Trekking & Hiking
The fuller, more diverse version of the Markha valley trek: 7 days and 97 km from Zingchen, a short drive from Leh past Spituk, up the Rumbak valley to Yurutse and over the 4,941m Ganda La into the Markha valley, then on to Nimaling and over the 5,260m Kongmaru La. Remote villages, green oases in an immense arid landscape and a high chance of spotting wildlife in Hemis National Park.
| Waypoint | Distance | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Zingchen | 0.0 km | 3,382 m |
| Yurutse | 8.2 km | 4,128 m |
| Ganda La (pass) | 13.0 km | 4,941 m |
| Skiu | 26.0 km | 3,346 m |
| Markha | 47.2 km | 3,740 m |
| Hankar | 58.4 km | 4,010 m |
| Nimaling (camp) | 69.1 km | 4,821 m |
| Kongmaru La (pass) | 73.1 km | 5,260 m |
| Shang Sumdo | 86.1 km | 3,659 m |
| Martselang | 92.1 km | 3,376 m |
| Hemis | 96.8 km | 3,657 m |
8.2 km4–5 hrs+763 m / −17 m
Drive from Leh past Spituk gompa to the trailhead at Zingchen. The trail continues through a narrow gorge until it opens into the valley leading to the small village of Yurutse. Overnight in a village homestay.
17.8 km6–8 hrs+813 m / −1595 m
A long day over the Ganda La, with a panoramic view of the Zanskar and Stok ranges from the pass, down to Skiu village in the Markha valley. Watch for marmots, Himalayan hares, pikas and eagles. Overnight in a village homestay.
21.2 km6–7 hrs+451 m / −57 m
A pleasant walk through small villages along the river to Markha, the largest village in the valley. Take time to visit the gompa and the ruins of an ancient fort above the village. Overnight in a village homestay.
11.2 km4–5 hrs+305 m / −35 m
Follow the trail along the river, stopping at Techa gompa perched on top of a cliff. Overnight in a village homestay in Hankar.
10.7 km5–6 hrs+836 m / −25 m
Climb to the plateau of Nimaling, where herders graze their animals from June to September. Hike to the base of the Kang Yatse glacier in a few hours if you have the energy. Overnight in camp.
17 km6–8 hrs+439 m / −1601 m
Climb the Kongmaru La, the highest pass of the trek, for a great view of the Kang Yatse peaks, then make the steep, long descent through the Shang gorge, crossing the river a few times. Overnight in a homestay at Shang Sumdo.
10.7 km3–4 hrs+281 m / −283 m
An easy walk via Martselang to Hemis, one of the most important gompas in Ladakh (a jeep can be arranged from Shang Sumdo or Martselang instead). Drive 40 km (about 1 hr) back to Leh.
More trekking & hiking
EasyKnown as the "Baby Trek," this gentle 3-day, 32 km route crosses four low passes through the Sham region, Ladakh's lower Indus valley, linking the monastery villages of Likir, Yangthang, Hemis Shukpachen and Temisgam. Nights are spent in village homestays, it tops out at just 3,874m and can be walked almost year-round, making it ideal for beginners and families. Extend it to 4–5 days via Rizong monastery or onwards from Temisgam to Khaltse.
ChallengingOne of Ladakh's most beautiful treks: 98 km over 7 days across the Changthang plateau of Rupshu, following the old salt road past Tso Kar to the turquoise shores of Tso Moriri. The route crosses numerous passes above 5,000m, topping out at the 5,435m Yalung Nyau La, and passes the camps of Changpa nomads with their pashmina goats and yaks. Exceptional, but demanding.
ChallengingA 5-day, 63 km trek from the "Moonland" monastery of Lamayuru through rural villages of green barley fields and apricot trees to Chilling on the Zanskar river. It crosses three passes, topping out at the 4,948m Kongskil La, with sweeping views of the Stok and Karakoram ranges. Homestays in Wanla and Hinju, then camping in the high country.
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