Ladakh
Location
Ladakh
Duration
7 days
Max Altitude
17300 ft
Trekking
53 km
Grade
Moderate
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Location
Ladakh
Duration
7 days
Max Altitude
17300 ft
Trekking km
53 km
Grade
Moderate
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
The Markha Valley is one of the largest and most stunning valleys in the region, making trekking through it a memorable experience. The journey begins from Leh, giving you a great opportunity to acclimatize and explore the rich culture of the area before you start the trek. As you gain altitude, you’ll pass through small, picturesque villages, each with its own charm. It’s surprising to find cozy tea houses and cafes in these remote hamlets, offering you a refreshing cup of hot tea when you need a break from the trek. You’ll pass through Skiu, Sara, Markha, Hankar, and Nimaling, each of which will recharge your energy and make your journey even more special. Many of these places have ancient monasteries, ruined forts, and temples that hold centuries of history. Among them, the Tacha Monastery, nestled between mountains, is a must-visit and a true delight for the eyes.
Though the trek mostly passes through dry landscapes, you will still come across the Indus and Markha rivers, along with several streams, adding to the beauty of the trail. The trek also takes you across a high-altitude pass, Kongmaru La, offering wide panoramic views of the surrounding Ladakh ranges. The trek’s highlight is the stunning sights of Stok Kangri, Dzo Jongo, and Kang Yatse peaks, which make the journey even more rewarding. If you trek a little further beyond Markha Valley, you’ll reach the base of Kang Yatse Peak, making this adventure even more fulfilling.
During the Markha Valley Trek, you can expect stunning views of the vast cold deserts of Ladakh. The trail takes you through high-altitude passes like Kongmaru La, which offers wide, scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Expect magnificent views of Kang Yatse, Dzo Jongo and Stok Kangri. You will also pass through traditional Ladakhi villages like Sara and Skiu,
where you can experience local culture and hospitality. The landscapes on this trek are diverse, ranging from green patches to dry, golden terrain. Walking alongside the Indus River and crossing the Markha River, you’ll see freshwater streams, patches of grasslands, and small farmlands where locals grow barley and wheat. You will also get a glimpse of Ladakh’s rich Buddhist heritage as you pass by ancient monasteries, small cafés, and traditional Ladakhi homes. One of the most remarkable stops is the Tacha Monastery, beautifully set between the mountains.
The region is also home to a variety of Himalayan wildlife, so you may spot Himalayan Blue Sheep, Himalayan Griffons, and other unique species along the way. While the trek is a fulfilling experience, it comes with challenges. Since it takes you to high altitudes, there is a risk of Acute Mountain Sickness. The itinerary includes acclimatization days to help your body adjust to reduce the risk of AMS. Leh itself is at a high altitude, so it’s important to take your time and acclimate before starting the trek. Though the Markha Valley Trek follows a gradual ascent, the rocky and uneven terrain makes it physically demanding, while giving you the best experience of trekking in Ladakh.
The best time to do the Markha Valley trek is from May to September, covering the summer, monsoon, and early autumn seasons. These months offer the most beautiful and vibrant views of the region, with nature at its finest. During this time, the weather remains stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures, creating perfect conditions for trekking. The pleasant climate allows you to walk comfortably for long hours, making the journey more enjoyable. If you’re planning this trek, this is the best time to experience it at its peak beauty.
Overall, the Markha Valley trek is not like the usual treks that follow the same path back. Therefore, you get a wider and non-repetitive insight into Ladakhi Himalayas and a better experience of Ladakh Treks. Each day unfolds stunning views hidden behind the mountains, making every step exciting. This trek takes you through the cold deserts and rugged landscapes of Ladakh, offering a unique and unforgettable adventure that is truly worth experiencing!
The best time for the Markha Valley Trek is from mid- May to mid-September when the weather is relatively better. During these months, the trails are well accessible and even beautiful with comparatively less or no snow. However, it is important to note that the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, and trekkers should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature, precipitation, and other weather conditions.
