Ladakh’s most popular trek —
for good reason
The Markha Valley runs through Hemis National Park — the largest national park in India — between the Stok Kangri massif to the north and the Zanskar Range to the south. This is Ladakh’s most popular multi-day trek, and it earns that reputation. Snow leopards, blue sheep, ancient monasteries, ruined forts, and small villages surrounded by green barley fields. Homestays throughout mean you spend nights with Ladakhi families rather than in tents.
Two route options
Option 1 — From Spituk (longer, 7-8 days)
Crosses both Ganda La (4,961m) and Kongmaru La (5,260m). Ends at Hemis Monastery.
Option 2 — From Chilling (shorter, 6 days)
Skips Ganda La. Good for those with less time or lower fitness level.
Drive about 1 hour from Leh along an old jeep road to Zingchen. Enter Hemis National Park — snow leopards, lynx, Tibetan wolf, marmots, and blue sheep all live here. Trek through a scenic gorge toward Rumbak village, continuing to Yurutse for overnight homestay.
A gradual 2-hour ascent to the Ganda La pass, marked by prayer flags and stone chortens. From the top, views of the Zanskar Range and distant Himalayan peaks. Descend steadily to Shingo campsite.
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 mani walls and seasonal settlements.
Walk along the valley trail. During peak season, tented tea stalls appear along the route. Markha is the largest village on the trek — about 20 houses, a monastery, and a ruined fort. Homestay in Markha.
Pass stone mills, castle ruins, and the cliff-top Techa Monastery. After Umlung village, Kang Yatse (6,400m) appears ahead — a dramatic peak that dominates the upper valley. Continue to Thachungtse at around 4,100m — a beautiful high pasture. Camp.
Ascend gradually to the Nimaling plateau — a summer grazing ground used by local nomadic herders. At 4,700m, this is the highest campsite of the trek and offers close-up views of Kang Yatse that are hard to forget. Camp at Nimaling.
The final and highest day. Cross Kongmaru La at approximately 5,200m — from the top, the vast Indus Valley and Ladakh Range spread out below. Descend steeply at first, then through the colourful rock formations of Shang Gorge. Reach Shangsumdo and drive 2 hours back to Leh. Trek ends.