Markha Valley Trek
Three nights acclimatising in Leh, then six days through Hemis National Park with village homestays, a camp at Nimaling and the crossing of Kongmaru La at around 5,200 metres.
Trip at a glance
- Duration10 days / 9 nights
- Starts inLeh
- RouteLeh · Markha Valley
- Places2 destinations
- StateLadakh, India
- Ideal forAdventure holidays, Solo travel
- Trip stylePrivate, customisable
- Package codeNX-1NMQ4C
Best time to visit: May to September




Trip overview
Three nights acclimatising in Leh, then six days through Hemis National Park with village homestays, a camp at Nimaling and the crossing of Kongmaru La at around 5,200 metres.
The route spends 3 nights in Leh and 6 nights in Markha Valley, so you get time for the main sights without changing hotels every day. It suits adventure holidays and solo travel, and every day can be shortened, swapped or extended.
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Leh
- Arrive via Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) and transfer to your hotel
- Check in and settle in
- Later: Rafting on the Indus and Zanskar
Day 2Leh: Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa
- Leh Palace: Seventeenth-century royal palace
- Shanti Stupa: White stupa with sunset views
Day 3Leh: Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery
- Thiksey Monastery: Monastery resembling the Potala Palace
- Hemis Monastery: Largest monastery, with a summer festival
Day 4Leh to Markha Valley
- Travel from Leh to Markha Valley by private vehicle
- Check in at your Markha Valley hotel
- Hemis Monastery: Ladakh's largest monastery, at the trek's end
Day 5Markha Valley: Trek over Kongmaru La and Nimaling
- Trek over Kongmaru La
- Nimaling: High pasture camp below Kang Yatse
Day 6Markha Valley: Hemis National Park and Markha village
- Hemis National Park: Home of blue sheep and, rarely seen, the snow leopard
- Markha village: Stone houses, chortens and a ruined fort
Day 7Markha Valley: Village homestays and Camping at Nimaling
- Village homestays
- Camping at Nimaling
Day 8Markha Valley: River crossings on foot
- River crossings on foot
Day 9Markha Valley at your own pace
- A free day in Markha Valley. Relax, shop or add an optional excursion; ask us for ideas
Day 10Depart from Markha Valley
- Breakfast and hotel check-out
- Transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport for your journey home
How this version is planned
- Activities booked with licensed, insured operators
- Fitness level and experience checked before we confirm each activity
- Weather and season buffers built in for outdoor days
- Travel insurance covering the activities strongly recommended
- Central, well-reviewed hotels with good solo-guest feedback
This is a suggested itinerary. Sightseeing order may change with opening days, weather and local conditions; your final plan is in your written quote.
Good to know
- Leh: Rest completely on arrival day; altitude sickness is common if you rush.
- Markha Valley: Spend at least three nights in Leh before the trek to acclimatise; Leh itself is at about 3,500 m.
Questions about this trip
Can I change this itinerary?
When is the best time for this trip?
How do I start the trip from Chennai?
How much does this package cost?
Similar itineraries
9D / 8NLeh · Nubra Valley · Pangong LakeLadakh High Passes & Lakes Camping
Over Khardung La to the dunes of Nubra, then camps by Pangong Lake at about 4,250 metres, with acclimatisation in Leh at the start and a last night back in town.
View itinerary →
10D / 9NLeh · Zanskar (Chadar trek)Chadar Frozen River Trek
The winter walk on the frozen Zanskar river, after the health check and acclimatisation days in Leh that the local administration requires; January and February only.
View itinerary →
8D / 7NLeh · Nubra Valley · Pangong LakeLadakh Photography Tour
Extra time at Pangong and Nubra for sunrise and night-sky photography in some of India's clearest air.
View itinerary →
7D / 6NLeh · Nubra Valley · Pangong LakeLeh Ladakh Explorer
The classic Ladakh loop: acclimatise in Leh, cross Khardung La to Nubra's dunes and spend a night beside Pangong Lake.
View itinerary →
7D / 6NManali · Leh · Pangong LakeManali to Leh Road Trip
The high road from Manali over the great passes to Leh, with an overnight stop to acclimatise (summer only).
View itinerary →
7D / 6NLeh · Nubra Valley · Pangong LakeLadakh Honeymoon
Desert camps under the stars, a camel ride in Hunder and a lakeside stay at Pangong for couples who want something different.
View itinerary →Read more about each stop
LadakhLeh
Leh, at about 3,500 metres, is Ladakh's capital and the base for exploring the region.
LadakhMarkha Valley
The Markha Valley trek crosses Hemis National Park south of Leh, from village homestays among barley fields to the high pasture of Nimaling and the Kongmaru La pass at around 5,200 metres, with views of Kang Yatse.
Ready for Markha Valley Trek?
Share your dates and we send a quote with hotels and a price on WhatsApp.
Request a free quote →Chat on WhatsApp