Markha Valley Trek via Chilling
Markha Valley via Chilling: Ladakh’s Finest Valley Trek — Starting from the Zanskar Gorge
The Markha Valley Trek via Chilling is the most dramatic and rewarding way to walk one of the great high-altitude treks in the Indian Himalaya. Where most operators take the easier Zinchen trail out of Leh, this route begins at Chilling — a tiny village at the confluence of the Zanskar and Markha rivers, reached by a rough jeep road through one of the most spectacular gorges in Ladakh. From the moment you cross the jhula (rope bridge) over the turquoise Zanskar River and enter the canyon on foot, you are in a different Ladakh entirely: remote, raw, and completely uncommercialised.
Over nine days, the route climbs through the full length of the Markha Valley, passing ancient monasteries perched on eroded cliffs, Ladakhi farming villages that have barely changed in centuries, and high-altitude pastures where nomadic herders graze their yaks each summer. The final day crosses Kongmaru La at 5,150m — one of the highest trekking passes in Ladakh — with panoramic views of Kang Yatse (6,400m), Stok Kangri (6,153m), and the full sweep of the Zanskar range before descending to the Indus Valley and the road back to Leh. Summit Routes runs this trek fully guided with experienced Ladakhi mountain guides, horse support for luggage, and homestay accommodation wherever possible — keeping money inside the communities you walk through.
Why Markha Valley via Chilling
- The Zanskar Gorge Entry
The Chilling approach is the most visually striking way to begin the Markha Valley. The gorge walls rise several hundred metres above the trail, the Zanskar River runs jade-green below, and the rope bridge crossing is the kind of moment you will describe for years. No other approach route matches it. - Complete Valley Immersion
Starting at Chilling means walking the entire length of the Markha Valley from bottom to top — past Skiu, Markha, and Hankar — before climbing to the Nimaling plateau at 4,700m. You earn every metre of this trek from day one. - Kongmaru La (5,150m) — A High Pass Finish
The trek culminates in a crossing of Kongmaru La, one of the landmark passes of Ladakh. The summit view takes in Kang Yatse, the Karakoram in the far north, and the Indus Valley laid out 1,700m below — a finish that rewards every step of the preceding days. - Living Ladakhi Culture
The route passes through Skiu, Markha, and Hankar villages — each with its own monastery, prayer walls, and chorten-lined lanes. Homestay accommodation means eating barley tsampa and butter tea in the same rooms where Ladakhi families have slept for generations. - Fully Guided and Locally Supported
Every Summit Routes guide on this trek is from Ladakh — many have walked this valley since childhood. Horse support is arranged locally through Chilling and Skiu families. This trek puts money directly into the communities whose land you cross.
| Day 1 | Arrival in Leh (3,500m) — Transfer & Rest |
| Day 2 | Acclimatisation Day — Leh (3,500m) |
| Day 3 | Drive Leh to Chilling (3,150m) — Trek to Skiu (3,350m) |
| Day 4 | Skiu to Markha Village (3,700m) |
| Day 5 | Markha to Hankar (4,000m) |
| Day 6 | Hankar to Nimaling (4,700m) |
| Day 7 | Nimaling — Kongmaru La (5,150m) — Shang Sumdo (3,600m) |
| Day 8 | Drive Shang Sumdo to Leh — Rest |
| Day 9 | Departure from Leh |
