Markha Valley Trek
Difficult
Leh to Leh
Markha Valley Trek
Ladakh
10 Days
65 Km
Max 15
₹
35500
+ 5% GST
Add ons
Available Batches
Available Batches
Gallery
Brief Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Leh. Rest & Acclimatization.
Arrive in Leh by 12 PM. Today is for rest & acclimatization. Being outdoors is recommended as it helps in the acclimatization process. Explore the local market of Leh. Have the local cuisine and enjoy shopping for dry fruits and local handicrafts.
Day 2
Acclimatization in Leh
Explore the cultural and natural beauty of Leh. This will make you familiar with the town and also help in acclimatize to the weather. Leh is the center point of Ladakh and also a major town from where all expeditions begin. It is also a culturally rich place. There are dozens of monasteries and ancient temples that you can go around. They are located in and around the town. Enjoy the local cuisines which are a major attraction for travellers.
Day 3
Drive to Zingchen. (1 Hour). Trek to Ganda La base (3-4 hours)
In the early morning hours, we will go by jeep to Zingchen. The drive will begin along an old jeep road into a parched and exposed region, so water and sunscreen are absolutely vital! After plodding through the shattered land we will enter the lush Zingchen Valley, where the Rumbak River flows into the mighty Indus. Today we will enter Hemis National Park where we may be fortunate to glimpse wildlife. The National park homes Snow Leopard, Lynx, Ladakhi Urial (a type of goat), Arghali (great Tibetan sheep), Bharal (blue sheep), Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Dhole (wild dog), Marmot and Mountain Hare. After paying the entrance fee, we will climb gradually through a beautiful gorge before reaching the valley leading to the village of Rumbak. Here we will stop at a tented teahouse run by women from the village. After a cup of warm tea, we will continue past the house of Yuruche before reaching camp at the base of Ganda La (4545m). From the campsite, there are spectacular views of Stok Kangri and the whole Stok range.
Day 4
Ganda La base - Shingo via Ganda La 6-7 hours
After a light breakfast, we will begin our 2-hour ascent towards Ganda La (4900m). The usual chorten and prayer flags mark the top of the pass, where one may see Blue Sheep, Marmots and Arghali roaming the hills around. Views of the lofty Zanskar Range and the distant Himalaya Range are great as well. After a short rest, we will make a gradual descent to Shingo, where we will set camp for tonight
Day 5
Shingo – Sara (5 hours)
Today, we will start by descending through a spectacular gorge to Skiu (3300m). Within this idyllic village lies an old monastery and ruins of an old castle, once a rest stop for the Royal family on their way to Srinagar. Following the Markha River, we will hike through the lovely valley on a fairly level path. The trail crosses the river at various points and passes winter settlements that contain Lhatos (religious shrines for local deities) and Mani walls (stones inscribed with Buddhist prayers). We arrive at our campsite by the afternoon.
Day 6
Sara – Markha (4 hours)
During peak season a number of tented teahouses will be open for refreshment. Markha (3800m) is the largest village in the valley, consisting of around 20 houses, an old monastery, and a ruined fort. We arrive out campsite by afternoon.
Day 7
Markha - Thachungtse (5-6 hours)
The Markha valley trail continues pass old stone-mills, a ruined castle and the auspicious monastery of Techa, which proudly perches upon a cliff that looms above Markha. The path then intersects the river several times before cutting through the last hamlets in the valley. After leaving the village of Umlung, we will be afforded our first view of mighty Mt. Kang Yatse (6400m), which will stay in sight until we cross Kongmaru La. After we break for lunch in the village of Hangkar (the last one in the valley), we will continue onward to the lovely green pasture of Thachungste (4100m), where we will make camp.
Day 8
Thachungtse - Nimaling (4 hours)
Today the trail will lead us up to the beautiful plateau of Nimaling, where the people of the Markha Valley bring their herds to graze during the summer months. At 4700m, Nimaling is the highest camp (4600m) on the trek, giving us spectacular views of the huge peak of Kang Yatse to the right.
