DomesticAdventure

9-Day Markha Valley Trek

Ladakh's best-known trek — Ganda La and Kongmaru La, homestays in Markha and Hankar, and the Nimaling meadows under Kang Yatse. Moderate grade, June to September.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Leh
Rest and acclimatise.
Meals
Dinner
Stay
Leh
Day 2: Leh acclimatisation
Short hike to Shanti Stupa, gear check and briefing.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Leh
Day 3: Chilling to Skiu
Drive to the trailhead and walk down the Markha river to Skiu.
Meals
All meals
Stay
Skiu
Day 4: Skiu to Markha
A long valley-floor day with several river crossings.
Meals
All meals
Stay
Markha
Day 5: Markha to Hankar
Past Techa Monastery on its cliff, up to Hankar village.
Meals
All meals
Stay
Hankar
Day 6: Hankar to Nimaling
Climb to the Nimaling meadows at 15,400 ft under Kang Yatse.
Meals
All meals
Stay
Nimaling
Day 7: Nimaling to Shang Sumdo
Kongmaru La at 17,060 ft, then a long descent through the gorge.
Meals
All meals
Stay
Shang Sumdo
Day 8: Return to Leh
Drive back to Leh. Hot shower and Leh Market.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Leh
Day 9: Departure
Airport transfer.
Meals
Breakfast

Trip Highlights

Two passes above 15,000 ft
Village homestays through the valley
Nimaling meadows below Kang Yatse
Certified trek leader and support crew

What's included

Accommodation as per the itinerary, on twin sharing
Daily breakfast and dinner where specified
All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle with an altitude-experienced driver
Inner Line Permits and protected-area permits
Oxygen cylinder and basic first aid in the vehicle
Driver allowance, fuel, tolls and parking

What's not included

Airfare to and from Leh
Lunch throughout unless specified
Monastery entry fees and camera charges
Any activity not listed under inclusions
Travel insurance — strongly recommended at these altitudes
Costs arising from road closures, evacuation or weather delays

Pickup point

Leh Airport (Manali or Srinagar for the bike expeditions)

Cancellation policy

Cancel 30 days or more before departure — full refund minus a ₹2,000 processing fee.

Cancel 15 to 29 days before departure — 50% of the trip cost is refunded.

Cancel 7 to 14 days before departure — 25% of the trip cost is refunded.

Cancel within 7 days of departure — no refund.

Flights and Inner Line Permit fees already paid to third parties are non-refundable.

Trips cut short by road closures, weather or altitude sickness are refunded for unused services only — Ladakh road conditions are outside anyone's control.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to acclimatise in Leh?

Two nights before crossing any high pass. Every itinerary here builds that in — it is the single thing that decides whether a Ladakh trip goes well.

When is the best time to visit Ladakh?

May to September for the full circuit, when Khardung La and Chang La are reliably open. Winter trips run December to February for Leh, the monasteries and the Chadar trek, but the high passes are shut.

Do I need permits?

Yes — Inner Line Permits for Nubra, Pangong and Changthang, and protected-area permits for Hanle and Umling La. We arrange all of them; just send scanned ID at booking.

Is Ladakh safe if I have never been to high altitude?

For most people, with proper acclimatisation. Tell us at booking if you have a heart or lung condition, are pregnant, or have had altitude sickness before, and our team will tell you honestly whether a particular itinerary suits you.

Will there be mobile network and ATMs?

Only postpaid connections work in Ladakh, and only in Leh and parts of Nubra. Pangong, Hanle and Zanskar have no signal. Withdraw cash in Leh — ATMs elsewhere are unreliable.

Ready to book Markha Valley Trek?

Tell us your dates and group size and our team will confirm availability, hold the rooms and send you the invoice and vouchers.

Book This Tour

₹32,999₹38,000

Save ₹5,001

+ tax as applicable

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Tour Option

Twin Sharing₹32,999

Ladakh

High passes, colder nights, bigger skies.

Know Before You Go

How long does it take to acclimatise in Leh?Two nights before crossing any high pass. Every itinerary here builds that in — it is the single thing that decides whether a Ladakh trip goes well.
When is the best time to visit Ladakh?May to September for the full circuit, when Khardung La and Chang La are reliably open. Winter trips run December to February for Leh, the monasteries and the Chadar trek, but the high passes are shut.
Do I need permits?Yes — Inner Line Permits for Nubra, Pangong and Changthang, and protected-area permits for Hanle and Umling La. We arrange all of them; just send scanned ID at booking.

All questions →