Markha valley trek from Chilling
Duration: 6 days
Difficulty: level 3
Distance: 78 km
Max elevation: 5260m
Elevation gain / loss: +2502m / -2019m
The Markha valley trek is one of the most popular treks in Ladakh. This trek passes through beautiful villages tucked in the deep valley surrounded by towering mountains. The high pass of Kongmaru La offers spectacular views of the Kang Yatse peaks. You can stay in homestays throughout the trek and it’s an excellent opportunity to discover the everyday life of locals. Markha is part of the Hemis National Park, home to the elusive snow leopard. This trek from Chilling is a shorter and easier version of the Markha valley trek from Spituk.
If you would like to join a group, check our Fixed Departure Treks.
Itinerary
Day 1: Chilling - Skiu
Time: 2-3 hrs
Distance: 6.9 km
Elevation gain / loss: +189m / -18m
| - | cross the Zanskar river and enter the Hemis National Park |
| - | follow the trail to Markha valley |
| - | homestay can be arranged in Skiu |
Day 2: Skiu - Markha
Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 21.2 km
Elevation gain / loss: +451m / -57m
| - | continue walking along the river, the trail to Markha passes through small villages |
| - | Markha is a pretty village with just around 20 households |
| - | you can visit the old monastery and the ruined fort which are above the village |
| - | homestay is available in Markha |
Day 3: Markha - Hankar
Time: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 11.2 km
Elevation gain / loss: +305m / -35m
| - | walk along the river |
| - | you can visit Techa gompa which is built on a cliff near Umlung village |
| - | homestay is available in Hankar |
Day 4: Hankar - Nimaling
Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 10.7 km
Elevation gain / loss: +836m / -25m
| - | the path starting from Hankar village leads you to Nimaling, where villagers bring their cattle for grazing during summer |
| - | there is a possibility for enthusiastic trekkers to hike to the base of the Kang Yatse glacier in a few hours from Nimaling |
Day 5: Nimaling - Kongmaru La - Shang Sumdo
Time: 6-8 hrs
Distance: 17.0 km
Elevation gain / loss: +439m / -1601m
| - | ascend the Kongmaru La and enjoy the spectacular views of Kang Yatse and Karakoram peaks from the pass |
| - | the descent is steep and long towards the Shang gorge |
| - | you need to cross the river several times before you reach the village |
| - | homestay can be arranged in Shang Sumdo |
Day 6: Shang Sumdo - Hemis
Time: 3-4 hrs
Distance: 10.7 km
Elevation gain / loss: +281m / -283m
| - | walk to Hemis monastery, one of the well-known monasteries in Ladakh |
| - | jeep can be arranged from Shang Sumdo or Martselang to Hemis |
Getting to / from the trek
| - | it takes one hour and a half to drive from Leh to Chilling (60 km) |
| - | it takes one hour to drive from Hemis to Leh (40 km) |
It is worth taking some extra time to stop and visit the highlights in the area, check the Indus valley tour to Hemis for more details.
All the itineraries can be customized to suit your own special interests, preferences and abilities. Please contact us for more information.

Hemis to Tso Moriri

