Markha Valley, Ladakh, IndiaChallenging Trek

Markha Valley Trek

High-altitude trekking through the gorges, remote villages, and alpine pastures of Hemis National Park

Max Elevation5,200m17,060 ft

Duration8 DaysFull Round-Trip

Best WindowJune to OctoberOptimal Conditions

Lead Guide TeamHAWS Veteran TeamAlpine Safety

ROUTE OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVE

The High-Altitude Journey

The Markha Valley trek is one of Ladakh’s most celebrated journeys. Traversing deep into Hemis National Park, the trail weaves between steep sandstone cliffs, traditional Buddhist hamlets, and windswept alpine pastures beneath the glaciated massif of Kang Yatse. Reaching its high point at Kongmaru La (5,200m), this route provides an incomparable foundation for aspiring high-altitude mountaineers.

Why Choose This Objective:Perfect for fit hikers looking to gain high-altitude trekking experience in the Trans-Himalaya before committing to 6,000m mountaineering objectives.

Key Route Highlights

Cross Kongmaru La Pass at 5,200m with panoramic vistas of the Karakoram & Kang Yatse

Walk through the high grazing plateaus of Nimaling beneath Kang Yatse

Explore ancient monasteries and traditional Ladakhi mud-brick villages

Spot rare Himalayan wildlife including blue sheep (bharal) and golden eagles

Day-by-Day Expedition Itinerary

8 Days Profile

Arrival in Leh (3,500m)

Waypoint: 3,500m

Mandatory acclimatization day at Spituk Basecamp HQ. Rest, hydration, and medical baseline check.

Leh Sightseeing & Acclimatization Hike

Waypoint: 3,600m

Gentle cultural walk to Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace to test cardiovascular adaptation at 3,600m.

Drive to Skiu, Trek to Sara (3,550m)

Waypoint: 3,550m

Scenic drive along the Indus-Zanskar confluence to Chilling/Skiu. Commence trekking along the Markha River.

Sara to Markha Village (3,700m)

Waypoint: 3,700m

Trek deeper into the canyon. Cross shallow river streams and arrive at Markha, the valley's largest settlement.

Markha to Hankar & Thochuntse (4,150m)

Waypoint: 4,150m

Ascend past Umlung monastery into high alpine terrain with dramatic initial views of Kang Yatse.

Thochuntse to Nimaling Plateau (4,720m)

Waypoint: 4,720m

Climb onto the high meadows of Nimaling. Shepherds graze yak herds beneath the towering walls of Kang Yatse.

Nimaling over Kongmaru La (5,200m) to Chokdo / Leh

Waypoint: 5,200m

Early morning crossing of Kongmaru La with staggering panoramic views. Descend through the red gorges of Shang to drive back to Leh.

Leh Basecamp Debrief & Forward Planning

Waypoint: 3,500m

Expedition debrief with your lead guides. Review your acclimatization response and plan your next 6,000m peak step.

Expedition Support & Inclusions

Certified HAWS veteran expedition leader and licensed local guides
High-altitude camping equipment (tents, sub-zero sleeping mats, mess dining)
All meals, boiled drinking water, and trail nutrition
Oxygen cylinder, Gamow hyperbaric bag support, and SpO2 monitoring
Inner-line permits and Hemis National Park conservation fees