The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most popular treks in Ladakh; and for a good reason. There are incredible sights and surreal rock formations, timeless villages, snowy mountains and delightful Buddhist gompas. The Markha Valley trek is by no means an easy one, there are two passes of 4900 m or higher to negotiate, and there is sometimes the possibility of snowfall in the higher reaches even during the trekking season. The beautiful Markha Valley runs parallel with the Indus along the snowy Stok Kangri Massif. Passing through cultivated valley floors, undulating high-altitude grasslands and snow-prone passes, it is a trekkers delight for it affords a glimpse into the Ladakhi past.

Markha Valley is wedged between the Stok Kangri Range to the north and the Zanskar peaks to the south. It is also known for being a ‘tea house trek’ where one can expect accommodation in parachute tents or homestays at most of the villages enroute. It is quite possible for a reasonably fit solo trekker to complete the trek without a porter or a guide, and also without carrying food and cooking utensils.

Route : Zingchen – Yurutse - Ganda La – Markha – Nimaling - Kongmaru La - Shang Sumdo
Landscape: Beautiful villages, a lot of water crossings, diverse mountain landscapes, high altitude pastures.
Best time to go: June-October
Difficulty Level: Moderate