you sleep each night. Fold a day open for the route, the hours on foot and the meals.
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Arrive in Leh
Fly into Leh and rest for the day. Drink plenty of water and keep the first afternoon easy, because the air is thin at this height.
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Drive to Zingchen and walk to Skiu
A short drive takes you to the start of the valley. The trail follows the Markha river through willow and poplar, with the first river crossing before lunch.
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Skiu to Markha village
The valley narrows and the path crosses the river several times. Stop for lunch by the water and reach the village in the afternoon, where the camp sits above the fields.
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Markha to Hankar
The walk passes the ruins of Hankar fort on a rock above the river. The valley walls turn gold in the late afternoon, which is the best light for photographs.
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Hankar to Nimaling
The trail climbs onto open pasture where herders bring yaks and sheep in summer. Nimaling is the highest camp before the pass, so sleep early and drink water.
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Kongmaru La to Shang Sumdo
Cross Kongmaru La early, before the wind rises. The far side is a long, loose descent, and the last section follows the river to the camp at Shang Sumdo.
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Shang Sumdo to Leh
A drive back to Leh through the Indus valley. If time allows, stop at a monastery on the way, and then rest for the evening.
Ways to see Ladakh
One valley, three seasons
- Jan Off season
- Feb Off season
- Mar Off season
- Apr Good
- May Good
- Jun Best
- Jul Best
- Aug Best
- Sep Best
- Oct Good
- Nov Off season
- Dec Off season
Where you will sleep
- Homestay
Willow Yard Homestay
from$38/ night
Roads, passes and permits
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Winter road closures
The Manali to Leh and Srinagar to Leh roads usually close when heavy snow blocks the high passes. Flights are the normal option in these months.
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High passes
Passes above 5,000 m, such as Chang La and Khardung La, can close after snow or landslides, even in summer. Build a spare day into your plan.
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Protected areas
Some areas, including parts of the Nubra and Pangong routes, need a permit. Rules have changed, so confirm the current requirement with your operator.
People who know the way
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Owen Hale
Owen started Meridian Pine after ten years leading small-group treks in the Alps and the Andes. He still walks each route before it goes on sale and writes every trip grade himself.
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Priya Nair
Priya plans every departure, from the flights and visas to the hut booking that makes a long day possible. She keeps a separate planning sheet for each group and rings every host before a stay is confirmed.
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Tenzin Angchuk
Tenzin grew up in a village above the Indus and has guided the Markha Valley for eight seasons. He knows which monastery doors open early and which tea stop has the best view.
Ski-in ease and a warm host
The chalet is a short walk from the village centre, and the host met us with hot drinks and a clear plan for the week. Our room had a wood stove and a drying rack for ski gear, which was thoughtful. Breakfast was generous, and the host gave good advice on which lifts open early. The road into the village is closed to cars, so arrange your luggage transfer in advance. A relaxed and friendly base.
Thank you, your request is on its way
A planner who knows the region will reply within one working day, usually sooner. Nothing is booked or paid until you confirm.