Markha Valley Trek

We reach Leh and acclimatize in Leh as the town is located at an altitude above ten thousand. We go for a small hike to Shanti Stupa and stay in a Home Stay. the day is for resting and letting your body get adjusted to the condition outside.

As Leh is an altitude of 11,500 ft, it is essential to stay here for one more night and let your body acclimatized to the weather. It is important to let your body adjust to the weather and altitude of the place. You can go for an exploration around the city, and witness the charm of Leh city. However, avoid doing any activity that can stress your body and hamper the acclimatization process. Drink enough water, and hot soup and keep hydrated.

We reach Chilling, the confluence of Indus and Zanskar. Chilling is also the place from where the Chadar trek starts. It takes around 2 hrs to reach Chilling through picturesque rocky mountains. You will drive through the pretty landscapes of Ladakh to reach Chilling.

After you get down at Chilling you will start climbing to Skiu. The trail to Skiu is barren and without any settlements on the way. On the way, you will witness rocks of different colors on the way to Skiu. The stream flows by in the village.

Skiu is a small village with very few houses. We reach Skiu in the afternoon and have lunch there. We will camp here for the night on the outskirts of the village

The trail today is on level ground, and you will reach Sara after a gradual walk for about 5 to 6 hours. You will walk on the riverbed, and Markha river gives you company almost throughout the trail. Sara is a beautiful village covered with green paddy and barley fields. The scenery of this quaint village is picture-perfect. The village is the only place where you will see some greenery. The village has green barley fields, and the charm of old stone and mud houses. You cannot help but soak in the beauty of nature. Our team spends time in indulging outdoor activities while the solitude of the village

Today, the starts early and you will cross a small hamlet of Chalak on the way. You will walk along the Markha river. You will be crossing the river today and the water will be icy cold. After Chalak, the trail climbs gradually. After walking for another few hours on an undulated trail, you will reach Markha village. Markha village is the biggest village on the entire trail and has the maximum number of houses. You will also find tea houses and homestays here.

The day is comparatively comfortable today. You will start from Markha village and head for the next stop in Hankar. After walking on an undulated trail, crossing some icy cold streams, you will reach a small settlement of a few houses, Umlung. Umlung offers a spectacular view of Mt Kang Yatse.

You will have to cross icy cold rivers today. The view continues to get better. You will see a monastery on the way to Namling. The trail is a mix of steep climbs and comfortable walk. After walking for a while you will reach the campsite at Thochuntse and have your lunch here. During the trekking season, you will find a few tea houses here.

You will also cross lakes on the way today. If you walk towards the right then you will reach the base camp, and the left route takes you to the campsite of Nimaling. From here, you will head towards Nimaling. After walking for another few hours the pasture of Nimaling opens up. Nimaling is a huge flat ground, and you can witness plenty of wildlife here. Himalayan Sheep, Yaks, and goats are grazing in the green pasture.

Today we will start around 7:00 AM and reach by 10-11 AM. Today is the summit day and you will be on the top of Kongmaru La Pass situated at 17,100 ft. While the view today is going to be beautiful the climb to the top is going to be challenging. The walk up to Kongmarula is a steep ascent, and an arduous one. Once you reach the top, you will get a network for the first time. You can call your loved ones while standing at 17000 ft. above sea level. Kang Yatse I, II, and III stand out prominently.

After spending some time at the Pass. You will descend from Kongmaru La through a narrow valley. As you continue to descend, on the other side of the pass, you will witness beautiful and colorful rocky mountains, a sight your eyes take time to believe. By the time you reach Chokdo, it will be around 5:00 PM in the evening. From Chokdo you will be picked up by a cab and you will drive back to Leh.

The total distance of the Markha Valley trek is 78 km. You walk an average of 5 – 7 hours daily. 

Markha Valley is a challenging trek. We suggest the trek to people with prior experience of high altitude trek. If you are a beginner with good physical fitness, you can consider the trek after consulting our Outdoor Leader. 

The trek can be categorized as difficult considering the duration and altitude of Markha Valley.

Markha Valley’s temperature hovers around a minimum of – 5°C to 4°C during the summer season.  The maximum temperature during the trekking season is 25°C. 

