A rather sought-after trek in the Ladakh region, the Markha Valley trek route does not disappoint anyone! It spills the chance to ascend the top of two very high passes, Gandala La (4800 m) & Kongmaru La (5150 m) and lets you feast your eyes on stunning sights from the summit. You also come across the charming Markha Village that is a trove in this cold semi-arid terrain of Ladakh. Other delights include witnessing the way of life of the region, crossing several streams and rivers and enjoying a trail through remote gorges and unbridled grazing grounds.
What is included in the tour
Trek Inclusions
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Accommodation in Leh as per itinerary (hotel/guesthouse on twin sharing basis with breakfast).
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Accommodation during the trek in alpine tents (twin sharing) at designated campsites.
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Sightseeing in Leh & Indus Valley as mentioned in the itinerary with transport and entry fees.
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Meals: All meals on trek (breakfast, lunch, evening tea, dinner) – hygienically cooked vegetarian & non-vegetarian options.
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Camping equipment: Dome tents, mattresses, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent.
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Transport: All transfers, sightseeing, and trek pick-up/drop in Ladakh by non-disposal vehicle (as per itinerary). Airport pick up & drop included.
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Support staff: Experienced trekking guide, cook, kitchen helpers, and porters/pony/mules for baggage & equipment.
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Permits & fees: Inner Line Permits, camping fees, wildlife/environment fees.
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Safety gear: First aid kit, oxygen cylinder, oximeter.
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Mules/Porters to carry camping gear and group luggage (usually 10–12 kg personal luggage allowed per trekker).
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Monastery/Monument entry fees as per itinerary.
What is NOT included in the tour
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Trek Exclusions
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Airfare to/from Leh.
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Meals in Leh (lunch & dinner not included unless specified).
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Personal clothing & equipment: Trekking shoes, walking sticks, jackets, gloves, etc.
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Sleeping bag (not included by default; can be arranged on request at extra charge).
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Travel insurance, evacuation costs, medical expenses.
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Additional hotel stays before/after the trek not mentioned in itinerary.
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Tips/Gratuities for guide, cook, porters, drivers.
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Extra charges for horses/porters in case of landslides, roadblocks, or personal baggage over the limit.
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Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances (flight cancellations, landslides, roadblocks, weather conditions, political disturbances).
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Anything not specifically mentioned under “Inclusions.”
Day 1: Arrive in Leh
Travel Mode: Arrival by flight
Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,500 ft
Drive Distance: 5 km
Time Taken: 15–20 minutes
Arrive at Leh airport and transfer to your hotel. The first day is reserved for rest and acclimatization. Enjoy views of the Indus Valley, take light walks if comfortable, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Acclimatization Tour Around Leh
Drive Distance: ~80 km round trip
Altitude: Shey – 3,500 m | Thiksey – 3,600 m | Hemis – 3,650 m
Time Taken: 4–5 hours
Visit Shey Palace with its giant copper Buddha, the picturesque Thiksey Monastery, and Hemis Monastery, the largest in Ladakh. Return to Leh for rest and acclimatization.
Day 3: Explore Leh & Indus Valley Highlights
Altitude: Leh – 3,500 m
Time Taken: 5–6 hours sightseeing
Explore Spituk Monastery, Magnetic Hill, and the Sangam of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers. In the evening, visit Shanti Stupa for sunset views over Leh and Leh Palace, a historic royal residence.
Day 4: Drive Leh to Phyang – Trek to Phyang Phu
Drive Distance: 15 km / 30 min
Trek Distance: ~5 km
Time Taken: 3–4 hours
Camping Altitude: 3,900 m
After breakfast, drive to Phyang village and visit Phyang Monastery, one of Ladakh’s important Gelugpa monasteries. Begin trekking through barren gorges and gradually ascend to Phyang Phu, a green campsite near a stream. Overnight in tents.
Day 5: Phyang Phu to Lasermo Base
Trek Distance: ~10 km
Time Taken: 5–6 hours
Camping Altitude: 4,800 m
A gradual but steady climb takes you to the high meadows leading toward Lasermo La. The landscape is dramatic, with views of snow-capped ridges and grazing yaks. Camp below the Lasermo Pass.
Day 6: Lasermo Base to Hundar Dok via Lasermo La (5,400 m)
Trek Distance: ~15 km
Time Taken: 7–8 hours
Altitude: Lasermo La – 5,400 m | Hundar Dok – 4,300 m
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Start early to ascend the steep Lasermo La Pass. Enjoy panoramic views of the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges. Descend carefully to reach Hundar Dok, a lush pasture where shepherds camp in summer.
Day 7: Hundar Dok to Skarchen
Trek Distance: ~12 km
Time Taken: 5–6 hours
Camping Altitude: 3,700 m
Descend through wild gorges and river valleys, crossing wooden bridges and grazing lands. Camp at Skarchen, a beautiful meadow by the stream.
Day 8: Skarchen to Hunder – Drive to Diskit/Hunder
Trek Distance: ~8 km
Time Taken: 4–5 hours
Drive Distance: 8–10 km
Altitude: Hunder – 3,050 m
Complete the final stretch of your trek to Hunder village in Nubra Valley, famous for its sand dunes and Bactrian camels. Drive a short distance to your guesthouse/hotel in Hunder or Diskit. Evening free to explore the dunes and Diskit Monastery.
Day 9: Drive Nubra Valley to Leh – Departure
Drive Distance: 125 km
Time Taken: 5–6 hours
Altitude: Leh – 3,500 m
After breakfast, drive back to Leh via Khardung La (5,359 m), one of the world’s highest motorable passes. Transfer to the airport for your flight. End of the trek with unforgettable memories of crossing into Nubra Valley on foot.