Day 9
Nimaling - Shangsumdo via Kongmaru La (7 hours). Drive to Leh
After a hearty breakfast, we will cross Kongmaru La (5200m), the highest pass on the trek, and from here we will have a wonderful view of the Indus Valley and Ladakh Range. The descent is quite steep, but will gradually level out as we enter Shang Gorge, with its fascinating rock formations. More river crossings bar our way before we arrive at the sour-spring of Chuskurmo (used in traditional medicine by the Amchi doctors). Drive from Sumdo to Leh takes about 2 hours. Reach Leh by evening. The trip ends here.
Day 10
Departure from Leh
You will be required to check out from the Hotel at 10:00 AM.
What's Included
- Camping/Homestay during the trek
- Trek Meals (Starting Lunch on Day 3 till Dinner on Day 9)
- Gaiter, Micro-spikes, and Helmet as required
- Trek Permissions Fee, if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- First aid medical kit including oxygen cylinder
- Experienced Guide and Support staff
- Transport from Leh to Road head and return
- Hotel/Guest House Stays in Leh (Day 1,2 & 9)
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification
What's Not Included
- Meals in Leh
- Meals during road Journeys
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of Insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusions
- Inner Line Permit Fee
Are you Eligible for this Adventure?
BRS Level Required
Packing List
Frequently Asked Questions
Markha Valley Trek is suitable for trekkers with prior experience, having completed at least one BRS 4 level trek or equivalent.
If you can Jog/Run for 5 kms in 25-30 mins, you are ready to take on this trek. Once a week, you can practice running 10 kms in an hour or so to improve your endurance further. In addition to this, you can also add resistance workouts to your schedule like squats, lunges, push ups etc.
If you cannot do the above, there’s no need to worry. It is important to remember that it’s all about practice. Get on a training schedule and we can assure you that you will meet these standards in a matter of a few months.
A certain level of fitness and physical endurance are required to take on any high-altitude trail in the Himalayas. Basic knowledge about pitching a tent in snow, roping up, ascending and descending on steep gradients and seemingly simple tasks like ‘walking’ on snow in heavy snow boots, how to use a sleeping bag, toilet tents, sleeping tents, and mountain mannerisms will be helpful.
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors between 13 to 17 years of age should be accompanied by their parents/ guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deems you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Markha Valley Trek is located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Some of the highlights of the trek include stunning Himalayan landscapes, remote and traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and high mountain passes. Trekkers can witness the unique culture and way of life of the Ladakhi people and interact with them as they pass through several small villages and hamlets along the way. The trek also offers trekkers the chance to cross high passes such as Kongmaru La (5,200 metres), and to witness breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Karakoram, Ladakh, and Zanskar Ranges. Additionally, trekkers can visit ancient monasteries such as the Hemis monastery, and witness the region's unique wildlife, including blue sheep, ibex, and marmots.
The trek to Markha Valley is quite demanding and necessitates a high degree of physical fitness and previous trekking experience. At an altitude of 5,200M above sea level, the summit can trigger altitude sickness, which, if not dealt with properly, may be hazardous. Climbing the peak necessitates ascending steep and rocky slopes, river crossings, and high passes. The weather in Ladakh can be unpredictable, with strong winds, sudden snowstorms, and extreme temperatures.
The best time to do the Markha Valley trek is between the months of June and September.
On the trek we have twin-sharing tents. In case you want an individual tent, you can add that to your booking request for an additional cost.
During the summer months of June to September, the temperature in the valley can vary widely.
In June, the temperature in Markha Valley can range from 0°C to 20°C during the day, with the nights being colder, around -10°C to 5°C. There might also be occasional snowfall during this time.
In July and August, the temperature in the valley is warmer with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C and nighttime temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C.
In September, the temperature in the valley starts to cool down with daytime temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C and nighttime temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C.
Markha Valley Trek is not technically challenging but is a physically strenuous trek, especially for beginners. The trek involves steep ascents and descents, rocky and uneven terrain, and high altitude, which can make it physically demanding. The trek also involves several river crossings and traversing through snow, which can add to the difficulty level. However, no specialized climbing or mountaineering skills are required.
The trek starts from Leh, which is a headway into Ladakh which is home to some of the highest peaks in the region. It is also a very popular tourist destination and hence easily accessible.
