Markha Valley Trek [Premium] | 2026

​Short Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Leh - Transfer to Hotel
• Day 2: Acclimatisation Hike to Shanti Stupa and Leh Market (3,500m)
• Day 3: Drive to Sara (3,600m) and Trek to Markha (3,750m)
• Day 4: Trek from Markha to Upper Hunker (3,993m)
• Day 5: Trek from Hunker to Nimaling (4,700M)
• Day 6: Trek from Nimaling to Chokdo (3,900m) via Kongmaru La (5,200m) & Drive to Leh
• Day 7: Leisure Day
• Day 8: Departure - Fly Back

Detailed Itinerary of Markha Valley Trek:

Day 1: Arrival in Leh - Transfer to Hotel

Altitude: 3,500 meters
Accommodation: Hotel in Leh

• Arrival in Leh: Upon arrival in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, you'll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.

• Rest & Acclimatisation: The day will be spent acclimatising to the high altitude (3,500 meters). Leh’s altitude can be challenging, so it's crucial to rest and let your body adjust.

• Optional Stroll: If you feel comfortable, take a short walk around Leh town, visit local markets, or explore the Leh Palace or Shanti Stupa to gently begin your adventure.

Day 2: Acclimatisation Hike to Shanti Stupa and Leh Market

Altitude: 3,500 meters
Trek Distance: 5-6 km
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours

• Morning Hike to Shanti Stupa: After breakfast, embark on a short acclimatisation hike to the Shanti Stupa, which offers spectacular views of the Leh valley and surrounding mountains. The stupa sits at an altitude of around 3,600 meters, making it a perfect spot to adjust to the altitude.

• Leh Market Exploration: Afterwards, head to the Leh Market, where you can explore Ladakhi handicrafts, vibrant Tibetan artefacts, and traditional food.

• Highlight: The panoramic views from Shanti Stupa and the cultural immersion at Leh Market are great ways to get acquainted with the region before the trek.

Day 3: Drive to Sara (3,600m) and Trek to Markha (3,750m)

Altitude: 3,600 meters (Sara) – 3,750 meters (Markha)
Travel Distance: 40 km (Leh to Sara)
Travel Duration: 2-3 hours
Trek Distance: 13 km
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

• Drive to Sara: After breakfast, drive from Leh to Sara (3,600m), the starting point of your trek. The scenic drive will take around 2-3 hours, passing through beautiful landscapes, rivers, and barren valleys.

• Trek to Markha: Begin your trek towards Markha (3,750m), a traditional Ladakhi village located along the Markha River. The route is mostly gradual, with occasional steep climbs. The trail takes you through fertile fields, yak herds, and spectacular landscapes with views of the towering peaks of the Himalayas.

• Highlight: The trek offers glimpses of Ladakhi village life, with simple mud houses, terraced fields, and the chance to see locals going about their daily lives. Markha is a great spot to rest for the night, surrounded by the rugged beauty of Ladakh.

Day 4: Trek from Markha to Upper Hunker (3,993m)

Altitude: 3,993 meters (Upper Hunker)
Trek Distance: 13-14 km
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

• Trek to Upper Hunker: After breakfast, begin your ascent from Markha towards Upper Hunker (3,993m). The route involves a series of gradual ascents, with some rocky stretches as you move deeper into the Markha Valley. The landscape becomes more barren and remote, with towering cliffs and wide, open valleys.

• Crossing the River: You'll need to cross the Markha River at several points, either on foot or via small wooden bridges. These crossings add a unique challenge to the trek.

• Highlight: The dramatic landscapes of the Markha Valley, the stark contrast between the fertile lower areas and the rugged upper terrain, make this day a memorable one.

Day 5: Trek from Hunker to Nimaling (4,700m)

Altitude: 4,700 meters (Nimaling)
Trek Distance: 10 km
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

• Trek to Nimaling: Today’s trek takes you towards Nimaling, a high-altitude pastureland located at 4,700 meters. The route from Hunker to Nimaling is a gradual ascent, and as you climb, the views of the surrounding peaks become more dramatic. Nimaling is an important base camp for trekkers and a lovely spot to relax amidst the vast, open spaces.

• Terrain: The terrain changes from rocky paths to lush meadows, with grazing yaks and herders' settlements scattered along the way.

• Highlight: Nimaling offers breathtaking views of Mount Kang Yatse, one of the highest peaks in Ladakh. The valley is surrounded by towering peaks, and the meadow is an ideal place to rest and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Day 6: Trek from Nimaling to Chokdo (3,900m) via Kongmaru La (5,200m) & Drive to Leh

Altitude: 5,200 meters (Kongmaru La) – 3,900 meters (Chokdo)
Trek Distance: 12 km
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Travel Distance: 45 km (Chokdo to Leh)
Travel Duration: 2-3 hours

• Ascent to Kongmaru La: Today’s trek is the most challenging of the entire journey. Begin early and ascend to Kongmaru La Pass (5,200m), the highest point of the trek. The climb is steep, but the views from the top are absolutely rewarding, with panoramic vistas of Markha Valley, Zanskar Range, and the Himalayas.

• Descent to Chokdo: After reaching the pass, descend steeply towards Chokdo (3,900m), a small village located on the opposite side of the pass. The descent is tricky, with some loose sections, but the changing landscapes make it worth the effort.

• Drive to Leh: From Chokdo, drive back to Leh, completing the trek with a relaxing drive that takes around 2-3 hours. The road winds through beautiful valleys and villages, offering a final glimpse of Ladakhi life.

• Highlight: Crossing Kongmaru La Pass is the most memorable highlight of the trek, with panoramic views that make all the effort worth it.

Day 7: Leisure Day in Leh

Altitude: 3,500 meters
Accommodation: Hotel in Leh

• Relax and Recover: After the challenging trek, spend a leisurely day in Leh. You can rest, recover, and explore more of the town. Visit the Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, or Shey Palace to immerse yourself in Ladakhi culture.

• Optional Activities: If you feel up to it, you can also visit Pangong Tso or Nubra Valley for a day trip, depending on your interests and energy levels.

Day 8: Departure from Leh

Altitude: 3,500 meters

• Departure: After an unforgettable trekking experience, it’s time to bid farewell to Ladakh. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to explore Leh one last time before heading to the airport for your departure.

Risk and Liability 

We will endeavour to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstances and natural disasters such as landslides, road blockages, floods, snowing, cancellations of flights and delays, or any type of sickness including altitude sickness.

Do’s and Don’ts:

• We believe in leaving the mountains in a better condition, which is why we follow a no-litter policy on our treks. Each trekker will have to bring back the waste that is created during the trek.
• Trekking is best enjoyed when you’ve worn comfortable clothes. Try and avoid wearing Jeans, bright colours and heavy apparel as much as possible.
• A lighter backpack always helps you have a better trek, try and carry just as much as needed.
• Always be in sight of your trek lead, if you feel the need to stop for any reason at all, please keep the trek lead informed.
• If you do come across any reptiles, animals or even insects during the trek, please keep your calm and let it patiently pass by. Any kind of noise and panic will scare them as well.
• Do not venture out into the forest/waterfalls on your own as it may be dangerous.
• Trekking is a good adventure, having said that, it is our primary responsibility to take good care of ourselves and be compassionate towards fellow trekkers
• If, at any point, during the trek, you feel uneasy or unwell, please inform the trek lead immediately
• Tune in to the sounds of nature while on a trek and avoid carrying speakers or playing music during the course of the trek
• To help you enjoy the trek to the fullest, we avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, and other intoxicants during the course of the trek