Markha Valley Trek

The Markha valley runs through Hemis National Park south of the Indus, and the trek along it is the best-known in Ladakh because it strings together villages close enough to walk between in a day: Skiu, Markha, Hankar, Nimaling. A homestay network run by the villagers themselves means walkers sleep in houses and eat with families rather than camping, which keeps the money local. The route crosses Gandala and Kongmaru La, the latter over 5,200 metres, passes the ruined fort at Markha and the Tacha monastery on a crag, and looks across at Kang Yatse.

What you actually see

• The village homestays - Ladakhi houses along the route taking walkers.
• Kongmaru La - the high pass at over 5,200 metres near the end.
• Tacha monastery - a gompa on a crag above the Markha river.
• Kang Yatse - the peak above the Nimaling plain.

When to go

June to September; snow closes the passes outside that and river crossings run high in early summer with snowmelt. July and August are the busiest.

Honest expectations

River crossings are done on foot and can be waist-deep and cold. The passes exceed 5,000 metres and acclimatisation in Leh beforehand is essential. Homestays are simple with shared rooms and no plumbing in places.

Nearby

Hemis monastery lies east; Leh is north.