Overview

Markha Valley Trek – A Classic Ladakh Adventure
The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most popular and scenic treks in Ladakh, taking you through remote villages, high mountain passes, lush valleys, and ancient monasteries. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Zanskar and Ladakh ranges, this 7-day trek offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural experience.

Trek Grade: Moderate to Challenging
While the trail doesn’t require technical climbing skills, the high altitudes (up to 5,200 m at Kongmaru La) and long walking hours make it physically demanding. Good fitness and prior trekking experience are recommended.

Who Should Do This Trek:
This trek is ideal for adventurous travelers who are reasonably fit and looking to explore the raw beauty of Ladakh on foot. It’s perfect for those who’ve done moderate treks before and are ready to take on a high-altitude Himalayan trail with unforgettable landscapes and local interactions.

11 Nights 12 Days Available on request
Itinerary

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 in Leh and transfer to your hotel. Take complete rest to acclimatize to the high altitude. Stay hydrated, eat light, and enjoy the views of the mountains from your guesthouse.

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

Go on a relaxed sightseeing tour to Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Hemis Monastery. These excursions help in gentle acclimatization without exhausting the body.

Day 3: Explore Leh Town & Preparation Day

  • Altitude: Leh – 3,500 m

  • Time Taken: 3–4 hours (easy walking/sightseeing)

Visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, or wander around Leh Market. This extra day helps ensure your body is fully prepared for the altitude gains in the coming days. Final gear checks and permit arrangements can be done today.

Day 4: Drive from Leh to Rumtse – Trek to Kyamar

  • Drive Distance: ~70 km (2–3 hrs)

  • Trek Distance: ~8 km

  • Time Taken: 3–4 hours

  • Camping Altitude: Kyamar – 4,550 m

After breakfast, drive to Rumtse, a small village on the Leh-Manali highway. Begin your trek from here, gradually ascending through open grasslands and nomadic settlements. Camp at Kyamar, a wide meadow surrounded by hills.

Day 5: Kyamar to Tisaling via Kyamayuri La

  • Trek Distance: ~14 km

  • Time Taken: 6–7 hours

  • Altitude: Kyamayuri La – 5,150 m | Tisaling – 4,800 m

Start early to cross your first high pass, Kyamayuri La. The climb is steep but rewarding, with wide views of the Changthang plateau. Descend gently to reach Tisaling, a broad campsite nestled between hills.

Day 6: Tisaling to Ponganabu via Shibuk La

  • Trek Distance: ~13 km

  • Time Taken: 5–6 hours

  • Altitude: Shibuk La – 5,200 m | Ponganabu – 4,700 m

Another beautiful day of walking over Shibuk La, with views of the snow-clad mountains and wildflower-covered valleys. Descend to Ponganabu, a peaceful grazing land beside a small stream.

Day 7: Ponganabu to Nuruchan

  • Trek Distance: ~13 km

  • Time Taken: 5–6 hours

  • Camping Altitude: Nuruchan – 4,600 m

Today's walk is relatively easier, following a gentle trail through vast grasslands. You’ll pass Tso Kyagar, a small saline lake with a backdrop of mountains, before reaching the small village of Nuruchan.

Day 8: Nuruchan to Rachungkaru via Horlam Kongka La

  • Trek Distance: ~16 km

  • Time Taken: 6–7 hours

  • Altitude: Horlam Kongka La – 4,900 m | Rachungkaru – 4,950 m

Cross Horlam Kongka La, a less steep but long pass, and enter the land of the Changpa nomads. You’ll likely see yak herders and their black yak-hair tents. Camp near the nomadic summer settlement of Rachungkaru.

Day 9: Rachungkaru to Gyama via Kyamayuri La & Gyama La

  • Trek Distance: ~17 km

  • Time Taken: 7–8 hours

  • Altitude: Kyamayuri La – 5,300 m | Gyama La – 5,230 m | Gyama – 4,800 m

A tough but spectacular day, crossing two high passes. The terrain is rocky and open, but the views from the top — of high snow peaks and wide valleys — make the effort worthwhile. Camp at Gyama, a peaceful and open campsite.

Day 10: Gyama to Korzok (Tso Moriri Lake)

  • Trek Distance: ~18 km

  • Time Taken: 6–7 hours

  • Altitude: Korzok – 4,522 m

Your final day’s trek is long but rewarding. The landscape opens up gradually and eventually reveals the stunning Tso Moriri Lake in the distance. Walk alongside its turquoise shores before reaching Korzok, the lakeside village. End the trek with a well-earned rest near one of Ladakh’s most scenic lakes.

Day 11: Drive Back to Leh

  • Drive Distance: ~220 km

  • Time Taken: 8–9 hours

Drive back to Leh via Mahe Bridge and Chumathang hot springs, or choose to extend your trip toward Hanle or Tso Kar depending on your travel goals.

Day 12: Airport Transfer – Goodbye, Ladakh

After breakfast, we’ll drop you off at Leh Airport for your flight home. As you leave the mountains behind, carry with you the memories of snow peaks, starry skies, and the warmth of Ladakhi hospitality.

 

Important Notes:

  • Always keep a buffer day in your travel plan, in case of bad weather or to explore more of Leh.
  • Carry both original and photocopies of your ID proof.
  • Distances, altitudes, and trekking durations are approximate — they may vary depending on pace and weather.
  • If arriving by air, try to come a day early to acclimatize better.