Ladakh is a region located in the very North of India, at the border with Pakistan and Tibet. This Himalayan region is well known for trekking. There are many trekking routes in Ladakh and the most famous is the Markha valley trek. The trek is around 75 km long and it takes 6 days to complete. It goes through the Hemis National Park and it offers stunning sceneries.
Table of Contents
The trek itinerary is:
- Day 1: Chilling to Skiu
- Day 2: Skiu to Markha
- Day 3: Markha to Hankar
- Day 4: Hankar to Nimaling
- Day 5: Nimaling to Shang Sumdo via Kongmaru La pass
- Day 6: Shang Sumdo to Hemis
Day 1: Chilling to Skiu (3-4 hours trekking time)
The trek starts from the small village of Chilling and cross the Zanskar River on a cable bridge. Then, the trek follows the river, passing through a few small villages before reaching Skiu, where you will set up camp for the night.
Day 2: Skiu to Markha (7-8 hours trekking time)
Today’s trek is longer and more challenging as you climb steadily up to the Markha Valley. You will pass through several small villages along the way, and there are a few steep sections. You will finally reach the village of Markha where you will set up camp for the night. Markha is the largest village in the whole valley.
Day 3: Markha to Hankar (4-5 hours trekking time)
Today, the trek is shorter and less strenuous as it follows the Markha River through the valley. You will again pass through a few small villages and see some beautiful Buddhist stupas and prayer flags along the way. You will sepnd the night in Hankar village.
Day 4: Hankar to Nimaling (3-4 hours trekking time)
Start the day with a steep climb up to the high altitude grazing meadows of Nimaling. You will get to see beautiful mountain scenery along the way including some great views of Kang Yatse peaks from the camping site at Nimaling.
Day 5: Nimaling to Shang Sumdo via Kongmaru La pass (7-8 hours trekking time)
Today is the most challenging part of the trek as you will cross the Kongmaru La pass, the highest pass on this trek at 5260 metres. The view from the pass is one of the best in the region. From the pass, you will then descend steeply down to the Shang Sumdo valley and you will spend the night in the village.
Day 6: Shang Sumdo to Hemis (3-4 hours trekking time)
It is a short and easy trek from Shang Sumdo to the Hemis monastery. Take some time to visit this monastery and learn about don’t miss the museum to learn more about its history. Then, drive back to Leh.