BSNL has the best connectivity in Leh-Ladakh region followed by Airtel. However, all the mobile networks like Idea and Vodafone also work in Leh. Please note that only postpaid numbers work in J&K state, prepaid connections will cease to work as soon as you enter Ladakh region. On & Off network coverage is available throughout this trek (BSNL & Airtel mostly).
You will find plenty of ATMs in Leh.
The hotel at Leh is the pick-up point from which we drive to Zingchen in a jeep.
Expect to reach Leh in the evening where your stay will be at a local hotel/guest house. You will be required to check out from the hotel at 10:00 AM. Make sure your bookings from Leh to your respective destinations are on that morning.
There are so many enchanting places to visit in Leh-Ladakh. During your acclimatization period, you can roam around the town and visit the monasteries; Diskit Gompa, and Lamayuru Monastery. Drive up to the Magnetic Hill and experience the magnetic phenomenon on the hill. The picturesque Nubra Valley will take your breath away. The green oasis villages, the monasteries, the ruined palaces- Turtuk and Bordang; there is a whole different culture in this place. It is 150 km away from Leh. You can take a shared taxi to this route. How can you leave Ladakh without seeing Pangong Lake, the sapphire blue lake? Also, visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib and Leh Royal Palace. For more information on top tourist attractions in and around Leh, read, Places You Can Visit in Leh Ladakh
All the common gear like tents, sleeping bags, mattresses etc. are provided. All the technical climbing equipment needed for the trek are also provided to you. Safety equipment used for rescue is carried by our trek leaders.
We don’t provide any rental facility in Leh.
We don’t provide any rental facility in Leh.
We don’t provide any rental facility in Leh.
For a detailed list, check the Packing List section on this page.
Yes, there are stores/shops in Leh from where you can buy the necessary stuff. Though it is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Although not recommended, you can off load your bag at an additional cost. Add a request while making your booking for the trek and it can be arranged.
(Note: We don’t recommend offloading because the extra resources on a trail - ponies or porters depending on the trail - means extra load on the environment which can easily be avoided. It also goes against the spirit of trekking by eliminating a level of endurance and discomfort from the experience which are factors at the very heart of an outdoor adventure activity.)
You may leave the extra luggage at the hotel in Leh since we come back to the same location upon return.
On all trek days, we provide 3 full meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) in addition to evening snacks and tea. The meals are vegetarian and the menu is pre-decided for all days of the trek. We do provide eggs as well on certain days. If you have any specific food-related allergies or restrictions, you can let our local staff (during the trek) know, and your requests will get accommodated. We try to provide a variety of food across meals so as to avoid repetition as well as cover all nutritional needs.
On campsites, our team will dig dry pits and assemble a toilet tent to provide for safe and secure quarters. A shovel will be provided within the toilet tent as well. Using water in the toilet tent is restricted; you will need to carry your own toilet paper. On the more difficult expeditions, toilet tents are not carried to the higher camps (above base camp) due to restriction of space (to pitch the tent).
In case you get your period on the trail and don’t have sanitary napkins, our trek leaders can provide them to you. If you need any other kind of assistance, you can let our trek leaders know. Irrespective of gender, our leaders are gender sensitised and equipped to assist you in any way you need them to.
Our team carries a first aid kit and all the basic medicines required during the trek. They are equipped to be the first responders in case of any injury or health-related issues. For higher expeditions, we also carry a HAPO Bag and oxygen cylinders to tend to any altitude-related health conditions.
No, we will be camping in the wilderness with no access to electricity.
A copy of your ID Proof and Medical Certificate are the mandatory documents required for this trek. (Soft copies for all of these are to be sent to us & originals should be on your person while on the trek.)
Yes, insurance for any high-altitude activity is highly recommended to cover for the cost of rescue, evacuation and any other emergency service required as well as to cover for medical cost in case of injury or illness during the trek. You can buy it on your own. Alternatively, if you want us to buy it on your behalf, you can mark it as an add-on during the booking of the trek.
Yes, Inner line permit is required for this trek. Our team facilitates in the application process. The cost of ILP is INR 500/- approx for Indians. This cost is not included in the trek fee.
