Markha Valley Trek (from Chilling)

The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Ladakh. Villages on the route of Markha Valley Trek are Rumbak, Shingo, Skyu, Sara, Markha and Hankar. The Trek starts from Zingchen allows you to cross one high altitude pass, the Kongmaru La (5200m).

Day 1- Chilling to Skyu (3-4 hrs trek)

We leave Leh to Chilling by jeep in the morning on the rugged barren field of Taru. En route we see the confluence of Indus and Zanskar River, where we cross the bridge on the Indus River and follow the Zanskar River on rough road for 2-3 hrs. Crossing the mighty Zanskar River is full of thrill and excitement in a cable trolley. While you can also choose to cross the rive through a bridge. On the other side of the river, we will meet our pony man with the horses. After crossing the small pass, it is an easy walk until Skyu Village. Overnight stay in Skyu Village.

Day 2- Skyu to Markha (7-8 hours trek)

An early start is recommended for this day as it gets warm when it is sunny. Following the Markha River, we are leaving Skyu. We will hike through a lovely valley comfortably to Sara. After that, we will stop at Sara for a quick lunch. Beyond Sara the trail goes up to Chalak Village. The trail crosses the river at various points, and passes winter settlements that contain Lhatos (religious shrines for local deities) and Mani walls (stones inscribed with Buddhist prayers). Once we cross the river for the final time, we will arrive in Markha. Markha Village is the largest village in the valley, consisting of around 20 houses, an old monastery and a ruined fort. Overnight stay in Markha Village.

Day 3- Markha to Thachungtse (6-7 hours trek)

Today is a moderately tough walking day, passing through the villages of Umlung and Hankar. The Markha valley trail continues past old stone-mills, a ruined castle and the auspicious monastery of Techa, which proudly perches upon a towering cliff that looms above Markha. The path then intersects the river several times before cutting through the last hamlets in the valley. After leaving Umlung Village, we will be afforded our first view of mighty Kang Yatse (6400 m), which will stay in sight until we cross Kongmaru La. After we break for lunch in Hankar Village (the last village in the valley), we will press onward to the lovely green pasture of Thachungste campsite. Overnight stay at Thachungtse campsite.

Day 4- Thachungtse to Nimaling (4 hours trek)

Today, the trails from Thachungtse will lead you up to the beautiful plateau of Nimaling, where the people of the Markha Valley bring their herds to graze during the summer months. At 4700 m, Nimaling is a beautiful place and one can spend the afternoon exploring the valley. This place gives us spectacular views of Kang Yatse to the right, the Zanskar Range and the Markha Valley below. You can spot blue sheep and other wildlife in this area. Overnight stay at Nimaling campsite.

Day 5- Nimaling to Shang Sumdo via Kongmaru La (7 -8 hours trek)

After a hearty breakfast, we will cross Kongmaru La (5200 m). Kongmaru La is the highest pass on the trek and from here we can witness a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The 2 hours descent is quite steep. As we enter Shang Gorge, you will see the strange and otherworldly rock formations. More river crossings bar our way before we arrive at the sour-spring of Chuskurmo (used in traditional medicine by the Amchi doctors). After a break, we will cut through a couple of villages before reaching Shang Sumdo, where we will meet our taxi, and drive to Leh.