Markha Valley Wildlife Trek
Recommended by 92% of travelers
Leh & Markha Valley, Ladakh
Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
Maximum Travellers
4
Type of Experience
High-Altitude Trek & Wildlife Exploration
Activities
Trekking, river crossings, village stays, monastery visits
Key Experiences
Ganda La & Kongmaru La passes, Hemis National Park
Region Traveling to
Leh and Markha Valley
About your experience
The Markha Valley Trek is one of Ladakh’s most well-known routes, but it still feels raw and real once you step onto the trail. Starting from Leh, the journey slowly takes you into Hemis National Park, home to wide valleys, flowing rivers and some of the most remote villages in the region.
Your stay is a mix of comfortable hotels in Leh, simple village homestays and camps in high-altitude meadows. Life on the trek is basic but fulfilling, warm meals, shared spaces and long days outdoors. It’s a journey where you disconnect from routine and start living by the rhythm of the mountains.
Inclusions & Exclusions
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Accommodation in hotels and homestays (as per itinerary)
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All transportation in the destination location in an SUV
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Breakfast and Dinner
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Inclusive of Permits
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Lunch During Trekking
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Monastery & Local Site Visits
Inclusions & Exclusions
-
Accommodation in hotels and homestays (as per itinerary)
-
Additional meals including Lunch and snacks -
Air fare
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All transportation in the destination location in an SUV
-
Any personal expenses
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Anything not mentioned in inclusions
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Breakfast and Dinner
-
Inclusive of Permits
-
Lunch During Trekking
-
Monastery & Local Site Visits
-
Professional Guide
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Travel visa and insurance
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Trek Arrangements
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point
Itinerary
Arrive in Leh and transfer to your hotel. This day is kept completely free for rest and acclimatization. The altitude is high, so take it slow and let your body adjust.
A relaxed day exploring Leh, visit Leh Palace, Tsemo Castle and walk through the old town and market. In the evening, head towards Phyang for a stargazing session. This helps you stay active while still acclimatizing.
Drive from Leh to Rumbak, the starting point of your trek. From here, begin a gradual climb towards Yurutse village. The walk is steady and helps your body adjust to trekking at altitude. Stay overnight in a homestay.
Start early for one of the key days of the trek. Climb up to Ganda La Pass (approx. 4,980 m), with wide views of the surrounding ranges. The descent takes you to Shingo village. Stay overnight in a homestay.
Walk along the Markha River, crossing small streams and moving through narrow valley sections. The trail feels quieter and more remote here. Reach Sara village and stay in a homestay or campsite.
Continue along the valley, passing Markha village, one of the largest settlements on the route. Visit Techa Gompa along the way. The landscape slowly opens up as you move towards Hangkar. Overnight stay in a homestay/camp.
Today’s walk takes you to Nimaling, the highest campsite at around 4,700 m. Surrounded by open grasslands and mountain views, this is one of the most scenic camps on the trek. Night under the stars.
Start early to cross Kongmaru La Pass (approx. 5,130 m), the highest point of the trek. The descent is steep and leads to Shang Sumdo. From here, drive back to Leh via Hemis Monastery. Overnight stay in Leh.
After breakfast, transfer to Leh Airport for your onward journey.
What To Expect
This is a proper high-altitude trek, so expect long walking days (4–7 hours), changing terrain and gradual gain in altitude. The first two days in Leh are important, your body needs that time to adjust before starting the trek.
The trail includes river crossings, rocky paths, open valleys and high mountain passes above 5,000 meters. Weather can change quickly, sun during the day and cold evenings especially at camps like Nimaling.
Accommodation during the trek is basic but clean. Homestays are simple village homes where you share meals and space with local families. Campsites are set in open landscapes with limited facilities.
Network connectivity is almost non-existent once you leave Leh. This is a full digital break. What you gain instead is time walking, observing, talking to people and being in nature.
Wildlife sightings depend on luck and timing but you may see blue sheep, marmots and Himalayan birds along the way.
Additional Info
- We take pre payments to book the trip
- 21 days - cancellation policy is applicable, no refunds post 21 day
- Carry proper trekking gear, warm layers and sturdy shoes
- Limited to no network during trekking days
- Weather can be unpredictable, be prepared for cold and wind
- Best time to travel: June to September
Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 86 days in advance.
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