Yes, you will receive e-certificates (of completion) after the trek. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek. In case you were unable to finish the trek, you will get a certificate of participation.
On completion of the trek, the certificate will show up on your dashboard on our website. You can download it directly from there.
Markha Valley Trek is in India. If you are coming from outside, you will need a visa to enter the country. You should be able to find the rules for obtaining a Visa based on your home country on the internet. This information is easily available.
This does not apply to you if you are an Indian citizen. In case you don’t hold an Indian passport, you will need to check online for Visa application rules based on your home country.
If you are not an Indian citizen, you will need Travel Medical Insurance to travel to the country. Please make sure that your insurance policy is valid for the altitude you are going to and the activity you are undertaking, to cover risks during the trek. The insurance policy provided by Bikat Adventures does not cover foreign nationals. So, please do not purchase it while making the booking from our website.
Markha Valley Trek is part of the Greater Himalayan range. The Himalayas house the tallest mountains in the world and have long been a treasure trove for all adventure enthusiasts. The variety in terms of beauty, terrain, landscape, geography, culture and opportunity for adventure in the Himalayas, remains undisputedly unmatched.
You can make the booking any time depending on availability of slots in our fixed departure batches. You will get this information at the top of this page.
A Basic Mountaineering Course certification from one of the five recognized mountaineering institutes in India is a minimum requirement to join our team. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. We also conduct on-ground training for our staff once a year as a refresher for old skills and to learn some new ones. During this training that we call APW (Adventure Professional Workshop), our leaders learn close to 25 topics and techniques of rescue which are not covered in the BMC and AMC courses. For practical training, we simulate on-ground situations to prepare them for quick thinking and quick response during emergencies.
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts on the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. The interview process to bring a trek leader on-board is close to 6 months long where we assess various skills as well as personality traits of an individual. They also go through an on-field assignment as part of the hiring process. Trek leaders also progress in time from leading easier treks before advancing to the more difficult ones where the stakes are higher. For detailed information on our selection process, please visit Forerunners - The Making Of A Trek Leader
It absolutely is. We recognize, value and embody the ideology that the world of outdoor adventure can benefit from diversity. We make it our mission to create outdoor spaces as equally accessible and safe for all genders as possible. We also encourage women leaders in the outdoors and all of our staff (irrespective of gender) is gender sensitised. As for accommodation, in case there are no other women on the trek, a solo female trekker is provided with a separate single-occupancy tent.
Our batch sizes for Markha Valley Trek are capped at 15 with the trek leader to trekker ratio of 1:8.
In addition to their qualification, our trek leaders are trained to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on ground. During our recce stage, we study the trail in great detail and map out rescue routes before opening it up for our trekkers. We also have local support staff stationed in each area to arrange for emergency services at the place of need as quickly as possible.
We mobilise road rescue efforts where our trek leaders bring the person to be rescued down to the trailhead of the trek from where a car can take them to the nearest healthcare facility. The cost of rescue is not covered in the trek fee that we charge. It must be borne by the participant. However, if you opt for the insurance the cost of rescue operations can be claimed from the Insurance company on production of valid proof e.g. doctor’s prescription & hospital bills etc. Please note that Bikat Adventures is only a facilitator & not a party in the Insurance policy. You need to raise the claim request directly with the Insurance company. Bikat Adventures is not responsible for any rejection of claim. You can call the insurance provider directly for any clarifications related to the Insurance policy. Although not mandatory, we recommend buying the insurance. You don’t necessarily have to get the insurance we provide, you can pick an Insurance company of your choice and get a policy directly from them. If you need more information on the terms and conditions of the insurance policy, get in touch with our customer support team.
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality and is overall top notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
That will depend on the nature of your medical condition. Do give us a call, and one of our people will help you understand what is best for you. If not this, we are sure there would be plenty of other options you can choose from our vast portfolio to pick as your next adventure.
