Markha Valley Trek via Chilling

Trip Code: IN-17 Country: India Duration: 9 Days Best Time: June to September Base Price: 895 USD Level: Moderate Season: Summer

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Markha Valley Trek Chilling Ladakh India

Overview

Markha Valley Trek via Chilling — Overview

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 Changpa herders graze their yaks through the summer. The gradual ascent through Skiu (3,350m), Markha (3,700m), Hankar (4,000m), and Nimaling (4,700m) is the natural acclimatisation strategy of the route — each day adds altitude slowly and logically, with homestay accommodation in the living villages along the way. The trek culminates by crossing Kongmaru La (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 directly 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 at Chilling 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 — earning every metre of altitude through Skiu, Markha, and Hankar before reaching the Nimaling plateau at 4,700m.
Kongmaru La (5,150m) — A High Pass Finish — The summit view takes in Kang Yatse, the Karakoram on the far northern horizon, and the Indus Valley 1,500m below. On a clear day it extends to the Nun-Kun massif in Kashmir. This is among the finest trekking pass panoramas in India.
Living Ladakhi Culture and Homestays — The route passes through Skiu, Markha, and Hankar — 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. Horse support is arranged locally through Chilling and Skiu families. This trek puts money directly into the communities whose land you cross.

Important Notes

Best Season: June to September. The route is inaccessible before late May when the Zanskar road to Chilling opens after winter. July and August are the most popular months — warm days, stable weather, and the Nimaling pastures occupied by nomads. September is the best month for clarity and views from Kongmaru La. October departures are possible for experienced trekkers but nights at Nimaling (4,700m) become severely cold.
Acclimatisation Days: Two full days in Leh (Days 1 and 2) are non-negotiable before the trek begins. Leh sits at 3,500m and the body requires a minimum of 48 hours to begin meaningful adaptation. The trekking altitude rises steadily to 5,150m on Day 7. Read our guide to altitude sickness in the Himalaya before departure — Leh arrivals are among the highest-risk acclimatisation scenarios in Indian trekking.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging — the high pass on Day 7 (Kongmaru La, 5,150m) is the most demanding single day, with 1,550m of ascent from Nimaling camp and 1,550m of descent to Shang Sumdo in the same day. The overall route is otherwise a moderate valley trek with no technical terrain.
Highest Point: Kongmaru La at 5,150m on Day 7. Nimaling camp at 4,700m is the highest overnight. These are the highest altitudes of any Summit Routes India trek.
Permits: Two permits are required: the Inner Line Permit for the Markha Valley and the Hemis National Park entry permit. Both are arranged by Summit Routes on your behalf before departure. See our permits guide.
Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag rated to -10°C is mandatory — primarily for the Nimaling night (4,700m) and for Hankar above it. Nights at Nimaling drop to -5°C even in July. Sleeping bag hire is available in Leh on request.
Fitness Standard: Must be comfortable trekking 12–16 km daily for multiple consecutive days with significant elevation gain. Day 4 (Skiu to Markha, 16 km) and Day 7 (Nimaling–Kongmaru La–Shang Sumdo, 16 km + 1,550m ascent) are both demanding. Prior multi-day trekking experience at altitude is strongly recommended.
Cultural Note: This trek passes through active Ladakhi Buddhist communities with functioning monasteries in Skiu, Markha, and Hankar. Dressed modestly, remove shoes at monastery entrances, and follow your guide’s instructions at religious sites. Homestay accommodation means you are a guest in a family home — appropriate behaviour and respect go without saying.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1	Arrive Leh (3,500m) — Transfer & Mandatory Rest
Day 2	Acclimatisation Day — Leh (3,500m)
Day 3	Drive Leh to Chilling (3,150m) — Trek to Skiu (3,350m) \| ~11 km
Day 4	Skiu to Markha Village (3,700m) \| ~16 km
Day 5	Markha to Hankar (4,000m) \| ~12 km
Day 6	Hankar to Nimaling (4,700m) \| ~9 km
Day 7	Nimaling — Kongmaru La (5,150m) — Shang Sumdo (3,600m) \| ~16 km
Day 8	Drive Shang Sumdo to Leh — Rest & Optional Sightseeing
Day 9	Departure from Leh

Altitude Profile

Itinerary

Markha Valley Trek via Chilling — 9-Day Itinerary (Leh to Leh)

Route: Leh — Chilling — Skiu — Markha Village — Hankar — Nimaling — Kongmaru La — Shang Sumdo — Leh

