Ladakh · India
Markha Valley
Across Ladakh's tented villages
The trek
A classic trans-Himalayan homestay trek through Hemis National Park, crossing two high passes under the ice pyramid of Kang Yatse.
The Markha Valley is the great walk of Ladakh — a true trans-Himalayan route that cuts through Hemis National Park, the largest in South Asia and a stronghold of the snow leopard, blue sheep and Himalayan wolf. Along the way it links a string of whitewashed Buddhist villages where families open their homes as homestays, pressing on you endless cups of butter tea, fresh apricots and barley bread.
The trail follows the Markha river upstream between great walls of ochre and rust-coloured rock, fording the river more than once, passing mani walls, prayer flags and crumbling fort ruins. Above it all rises the ice pyramid of Kang Yatse, which dominates the head of the valley and grows larger with every step toward Nimaling. Two big passes — the Ganda La and the higher Kongmaru La at over 17,000 ft — bookend the route.
It is high, dry and genuinely demanding, with thin air and big temperature swings. But the reward is rare: nights spent inside real Ladakhi homes rather than tents, and a slow immersion into one of the most distinctive mountain cultures left in the Himalaya.
Highlights
- Ladakhi homestays in remote, roadless river villages
- Two high passes, topping out above 17,000 ft at Kongmaru La
- The ice pyramid of Kang Yatse over the upper valley
- Hemis National Park, a stronghold of the snow leopard
From
₹23,499
per person
- Free reschedule up to 21 days out
- Small groups, certified mountain leaders
- Oximeter, oxygen & evacuation plan on every route
Day by day
The itinerary
9 days from Leh. Tap any day to read the detail — distances and altitudes are planning figures and may shift with conditions.
Fly into Leh and rest to begin acclimatising to the high desert capital of Ladakh. At over 11,000 ft the thin, dry air demands a slow, well-hydrated first day with minimal exertion. The afternoon can be spent gently strolling the old town and bazaar to find your feet. There is no trekking today, only quiet adjustment to the altitude.
What's included
- Hotel in Leh and homestays/tents on the trek
- All meals throughout
- Certified high-altitude leader and crew
- Hemis National Park permits
- Safety equipment, oximeter and emergency oxygen
Not included
- Flights to and from Leh
- Personal gear and insurance
- Anything not listed under inclusions
In the field
The country you'll walk
Ready when you are
Walk Markha Valley with us
Small groups, honest briefings and a crew that has done this route many times over. From ₹23,499 per person.
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