The highest point of the Markha Valley trek is at Kongmaru La, which stands at an impressive 17,300 ft. This mountain pass offers amazing panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, making it one of the most rewarding highlights of the trek.
Markha Valley trek is considered a moderate grade trek, it requires long trekking hours through rough and remote terrains of Ladakh. The trek is not much difficult however proper acclimatisation is important.
The last reliable ATM before you start with the Markha Valley trek is in Leh, once you leave Leh and head towards the trail, you won’t find any ATM services on the route.
Markha valley is a 7 days trek, from Leh to Leh. Apart from these 7 days, it is suggested to keep extra buffer days for acclimatization and weather related delays.
The itinerary for Markha valley trek is as follows:
Day-1: Arrival in Leh
Day-2: Acclimatization in Leh
Day-3: Drive Leh to Skiu then trek to Sara
Day-4: Sara to Markha
Day-5: Markha To Hankar
Day-6: Hankar To Nimaling
Day-7: Nimaling To Chokdo via Kongmaru La And Drive To Leh
Yes, first-timers can join the Markha Valley trek. However, it requires a good level of fitness due to its challenging terrain and high altitude. If you’re new to trekking, we recommend consulting our trek experts before booking to ensure you’re well-prepared for the journey.
The trek begins in Leh, Ladakh. You can fly into Leh from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Srinagar. From Leh, you’ll drive to the starting point of the trek, typically Skiu village.
The Markha Valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including ibex, blue sheep, marmots, and various species of birds. While sightings are not guaranteed, trekkers should keep an eye out for these animals and respect their habitats.
Accommodation on the Markha Valley Trek is usually in basic guesthouses or homestays, and tents depending on the terrains. The guesthouses are comfortable and warm, however the trek takes you through remote areas, it is important to be prepared for basic living conditions and carry necessary essentials for a comfortable stay.
Yes, there is a risk of altitude mountain sickness on the Markha Valley trek since it passes through high altitudes. The highest point on this trek is Kongmaru La, which is at an altitude of 17,300 ft. Trekkers are advised to take proper precautions, acclimatise properly, stay hydrated, and take medication if necessary.
The trek package includes accommodation throughout the journey, offering comfortable stays at different points of the trek. Meals and all necessary transportation is covered, including drives to and from key locations. For the trekking experience, the package provides high-quality trek equipment, ensuring safety and comfort during the journey. A well-equipped first aid kit is also included, along with medical assistance in case of emergencies. To make the trek smoother and more enriching, a dedicated support team accompanies travelers. This team includes experienced local guides who are familiar with the region, a base camp manager to oversee logistics, and a professional trek leader to ensure safety and coordination throughout the journey. With all these inclusions, the package is designed to offer a hassle-free and safe experience for every trekker.
Some of the best treks in Ladakh are:
Markha Valley Trek
Kang Yatse 2 Trek
Kang Yatse 1 & 2 Combined Trek
Stok Kangri Trek
Chadar Trek
You must carry the following documents and submit them to the Trek Leader at the base camp:
You can download the forms here:
https://trekthehimalayas.com/medical-disclaimer-form/
Yes. High-altitude trek insurance is mandatory for all trekkers.
Please ensure your insurance policy covers:
No. Hard copies of all mandatory documents and insurance must be submitted at the base camp.
No. A duly filled, signed, and stamped medical certificate from a registered doctor is mandatory.
Foreign nationals must carry:
You may not be allowed to join the trek until all mandatory documentation and insurance requirements are fulfilled.
High-altitude areas have limited road access. In case of a medical emergency, helicopter evacuation may be the safest and fastest rescue option.
We recommend purchasing your insurance well before departure and verifying the coverage details with your insurer before arriving at the base camp.
Hear Trekkers Share Their Markha Valley Trek
Note: Downhill cycling tour around Leh without straining body.
It is essential for everyone to arrive at Leh (01:00 pm)
Upon booking the trek, your trek coordinator will furnish you with the hotel details.
