Planethimalayas

Arrive in Leh by flight or train and check in to your hotel, allowing your body to settle into the high altitude of 11,500 ft. Since a direct landing at this height can trigger AMS, the first day is entirely meant for rest and gentle acclimatization. Keep your schedule light—explore Leh market, visit nearby monasteries, or stroll around the town, but avoid visiting any very high-altitude pass or viewpoint. A mandatory trek briefing takes place at 5 PM, for which you must carry a copy of your ID proof and two photographs; foreign trekkers should bring a passport and visa copy. Leh has reliable post-paid network coverage, several ATMs, and plenty of shops where you can rent or buy any trekking gear you may have forgotten. The cafés here are lively hangouts for travelers, but avoid alcohol and smoking as they interfere with acclimatization. Stay hydrated, enjoy the local culture and cuisine, and return to your hotel early to rest well. An easy, relaxed Day 1 is crucial to prepare your body for the days ahead.

This extra acclimatization day is crucial for helping your body adjust to the thinning air of Ladakh, so spend as much time outdoors as possible while keeping the day relaxed and strain-free. You can explore some of Leh’s most significant monasteries such as Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, and the Sangam viewpoint where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet, each offering a window into Ladakh’s deep Buddhist heritage. Thiksey Gompa, perched on a hill, is the largest in central Ladakh and gives you a beautiful introduction to the region’s culture. Avoid gaining altitude or visiting high passes today, as it may interfere with your acclimatization. Instead, wander around Leh town, explore the lively bazaar, interact with locals, and sample the delicious local cuisine. If you prefer gentle activity, a downhill cycling tour around Leh can be done without putting strain on your body. As the day winds down, make sure to catch the sunset at Shanti Stupa, known for its glowing lights in the evening. Return to your hotel for the night and rest well — your actual trekking journey begins tomorrow.

Today marks the true beginning of your Markha Valley adventure as you drive from Leh to Skiu through some of Ladakh’s most iconic landscapes. The journey takes you past military camps, the famous Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and the mysterious Magnetic Hill, with constant views of the Stok range until you enter the boundaries of Hemis National Park. A major highlight en route is the spectacular Sangam viewpoint where the emerald Indus and Zanskar rivers meet in a striking confluence. As the road turns towards Chilling, the scenery shifts dramatically—open terrains gradually narrow into deep valleys painted in shades of purple, grey, and black, with juniper trees lining the route. After crossing the Zanskar River over green iron bridges, you arrive at the serene village of Skiu, divided into Upper and Lower sections, adorned with mani stones, white stupas, and an ancient monastery. From here, your trek begins on a well-marked trail that follows the Markha River. Along the way, you may spot magpies, blue sheep, and other wildlife that thrive in this rich Himalayan ecosystem. You’ll pass small cafés, winter settlements, barley and wheat fields, mani walls, and Lhatos as you make your way through the valley. Continue trekking past the quiet village of Nagding, where meditation caves dot the rocky slopes, and the riverbanks widen into sandy stretches. After several hours, you enter the culturally vibrant village of Sara, marked by a dramatic gateway decorated with skulls of wild animals—symbols of pride for the locals. With its ancient monastery, historic castle, and lush wheat fields, Sara offers the perfect blend of culture and natural beauty. Settle into your tent or homestay for a warm meal and end the day under a dazzling sky full of stars.

Begin your morning in Sara with a warm breakfast and stunning Himalayan views before easing into a day that feels beautifully familiar to the previous one. The trail gradually leads you across small water channels and stretches of cold desert terrain until you reach the charming village of Chalak, which appears after crossing a wooden bridge. Chalak is dotted with cozy tea houses, stone-walled animal shelters, and homes perched on small hillsides, surrounded by patches of green wheat fields contrasting against the barren mountains. After resting and interacting with friendly locals, continue on the gentle ascent towards Markha, passing a long stretch marked by Bharal horns and countless mani stones laid around elegant white stupas. These stones carry sacred Buddhist inscriptions—some even in Sanskrit—so treat them with great respect and avoid touching them, as villagers believe they are spiritually protected. The trail also unfolds ancient ruins with prayer flags fluttering above, adding a sense of timelessness to the valley. As you approach Markha, you must cross a flowing stream of the Markha River, which can rise up to thigh level at times; removing your shoes and wading through the icy water offers a refreshing burst of energy. A short walk afterward brings you to Markha, the largest village in the valley, known for its scattered traditional houses, monastery, and the ruins of the old Markha fort. Settle into your homestay or campsite here and soak in the cultural richness and scenic calm of this historic Himalayan settlement.

