-
Trek Grade
Easy To Moderate -
Trek Distance
60 Kms -
Trek Duration
8 Days -
Highest Altitude
17,070 ft. -
Basecamp
Leh
Markha Valley Trek
₹ 20,450
₹ 18,450
- + 5% GST
- Transport Included | Dehradun To Dehradun
- ₹ 7,450 Is Trek Fee | ₹ 1,600 For Transport (All Included In Trek Fee)
Markha Valley Trek
Markha Valley Trek lies in the district of Kashmir and is located at an altitude of 17,070 ft. The total distance of the trek from the start to the end point is 120 km approx. The trek is long but with moderate-level trekking, so it is preferred that you have done at least one trek before this trek, but beginners can also take it. Traditional Tibetan kitchens in these villages, Buddhist prayer flags, and other Tibetan items. The trek has barren and desert-like mountains until you reach Markha Valley, which has lush greenery. The trail will pass through Hemis National Park, surrounded by beautiful nature; hills, argali, snow leopards, sheep, and rabbits can be seen at the camping site.
Trek Route
Day 1: Arrival in Leh
Day 2: Rest at Leh
Day 3: Leh to Chilling by Road, Chilling to Skiu by Trek
Day 4: Skiu to Markha by Trek
Day 5: Markha to Hankar by Trek
Day 6: Hankar to Nimaling by Trek
Day 7: Nimaling to Chokdu via Kongmaru La by Trek
Day 8: Chokdo to Shang Sumdo by Trek and Shang Sumdo to Leh by road
Important Trekking Tips By Experts?
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What Mountain Expert Say
Shivam | Mountain Expert
Shivam
Shivam was born and brought up in the Dehradun. Coming from a tradtional family bussniess background and be the 4th genration in the bussnies, he decided to take a another path. Working in the US based firm and sepding some couple of years expreinces. One day he decided to go on a solo trek and from there things got change. After resign his well establish career he decided to persue his career in the adventure and as well as mountain background.He has done various challenging treks in Himalayan region like Kedarkantha, valley of flower, Buran Ghati and list go on. And his love for mountains and adventure is never-ending. Make sure to get detailed help related to the Himalayan trek from him.
Why You Should do Markha Valley Trek
1. Wilderness Mountain is the sight that comes to mind when you hear the name Markha Valley Trek
The Markha Valley Trek trail is through barren mountains, with a unique sight.
2. On the trail, you will pass through traditional Tibetan villages like Kaya and Skiu.
These villages showcase Tibetan people’s traditional culture and how they make mud and stone huts.
3. Markha Valley is like a hamlet in the middle of barren and dry mountains.
You will get to see the Markha Valley, which is greenery around the deserted mountains.
4. When in Leh, you can visit the Leh Palace.
You have likely seen a photograph of a building-like structure that can be seen from a distance, which overlooks the town.
5. While Trekking through Markha Valley, you can see Kang Yatse Hill.
The view of Kang Yatse Hill is mesmerizing, which is a throne-shaped hill in Hemis National Park.
Best Time To Do Markha Valley Trek
The best time to do this trek is in June and September, the summer season in Ladakh. The weather remains pleasant throughout the trek as the temperature does not rise too high during the day or too low at night. July and August are the most suitable time for trekking because, in these months, Manali – Leh and Srinagar – Leh highways are open to private vehicles.
Day Wise Detailed Itinerary Of Markha Valley Trek
Day 1: Arrival in Leh
- Stay: overnight stay at the hotel,
- Meal: Lunch and Dinner
- Altitude: Leh (11,500 ft / 3500 meters.)
You will arrive in Leh from other parts of India on this day. You can travel there by flight or road. You would need to rest, as you would be coming to an altitude of 11,500 ft, which creates Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) for some. Make sure you get enough rest at the hotel. Once you have rested enough, you can explore Leh. Also, you have network availability along with ATMs so that you can enjoy the ambience of cafes.
Day 2: Rest at Leh
- Stay: overnight stay at the homestay,
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Altitude: Leh (11,500 ft / 3500 meters.)
This morning after you have had your breakfast, you can enjoy another day to acclimatize your body. You can take this day to get accustomed to the place and have a good time outdoors. You can visit the Buddhist culture by visiting Thiksey Monastery, Thiksey Gompa, and Shey Palace. Visit the famous market of Leh, Leh Bazaar, and enjoy the mesmerizing view from the Shanti Stupa. And talk to local people or fellow travellers to find out about the nearby area.
