Markha Trek

Ladakh is known for its rich culture and ancient heritage. This day of Leh sightseeing is kept easy to help with better acclimatization to the high altitude. You will drive around and visit some of the most beautiful and historic monasteries in Ladakh, including Shey Palace and Thiksey Monastery, both offering stunning views of the Indus Valley. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful walk to the Shanti Stupa, where you can witness a beautiful sunset and panoramic views of Leh town.

Today marks the first day of your Hamurja to Sara trek, so we’ll take it easy to allow for proper acclimatization. Before starting the trek, enjoy sightseeing in western Ladakh, visiting some of the region’s most famous attractions such as Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, the mysterious Magnetic Hill, and the spectacular Sangam, the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. The drive to the trekking point takes approximately two and a half hours through scenic mountain landscapes. From there, you will begin your trek with about an hour’s walk to reach Sara village, surrounded by beautiful valleys and traditional Ladakhi homes.

Your Sara to Markha trek begins early in the morning to avoid the strong mountain sun. Please pack your belongings before coming for breakfast and enjoy the first meal of your Markha Valley trek. Remember to carry enough water, as it’s ideal to drink about 3–4 liters per day while trekking at high altitude.

During the day, you’ll walk through stunning landscapes, crossing small hamlets and traditional villages that offer glimpses of local life. The trail is filled with beautiful views of rugged mountains, colorful valleys, and ancient chortens. By afternoon, you’ll reach Markha village, where you can take a peaceful walk in the evening to the Buddhist temple and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the valley.

The Markha to Hankar trek is one of the most scenic and rewarding sections of the Markha Valley trek. The day is a bit long, so start early and enjoy the peaceful morning walk through the beautiful green fields of Markha village. After about an hour, you’ll reach the Tacha Monastery, perched on a hilltop. It’s fascinating to see how this ancient structure was built — monks from Markha visit here every morning to perform their daily puja.

Along the trail, you’ll find small tea tents where you can stop for a cup of tea or light snacks while admiring the incredible mountain views. As you continue, the majestic Kang Yatse Peak appears in the distance, adding to the charm of the journey. After lunch, you’ll finally reach Hankar village, the last inhabited settlement of the Markha Valley, surrounded by stunning landscapes and traditional Ladakhi houses.

The Hankar to Nimaling trek is one of the most spectacular parts of the Markha Valley trek in Ladakh. The trail gradually ascends through stunning landscapes, colorful rock formations, and wide open valleys. You’ll pass traditional stone houses, herder camps, and green pastures dotted with yaks and horses.

As you climb higher, you’ll begin to feel the change in altitude and witness panoramic views of the Kang Yatse Peaks, standing tall and majestic over the valley. The air becomes cooler and fresher as you reach Nimaling, one of the highest camping grounds in the Markha Valley, located at around 4,700 meters.

Nimaling offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers — it’s a perfect place to rest, explore, and enjoy the beauty of the Ladakh Himalayas. The vast meadows here are also used by local nomads for grazing their livestock during summer.

The Nimaling to Chogdo trek via Kongmaru La Pass is the most adventurous and rewarding day of the Markha Valley trek. Start your day early to enjoy the beautiful sunrise over the Kang Yatse peaks. The trail begins with a gradual climb towards Kongmaru La Pass (5,200 m), the highest point of the trek. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges, and on clear days, you might even spot the distant Karakoram peaks.

After spending some time at the pass, the trail descends steeply through dramatic gorges and colorful rock formations towards Chogdo village. The landscape changes noticeably as you leave the high meadows of Nimaling and enter the lower valleys filled with streams and wildflowers.

By evening, you’ll reach Chogdo, where your Markha Valley adventure comes to an end. It’s a perfect place to rest and reflect on the incredible journey through the heart of Ladakh’s Himalayas.

With the lots of memories and love from the himalaya you will fly back. 

Our team member will drop you to the Airport