Total Trekking Distance: 55 Kms Highest Altitude: 5200 mts
  • Trek Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions / Exclusions
  • FAQ

The Markha valley trek puts on display all the sceneries Ladakh has to offer. While on this trek you pass through remote villages, small poplar forests, narrow valleys, barren mountains,high passes and snow clad mountains. It also runs very close to the mighty Kang Yatse peak. The view of this mighty mountain from the Kongmarula pass will leave you speechless!

The Area

Ladakh is bordered by the Greater Himalayas in the west and south, the Karakoram in the north and the Tibetan Plateau in the east. These ranges form a natural barrier and does not allow clouds to enter this valley making it a rain shadow region and thus a cold desert.

The term Ladakh translates to land of high passes.Some of the highest motorable roads in the world are here. Ladakh is a major tourist destination in the summers.

Expected Weather 

  • Chances of Rain/Hail – Chances of rain is very less. One can expect a mild occasional drizzle.
  • Ladakh is a rain shadow region and hardly gets any rainfall
  • Snow on trail – Possible in June, After that on the summit day
  • Minimum Temperatures –  The temperature is a lot cooler in Leh as compared to other areas in the Himalayas.
    Afternoon – upto 30 degrees (Afternoons can be hot sometimes)
    Nights – zero degrees (June)
    -5 to -7 degrees (September)
  • Day 1: Arrive at Leh (3300 mts). Overnight stay in a Hotel. Evening hike to Shanti Stupa for acclimatization.
  • Day 2: Acclimatization day at Leh. You can devote the day for local sightseeing. A vehicle can be arranged for you at an additional cost. Trek briefing in the evening.
  • Day 3: Drive from Leh to Skiu and trek to Sara (3600mts); Trek Distance - 8 Kms, Trek Time - 3 hours
  • Day 4: Trek from Skiu to Markha (3700 mts); Trek Distance - 20 Kms, Trek Time - 9 hours
  • Day 5: Trek from Markha to Thachungtse(4150 mts); Trek Distance - 13 kms, Trek Time - 8 hours
  • Day 6: Trek from Thachungtse to Nimaling (4850 mts); Trek Distance - 8 kms, Trek Time -6 hours
  • Day 7: Trek from Base camp to Shang Phu; Trek Distance - 14 kms, Trek Time- 8 hours and drive to Leh. Overnight stay in Leh
  • Day 8: Buffer day. In case of bad weather
  • Day 9: Trek ends today. Drop arranged for airport
  • Complete Stay, Food (except lunch in Leh) and accommodation (Twin sharing basis) for the entire trek
  • Hotel stay in Leh
  • Airport Pickup and Drop. (On trek specific dates only. Note you have to manage your travel yourself if you come early or leave later)
  • Rentals for all common gear provided to you like tent, sleeping bags, crampons etc.
  • Technical gear provided to you like Ropes, harness, carabiners and crampons
  • Forest entry permission and camping charges
  • Guide and expertise charges

One can fly to Leh. Note, our pick up vehicles will reach the airport Leh at 8.30 and 11.30. Request you to book your flight accordingly. Leh is well connected by road from both Srinagar and Manali in the summers. One can get buses and shared jeeps to Leh from both the locations. If you decide to take a private vehicle from Srinagar you can reach Leh in a day. From Manali it is advisable to halt at Jispa or Sarchu (for acclimatization) for the night.

Yes, but you are expected to reach the hotel on day 1 of the trek by dinner.

Yes, one can go to these places providing you are acclimatizing well. We can arrange a cab at an additional cost for all the participants that are interested.

It is not advisable to go to that altitude on your second day at Leh. You can visit it after the trek.

Yes. This is almost a semi technical climb. This involves long walks on glaciers, through crevasses.

Ideally you need mountaineering boots for this climb. But you can use crampon compatible, high quality trekking boots (Salomon or Forclaz trek 900) but not hiking shoes. You can wear a good layer of socks inside it.

You can rent one from Leh. Rent cost is approximately 200/day