Markha Valley Trek

Cost

24225.0025500.00

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Explore Tours

ABOUT  Markha Valley

Markha Valley, located in the enchanting region of Ladakh, is a popular trekking destination that blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and a sense of adventure. Known as the “Tea House Trek,” it offers a unique opportunity to experience Ladakhi villages, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. Markha Valley is not just a trek; it’s a journey into the heart of Ladakhi traditions, natural wonders, and unspoiled beauty

OVERVIEW

  • Region:- Leh, Ladakh, India
  • Duration : 9 Days (Leh to Leh)
  • Grade: Moderate
  • Max Altitude:  5275 m / 17300 Ft
  • Approx. Trekking Distance :- 60 Kms
  • Fixed date:
    Batch 1: 17th May 2025
    Batch 2: 28th June 2025
    Batch 3: 08th Aug 2025 

Highlights

  • Diverse Landscapes: Trek through lush green fields, arid mountains, and dramatic river crossings. Stunning views of snow-capped peaks like Kang Yatse and Stok Kangri.
  • Cultural Immersion: Stay in traditional Ladakhi villages like Skiu, Rumbak, and Hankar. Visit ancient monasteries and stupas adorned with Buddhist art.
  • Challenging Passes: Cross high-altitude passes like Kongmaru La (5,275m), offering panoramic views.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Spot Himalayan wildlife, including blue sheep and the elusive snow leopard.
  • Local Hospitality: Warm interactions with the locals and cozy stays in tea houses or homestays.

Treks Plan

Markha Valley trek begins from Leh. Arrive in Leh by road or flight. Take it slowly once you arrive in Leh. Since it is at the hazardous height of 11,500 ft direct landing at this height may trigger AMS. Make sure you rest well and do not strain your body during your stay in the hotel. Being outdoors is recommended as it helps in the acclimatization process. Explore the local market of Leh. Have the local cuisine and enjoy shopping for dry fruits and local handicrafts. Briefing about the trek in evening. (mandatory).

Today rest and acclimatization day. Briefing and Acclimatization walk to Shanti Stupa / Leh Palace. This is important to allow your body to adapt to its new environment and reduce chances of adverse health conditions. You can go around and explore the city market, delve into the colors and culture of this high-mountain city and visit some places nearby. A little movement around the city would be good for acclimatization. Also, use this time to go through your checklist and do some last-minute shopping for what you might be missing for the expedition. Leh has the best market for trekking essentials.  

The drive from Leh to Skiu is the perfect introduction to the general terrain we are about to enter for the next few days. Keep an eye out for iconic landmarks. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib on one side and Magnet Hill on the other side. You will get to see the Stok range during your journey until you reach Hemis National Park. The road goes through a flat and desolate plain alongside river Indus until we reach its confluence with the distinctly coloured Zanskar River in close to an hour and a half. In this short drive, we witness barren mountains of all shapes, forms and textures – slabs of rock stacked one of top of the other neatly, chunks of rock resting on each other haphazardly, sheets of rock hard-pressed into each other, loose rocks, mountains made of mud, and much more.
After hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Sara village, marked by a grand entrance adorned with skeletons of wild animals like yaks and sheep.

Today, start your day with a beautiful morning in the mountains. Have a warm breakfast with a view, then get ready for the trekking day ahead. Marka valley is a long extension of this parched feeling. Imagine walking in the harsh sun on wide, open lands with no respite from the heat in the form of shades from a tree, surrounded by mountains that look like they could come crumbling down at any point; they just aren’t doing it out of the goodness of their hearts! This is Markha valley trek – a civilization of mud, heat and insurmountable beauty of a peculiar kind. The trail today is easy and mostly straight with a few sections of ascent.  After setting up our camps in this campsite in the midst of the tall green grass with a backdrop of barren mountains, we go for the acclimatization walk in the evening. The rest of the day is to explore the setting and rest our weary selves.

After Breakfast, The trail follows the Markha River, with several thrilling river crossings that add an adventurous edge to the trek. Pass by old monasteries and mani walls, offering a glimpse into the region’s spiritual heritage. Keep an eye out for Himalayan blue sheep, marmots, and even elusive snow leopards if you’re lucky! The path gradually ascends through meadows dotted with wildflowers, leading to higher alpine terrain. Reach the Thochungtsey campsite, nestled amidst a dramatic backdrop of rugged cliffs and snow-capped peaks. Enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the area or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the high-altitude setting.

Trek through vast glacial moraines, pristine alpine meadows, and rugged terrains surrounded by towering peaks. Today the trail will lead us up to the beautiful plateau of Nimaling, where the people of the Markha Valley bring their herds to graze during the summer months. At 4700m, Nimaling is the highest camp (4600m) on the trek, giving us spectacular views of the huge peak of Kang Yatse to the right.

