The Markha Valley in Hemis National Park is the most popular trek in Ladakh. Running parallel to the Indus Valley, it sits between the snow-clad Stok Kangri massif to the north and the Zanskar range to the south.
What You’ll Experience
Breathtaking mountain scenery, wild animals, and small isolated villages surrounded by green barley fields. You’ll stay in homestays and discover the local way of life.
Trek Details
Duration: 6 to 8 days (depending on starting point)
Best Time: Mid-May to beginning of October
Difficulty: Level 3
Max Altitude: 5,260m (Kongmaru La)
Route Options
Option 1 – From Spituk (longer)
- Crosses 2 passes: Ganda La (4,961m) and Kongmaru La (5,260m)
- Ends at Hemis
Option 2 – From Chilling (shorter, easier)
- Avoids Ganda La pass
- Good for those with less time
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Zingchen → Trek to Ganda La Base (4-5 hrs)
After breakfast at your hotel, drive for about 1 hour along an old jeep road through a dry, exposed landscape. Carry enough water and sunscreen. The terrain gradually changes as you enter the greener Zingchen Valley where the Rumbak River meets the Indus River.
You’ll enter Hemis National Park, famous for wildlife such as snow leopards, lynx, Bharal (blue sheep), Tibetan wolf, marmots, and more. After the entry formalities, trek through a scenic gorge toward Rumbak village and continue to Yurutse, a small settlement with a homestay.
Day 2: Ganda La Base → Shingo via Ganda La (6-7 hrs)
Start with a gradual 2-hour ascent to the 4,900m pass marked by prayer flags and chortens. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of the Zanskar Range and distant Himalaya peaks. Descend steadily to Shingo campsite.
Day 3: Shingo → Sara (5 hrs)
Descend through a dramatic gorge to Skiu (3,300m), a charming village with monastery ruins and an old royal rest stop. Continue along the Markha River valley on mostly level terrain, crossing streams and passing shrines, mani walls, and seasonal settlements.
Day 4: Sara → Markha (5-6 hrs)
Walk along the valley trail. During peak trekking season, tented tea stalls may offer refreshments. Markha is the largest village here, with about 20 houses, a monastery, and a ruined fort.
Day 5: Markha → Thachungtse (5-6 hrs)
Pass stone mills, castle ruins, and the cliff-top Techa monastery. After crossing streams several times and leaving Umlung village, you’ll get your first glimpse of towering Kang Yatse (6,400m). Lunch at Hangkar—the last village—then continue to Thachungtse (≈4,100m), a beautiful high pasture.
Day 6: Thachungtse → Nimaling (5-6 hrs)
Ascend gradually to the Nimaling plateau, a summer grazing ground for local herders. At around 4,700m, this is the highest campsite of the trek and offers spectacular close-up views of Kang Yatse.
Day 7: Nimaling → Shangsumdo via Kongmaru La → Drive to Leh (7-8 hrs trek + 2 hr drive)
After breakfast, cross the highest pass of the trek (≈5,200m). From the top you’ll see the vast Indus Valley and Ladakh Range. The descent is steep at first, then eases through the colorful rock formations of Shang Gorge. After reaching Shangsumdo, drive about 2 hours back to Leh.
Trip ends in Leh by evening.