Hemis National Park!
Hemis National Park!
Exploring Markha Valley: A Journey Through History, Trekking and Wildlife
Why this experience is unique?
Embark on a 7-day adventure deep into the wilderness of Markha Valley, nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Hemis National Park. This trek is not just a physical journey, but a passage through time — crossing high-altitude passes like Ganda La (4,940 meters) and the majestic Kongmaru La (5,280 meters).
Stay in remote village homestays and secluded campsites as you traverse rugged trails, cross glacial rivers, spot elusive Himalayan wildlife and walk ancient routes once used by traders centuries ago. The path takes you past rusted Ladakhi houses, silent valleys and windswept ridgelines — offering a raw, unfiltered experience of Ladakh’s untamed beauty. Along the way, uncover hidden monasteries and lesser-known legends of the region — a land shaped by centuries of Buddhist tradition and cultural resilience.
Take a pause from the trail to share a cup of tea with local families, sit peacefully in the monastery courtyard and reflect amid the towering peaks of the Himalayas. Observe the quiet rhythm of rural life and experience the joy of connecting with Ladakh’s living heritage — preserved in the hearts of its people and the walls of its ancient monasteries.
You’ll embark on an early morning flight from New Delhi to Leh. Nestled between the majestic Himalayas and the formidable Karakoram ranges, Leh boasts an altitude of 3500m. Upon landing, our team leader will welcome you at the airport, presenting you with the traditional Ladakhi silk scarf called “Khatak.” Subsequently, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you’ll be based for the next two days. The remainder of your arrival day is dedicated to acclimatizing to the altitude. You’ll spend the night at a hotel in Leh.
Today kicks off with an exploration of Leh City, delving into its rich historical heritage. We’ll embark on a guided tour of Leh Fort, Tsemo Castle & the Old City, immersing ourselves in ancient lore. A visit to Leh market offers insight into its vibrant trading history along the Silk Route & its strategic location on the banks of the Indus River, once the heartland of the Indus Valley Civilization. As dusk sets in, enjoy an enchanting stargazing session at over 11,000 feet, followed by a visit to the venerable 800-year-old Phyang Monastery. Conclude the day with a delectable feast of Ladakhi cuisine. Rest comfortably overnight at a Leh hotel.
After breakfast, begin your journey with a scenic two-hour drive from Leh city to Rumbak village, located in the heart of Hemis National Park. This remote village lies at the entrance of Markha Valley, one of Ladakh’s most iconic trekking regions.
Rumbak is especially renowned as a winter base for wildlife photographers hoping to spot the elusive Snow Leopard, often referred to as the “Ghost of the Himalayas.” Even in warmer months, the landscapes around Rumbak offer breathtaking views and rich biodiversity.
Upon arrival, you’ll start a short trek to Yurutse, a solitary one-house village perched along the trail. The 3-hour hike from Rumbak to Yurutse reveals stunning views of the Markha Valley and its vast, rugged beauty. Tonight, enjoy warm Ladakhi hospitality with a homestay experience in Yurutse, surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes and the tranquil silence of the high Himalayas.
Today’s hike will be one of the longer segments of the journey, lasting approximately 6 to 7 hours. This extended trek offers a perfect opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Hemis National Park, a region celebrated for its rich wildlife and stunning natural vistas.
The trail will lead us across the high-altitude Ganda La Pass (4,980m) before descending into the serene and picturesque village of Shingo (4,130m). Like all settlements within the park, Shingo showcases a dramatic and unique terrain that sets it apart from typical Himalayan villages.
We will end the day with a warm and restful overnight stay at a local homestay in Shingo Village, where you can experience Ladakhi hospitality and the peaceful rhythm of remote mountain life.
After a light breakfast, begin your scenic trek from Shingo to Sara. Although Sara sits at an altitude of 3,700 meters, the descent is gentle and enjoyable, winding through zigzagging paths alongside the pristine Markha River, which you’ll cross several times along the way.
The landscape throughout the trail is truly breathtaking, offering moments of peace and reflection in nature. Upon reaching Sara Village, take time to explore the area and visit the nearby hamlet of Chalak, known for its traditional Ladakhi charm.
Enjoy an overnight stay either camping under the stars or in one of the welcoming local homestays at Sara.
As you enter the heart of Markha Valley, begin your 3-hour trek from Sara to Markha Village — the largest settlement in the valley, home to around 30 traditional houses and a Buddhist monastery. A point of pride for the community, the Markha Monastery was solar-electrified by GHE in 2018, led by a dedicated team of local women leaders.
From Markha, continue trekking for another 2.5 hours to Hangkar Village. En route, you’ll pass Techa Gompa, a beautiful and ancient monastery perched atop a hill. Adventurous trekkers are encouraged to hike up for a closer look and a panoramic view of the valley.
Conclude your day with a peaceful overnight stay at a homestay in Hangkar Village, surrounded by stunning Himalayan scenery and traditional Ladakhi hospitality.
As the valley opens up today, the landscapes begin to resemble the wide, sweeping terrain of Mongolia. Our trek leads us to Nimaling, located at an impressive altitude of 4,700 meters, making it the highest campsite of our entire journey.
During the trekking season, Nimaling hosts fixed campsites for accommodation, offering a comfortable base amid the high-altitude wilderness. Along the route, you’ll pass prayer-inscribed maney stones, tranquil pastures, and a picturesque alpine lake, adding spiritual and scenic beauty to the trail.
We will spend the night camping at Nimaling, surrounded by the majestic and humbling vistas of the Himalayas.
Today, we begin our final stretch of the trek, hiking from Nimaling to Shang Sumdo village (3,660m) via Kongmaru La (5,130m) — the highest pass on this route. The ascent to the pass rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges.
After enjoying the stunning vistas from the top, we begin our descent towards Shang village, a quaint settlement known for its skilled artisans who create beautiful traditional Ladakhi carpets. Upon reaching the base camp at Shang Sumdo, a vehicle will be waiting to drive us back to Leh. En route, we will stop by the renowned Hemis Monastery — the wealthiest and one of the most spiritually significant monasteries in Ladakh. The drive back to Leh takes approximately 1.5 hours, concluding the trek with a comfortable return to your hotel.
As our journey amidst the majestic Himalayas draws to a close, it’s time to bid adieu and head back to the airport for our early morning flight to Delhi. Rest assured, our Team Leader will be there to assist you and ensure your safe departure.
Guests like to eat our Ladakhi food. They say it is delicious, even when it is prepared by an elderly ama (mother) like me. I always make sure I serve them the cleanest and healthiest food. My husband is a copper artist. When guests leave us, they say ‘Julley’, and hug us. It makes us feel happy.
I became a Mountain Homestay Host in 2018, and I have hosted many travellers since then. Running a homestay has helped me and my family a lot. Not only is the solar set up in our house useful for us, but even travellers prefer to stay in our homestay because of it.
The training we got in astronomy turned out to be a life-changing experience for our village. I felt happy and proud while mapping the position of the planets and sharing the secrets of the universe with the tourists. Tourists told me that even they didn’t know so much about the dark skies!
