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Markha Valley Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
A 6-day immersive expedition traversing diverse Himalayan landscapes and alpine altitudes.
Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.
Duration
6 Days
Total Distance
—
Max Altitude
15,518 FT
Trek Type
Standard
Permits Required Before You Go
Permit Cost
Where to Get
Leh DC Office (Online Portal)
Documents
Aadhar/Passport Copy, 2 Passport Photos, Medical Certificate, Disclaimer Form
Foreign Nationals
Yes, Inner Line Permit is mandatory; must be booked via a registered local travel agency with a group of at least 2.
Foreigner Process
Foreigners require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) issued through a registered travel agent in Leh.
Nearest Embassy Hub
New Delhi
Day by Day Breakdown
Camp Alt
11,160 ft
Day Gain
-340 ft
Drive to Chilling & Trek to Skiu
Drive 60 km, trek easy trail to Skiu village.
Key Landmarks
The vehicle route ends, transitioning into the arid Markha valley gorge.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Camp Alt
12,460 ft
Day Gain
+1,300 ft
Reach Markha
Long gentle walk alongside the Markha River with multiple water crossings.
Key Landmarks
Tree line disappears as the valley broadens into a spectacular high-altitude alpine meadow basin, replacing the dense forests with expansive grazing pastures.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Camp Alt
13,120 ft
Day Gain
+660 ft
Reach Hankar
Ascend past high Buddhist monasteries and historic ruins.
Key Landmarks
Tree line disappears as the valley broadens into a spectacular high-altitude alpine meadow basin, replacing the dense forests with expansive grazing pastures.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
15,518 ft
Day Gain
+2,398 ft
Reach Nimaling
A steep climb to the stunning high-altitude meadow under Kang Yatse peak.
Key Landmarks
Vegetation gives way to barren glacial debris as the route enters the expansive moraine basin and ablation zone of the glaciated upper watershed.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Camp Alt
12,000 ft
Day Gain
-3,518 ft
Today's Objective
🏔 Cross Kongmaru La Pass
Summit Day. Climb steeply to the pass, then drop down through deep rocky canyons.
Key Landmarks
Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.
Field Notes
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
11,500 ft
Day Gain
-500 ft
Drive to Leh
Short drive back to Leh town.
Key Landmarks
The return journey descends from the mountain basin back to the Indus valley.
Trek Extensions & Add-ons
Explore local culture in Chilling
+1 DayAdd a buffer day to explore local temples, cultural spots, and try signature local dishes like local breads and chutneys.
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