  • Altitude: Kong Maru La - 5,200 m/ 17,300 ft
  • Trek Distance: 13 km | 7 - 8 hrs.
  • Drive to Leh: 60 km | 3 hrs

After a hearty breakfast, we will cross Kongmaru La (5200m), the highest pass on the trek, and from here we will have a wonderful view of the Indus Valley and Ladakh Range. The descent is quite steep, but will gradually level out as we enter Shang Gorge, with its fascinating rock formations. More river crossings bar our way before we arrive at the sour-spring of Chuskurmo (used in traditional medicine by the Amchi doctors). Drive from Sumdo to Leh takes about 2 hours. Reach Leh by evening. The trip ends here.

On the final day, you’ll check out from your accommodation in Leh and depart for your onward journey, carrying memories of an incredible adventure.

In case of bad weather or other difficulties, Day is reserved for a second summit attempt. This will only get used if unexpected and unforeseeable conditions present themselves at the last minute preventing the first summit push. The buffer day is chargeable & participants have to pay for the same. 

Included

  • Accommodation in Leh: Stay at specified hotels / homestay in Leh for 3 nights, Rooms on sharing basis. During the trek camping stay.
  • All meals during the trek only. Start from Day 3 lunch.
  • Excellent Trekking Guide, who will be a local to this particular area and has profound knowledge of the trekking trails around.
  • Transportation by mini bus/Tempo traveller for trek departure transfers. (From Leh hotel to Return Leh)
  • Technical equipment - Ropes, Helmet etc as per requirement.
  • Camping equipment like Sleeping bag, Carry mattress, Kitchen tent, dinning tent and toilet tent as required during the trek.
  • Basic Medical & First Aid kit.
  • Facility of keeping extra luggage at Leh when leaving for trek.

Exclude

  • Food in Leh
  • Personal expenses – such as Telephone, Laundry, Tips and Table Drinks etc.
  • Airfare / Rail fare
  • Pickup and Drop – from Airport, Railway station or Bus stop. Please contact vendor partners post booking, if pickup and drop facility can be provided on request, at additional cost.
  • Personal Porter 
  • Beverages
  • Any additional cost - including stay and food, that arises due to extension, change of itinerary due to natural calamities, road blocks, bad weather or any other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control
  • Anything not listed under “inclusions”.

COST

Rs.24,500/- pp + 5% GST (This cost for only Indian Citizen)

Who can participate this expedition...???

  • Minimum Age : 16+
  • Experience of any high altitude trek, at least 2 treks of  13,500ft.
  • The trekker should be able to carry a 12-13 kg backpack.
  • For more guidance consult with our team mate.

Terms & Conditions:

  • 100% payment to be deposited before the trip starts
  • Required minimum 7 people for this trek.
  • Final Confirmation will be provided on full payment
  • Vehicle provided as per the mentioned tour plan (Point to Point Basis only)
  • No Refund or Compensation for any unused services / transportation in any circumstance

Any changes done on trip, applicable charges will be charged.

Cancellation Policy

  • If cancellation done prior to 60 Days of outing 75% will be refunded
  • If cancellation done prior to 30 Days of outing 50% will be refunded
  • After That no refund will be provided

Medical Disclaimer

It is mandatory that you visit your personal physician before enrolling for the trip if you suffer from any illness of any kind and disclose the same and your medical history to the organizers of the trip so that best possible arrangements can be carried out post approval. As organizers of the trip, we will be responsible for providing basic first aid throughout the trip. In case of unexpected mishaps or accidents, we will arrange for the injured patron to be taken to the nearest medical hospital wherever possible. The medical expenses will have to be borne by the patrons themselves.

Terms & Conditions

  • All our events are Eco-friendly; kindly take care of nature around us.
  • Do Not Litter, Participants are requested to carry the waste back to the city and dispose it off in dustbins.
  • Leader’s decision will be final and binding on all members.
  • Customization available with dates and schedule as per requirements, if minimum 8 persons.
  • All the guests are required to carry valid photo identities (Passport/Driving License/Voter ID Card/Aadhar Card).
  • The trekkers are also required to carry 4 passport size photographs along with their Photo-ID proof (Driving License/Passport/Voter-ID Card / Aadhar Card & School ID Card for children; Pan Card is not valid since it does not carry address). These are necessary to obtain permits.
  • Please note that some unforeseen situations may occur in the mountains leading to road blocks, route closure, stranded in a place etc. In such cases, we will be doing our best to change the itinerary in best possible ways so as to cover the trip duration (number of days) as per plan. There will be no refund possible in such scenarios if duration is reduced due to natural issues. In case, number of day’s increases, the cost of extra duration will be shared among all.
  • There will be no discounts or money refunded for missed or unused services, this includes voluntary or involuntary termination/departure from tour, i.e. sickness, death of a family member etc. late arrival on the tour, or premature departure either voluntarily or involuntarily.