Day 3: Leh to Chilling by Road, Chilling to Skiu by Trek
- Stay: overnight stay at the homestay,
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Trek Distance: Leh to Chilling by Road – 65 km, Chilling to Skiu by Trek – 9 km,
- Time Taken: Leh to Chilling by Road – approx. 3 hrs, Chilling to Skiu by Trek – approx. 5 hrs.
- Altitude: Leh (11,500 ft / 3500 meter.), Chilling (10,500 ft / 3200 meters.), Skiu (11,150 / 3400 tr.)
- Altitude difference: Leh to Chilling – 1000 ft / 300 meter.)11, Chilling to Skiu (650 ft / 200 meter.)
- Trek Grade: Leh to Chilling by road, Chilling to Skiu by trek – Gradual.
After breakfast at Leh, you will begin your journey by road; you will enjoy beautiful hills and rivers on the way. A trail leads from here on until you reach the flatlands. You must climb up until you reach another road. You will be walking along the side of the Markha River till you arrive at Skiu and through Kaya Village. The village lies between the big Rocky Mountains.
Day 4: Skiu to Markha by Trek
- Stay: overnight stay at the homestay,
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Trek Distance: 20 km,
- Time Taken: approx. 7 hrs.
- Altitude: Skiu (11,150 ft / 3400 meter.), Markha (12,360 ft / 3767 meter.)
- Altitude gain: 1210 ft / 367 meters.
- Trek Grade: Gradual – Moderate
A delicious breakfast will kick off your day and begin your trek. Many wildlife birds are found there, which you might get to see; the trail will lead through the riverbed. You will cross the Markha River once or twice but still walk by the river. After crossing the bridge, you will reach the village of Narding, followed by a campsite called Sara. After going across another bridge, you will reach the village of Chalak, after which lies Markha Village.
Day 5: Markha to Hankar by Trek
- Stay: overnight stay at the homestay,
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Trek Distance: 11 km,
- Time Taken: approx. 5 hrs.
- Altitude: Markha (12,360 ft / 3767 meters.), Hankar (13,990 ft / 4264 meter.)
- Altitude gain: 1630 ft / 497 meters.
- Trek Grade: Gradual – Moderate
Start your morning with breakfast with hot tea and enjoy Kang Yatse’s view. After walking for a few kilometres, you need to cross the river, and you will reach a small settlement, Umlung, once you have walked through the picturesque village of Hankar.
Day 6: Hankar to Nimaling by Trek
- Stay: overnight stay at the homestay,
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Trek Distance: 10 km,
- Time Taken: approx. 6 hrs.
- Altitude: Hankar (13,990 ft / 4264 meters.), Nimaling (15,380 ft / 4689 meter.)
- Altitude gain: 1390 ft / 425 meters.
- Trek Grade: Gradual – Moderate
Upon waking up the next morning, you will be greeted with a spectacular view. The trek from Hankar will be a steep climb. After that, you will pass through a pass called Zalung Karpo La; you will then be walking through the lower trail till you arrive at the campsite of Thochuntse. From Thochuntse, the trek gradually ascends till you reach the picturesque Kang Yatse Pond. From the pond, you will go downhill till you reach Nimaling.
Day 7: Nimaling to Chokdu via Kongmaru La by Trek
- Stay: overnight stay at the homestay,
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Trek Distance: 12 km,
- Time Taken: approx. 6 hrs
- Altitude: Nimaling (15,380 ft / 4689 meters.), Kongmaru La (17,050 ft / 5197 meter.), Chokdu (12,800 ft / 3901 meter.)
- Altitude difference: Nimaling to Kongmaru La (1670 ft / 508 meters.), Kongmaru La to Chokdu (4250 ft / 1296 meter.)
- Trek Grade: Gradual – Moderate
Today the trek will take you to the highest point. You will be climbing a steep hill till you reach Kongmaru La Pass. From there, you will catch sight of the huge, beautiful K2 Mountain, the second-highest mountain peak in the world. The trail then gradually descends through a narrow pass till you reach Chikirmo Village. On the way, you will be mesmerized by the view of the Indus Valley and Ladakh ranges. And from there, climb down through the rocky terrain till you reach Chokdu.
