introduction
Markha Valley trek is known as one of the most renowned and beautiful treks in Ladakh. This trail follows the Markha River through a charming valley south of Leh town.
The trail has become relatively famous in India for a number of reasons. It is easily accessible and also easy to navigate. This is one of the few multi-day treks in the region that can be done independently by staying in homestays there.
The Markha Valley trek is quite beautiful and gives a closer view of the incredible landscapes that are found around Ladakh. The colors of the rock change every kilometer on the path and the villages there appear almost like oases along the valley floor. It was also a beautiful way to get an idea of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the people who call the region home.
The Markha Valley trek is followed by the Markha Valley River from Chilling up to the Kongmaru Pass and then down towards the Hemis Monastery. It passes through a spectacular arid valley that offers stark contrasts between the snow-capped peaks, dry dusty slopes, and green fertile villages along the river.
There are small Tibetan villages living a very traditional lifestyle throughout the valley. The region has a long history which is very evident along the way as one passes old gompas and ruins of fortresses on hilltops.
The arrival of trekkers has brought a whole new source of income and access to supplies by mules and porters while the locals live off the land as best they can. Many of the mud-brick homes here have been turned into homestays for trekkers making each village manage the homestay program itself. Generally speaking, each night a different household has its turn to accommodate any trekkers passing through.
When to hike?
ItÕs best to attempt the Markha trek during the high season in Ladakh, between the months of June and September. This is when the weather there is at its best with clear skies, dry weather, and relatively warm days. Trekkers will likely find too much snow and some of the roads impassable outside of these months.
One doesnÕt need a guide to hiking the Markha Valley trek. This trail is perfectly fine for independent hikers to follow. Thus it is quite common for budget travelers to complete this trek even without a guide. However, a guide can make the experience more enjoyable for a hiker who is not confident or who wants to learn a lot more about the local culture and history.
One can organize a guide in Leh at one of the many travel and hiking agencies in town. Prices for this trek start from around 4000 INR per day for an organized trek with a guide. Make sure to be clear about whatÕs included and not included in the price, as some companies donÕt include meals, drinks, etc.
Any agency in Leh can also help to arrange transport and porters if needed. The trailhead has moved over time with constant road construction. Chilling is a village on the Markha River that has been traditionally considered the start of the trek. However, the dirt road there now extends just past the village to a newly built bridge across the river.
The taxis in Leh have a booklet with all the official prices included inside and so generally, for a tourist, hence there is not much room to bargain.
Alternative start point
There is another option which is to begin at Spitok, which is just a short drive from south of Leh. From Spitok, one can follow the trail up to Ganda La pass at 4950m and then down to Skiu where it ends up with the Markhka Valley trek. This option adds around 2-3 days onto the hike and should only be done by those whoÕve spent at least a couple of days to acclimatize in Leh.
Itinerary
Day 1: From Chilling to Skiu
Day 2: From Skyu to Markha village
Day 5: From Nimaling to Kongmaru La and then to Shang Sumdo
The Markha valley is known for its spectacular views, its Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and remote villages. The valley is a huge favorite spot among trekkers due to its easy accessibility from Leh. The Markha village is located between Rumbak and Nimaling and is also home to a long-abandoned, picturesque fort. This is a place that inspires awe among its visitors with beautiful scenery, waterfalls, Indrasarovar Lake, and the hospitality of the rural community.