Today’s journey takes you deeper into the upper Markha Valley, where the scenery begins to widen and the landscapes gain a grander, more dramatic character. As you leave Markha behind, make the most of the simplicity and innocence of the last inhabited villages you’ll encounter on this route. The trail meanders through beautiful stretches where barren mountains meet refreshing streams, with the path crossing the river multiple times—sometimes over small wooden bridges, other times through shallow flowing water. The valley slowly opens up as you approach Umlung, a tiny settlement that hosts the last teahouse of the trek and offers a peaceful monastery that blends effortlessly into the rugged surroundings. Beyond Umlung comes one of the most unforgettable moments of the trek: your very first view of Mt. Kang Yatse, standing tall at 6,400 m, appearing suddenly and magnificently as if inviting you forward. Keep following the river and navigating its crossings as the trail leads you toward Hankar, the final village of the Markha Valley. Along the way, look out for the beautifully perched Tacha monastery, seemingly balancing on a rocky cliff—a magical sight against the stark mountain backdrop. By the time you reach Hankar, surrounded by high pastures and towering peaks, you’ll feel the transition from village life to true Himalayan wilderness. Settle into your tent or homestay for the night and enjoy the quiet, remote beauty of this last inhabited stop on your route.

Today’s trek feels refreshing and far gentler compared to yesterday’s demanding climb, allowing you to truly sink into the beauty of the upper Markha Valley. As you leave Hankar, the trail begins easily, and within the first kilometre you’ll reach a set of diversions—one leading toward Rupshu and Zanskar. Staying on the left trail, you walk toward a stone bridge that confirms you’re on the correct path. From here, several side trails appear frequently, so it’s important to keep close to your trek leader while enjoying the scenery. Within a couple of hours, the lush pastures of Thochuntse begin to unfold ahead of you, a welcome burst of greenery after days in Ladakh’s stark high-altitude desert. This small settlement has tea houses and seasonal campsites, making it a natural rest point. Just beyond this stretch, the trail steepens for about an hour before easing into a long, gradual ascent. As you walk, the mighty Kang Yatse peak dominates your right side, growing larger and more magnificent with every step, almost as if guiding you onward. A pair of serene twin lakes suddenly appear along the trail, offering a moment of calm reflection against the rugged landscape. From the lakes, a gentle descent leads you to the vast, windswept plateau of Nimaling, the highest campsite on the entire Markha Valley trek. This expansive grassland—dotted with grazing sheep, goats, and occasionally mountain hares—feels like a world entirely its own. With the towering Kang Yatse massif rising beside you and the open sky stretching endlessly above, Nimaling offers some of the most unforgettable views of the trek. Nights here can bring sudden snowfall, adding to the wild charm of this high-altitude sanctuary. Settle into your tent and let the quiet, elevated world of Nimaling lull you into deep rest.

Start early and cross the stream near the Nimaling campsite before beginning the long climb to Kongmaru La—the highest point of the Markha Valley Trek. The ascent takes around 2–3 hours and is strenuous but rewarding, opening to magnificent views of the Karakoram range, the Indus Valley, the Ladakh Range, and even the distant K2 on a clear day. Colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind at the top, and surprisingly, there is often decent mobile network here. From the pass, the trail descends steeply through narrow rocky sections before easing out towards the villages of Chikirmo and Chokdo. The descent is long and can be hard on the knees, but the scenery of the Indus Valley remains spectacular throughout. Upon reaching Chokdo, board your vehicle for the 60 km (approx 2–3 hrs) drive back to Leh. Spend the evening resting in your hotel and celebrating the completion of the Markha Valley Trek.