Max Participants :
15
Trail Type :
Cross over trail, Start one valley, cross the pass, and end to another valley
Itinerary Description
The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most iconic and rewarding treks in the Indian Himalayas. Set in the heart of Ladakh, this high-altitude adventure takes trekkers through barren landscapes, lush green oases, remote villages, and ancient Buddhist monasteries—all under the watchful eyes of the snow-capped peaks of the Zanskar and Stok ranges.
Markha Valley lies within Hemis National Park, southeast of Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The trek typically starts from Chilling (reached via a short drive from Leh) and winds through the valley before crossing the dramatic Kongmaru La Pass (5,260 m) and descending toward Shang Sumdo or Hemis.
Trek Special
Diverse Landscapes: From arid mountain deserts and narrow canyons to lush riverbanks and snowy passes, the terrain is ever-changing and breathtaking.
Cultural Immersion: Experience Ladakhi village life with warm homestays in places like Markha, Hankar, and Skyu. Visit ancient Buddhist monasteries, prayer walls (mani), and chortens.
Panoramic Views: From the top of Kongmaru La, you get stunning views of Kang Yatse (6,400 m), Stok Kangri, and surrounding peaks.
Wildlife Encounters: The trek passes through Hemis National Park, home to rare species such as the snow leopard, blue sheep, marmots, and lammergeiers.
The Markha Valley Trek is a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and nature. Whether you're an experienced trekker or an avid traveler seeking deeper connections with landscapes and people, this trek offers a transformative Himalayan journey.
Short Itinerary
Arrive in Leh (3,500 mts)
Rest and Acclimatize in Leh (3500 mts). Visit Thiksay Monastery and Shanti Stupa
Drive to from Leh to Skiu (3,430 M) 70 km (2 to 3 hours) and trek to Sara (3600 mts) 11 km ( 5 to 6 hours )
Sara (3600 mts) to Markha (3700 mts) 10 km ( 5 to 6 hours )
Markha (3700 mts) to Hankar (4100 mts) 13 km ( 7 to 8 hours )
Hankar (4100 mts) to Nimaling (4800 mts) 12 km ( 7 to 8 hours )
Nimaling (4800 mts) to Chokdo (3900 mts) via Kongmaru La (5200 mts)13 km ( 7 to 8 hours ) and drive to Leh 60 km (3 hours)
Departure From Leh (3500 mts)
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Leh (3,500 mts)
Day 2
Rest and Acclimatize in Leh (3500 mts). Visit Thiksay Monastery and Shanti Stupa
Day 3
Drive to from Leh to Skiu (3,430 M) 70 km (2 to 3 hours) and trek to Sara (3600 mts) 11 km ( 5 to 6 hours )
Day 4
Sara (3600 mts) to Markha (3700 mts) 10 km ( 5 to 6 hours )
Day 5
Markha (3700 mts) to Hankar (4100 mts) 13 km ( 7 to 8 hours )
Day 6
Hankar (4100 mts) to Nimaling (4800 mts) 12 km ( 7 to 8 hours )
Day 7
Nimaling (4800 mts) to Chokdo (3900 mts) via Kongmaru La (5200 mts)13 km ( 7 to 8 hours ) and drive to Leh 60 km (3 hours)
Day 8
Departure From Leh (3500 mts)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- ●All Meals during the Expedition (Day 3 Lunch till Day 7 Pack Lunch)
- ●3 Night Stay in Leh Day 1,Day 2 and Day 7 (Double Sharing/Triple Sharing)
- ●Stay During the trek Camping/Home stay
- ●During the camping Tents on twin sharing basis, Sleeping bags, mats
- ●Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification
- ●Certified and Experience guide, Experience cook, helpers, and porters for carrying common supplies
- ●All Technical & safety equipment - as required, depending upon snow conditions like (Micro-spikes, Gaiters, Etc )
- ●First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder
- ●Transport Leh to Leh
- ●Trek Permissions Fee, if any ( Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals) and Inner Line Permit Fee
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- ●Portage of personal bags during the trek.
- ●Cost of any kind of Insurance. Since insurance is mandatory, kindly get yourself insured from our partners ASC360 through www.asc360.com
- ●Meals during Hotel Stay
- ●Meals during road journeys
- ●Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list.