Day 1: Arrive Leh (3,500m) — Transfer & Mandatory Rest

Arrive at Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe Airport (IXL), Leh. Private transfer to hotel.
Complete rest for the remainder of the day — no exertion, no sightseeing, no strenuous walking. Altitude acclimatisation begins the moment you land at 3,500m. Acute mountain sickness risk is highest in the first 24 hours; the most important thing you can do today is rest, drink water, and avoid physical effort.
Trek briefing, equipment check, and permit review with your Summit Routes guide in the evening. Sleep early.
Overnight: Hotel Ladakh Residency, Hotel The Grand Dragon, or similar, Leh
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Acclimatisation Day — Leh (3,500m)

A full, mandatory acclimatisation day in Leh before the trek begins. Do not skip or shorten this day — the trekking route rises to 4,700m by Day 6 and 5,150m on Day 7. The body requires at least 48 hours at 3,500m before pushing higher is safe.
Morning rest. Pulse oximeter readings taken by your guide morning and evening.
Afternoon easy guided walk to Leh Palace and the old city lanes (~3,600m) — enough gentle movement to aid acclimatisation without taxing the body. Visit Shanti Stupa for panoramic views of the Indus Valley, Stok Kangri (6,153m), and the Zanskar range — the same peaks you will be among in the days ahead.
Early dinner and bed. Hydration is essential tonight.
Overnight: Hotel Ladakh Residency, Hotel The Grand Dragon, or similar, Leh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Drive Leh to Chilling (3,150m) — Trek to Skiu (3,350m)

Drive: ~2.5 hours via Srinagar Highway and Zanskar road • Trek: ~11 km | 4–5 hours

Depart Leh early by private jeep. The road descends to the Indus, crosses at Nimmu, and then follows the Zanskar River upstream through progressively narrowing canyon terrain to Chilling.
At Chilling, cross the Zanskar River by jhula (suspended rope bridge) — the dramatic entry point that separates this route from every other Markha Valley approach. The gorge walls close in immediately above the crossing. From this moment, the route is entirely on foot.
The trail follows the Markha River upstream through the gorge, passing under towering eroded cliff faces and through narrow canyon sections before the valley gradually opens above Skiu.
Skiu (3,350m) sits at the confluence of the Zanskar and Markha rivers — a small farming settlement with an ancient monastery perched on the cliff above the village. First views of Kang Yatse (6,400m) appear above the valley head.
Overnight: Homestay at Skiu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Skiu to Markha Village (3,700m)

Trek: ~16 km | 6–7 hours — the longest day of the trek

The longest trekking day of the route, but through the most characteristically Ladakhi terrain on the entire valley — sandy river banks, willowed side-streams, and a succession of small settlements clinging to the cliffs above the river. Pace conservatively and carry sufficient water from Skiu.
Pass through the villages of Sara and Umlung before the valley opens into the wider, more settled terrain approaching Markha. The ruins of Markha Fort sit on a promontory of crumbling rock above the valley floor — a sentinel that has watched over the valley for centuries.
Markha Village (3,700m) is the largest settlement in the valley — a working Ladakhi community with a functioning monastery (Markha Gompa), chorten-lined lanes, barley fields, and reliable homestay accommodation. This is the cultural heart of the trek.
Overnight: Homestay at Markha Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Markha to Hankar (4,000m)

Trek: ~12 km | 5–6 hours

Above Markha the valley narrows and the landscape becomes starker — the agricultural green of the lower valley gives way to open moraine and high-desert terrain. Kang Yatse dominates the skyline ahead, its summit glacier clearly visible for the first time.
Pass through Techa and Thachungtse before the final approach to Hankar — a remote, wild settlement at 4,000m with only a handful of permanent residents. The Hankar Gompa, set on a rock pillar above the village, is one of the most dramatically positioned monasteries in all of Ladakh.
From Hankar, the unmistakable outline of Kang Yatse (6,400m) fills the valley head — the same mountain that Summit Routes offers as a technical expedition for those wishing to return with mountaineering objectives.
Overnight: Homestay or simple guesthouse at Hankar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Hankar to Nimaling (4,700m)

