Markha Valley Trek Itinerary
Overview:
Markha Valley is one of Ladakh’s most iconic trekking routes. It traverses remote villages, ancient monasteries, deep gorges, and alpine meadows, with dramatic views of Kang Yatse towering above the trail. This itinerary includes a scenic drive along the Zanskar River and a well-paced journey over the high Kongmaru La Pass.
- Trek Distance: ~75 km
- Highest Point: Kongmaru La (5,280 m)
- Route: Leh → Sara (Drive) → Markha → Hankar → Nimaling → Kongmaru La → Chokdo
Day 1: Drive from Leh to Sara (3,500 m) – 65 km, Trek to Markha (3,710 m) – 10 km
- Drive along the Zanskar River via Chilling to Sara village
- Begin trek from Sara following the Markha River
- Cross small wooden bridges and pass local houses
- Reach Markha village for camp
- Total Distance: 75 km (Drive + Trek)
Day 2: Markha to Hankar (3,980 m) – 11 km
- Cross several streams and pass Umlung village
- Visit ancient monasteries and mani walls
- Reach Hankar with views of Kang Yatse
- Camp overnight
Day 3: Hankar to Nimaling (4,700 m) – 10 km
- Gradual ascent through high alpine pastures
- Stunning panoramic views
- Arrive at Nimaling, a vast open grazing ground
- Camp overnight
Day 4: Nimaling to Chokdo via Kongmaru La (5,280 m) – 14 km
- Steep climb to the highest point of the trek: Kongmaru La
- Spectacular views of Zanskar and Karakoram ranges
- Long descent through gorge and colorful rock formations
- Reach Chokdo village, drive back to Leh
- Overnight stay in Leh
All the itineraries can be customized to suit your own special interests, preferences and abilities. Please contact us for more information.
Pricing Details:
Camping-Based Treks:
- 2 Persons: As per mentioned package price
- 3+ Persons: Reduced per-person cost (contact for group rates)
Note: Larger groups benefit from lower per-person pricing due to shared costs
Homestay-Based Treks:
- Solo Trekker: ₹20,000 per person
- 2 Trekkers: ₹16,000 per person (₹32,000 total)
Note: Larger groups benefit from lower per-person pricing due to shared costs
What included and not included:
CAMPING-BASED TREKS
What’s Included:
Accommodation & Camping
- Twin-sharing tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses
- Kitchen, dining, and toilet tents
Meals
- All meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening tea/snacks
- Safe drinking water throughout trek
Transportation
- Pick-up and drop between Leh and trek start/end points (Non-AC vehicle)
Support Staff & Logistics
- Experienced trek guide, cook, and helpers (1 per 6 trekkers)
- Horses/mules for camping equipment and personal luggage (max 12-15 kg/person)
Permits & Safety
- All trekking permits and entry fees
- First-aid kit
- Trekking completion certificate
What’s NOT Included:
- Flights/transport to reach Leh
- Meals in Leh (except if mentioned in itinerary)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Porter for personal daypack during trek
- Travel insurance and medical/evacuation expenses
- Costs due to weather delays, roadblocks, or natural calamities
HOMESTAY-BASED TREKS
What’s Included:
Accommodation
- Homestay in local Ladakhi houses (twin/triple sharing with basic bedding)
Meals
- All meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (traditional Ladakhi cuisine)
- Safe drinking water
Transportation
- Pick-up and drop between Leh and trek points (Non-AC vehicle)
Support & Logistics
- English-speaking trek guide
Permits & Safety
- All trekking permits and entry fees
- First-aid kit and emergency support
- Trekking completion certificate
What’s NOT Included:
- Flights/transport to reach Leh
- Meals in Leh before/after trek
- Sleeping bag
- Personal trekking gear, clothing, and daypack
- No horses/potter to carry personal luggage
- Travel insurance and medical expenses
- Costs due to weather delays or emergencies
Important Notes:
- Travel insurance with evacuation coverage strongly recommended
- Single accommodation subject to availability
Packing List
Documents (Mandatory)
- Valid photo ID (Aadhar/Passport/Driving License – original)
- 2 passport-size photographs for permits
Trekking Gear
- Trekking shoes/boots (waterproof, ankle support, well broken-in)
- Daypack/backpack (30-40L for daily essentials)
- Trekking poles (recommended for knee support)
- Sleeping bag (mandatory for homestay treks – rent in Leh ₹300-500/day)
- Headlamp/flashlight with spare batteries
Clothing (Layering System)
- Base layer: Thermal innerwear (2 sets – top & bottom)
- Mid layer: Fleece jacket or down jacket
- Outer layer: Waterproof windproof jacket
- Trekking pants (2-3 quick-dry, comfortable pairs)
- T-shirts/full-sleeve shirts (3-4 sets)
- Warm woolen cap and sun hat/cap
- Gloves (waterproof recommended)
- Woolen socks (4-5 pairs) and liner socks
- Undergarments (quick-dry fabric)
- Down jacket for high-altitude camps
Rain & Sun Protection
- Raincoat or rain poncho
- UV protection sunglasses (Category 3 or 4)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm with SPF
- Moisturizer for dry weather
Personal Essentials
- Reusable water bottle (1-liter minimum)
- Personal toiletries (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes)
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Personal medications and prescriptions
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox – consult doctor)
- Basic first-aid: Pain relievers, band-aids, antiseptic cream
- Anti-diarrheal medication and ORS packets
Electronics & Accessories
- Pre-On-Post Airtel/Jio SIM (limited connectivity in mountains)
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh)
- Camera with spare batteries and memory cards
- Charging cables
Optional but Useful
- Energy bars, dry fruits, chocolates (trail snacks)
- Small towel (quick-dry)
- Ziplock bags (keeping things dry and organized)
- Multi-tool or Swiss knife
- Notebook and pen
What NOT to Bring
- Hard suitcases (use soft duffel bags only)
- Excessive clothing (laundry not available during trek)
- Valuables and jewelry
- Cotton clothing (takes long to dry)
- Heavy books or unnecessary items
Luggage Guidelines:
- Maximum 12-15 kg in duffel bag (goes on horses/mules)
- Carry 4-5 kg daypack yourself with: water bottle, snacks, camera, warm layer, rain gear, sunscreen, personal medications
Tip: Pack light and smart. Layering is key for Himalayan weather!
Cancellation Policy
Payment Schedule:
- Booking deposit: ₹15,000 per person to confirm reservation
- Balance payment: Due 15 days before trek start date
Cancellation Charges:
- 15 + days before trek: 25% of total cost
- 10-14 days before trek: 50% of total cost
- Less than 9 days before departure: 100% (no refund)
- After trek starts: No refund for early exit or unused services
Important Terms:
- Refunds processed within 14 business days
- Cancellations must be in writing via email
- Permit fees non-refundable once processed
- Company not liable for trek cancellations due to weather, landslides, roadblocks, or force majeure events
- In case of such events, option to reschedule
- Travel insurance covering trekking activities strongly recommended