Markha Valley trek, Ladahk, India

by site editor Rick McCharles

Locked and loaded. I land in Leh September 11th, 2015. I’ll be doing Markha and other local treks.

AT A GLANCE

• the most popular hike in Ladahk, northern India, bordering Tibet
• easy access out of Leh
• 6-8 days
• 111km (69mi)
• early June to mid-October
• moderate-demanding
• big risk of altitude sickness
• 2-3 high passes (4900m-5200m)
• several nights at very high altitude
• sleep in tent or in “homestays”
• frequent flights from Delhi. Infrequent flights from Srinagar and Jammu.
• hike independently or with a Guide
• check the confusing tourist visa requirements for India. Some nations can get a visa-on-arrival at airports.

Click PLAY or watch 3minuteAdventures – Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh
on YouTube.

That’s the toughest itinerary, starting out of Stok village rather than the more popular trailheads of Spitok or Zinchen.