The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most popular treks in Ladakh, and for good reason too. There are incredible sights and surreal rock formations, timeless villages, snowy mountains and delightful Buddhist gompas. The Markha Valley trek is by no means an easy one, there are two passes of 4900 m or higher to negotiate, coupled with a possibility of snowfall in the higher reaches, even when the passes are trekkable.
The beautiful Markha Valley runs parallel with the Indus on the far southern side of the snowy Stok Kangri massif. The trek passes through cultivated valley floors, undulating high-altitude grasslands and snow-prone passes; it is a trekkers delight for it affords a glimpse into the Ladakhi past with most of it at altitudes of less than 4000 m.
Wedged between the Stok Kangri range to the north and the Zanskar peaks to the south, the Markha valley is an absolute beauty. It is also known for being a ‘tea house trek’ where one can expect accommodation in parachute tents or home stays at most of the village’s en-route. It is possible for a reasonably fit solo trekker to complete the trek without a porter and a guide, and usually there is little need to carry food or cooking utensils.
To good period to visit the Markha Valley trek is June to September although July and August are widely known to be the best months.