Day 8: Chokdo to Shang Sumdo by Trek and Shang Sumdo to Leh by road
- Stay no stay,
- Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
- Trek Distance: Chokdo to Shang Sumdo by Trek – 5 km, Shang Sumdo to Leh by road – 50 km,
- Time Taken: Chokdo to Shang Sumdo by Trek – approx. 2 hrs, Shang Sumdo to Leh by road – approx. 2 hrs,
- Altitude: Chokdu (12,800 ft / 3901 meters.), Shang Sumdo (12,130 ft / 3697 meter.), Leh (11,500 ft / 3500 meter.)
- Altitude gain: Chokdo to Shang Sumdo (670 ft / 204 meters.), Shang Sumdo to Leh (630 ft / 197 meter.)
- Trek Grade: Chokdo to Shang Sumdo by Trek – Gradual, Shang Sumdo to Leh by road
On the last of the trek, you will be trekking from Chokdo to Shang Sumdo and walking through the riverbed, which will be an easy walk back. Upon reaching Shang Sumdo, you will go from there by road to Leh. This is your last stop from there; our Trekup India team will bid you farewell, and then from Leh, you will be on your own. You will have the option to travel from there anywhere you like.
Food Provided by Us During Trek
We provide only Indian vegetarian food and mainly your meal is going to contain Indian bread, vegetable, lentils and Rice along with delicious dessert. During your trek, we will serve three meals a day including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the evening, you will also be served tea & snacks and lip-smacking soup before dinner. If it will be a long day of trekking, you will be given a packed snack.
After doing a lot of research on the nutritional requirements for the trekkers, we prepare the menu. Before putting all the meals together, we also consider altitude gained and weather.
The meal served by us while trek is perfectly balanced with the right amounts of calories, carbohydrates, vitamins, protein, fiber, and minerals. You need to know that all our cooks have great expertise in cooking and have undergone thorough training. So, get ready to enjoy delectable and lip-smacking dishes during your trek. You will be served with lemon tea in the tent in order to start your day with a refreshed feeling. Before leaving the campsite for trekking, you will be given a hot finger-licking breakfast like upma, Aallu Prantha, Besan Chilla, Poha, Daliya, Corn flakes, Maggie, along with tea or coffee.
In case, your trek will be longer one then we also offer some fresh local fruits such as apples and even healthy drinks like Frootie or Maaza. In the afternoon, you will be served simple & healthy lunch, while at around 04:00 pm, you will be given tea and a light evening breakfast. After you reach your campsite at night, you will be served a hot and delightful dinner. After reading this, you must have got the idea about the food provided by us on trek, you don’t need to worry about food. Many trekkers trek with us again and again because of the food we provide. Thus, we will definitely give you unforgettable experiences.
Safety During Markha Valley Trek
Trekking with us for Markha Valley Trek is completely safe because we have a team of trek leaders who are qualified in Wilderness first-aid and also have complete information about the high-altitude glitches. During Trek, we carry a complete first-aid kit that contains all the important medicines. Before trekking with us, you need to ensure that you are medically fit for the trek and if you are able to judge yourself then it is better to take advice from a professional. For us, your medical fitness is very important than anything else.
Know About Us:- You need to know that our company Trekup India has been in the field of Adventure Tourism for the last 23 years. Right from our inception, we have been involved in providing treks, voyage & hiking programs as well as high altitude expedition rafting.
We keep on organizing treks in Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Sikkim and Himachal, while being a part of the trekking community, we feature more than 75 Himalayan documented treks. Apart from other outdoor activities, our company also organizes trips for schools, colleges, and family.
We ensure complete technical safety in the mountain
Our company has a vast team of more than 100 guides, as well as trainers in order, serve in the mountain treks. One of the best things about our team is that all the members are trained professionally from Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Indian mountaineering foundation Delhi as well as Hanifle Center Outdoor Education Mussoorie.
Therefore, we never believe in compromising on the quality as well as services offered to our valuable customers.
For Us, Your Safety Is the Top Priority
At Trekup India, you will find a team with local knowledge and fluency in English as well as Hindi. This helps in ensuring that you have an amazing trek and not only this, we also pay attention to your health as well as safety because this is something we cannot ignore. All the team leaders involved in trekking have already undergone several professional courses in First Aid, Portable Altitude Chamber Training, CPR, Environmental Awareness Training as well as Advanced Wilderness Emergency Medicine.
