QUICK INFORMATION

ITINERRARY:

Day 1 — Rumbak → Yurutse → Ganda La Base

Distance: ~8 km
Time: 3–5 hours
Altitude: Rumbak ~4,050 m → Ganda La Base ~4,380 m

Start relatively early and follow the Rumbak Nala toward Yurutse, a tiny settlement with essentially a handful of houses. From there, continue gradually uphill toward Ganda La Base. This is a good acclimatization day rather than trying to cross Ganda La immediately.

Night: Camp at Ganda La Base.

Day 2 — Ganda La Base → Ganda La → Shingo → Skiu

Distance: ~10–18 km depending on exact camp
Time: 6–8 hours
Highest: Ganda La ~4,950 m

This is one of the harder days. The trail climbs steeply to Ganda La, where you get excellent views toward the Zanskar and Ladakh ranges. Then it's a long descent through Shingo and a narrow gorge toward Skiu.

Night: Skiu (~3,300–3,400 m).

💡 The big advantage is that after crossing Ganda La, you lose a lot of altitude, making the night at Skiu much more comfortable.

Day 3 — Skiu → Markha

Distance: ~20–21 km
Time: 6–7 hours
Altitude: ~3,350 m → ~3,760 m

This is a beautiful valley-walking day. Follow the Markha River, crossing several streams and passing through willow, poplar and seabuckthorn vegetation. You'll eventually reach Markha village, with its old fort and traditional Ladakhi houses.

Night: Markha homestay/camp.

Day 4 — Markha → Hankar → Thochuntse/Nimaling

Distance: roughly 11–15 km depending on where you stop
Time: 5–7 hours

Continue upstream through the Markha Valley toward Hankar (~4,030 m). From Hankar, the trail climbs toward Thochuntse and eventually the high pasture of Nimaling (~4,840–4,850 m).

I'd recommend sleeping at Thochuntse rather than pushing all the way to Nimaling if you're not well acclimatized. It makes the following day easier and gives your body more time at altitude.

Night: Thochuntse (~4,200 m), or Nimaling if you're feeling strong.

Day 5 — Nimaling → Kongmaru La → Chokdo ⭐

Distance: ~12 km
Time: 5–6 hours
Highest: Kongmaru La ~5,260 m

This is the big day of the trek.

From Nimaling, climb toward Kongmaru La. The final ascent is steep but relatively short. At the top, you'll get spectacular views across the surrounding Himalayan ranges.

Then comes the difficult part: the descent from Kongmaru La is steep and sustained. The trail eventually reaches Chokdo. Indiahikes gives this section as about 12 km and 5–6 hours, with Chokdo at around 12,810 ft (~3,905 m).

✅ Inclusions

• Accommodation during the trek — homestays/camps/tented accommodation, depending on the package

• All meals during the trek — breakfast, lunch and dinner

• Camping equipment — tents, sleeping arrangements, mattresses, etc., if camping is used

• Trek guide and/or local trekking staff

• Porter/mule support for carrying common luggage, if included in your package

• Cook and cooking equipment, where a camping setup is used

• Required trekking permits/forest or environmental fees, if applicable

• Transportation between Leh and the trek starting/ending points, if specified in the package

• First-aid kit carried by the trekking team

• Basic group safety equipment

• Trekking route planning and coordination

❌ Exclusions

• Flights/train tickets to and from Leh

• Accommodation in Leh before or after the trek, unless specifically mentioned

• Meals in Leh

• Personal snacks, chocolates, energy bars and drinks

• Personal trekking equipment such as:

  • Trekking shoes

  • Backpack/daypack

  • Sleeping bag, unless provided

  • Trekking poles

  • Warm clothes

  • Rain/wind protection

  • Headlamp

  • Water bottle/hydration bladder

• Personal medicines and medical expenses

• Travel/trekking insurance

• Emergency evacuation/rescue costs

• Personal porter

• Tips for guide, cook, porter or driver

• Laundry and personal expenses

• Alcohol and other beverages

• Any expenses caused by bad weather, road closures, landslides or other circumstances beyond the operator's control

• Any additional hotel nights or transport outside the planned itinerary

• Anything not specifically mentioned under “Inclusions”

HIGHLIGHTS :
#MARKHA VALLEY
#TRADITIONAL LADAKHI VILLAGES
#HIMALAYAN LANDSCPES
#HIGH MOUNTAIN PASSES
#LOCAL CULTURE,FOOD AND MONASTERIES

The Markha valley trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in ladakh. the trails passes through traditional villages,Buddhist monastery, beautiful valleys and high mountain passes.

The trek is ideal for travelers who wants a combination of himalayan landscapes, local culture and village experiences.

TYPICAL DURATION: 5-7 DAYS
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
BEST SEASON:MAY TO SEPTEMBER

Highlights include crossing Kongmaru la, visiting traditional villages and enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding mountains

Important Terms & Conditions

• The itinerary may be modified by the trek leader depending on weather, trail conditions, altitude, road conditions and the physical condition of participants.

• Participants must follow the instructions of the trekking guide for safety reasons.

• A valid government-issued ID and required travel documents must be carried.

• Participants should disclose relevant medical/fitness information to the trek operator before departure.

• No refund will normally be provided for unused accommodation, meals or transport after the trek has commenced.

• Any additional costs resulting from evacuation, illness, injury, weather disruption or route changes will be payable by the participant unless covered by insurance.

• The operator reserves the right to turn back a participant if continuing would pose a significant safety risk.