The short answer
Markha Valley Trek: what visitors should know first
Go if you are fit and acclimatised and want a week of high, dry valleys with homestays most nights. It takes about six to eight days and crosses Kongmaru La at about 5,260 m. Not suitable for anyone with heart, lung or mobility problems.
History and context
The story behind Markha Valley Trek
The Markha valley lies inside Hemis National Park, created in 1981 around the Rumbak and Markha catchments. Its route between the Ganda La and Kongmaru La passes is one of the most popular treks in Ladakh.
Useful facts
Markha Valley Trek facts at a glance
- Location
- Hemis National Park, Leh district, Ladakh
- Altitude
- Kongmaru La, about 5,260 m (17,260 ft)
- Experience type
- Valley trek with homestays
- Known for
- Village homestays, Nimaling and Kang Yatze views
- Time or schedule
- About 6 to 8 days; June to September
Why it matters
Why Markha Valley Trek is worth your time
Markha is the trek most people think of when they think of Ladakh. It passes through lived-in villages rather than empty wilderness, and the homestay network means trekkers can travel light and spend money directly in the households along the river.
The valley lies within Hemis National Park, home to blue sheep, Tibetan wolf, marmot and the snow leopard, and to herders whose livestock share the same pastures. Staying on the trail, carrying waste out and using homestays helps keep tourism useful to the people who live there.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Markha and Hankar
Small stone villages with barley fields, chortens and homestays along the river.
- 02
Nimaling
A high summer pasture under Kang Yatze and the coldest, highest night of the trek.
- 03
Kongmaru La
The highest point of the route, looking across the Zanskar mountains before the long drop to Chogdo.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The shorter version starts at Chilling, where the Markha river joins the Zanskar, and picks up the trail at Skiu. The longer version starts from Zingchen near Spituk, walks up to Rumbak and Yurutse, and crosses Ganda La (about 4,960 m) before dropping to Skiu. From Skiu the trail follows the river upstream to Markha village (about 3,760 m) and Hankar (about 4,030 m), with homestays in most villages.
Above Hankar the valley opens out to the high grazing ground at Nimaling (about 4,700 to 4,840 m), usually a camp rather than a homestay, below the peak of Kang Yatze. The next morning climbs to Kongmaru La, about 5,260 m (17,260 ft), with wide views over the Zanskar range. The descent to Chogdo is steep and loose, losing about 1,000 m on rubble, before a road at Shang Sumdo leads back towards Hemis and Leh.
Allow at least three days in Leh to acclimatise before starting. Walking days are mostly four to eight hours. Expect river crossings, especially early in the season, strong sun at midday and freezing nights at Nimaling, so book with a Leh operator who knows the current state of the crossings.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Acclimatise in Leh for at least three days first
- Book a Leh operator who knows current river levels
- Carry a warm sleeping bag for Nimaling
- Use poles for the steep descent from Kongmaru La
- Carry all litter back to Leh
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Hemis National Park, south of Leh across the Indus
- Time needed
- About 6 to 8 days from Leh
- Best time
- Mid-June to mid-October; operators run most departures from June to September
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- This is a long, high trek with river crossings, a night at Nimaling above 4,700 m and a steep descent from Kongmaru La. Older travellers with heart, lung, knee or balance problems should not attempt it. Parents who stay in Leh can drive to Hemis Monastery and Thiksey, close to where the trek ends, while fitter family members walk.
- Tickets and access
- The route lies inside Hemis National Park, where a wildlife fee is charged and collected at checkposts or by your operator. Confirm current fees locally with the Wildlife Office in Leh. A local guide or Leh-registered operator is strongly advised.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Markha Valley Trek
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
This is a long, high trek with river crossings, a night at Nimaling above 4,700 m and a steep descent from Kongmaru La. Older travellers with heart, lung, knee or balance problems should not attempt it. Parents who stay in Leh can drive to Hemis Monastery and Thiksey, close to where the trek ends, while fitter family members walk.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How many days does the Markha Valley trek take?
About six days from Chilling or Skiu to Chogdo, or seven to eight days if you start from Zingchen and cross Ganda La.
What is the highest point?
Kongmaru La, at about 5,260 m. Published figures vary slightly between sources.
Are there homestays on the route?
Yes, in most villages including Rumbak, Skiu, Markha, Hankar and Chogdo. Nimaling is usually a camp.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Markha Valley
- Wikipedia: Hemis National Park
- Ju-Leh Adventure: Markha Valley trek
- Outlook Traveller: Up above the world so high
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