Read more about Markha Valley temperature here. 

The best time to visit Markha Valley trek is from June to September. The trek is off-limit during winter due to harsh weather conditions. 

Read more about Markha Valley’s best time here. 

Yes. Markha Valley trek is accessible in summer. You will find the remnants of winter snow at Kong Marula Pass.

 The Markha Valley  trek cost is Rs 21500/-

 The trek cost covers your experience from basecamp to basecamp. 

The last place with a mobile network will be the base camp in Chilling. You will receive a scanty network on the last day of your trek at Kong Moru La Pass, then in Leh city. 

Markha Valley Trek is in Ladakh. The trek starts from a place called Chilling.

Chilling is the starting point of the Markha Valley trek. Chilling is at a distance of 68 km, around 2 hours from Leh City.

It takes 8 days to complete the Markha Valley trek, including travel to and from the base camp.

Markha Valley trek takes you to an altitude of 17,100ft. Markha Valley starts at an altitude of 10,490ft from Chilling.

Drink more water than your daily intake to avoid AMS on the trek. Additionally, it’s crucial to have nutritious meals during the trek. In case, you are still concerned about getting AMS, we recommend carrying Diamox tablets with you. However, your outdoor leader will advise you on whether or not to take it.

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to trek, regardless of any medical conditions they may have. At OWLS, we have our doctor on hand to discuss any medical concerns you may have.  We can provide the necessary support and preparation for your trekking experience.

Please keep the following documents ready before filling out this form

1. ID proof
2. Health form (for all participants of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh treks) and (for all participants <15 and > 60 years of age)
3. RTPCR for children <15 years/Vaccination certificate for adults (for Nepal treks)

Although we provide filling breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with morning tea and evening snacks, you can carry some light snacks for munching on the trail. You can carry protein bars, dry fruits, and homemade snacks like Shakkarpara to help you give that extra energy on the trek. 

Our Outdoor Leaders are a team of experienced and well-trained individuals. They have completed the Basic Mountaineering Course and possess first-aid knowledge. In addition to this, they are certified Wilderness First Responders and have been trained to act responsibly in case of any unforeseen accidents.

You don’t need to carry your medical kit. If you have your prescribed medications, you need to carry them on the trek

The accommodation will be on twin sharing basis. One tent will be shared by two trekkers. 

Yes. Communicate your requirement to the trek leaders beforehand, as it will be difficult to arrange to offload at the last minute. The offloading charges will be Rs 350 per bag, and your bag should not weigh more than 9 kg. 

Note: At OWLs, we suggest our participants carry their backpacks and avoid offloading. However, in case of pressing circumstances, you can opt for offloading.

Yes, you can leave the extra luggage at the base camp. However, do not leave valuables like laptops, jewellery, or any other expensive items in the base camp. 

The OWLS team will set up a toilet tent near the campsites. The toilets will be dry toilets and you will have to use toilet paper. There will be a pit dug by the team and you will have to cover your nature’s call with dry soil. Avoid using wet wipes, as they are not biodegradable. At OWLS, we thrive to leave no trace in the mountains. 

At the base camp, you will have regular concrete toilets.

The food offered will be as per the nutritional requirements. As you will be walking every day for 4-6 hours, you will be burning a good amount of calories. The team makes sure that the food you will be offered is healthy and helps you sustain through the day. The regular meal comprises eggs, locally grown vegetables, rice, roti, and pulses. The menu changes from day to day. 

You will have access to mobile networks in Leh. We suggest our participants call their friends and family from the base camp. There will be no signals throughout the trek. 

The last ATM will be in Leh city. 

Carry a sufficient amount of cash with them. Since the base camp is situated away from the cities and lacks basic facilities like ATMs and digital payment options, it is always better to be prepared. 

You can carry the cash for cab fare and food to and from the base camp. We suggest carrying a minimum of 5-6k to ensure you have enough funds for your journey.

It is recommended to drink water from natural sources when acclimatizing to the temperature of the mountains. Since resources are limited at high altitudes, we do not provide hot water. However, during the winter months, when natural water sources freeze, we do provide water to our participants. Another reason for avoiding hot water on our trek is to prevent health issues such as diarrhoea.