Ladakh trek
Markha Valley Trek
Village homestays across the high desert of Ladakh
Markha Valley is a moderate to difficult Ladakh trek through remote villages in Hemis National Park, crossing Kongmaru La at about 17,000 ft. Plan 6 trek days plus at least 2 acclimatisation days in Leh, between June and September.
- Max altitude
- About 17,000 ft at Kongmaru La
- Duration
- About 9 days including Leh acclimatisation
- Difficulty
- Moderate-difficult
- Best time
- June to September
- Base
- Chilling or Skiu, a drive from Leh
- Getting there
- Leh airport
Markha Valley trek: Markha Valley
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Why people pick Markha Valley
- Nights in village homestays rather than only tents
- Desert canyons, monasteries and a high pass finish
- Ladakh's rain shadow keeps it trekkable through the monsoon
Route, day by day
The usual shape of the trek. Exact camps and timings vary by operator and conditions.
Rest day, mandatory for acclimatisation.
Light walks and local monasteries.
Cross the Zanskar and walk into the Markha river valley.
Long river walk to Markha village.
Past ruined forts to the upper villages.
High pasture camp below Kang Yatse.
Cross the pass and descend to the road.
Drive back via Hemis.
Fitness
Moderate to difficult. Altitude, not distance, is the real challenge.
What to carry
- Trekking shoes with ankle support, broken in
- Three warm layers and a waterproof jacket
- Headlamp, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Two water bottles
- Personal medicines and a small first aid kit
- Original photo ID
Safety and altitude
- Climbing too fast is the main cause of altitude sickness. Keep the acclimatisation day the route plan includes.
- A headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual breathlessness above about 2,500 m are warning signs. Stop going higher, and descend if they get worse.
- Summit timings depend on the weather. Turning back on a bad day is a normal mountain decision, not a failed trek.
- Mention asthma, blood pressure, heart conditions or recent illness in your brief, and check with a doctor before a high-altitude trek.
- Ask your written quote who leads the group, what first aid and oxygen is carried, and what happens if someone cannot continue.
Before you book
Do not skip acclimatisation days in Leh. Altitude sickness is the most common reason people turn back.
Markha Valley questions
Hemis National Park charges entry and wildlife fees, collected on the trail or in advance. Rules are set locally and can change, so we confirm them for your dates.
Add a few days near Markha Valley
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