We also carry a complete first aid medical kit not only on the trek but on each and every trip which is organized by us. Apart from the medical kit, we carry a portable altitude chamber and medical oxygen for all kinds of high-altitude treks . Our company has great expertise in organizing all sorts of group adventure holidays for family groups, school & college groups as well as friend groups. When it comes to travel options, we have a wide range that suits different fitness levels as well as traveling styles.
Therefore, no matter who big the group size, we pay personal attention to each and every member present in the group.
How We Ensure That Your Trek Is Safe with Us
Right from our establishment, we at Trekup India, are continuously involved in introducing new safety practices into Indian trekking in order to ensure the safety of voyagers. For walking on snow, Trekpp India introduced Microspikes and also made emergency bottled oxygen mandatory for all kinds of treks. In order to test pulse as well as oxygen saturation levels, pulse oxymeters are used. As a safety communication device, we at TrekupIndia introduced radio.
Though we have noticed that most of the organizations organizing treks do not follow these systems but with time several competing companies are adopting these practices and organizing great and safe treks.
Explore our New Safety Protocols
In order to ensure a perfect Trek, we have introduced some new safety checks that will assure more safety for our trekkers.
Our On-trek safety checks includes:
- Daily oxygen saturation along with pulse readings
- Stretchers team appointed on every trek
- Radios
- Trained mountain staff and full safety
- Additional oxygen cylinders
- Special medical kit for high altitude treks
- Microspikes on all types of snow treks
- Experienced Trek leaders as well as safety
- Technical team on all snowy slopes
What should you pack for the Markha Valley Trek
Markha Valley Trek is an high altitude trek. The trekking gear you have to have for this particular trek differs from normal treks. Thus read this whole segment.
There is an important question that the trekker who is doing trek asks, like what all things to carry while trekking. Below we have provided the details on everything you should carry; an easy way to remember is by Head to foot or foot to head. We have prepared from Head to foot.
- Head Lamps – If there are treks which you might do at night and even when camping for the night. Headlamps help a lot.
- Hats or Cap – Beanie Cap will protect you from winds and sometimes freezing temperatures for the night. Hats protect you from the sun during the day and also ensure they have a strap so the hat doesn’t blow from the wind.
- Sunglasses – if you want to carry sunglasses, you will need specific sunglasses for trekking. The glasses should protect from UV rays, fit your face perfectly so it doesn’t fall while you climb, jump, or cross an obstacle, and be according to the weather conditions of the place; the glass should be made to fit different weather conditions.
- Buff / Balaclava – You must carry this to protect your mouth or neck from extreme temperatures and keep it warm.
- T-shirt / Long sleeve shirt – you should carry at least 4 to 5 T–shirts, so if one gets wet or dirty, you can wear another. Long sleeve shirts help to protect from sun UV rays.
- Hiking / Trekking Jacket – down jackets (-5 to-10 C) or three-layer jackets.
- Thermals – at least two pairs of thermals help keep the body warm during cold weather.
- Undergarments – you can carry them according to your habitual and hygiene requirements.
- Gloves – 1 pair of gloves will keep your hand warm and nice.
- Shorts / Legging / Pants – Bring 3 to 4 warm, comfortable shorts. Leggings can be used specifically in the chilling morning and evening to keep your body warm and act as dry. You can carry some nylon blend and light and quick-drying pants. Warm covers ups like fleece-lined tracksuit pants or ski pants.
- Socks – you should at least carry 3 to 4 pairs.
- Footwear – Trekking shoes which are waterproof and have ankle support. Walking / Hiking sandals which can be used off the trek, i.e., in the morning and evening hours, basically to get your feet rest from heavy boots, sometimes used for crossing streams and rivers, it’s more comfortable and safer than crossing barefoot or wetting your boots. Sneakers (Optional) can be worn for normal driving days or used around the camp.
- Rain Wears – you can carry a raincoat, rain jacket, and pants. During long rains, the waterproof jackets start leaking, but the poncho does get work in keeping you dry, so choose accordingly. Rain covers, small waterproof to cover your backpack and a daypack for your gadgets.
- Backpack – Make sure your backpack should be comfortable, neither too big nor too small, and for a week’s trek, 60-70 litres of the backpack should be enough to hold all your belongings. Ensure your backpack has good hip & Shoulder support, and pockets should be accessible quickly.