- ●Any Expense of personal nature.
Are you eligible for this adventure?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to a height of 4,130M and is rated a moderate level trek for its long trekking distances. For its elevation and distances, it is recommended for trekkers with some prior experience in the high-altitudes.
Grade
Difficult
Max Altitude
5200 mts
Distance
65 km
WMRS Level Required
Terrain
Prerequisite Skills
Fitness Benchmark
WMRS Level Required
WMRS 5
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a level 4 adventure on the Bikat Rating Scale.
This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 3 on the WMRS. The altitude, the terrain, and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of endurance and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of the high-altitude environment.
If you do not know what level of WMRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:
We will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
Packing List
This is a list of essential items for individuals going on a trek with Wanderin’ Man Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Wanderin’ Man Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
🟩 Trekking Gear
- Rucksack bag with rain cover
- Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
- Head Torch with spare Batteries
- UV protection sunglasses
- Water Bottles - 2 bottles of 1 liter each
🟩 Footwear
- Non-skid, deep tread, high-ankle trekking shoes - 1
- Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals for the campsite - 1
🟩 Clothing
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants - 2
- Full sleeves T-shirts/Sweatshirts (1 for every 2 days of trekking)
- Pair of thick woolen socks (1 pair for every two days of trekking)
- Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower - 1
- Undergarments (1 for each day of the itinerary)
- Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck - 1
- Full sleeves sweater - 1
- Rain wear (Jacket & Pants) - 1
- Pair of water-proof, warm gloves - 1
- Woolen cap - 1
- Sun shielding Hat - 1
- Multipurpose Buff - 2
🟩 Toiletries
- Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
- Sun screen lotion small pack (SPF 30 & Above) - 1
- Lip Balm small pack - 1
🟩 Utensils
- Small size, Lightweight & Leak proof lunch box - 1
- Plate - 1
- Spoon - 1
- Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug - 1
🟩 Miscellaneous
- Camera (Optional)
- Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
- Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)
Note-
- For long treks, please carry a spare sunglasses.
- For winter trek please try to carry a thermal water bottle.
- For long winter treks, please carry an extra pair of warm pants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Wanderin Man?
(SET- Safety, Expertise & Trust )
Safety
- ●Small Group Size in the ratio of 6:1 (participant to leader)
- ●No compromise on safety and sustainability promise
- ●Experienced and Certified Mountaineering Professional Leaders
- ●Region Mapped with Emergency Evacuation Plan
- ●Certified Standard Equipment by UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation certification) & other Similar Bodies
- ●Minimized Risk Management Standard Operating Procedure are applied for every Trek and tour
- ●Certified First Aid Support and Doctors* with constant availability of Safety Equipments like Medical Kit, Rescue Kit
- ●Constant communication is aided with the help of Communication Devices
- ●Certified and registered Transporter for transportation purpose
Expertise
- ●Founders of the company have extensive experience of 15 years having organized approx 2000+ trekking, Expeditions and other adventure activities.
- ●Wanderin’ Man Adventures operating expeditions above 8000 mts.
- ●Under the umbrella of Wanderin’ Man Adventures 15 + adventure activities Programs have been organized
- ●Founders have mountaineering certifications from the esteemed mountaineering institutes of India.
- ●Team is composed of experienced mountaineers and trek leaders with thorough understanding of norms and procedures.
Trust
- ●Trust has been the hallmark of our company since its inception be it any program on the list.
- ●Special emphasis is laid on the use of standard procedures and equipments as per the mountaineering norms
- ●95% of our clients have availed our service on repeat basis.
- ●Our business has expanded primarily based on the “word of mouth” from our existing clients to new ones
What Our Customers Say
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund (All events including Friendship Peak Expedition except other Mountaineering Expeditions) - Cash refunds are only available for bookings made without any discounts, such as promotional codes or dynamic discounts. Additionally, cash refunds are not available for shifted batch bookings or if the booking status is "Booked". The amount of the refund will be determined based on the following guidelines:
Cancellations made up to 45 days before the departure date
Cancellations made up to 31 days before the departure date
Cancellations made between 30 and 21 days before the departure date
Cancellations made between 20 and 11 days before the departure date
Cancellations made less than 11 days before the departure date are not eligible for a cash refund.
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