For your return journey from Leh, you have the flexibility to choose between road or air transport options. Please note that our services extend only to the hotel, and the standard hotel check-out time is 11:00 am, if you opt for an air transport then please ensure an early check-out in the morning, as all flights operate during the morning hours
It's highly advisable to keep 2 buffer day in your travel plan. If the buffer day is not needed, it can be used to explore Leh.
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Enter your weight and height to check if you’re fit for the trek.
Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form
Government employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when they join us for a trekking expedition. As per Pay Commission guidelines, up to 30 days of Special Casual Leave can be availed in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions conducted through a registered organisation.
Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), making your trek eligible for SCL benefits.
To apply, email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com at least 30 days before the trek departure date, with the following details:
This benefit is exclusive to Indian Government employees and is applicable only for treks within India.
Since the inception of Trek The Himalayas, countless trekkers have chosen us to be a part of their trekking journey. Some experiences were learning moments, while many of you returned time and again, allowing us to be part of your most unforgettable adventures. Over the years, we have continuously evolved, improving our operations, and every detail that shapes your experience.

Through it all, you have shown us that we are not just another trekking company to you, we are family. Your trust, loyalty, and love mean more to us than words can express, and we cherish every step we have taken together in the mountains.
As a small way of giving back and saying thank you for choosing us again and again, we are excited to introduce something special: our heartfelt expression of gratitude to our valued and loyal trekkers.
We are launching two amazing policies to make your trekking journey even more exciting
YES! Not one, but TWO unbelievable policies
In the TTH Trek Ambassador Policy, anyone who has completed four treks with us gets the fifth trek absolutely free. You can choose from a variety of treks that we offer in himalayan states of India including Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal. You just need to start creating your trek bucket list and we are here to help you accomplish it.
Thinking, “I have already done more than 6 treks with TTH, what about me?” In this case you automatically qualify for the policy and therefore, your next trek will be on us . In fact, for every 8 treks you complete, 2 treks are on us.

As Unbelievable as it Sounds, Your 5th Trek is Sponsored by Us - Choose any Trek You Love
Love the Chadar Trek? It could be free! Your dream treks including Markha Valley, Bali Pass, Pin Bhaba Pass, or Lasermo La Trek (launching soon) can be yours at no cost under this policy.
Just like five stars make a perfect set, you are that fifth star for TTH. But this star does more than shine; it guides and inspires. You will share your tips, your stories, your experiences, and help new trekkers enjoy the journey as much as you do. That’s why this trek is special, and it’s your chance to be a TTH Trek Ambassador on the trail.
Being an avid trekker comes with excellent trekking knowledge and experience, and we would love you to share that and guide fellow trekkers along the way.
You will be introduced as our TTH Trek Ambassador to your fellow trekkers. Your experiences will glorify the shine of treks! And we can't wait, just to see how you make the journey just as beautiful as the Himalayan trails themselves!
What about those who are just getting started?
Those who are just starting their trekking journey are also eligible for this policy, they just need to complete any four treks/expeditions with us (weekend treks, panch kedar excursion, and multi-sport adventures count too) and they will get the chance to become a TTH Trek Ambassador with their fifth trek absolutely free of cost.
After you become a TTH Trek Ambassador with Trek The Himalayas, you will unlock our Loyal Customer Policy, a perk that keeps giving every time you share the joy of trekking.
Once you complete all four treks with TTH, you receive a unique referral code that you can share with your friends and family.
When someone books a trek using your code, you will receive trek points based on the difficulty level of the trek and the referred trekker will receive the same amount of discount while booking the trek. Here is the breakdown of the trek points and discount you and your friend will get.
Kindly Note: 1 Trek Point = 1 Rupee
These trek points get added to your loyalty points balance and you can redeem these points while booking for your next trek. The more you refer, the more your balance grows.