Related Treks

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How to register an account with XPLOINDIA?

To register with XPLOINDIA, visit our website – www.xploindia.com and create your account. To create your account you will need to use your email address and fill in all the details, set your unique password and your account is ready to use.

What documents need to carry on treks / tours?

Mandatory documents: 2 xerox of ID having address (addhar card/driving license), 2 Passport size photographs, hard copy Medical form signed & sealed by doctor, disclaimer form sign by trekker and high altitude insurance.

what kind of shoes we should by for treks?

You should buy shoes which has these three features –Good grip, Ankle Support and additional water resistant layers. Generally, we advise Quechua Trek 100, MH 500 and MH 100. If you don’t want buy expensive shoes then you can take on rent from Rock and Pebbles. They are providing all trekking gears on rent.

How does my family get update about my trek / tour ?

Before you start the trek / tour.  it is recommended that you make all the necessary phone calls as during the trek you may or may not receive network coverage, once you come back to the Base Camp, you can reconnect with your family via phone once again. You can share your trek coordinator contact detail with your family members to get the latest updates about your trek batch.

Is it safe for solo women?

  • It absolutely is. We recognize, value and embody the ideology that the world of outdoor adventure can benefit from diversity. We make it our mission to create outdoor spaces as equally accessible and safe for all genders as possible.
  •  We have women trek leader also in our team.  You might just have a woman trek leader
  • Our accommodation is separate for men and women. You will be sharing your tent / staying space with other women.
  • We ensure you e-meet your trekkers much before meeting them, in a pre-trek briefing as well as on a Whatsapp group. So you’re not meeting strangers on the trek. You already know them.
  • Our male trek leaders are also trained and sensitized to handle any situations sensitively, including your periods. You’re free to approach them for anything.

How to choose, which trek is best for me?

Our experts will contact you with the best possible trek options based on your preferences and experience level. Alternatively, you can reach out to us via email at info@xploindia.com or give us a call using the numbers provided on our website.

How to Book Trek / Tour?

First You need to register with us and create an account and Fill Up enquiry form so our team will contact you for further process.

what food can I get on trek?

We provide wholesome and nutritious meals during the trek. The food is vegetarian and includes a variety of dishes such as rice, dal, vegetables, chapati, paratha, pasta, noodles, and soup. We also offer snacks such as biscuits, and salty, and dry fruits during the trek. Special dietary requirements such as vegan, gluten-free, or Jain food can also be arranged if informed in advance.

Can I get Jain food during trek / tour?

Yes, Jain food can also be arranged but you have to inform in advance.

What is the qualification of the trek leader provided to us?

A Basic Mountaineering Course certification from one of the five recognized mountaineering institutes in India is a minimum requirement to join our team. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. We also conduct on-ground training for our staff once a year as a refresher for old skills and to learn some new ones.

What do you do in case of emergency?

In addition to their qualification, our trek leaders are trained to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on ground. During our recce stage, we study the trail in great detail and map out rescue routes before opening it up for our trekkers. We also have local support staff stationed in each area to arrange for emergency services at the place of need as quickly as possible.

Can I offload my bag??

Although not recommended, you can off load your bag at an additional cost. Add a request while making your booking for the trek and it can be arranged

What are the washroom / toilet facilities during trek?

On campsites, our team will dig dry pits and assemble a toilet tent to provide for safe and secure quarters. A shovel will be provided within the toilet tent as well. Using water in the toilet tent is restricted; you will need to carry your own toilet paper. On the more difficult expeditions, toilet tents are not carried to the higher camps (above base camp) due to restriction of space (to pitch the tent).

What should I do if I get my period on trek?

In case you get your period on the trail and don’t have sanitary napkins, our trek leaders can provide them to you. If you need any other kind of assistance, you can let our trek leaders know. Irrespective of gender, our leaders are gender sensitized and equipped to assist you in any way you need them to.

What are the medical facilities provide on trek / tour?

Our team carries a first aid kit and all the basic medicines required during the trek. They are equipped to be the first responders in case of any injury or health-related issues. For higher expeditions, we also carry a HAPO Bag and oxygen cylinders to tend to any altitude-related health conditions.

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Max Guests

15

Min Age

16

Tour Location

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