We have rolling camps on all our trails. To know why we are strictly against the concept of Fixed Camping, read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas
This is a complex question and has a compound answer. The simple response is that because it is bad for the environment which we dearly love but if you are interested in a more detailed response to this question, please read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas
There are a number of measures that we take to prevent overcrowding on some of the most popular trails. Some of them are capping our group size at 15, capping the number of trekkers on a trail to 250 per season, constantly looking for newer trails and routes to spread the crowd around and providing incentives to our trekkers to try unexplored territories with us. We put in place the system of dynamic pricing, which is the first of its kind in the trekking industry, which incentivises trekkers to choose less crowded trails by offering higher discounts. We have noticed, since we started this system, that this has helped in a big way to spread out the crowds between trekking routes. We are also going international so as to relieve some of the stress on the Himalayan landscape as well as explore newer ranges and design newer experiences for our community. If you want a more detailed description of all our measures in this regard, please read Simple solutions to overcrowding on Himalayan Treks
Some basic things to remember are: do not use water, do not dispose of anything non-biodegradable inside the pits, carry your own roll of toilet paper and remember to cover up after yourself to leave a clean toilet for your fellow trekkers. Everything else is much the same like using an Indian style home toilet!
Most wet wipes are not biodegradable which means it could take 100 years or more for them to decompose – not the best thing if you are trying to ‘Leave No Trace’, right?
This is quite a tricky situation but not a hopeless one. Since most of our sanitary waste is not biodegradable, we recommend that you pack your pads/tampons neatly, store it in a zip-lock bag and bring it back down with you where there are better options to dispose of them. In case you do not have zip-lock bags, ask our trek leaders for them and they should be able to provide them to you.
Each trekker is responsible for the use and hygiene of their own eating utensils. And as a measure to maintain proper hygiene, we do not provide plates and spoons. Also, dipping your hands in cold water to wash your own utensils adds something to the overall joy of high-altitude living, wouldn’t you think?
On making the payment, you will receive a booking confirmation along with the packing list and a copy of the undertaking form via email. You will subsequently receive emails detailing documents required, how to prepare physically and mentally for the trek, information on pick-up location on the first day etc. Please add info@bikatadventures.com in your trusted emails list to make sure our emails don't go to your spam folder.
A Whatsapp group will be formed a few weeks before departure. Members from our team are on those groups as well. Feel free to seek any clarifications you require in regards to the trek, on the group itself. Updates related to transportation/pickup point/pickup timing, accommodation etc. will be shared on the Whatsapp group as well.
Yes, we create a Whatsapp group a few weeks before the departure date so that the flow of information remains smooth and transparent.
Yes, it is one of the mandatory documents you will need to submit before the trek starts. The soft copy is to be sent to us & the original should be on your person while on the trek.
Yes, we will provide you an undertaking form through email which will need to be filled up by you and submitted to us post booking.
Why Bikat?
Small Group Size
Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek. As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.
Qualified Trek Leaders
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures
Guided Progression
Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.
Equipment Quality and Check
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
Support Systems
Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.
Communication
Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.
What our customers Say
Cancellation Policy
Cash refund
Cancellations up to 60 days prior to departure date
Between 60 days upto 30 days prior to departure date
Between 30 days upto 10 days prior to departure date
Less than 10 days prior to departure date
Voucher refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
Between 30 days upto 15 days prior to departure date
Between 15 days upto 10 days prior to departure date
Less 10 days prior to departure date
Please Note:
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or Cancellation Vouchers or Discounts
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
Experiential
I have always been a mountain goat. Watching fluffy clouds floating by, having a cup of chai at 5 am in my tent, watching a bazillion stars at night, watching sheep and horses being stupid in the wild, makes walking for hours and smelling my stinky s...
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Informative
Total Distance: 60 KMS (but it sorta feels like 120 kms)
Number of days: 7
What to expect: a wildly beautiful but challenging trek
Markha Valley is super popular trek in Ladakh for those who prefer taking their time and exploring the region o...
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Experiential
Every trek shows you a world of its own. The Markha Valley trek not just showed me epic landscapes but also a beautiful culture tucked away in the middle of nowhere. This is my journey and why I fell in love with one of the coldest, h...
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Experiential
Ever since I have heard about the greatness of Markha Valley Trek, I can't wait to go for this trek. A blend of geographical diversity and the cultural goodness, Markha Valley is a perfect choice for beginners who want to trek in Ladakh region. ...
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