- Daypack – All trekkers should keep in mind that a daypack is very important; this will be a great help to you while on the trek, also every single day, you won’t be carrying your backpack; therefore, for day excursions, shorter hikers, sightseeing, you can carry your stuff in it.
Personal First Aid Kit
Below are some common medicines generally required/used during your adventure trip; however, please consult your doctors prior.
- Antiseptic towel or water syringe (to clean the wound)
- Butterfly bandage for a small cut
- Cotton and elastic bandages and sterile gauze pad for larger wounds
- Latex gloves are used when the wound bleeds.
- Medicine for Diarrhea (Upset stomach)
- Medicine for cold, flue/fever headache
- Some pain killers
- ORS pouches
- Quick pain relief spray (External use)
- Any personal medicine prescribed by your doctor
- Dimox / Similar for high altitude sickness
- Bug Repellent
- Carry some nutria/energy bars and drinks (non-alcoholic)
- Note: Kindly consult your doctor before purchasing or taking any medicine.
Gadgets and Other Items
- Trekking Poles
- Mobile phone
- Camera
- Spare batteries for phone and camera, power bank
- Light weight flashlight or headlight
- Waterproof bag made up of plastic for the camera.
- Music system / Bluetooth
- Plug/converter for electrical items
- 1-litre water bottle
- A journal with a pen would be a good idea to keep your notes.
- Some book of your interest for the ideal time
- Get into the habit of keeping a Map and guidebook of the region.
Hygiene & Personal toiletry
- Sunscreen with UV protection
- 1 or 2 small quick-drying towels
- Toilet paper/tissues/wet wipes
- Toothbrush/toothpaste/ mouth freshener
- Deodorant / Talcum powder
- Shampoo
- Lip-gloss/salve
- Sanitary pads/tampons (For female travellers)
- Bio gradable Soap
- Nail clipper
- Your other personal items that you use daily.
Compulsory Documents to Carry
These files must be submitted to the Forest Department before your trek. With none of these, you will not be permitted to trek. Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Carry Ids like Aadhaar, voter id, etc.
Trek Cost Inclusion
- Stay 7 Nights of tented accommodation at individual campsites of Trekup India on sharing basis.
- Meals: Trekup India provided cooked meals during the trek starting with Dinner on Day 01 to Lunch on day 08 (Meals are simple, nutritious, and vegetarian and non-repeated meals)
- Transport: Leh to Chilling and Shang Sumdo to Leh on sharing jeeps
- Trek Equipment: Sleeping bag, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tent, Dining tent, Toilet Tent.
- Amenities: All utensils, sleeping mattresses (Black foam mats), Crampons, and Gaiters for snow.
- Health & Safety: First Aid Box, Oxygen Cylinders, Stretchers, Oxi meters, BP Machines, health.
- Permits: Forest Permits and Camping Permission Fee
- Trek Crew: High Altitude Chef, Helpers, Trek Leader & Guides, and other support teams.
- Potters & Mules: Potters and Mules are to carry all trekking equipment, ration, and vegetables.
Trek Cost Exclusion
- GST 5% (it is Mandatory)
- Any insurance (Trekup India recommends each trekker get insurance)
- Any Meals/accommodation beside the itinerary or not mentioned in the program.
- Any Bus / Airfare to/from trek start/end point
- Personal Medical expenses do carry your medication.
- Any personal services such as Laundry, phone calls, liquors, mineral water etc.
- Any still / video camera fee
- Any Entrance fee Monuments, Monasteries, Museums, Temples – Pay directly on the spot.
- Mules or porter charges to carry personal baggage (Offload Charges for bag 500 per day, per bag. Note: Bag weight should not be more than 10 kg.
- Any emergency evacuation charges
- Any services that are not mentioned in the cost inclusion section
How To Reach Leh?
Leh is the largest town in the Ladakh region of India, in the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a popular destination among adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Here are a few ways to reach Leh:
- By Air: Air is the easiest and fastest way to reach Leh. Leh has its airport, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, which is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar.
- By Road: Leh is connected to the rest of the country via two major roads – the Leh-Manali Highway and the Leh-Srinagar Highway. These roads remain closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. You can hire a taxi or bus from Manali or Srinagar to reach Leh.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Leh is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, about 700 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Leh.
- By Bike: Riding a bike to Leh is popular among adventure enthusiasts. The journey is quite scenic, but the roads can be challenging due to the high altitude and rough terrain.
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