For Example :
If you collect 15,000 as your trek points, you can use them to book any trek within that value. As your balance grows, the possibilities expand and you could use your points for treks and expeditions of higher value anywhere in India, and abroad. Your loyalty points open the door to all kinds of trekking experiences in India and Internationally.
Another great part of this policy is its flexibility. You won’t believe it, but you can also transfer these loyalty points to anyone you like if you’re unable to use them yourself. You can either share or split them with friends or family.
You can also track your loyalty points balance anytime in your TTH dashboard, and we will also keep you updated through notifications whenever the trek points are added or redeemed
This initiative is our way of appreciating trekkers who continue to walk with TTH again and again. When you complete four treks with us, you reach an important milestone in your trekking journey. Your fifth trek is then offered by TTH as a gesture of appreciation. You will step in as a TTH Trek Ambassador, sharing your stories and inspiring others with your experience. Along with this, you also unlock Loyal Customer policy in which you can earn the trek points by sharing the referral code with your friends and family.
If your upcoming trek is your fifth trek with TTH, the trek fee for that trek will be completely waived. To ensure smooth planning, you need to register and make the full payment at the time of booking. Once you successfully complete the trek, TTH will refund the eligible trek fee within a week.
Please note that GST and trek insurance are fixed mandatory charges, so they will not be refunded. Any optional add-ons, like transport, gear rental, offloading, or special meals, are also outside the refund scope.
Yes, it absolutely can. And that’s what makes this policy special. If trekking in Ladakh has been your dream, this could be your moment. Iconic treks like Chadar Trek and Markha Valley Trek are available as options for your free fifth trek
Of course! A trek is a trek, and all your TTH treks, including weekend or two-day treks count toward your free fifth trek.
Yes, and this is one of the nicest parts of the policy. The free trek benefit works in groups of four treks. After completing four treks, your fifth trek is free. If you have completed eight treks, the benefit comes again, and your ninth and tenth treks will also be free. In short,for every four treks completed with TTH, you earn free treks along the way. The more you trek, the more TTH gives back.
Trek The Himalayas offers a wide range of treks be it easy to moderate treks like Kedarkantha, Har Ki Doon, Ranthan Kharak or moderate to difficult treks like Bali Pass, Pin Bhabha Pass or Chadar. By the time you complete four treks in the Himalayas, you have already grown into an experienced trekker.
Naturally, you would now like to prefer to take a step up and choose a difficult trek as your fifth one. Here is where Trek The Himalayas stands out as it offers a variety of difficult treks. And luckily all of them are qualified as free treks under the TTH Trek Ambassador policy. With TTH, you get a variety of trek options to choose from. You can pick a tougher trail or go for an Easy or Moderate trek; the choice is yours.
Yes definitely, we’re happy to offer this. Young trekkers bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the trail, which makes the journey even more special. If your child has completed four treks with TTH, they can choose a Summer Camp as their fifth free trek.
You’ll be happy to know that any himalayan trek from easy to difficult level can be chosen as your free trek. The best part is that treks like Chadar Trek, Markha Valley, and many other beautiful himalayan treks are included. You may also choose higher-grade treks such as Bali Pass or Pin Bhaba Pass as part of your free trek.
As a TTH Trek Ambassador, your role goes beyond just trekking. You become a mentor on the trail. Someone who guides and shares real experiences with fellow trekkers. After completing multiple treks with TTH, you bring valuable knowledge and perspective that naturally encourages others and adds energy to the group.
Your stories and practical tips help first-timers and intermediate trekkers feel more comfortable and motivated. This is where your experience shines and lifts the overall trekking spirit of the group.
Challenging and peak summit treks, however, follow a slightly different approach. These treks are designed for highly experienced trekkers and climbers, where every participant is already well-prepared and self-driven. In such settings, there is limited scope for peer mentorship, as the structure and demands of the trek are very specific.
That’s why challenging and peak summit treks are kept outside the free fifth trek option, not because they are out of reach, but because the Trek Ambassador role is best experienced on trails where your guidance, encouragement, and shared journey can add value to others.
