You trek through a dramatic mix of landscapes: arid high-desert terrain, river valleys along the Markha River, green meadows and high-altitude plateaus, and finally snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
You cross a high mountain pass, Kongmaru La (~ 5,260 m), which offers breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding peaks and valleys.
On a clear day — especially near upper valley sections — you get dramatic views of majestic mountains such as Kang Yatze (≈ 6,400 m) looming over the valley.
The trek offers a “tea-house + homestay” experience: rustic but warm accommodation in guesthouses/tea-houses or tents, giving a cozy, immersive vibe rather than a commercial hotel-style setup.
You get to walk through remote Ladakhi villages and hamlets — small communities with traditional houses, culture, and maybe a chance to interact with locals. It’s a mix of adventure and culture.
Wildlife and the raw wilderness add to the appeal — there’s some possibility (though not guaranteed) of spotting high-altitude fauna (mountain-adapted species often found around the valley), and the sense of solitude in a remote, less-touristed Himalayan region.
Included/Excluded
Trekking and camping (or homestay) accommodation along the trek route.
All meals during the trek (usually vegetarian or as per package — from first trek-day lunch to last trek-day dinner).
Use of trek gear during the trek: tents (twin-sharing), sleeping bags/mattresses (with suitable high-altitude insulation), and other essential camping equipment.
Guidance and support: experienced local guides, cook/helpers/porters (or mules) to carry communal/ common luggage.
Safety/medical support: first-aid kit, oxygen cylinder or medical support as needed; sometimes safety equipment depending on conditions.
Permits and entry/forest/trek permissions (for areas like Hemis National Park / valley region) — when required for Indian nationals (or as per operator’s fee).
Transport (from base city to trail head and return — e.g. from Leh to trekking start, and final return).
5% GST.
Travel to base city (e.g. flights or train to Leh) — reaching Leh is your own responsibility.
Accommodation or meals before the trek begins or after it ends (e.g. stay in Leh, meals in Leh or during road journeys) — only trek-period accommodation/food is covered.
Personal expenses: snacks, drinks beyond the provided meals, laundry, phone-charging fees, extra toiletries, etc.
Trekking gear rental/purchase (if you opt to use your own) — often trekkers need to bring or rent their own warm clothes, trekking shoes, etc.
Insurance — travel or health insurance to cover emergencies or altitude sickness is usually not included.
Portage (carrying) of your personal luggage (beyond day-pack) — only common/shared luggage or minimal load is carried by porters or mules; personal bags may need to be carried by you or require extra charge.
Any kind of extra cost not explicitly mentioned in the inclusion list
Itinerary
Start from Leh (≈ 3,500 m) in the morning. Drive to Chilling (around 60 km, ~1.5-2 hours drive).
From Chilling, begin trekking to Skiu (≈ 9 km trek) along the Markha River — journey takes around 4–5 hours.
Overnight stay in a homestay/guesthouse in Skiu. A gentle start to get your body used to the trail.
Trek from Skiu to Markha (≈ 20 km, about 7 hrs).
The trail passes through riverbeds, meanders along the Markha River, crosses bridges and possibly shallow streams.
Expect a moderate climb: from ~3,400 m at Skiu to ~3,770 m at Markha.
Overnight stay in Markha village — soak in the valley atmosphere and maybe chat with local villagers.
After breakfast, begin trekking from Markha to Hankar (≈ 11 km, ~5 hrs).
The altitude rises to ~4,260 m — terrain becomes more rugged.
On route, you’ll get beautiful views of surrounding mountains (including hints of the massive Kang Yatse) and feel the landscape change as you go deeper into the valley.
Stay overnight at Hankar — a good midpoint to rest up before the steeper climb ahead.
Trek from Hankar up to Nimaling (approx 9–10 km, ~4–6 hrs).
Expect a steeper ascent. This is a significant altitude jump — you’ll end around ~4,800–4,900 m at Nimaling.
Nimaling is a picturesque plateau/meadow — popular as a camp spot. Great spot to acclimatize well before the high pass.
Overnight stay in camp/teahouse at Nimaling. Night temps drop — be prepared for cold.
Early morning start from Nimaling toward the high pass, Kongmaru La — the trek crosses the pass at ~5,200–5,260 m, the highest point of the trek.
After the pass, descend toward Chokdo (or nearby settlement/camp). Distance is roughly 12 km for the day.
From the top, on a clear day, you get panoramic Himalayan views — including Kang Yatse and surrounding peaks.
Overnight stay at Chokdo or nearby. A sense of achievement — having conquered the high pass!
From Chokdo, trek/descend to Shang Sumdo — from here, you take road/transport back to Leh. This marks the end of trek on foot. Several itineraries wrap up here.
Drive back to Leh, rest, and celebrate the end of your trek.
