Sham Valley

The Markha Valley trek is graded moderate. It’s not technically challenging, but you’ll be trekking long distances (up to 20 km/day) at altitudes ranging from 3,200m to 5,260m. It’s suitable for fit beginners and experienced trekkers alike. Regular training and good acclimatization are key to enjoying the trail.

You’ll cross Kongmaru La Pass at 5,260 meters, the highest point on this trek. It’s a steep climb and descent on either side, but it rewards you with one of the most panoramic Himalayan views in Ladakh.

Not necessarily. If you’re reasonably fit and have done a multi-day Himalayan trek before, you’re good to go. The trail is well-defined, and there’s no technical climbing involved. First-timers should train well and come prepared for high altitude.

You should be able to walk 6–7 km a day for several days, ideally with a backpack. We recommend 3–4 weeks of regular training (walking, jogging, stair climbing, or cycling). A strong cardiovascular base and endurance will help you enjoy the trail and manage the altitude better.

The best window is from mid-June to mid-September, when the weather is most stable in Ladakh. July and August are especially beautiful, with green pastures, wildflowers, and flowing streams, while September brings clear skies and colder nights.

ght to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh (IXL), arriving on Day 1 of the itinerary. From the airport, you can take a prepaid taxi or local transport to reach our designated hotel in Leh. We’ll share the hotel name and address well in advance. Participants are expected to report at the hotel by afternoon on Day 1 — rest and acclimatization begin immediately.

Yes. The entire trail passes through the Hemis National Park, one of India’s largest protected high-altitude reserves. You may spot marmots, blue sheep, ibex, golden eagles, or even signs of the elusive snow leopard.

The trail offers everything — riverbanks, rocky ridges, grazing meadows, and narrow canyons. You’ll cross streams, walk on sandy paths, occasional boulder sections, and gain serious altitude while approaching Nimaling and Kongmaru La.

The trek starts at Chilling (3,200m) and ends at Chokdo (3,900m). Both points are accessible by vehicle from Leh. We provide group transportation to and from these trailheads.

No. There is no network or internet beyond Leh. Once the trek starts, you're off-grid until you return. Use this time for a true digital detox. Our trek leaders have communication setups for emergencies.

You’ll be camping in twin-sharing tents throughout the trek. We provide high-quality tents, sleeping bags, and mats. If you prefer to stay in a local Ladakhi homestay in villages like Skiu, Markha, or Hankar, we can arrange that at an extra cost.

You’ll be staying at a 3-star hotel in Leh for 3 nights (Day 1, 2, and 7) on a twin-sharing basis, with breakfast included. The hotel has hot showers, comfortable beds, and easy access to the market.

Expect hot, vegetarian, homemade-style meals — freshly cooked at camps or served in homestays. Breakfast includes oats, parathas, or poha; lunch/dinner includes rice, dal, sabzi, roti, khichdi, soup, and sometimes dessert. We also serve tea and evening snacks. Special dietary needs can be accommodated if informed in advance.

Yes, we provide filtered and safe drinking water at all campsites. You can refill your bottle every morning and at lunch halts. You’re encouraged to carry a reusable bottle or hydration bladder.

Leh stays relatively warm (10–20°C) during the day, but temperatures drop significantly on the trek, especially at Nimaling, where it can reach -5°C to -10°C at night. During the day, it’s sunny and dry, but wind chill increases at higher altitudes.

Yes, since you're sleeping above 3,500m and trekking to 5,260m. However, the gradual ascent, acclimatization days in Leh, and careful pace help reduce risks. Our leaders monitor health daily, and we carry oximeters and a first-aid kit.

Our team is trained in basic mountain first aid and will monitor your vitals. If required, we will descend, assist with evacuation, or return to Leh. Your safety is always our first priority.

No. All camping equipment — tents, sleeping bags (sub-zero rated), mats — are provided. You only need to bring your personal trekking gear and clothing (see our full packing list).

Yes. You can pre-book offloading for the entire trek. This is ideal if you want to hike lighter or save energy for longer days like Skiu to Markha or the Kongmaru La pass crossing.

Backpack offloading is available for up to 10 kg per person. Charges are ₹400/day. You’ll still need to carry a small daypack with water, snacks, and essentials.

We set up dry pit toilet tents at campsites. In some villages, there may be basic toilets available. Carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Wet wipes and biodegradable soap also come in handy.

Yes, we provide rental gear on request, including down jackets, trekking poles, headlamps, and gloves. Please let us know in advance to ensure availability.

Yes — we recommend and require participants to have outdoor travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, accidents, and emergency evacuation. This protects both you and the team in case of emergencies.

We follow strict safety protocols, including regular health checks, use of oxygen and first aid, expert route planning, weather monitoring, and gear training. Your safety is always our top priority — even above summit success.

Yes. You can leave your extra luggage at the hotel in Leh before the trek. Just carry what’s required on the trail.

Yes. On successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate from Outdoor Whisperer. 

We understand that plans can change, and we try to keep our cancellation policy fair and transparent. Depending on how close to the departure date you cancel, partial refunds are possible, and we also offer options to transfer your booking to a future trip in certain cases.

For the full breakdown of timelines, conditions, and refund details, please check out our complete cancellation policy here:

outdoorwhisperer.com/cancellation-policy