To claim your free trek, please send an email to info@trekthehimalayas.com, and our team will take it forward from there.
Yes, you do. You need to pay the full amount at the time of booking, just like any regular trek. Once you successfully complete the trek, we process the return of the eligible trek fee within one week. This process helps us plan treks better and ensures that all participants are fully committed.
Each spot on a trek involves planning, logistics, and local arrangements. If someone cancels at the last moment, it directly affects the team and the opportunity for another trekker. Collecting the payment upfront helps us manage this responsibly. Once you complete the trek, the amount is returned as promised. If you cancel, the standard TTH cancellation policy applies.
To keep your trek planning smooth and fair, we collect the trek fee upfront. Last-minute cancellations can affect team arrangements and local logistics, so this pay-and-refund process keeps everything running smoothly while still giving you this special benefit fairly.
The trek that you actually complete as your fifth eligible trek will be considered under this initiative. Even if you have several treks booked in advance, the benefit applies to the trek that completes your fifth-trek milestone.
All four treks must be registered under a single email ID. This helps us confirm that the same person has completed all four treks with TTH. Please ensure your records are linked to one email ID.
The free fifth trek is only valid for treks within India. International treks, including those in Nepal or other countries, don’t qualify as your free trek. However, any international trek you’ve completed does count toward your total number of treks with TTH.
Each unique trek you complete adds to your total. If you repeat a trek you’ve already done, it won’t be counted toward your free fifth trek.
The free trek includes only the trek fee itself. Any extra costs like trek insurance, transport, gear rentals, offloading, or special meals are not included and will need to be paid separately.
To be eligible for the free fifth trek, we count only treks you’ve completed with TTH. But don’t worry, even if you’ve done weekend treks, pilgrimages, or international treks with us, they all contribute to your count. By the time you’re eligible, you’ve likely completed more than four treks with TTH anyway.
The Loyal Customer Policy is a special perk for TTH Trek Ambassadors. After completing four treks with Trek The Himalayas, you receive a referral code. When someone books a trek using your code, both you and the referred trekker earn trek points and discounts based on the difficulty level of the trek.
You become eligible for the Loyal Customer Policy after completing four treks with Trek The Himalayas and becoming a TTH Trek Ambassador. Make sure all your four treks must be unique.
A referral code is a unique code provided to you once you become a TTH Trek Ambassador. You can share this code with friends and family. When they use it while booking a trek, both of you receive trek points and discounts.
There is no limit to the number of trek points you can earn. The more you refer, the more points get added to your loyalty points balance, which you can redeem while booking your future treks.
There is no minimum limit for redeeming your trek points under this policy. You can start redeeming your rewards with as little as one trek point. Every trek point you earn holds value, giving you complete flexibility to use your points whenever and however you choose without waiting to accumulate a fixed number.
Yes! One of the best parts of the Loyal Customer Policy is that you can use your trek points to book any trek with TTH, including international treks.
This is the flexibility of the policy. You can easily transfer your points to friends and family, and they can use them for their own trek planning with TTH. Even if you want to split the points and use them with your friends, you can do that too and enjoy trekking together!
You can easily track your trek points anytime in your TTH dashboard. Also, we’ll keep you updated with notifications whenever points are added or redeemed, so you always know your balance.
No. Referrals must be for completely new members. Anyone who has already registered or trekked with TTH earlier will not be counted as a valid referral.
The Loyalty Customer accumulated points is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
To request a cancellation, please email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com using your registered email ID.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek.
Refund Options
Cancellation Policy (Emergency Cases):
In case of a death in the immediate family (parents, siblings, spouse, children) or if the trekker is hospitalized (min. 48 hours) or suffers a fracture (leg/arm) within a week before the trek, even if canceled a day before:
90% trek fee refund in cash & 10% as a voucher (valid for 1 year, for any India trek).
Valid documents required. We’re here to support you during tough times.
Note:
Booking and Payments
Itinerary and Modifications
Cancellations and Refunds
Force Majeure