Trek: ~9 km | 4–5 hours

A shorter day by distance but a significant altitude gain — from 4,000m to 4,700m. Take it slowly. The trail climbs out of the upper Markha Valley through a series of moraine ridges and glacial valleys, the terrain becoming increasingly alpine and bare.
Nimaling (4,700m) is the high-altitude pastureland at the head of the Markha Valley — a broad, open plateau used by Changpa nomads and their yak herds through the summer. Camping here is among the finest in Ladakh: a wide sky, silence broken only by wind and yak bells, and Kang Yatse rising immediately above camp. The Milky Way at 4,700m in a rainshadow sky is extraordinary.
Arrive by early afternoon. Rest, acclimatise, and prepare all gear for the Kongmaru La crossing tomorrow. Early dinner and sleep by 8:00 PM.
Overnight: Expedition tents at Nimaling (4,700m) — sleeping bag rated to -10°C mandatory
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Nimaling — Kongmaru La (5,150m) — Shang Sumdo (3,600m)

Trek: ~16 km | 7–8 hours — the biggest day of the trek

Early start from Nimaling — crossing Kongmaru La is best done before midday winds build. The climb to the pass takes 2–3 hours from camp, ascending over open scree and occasional snow (early season) to the prayer flags at 5,150m.
Kongmaru La is the highest point of the trek and one of the great viewpoints of Ladakh: to the west, Kang Yatse and the Zanskar range; to the north, the Karakoram on the horizon; to the east, Stok Kangri (6,153m) and the Indus Valley, 1,500m below. On a clear day the view extends to the Nun-Kun massif in Kashmir. Allow time here.
The descent from the pass drops steeply through rocky switchbacks and canyon sections to the Indus Valley at Shang Sumdo (3,600m) — a long but exhilarating finish to the trekking portion of the journey.
Your Summit Routes vehicle meets the group at Shang Sumdo for the drive back to Leh (~1.5 hours).
Overnight: Hotel Ladakh Residency, Hotel The Grand Dragon, or similar, Leh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Drive Shang Sumdo to Leh — Rest & Optional Sightseeing

A full rest and recovery day in Leh. The body has spent five days above 3,500m and crossed a 5,150m pass yesterday — rest, rehydration, and a proper meal in the city are the priority.
Optional guided half-day excursion to Hemis Monastery (23 km from Leh) — the largest and most important monastery in Ladakh, with a remarkable collection of thangkas, statues, and festival masks. Alternatively, explore Thiksey Monastery or the Leh bazaar at your own pace.
Celebration dinner in Leh in the evening.
Overnight: Hotel Ladakh Residency, Hotel The Grand Dragon, or similar, Leh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Departure from Leh

Private transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe Airport (IXL) for onward travel.
Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

IN-17 – Markha Valley Trek via Chilling, Ladakh (9 Days / 8 Nights)
Starting from USD 895 per person
(Based on 2 trekkers, private certified guide & horse support)

Includes all transport, certified Ladakhi guide, horse luggage support, permits, homestay & camping accommodation, and all meals on trek — no hidden costs.

👉 Request Custom Itinerary & Quote

INCLUDED

All private transportation throughout the programme (Leh airport transfers, Leh–Chilling drive, Shang Sumdo–Leh return, Day 8 local transfers)
8 nights accommodation:
- 3 nights hotel in Leh (twin sharing, attached bathroom) — Hotel Ladakh Residency, Hotel The Grand Dragon, or similar — Days 1, 2, and 7 return
- 1 night Day 8 hotel in Leh (twin sharing) — same hotel
- 1 night homestay at Skiu (Day 3)
- 1 night homestay at Markha Village (Day 4)
- 1 night homestay or simple guesthouse at Hankar (Day 5)
- 1 night expedition tents at Nimaling (4,700m) — tents, sleeping mats, and mess tent provided (Day 6)
Inner Line Permit for the Markha Valley and Hemis National Park entry permit
Certified mountain guide (J&K Tourism Department licensed, Ladakh-born) throughout all 9 days
Horse/mule support for group luggage throughout the trek (1 horse per 2 trekkers)
Horseman wages, fodder, and all horse-related logistics
All camping cooking equipment, cookware, and fuel for the Nimaling camp night
Pulse oximeter monitoring on all days above 4,000m
All meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary (breakfast and dinner in Leh on Days 1–2 and Day 8; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on all trek days)
All government taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED

International or domestic flights to/from Leh (IXL)
Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover high-altitude trekking above 5,500m and helicopter evacuation)
Personal sleeping bag rated to -10°C — mandatory; hire available in Leh on request
Personal trekking equipment (boots, clothing, trekking poles, etc.)
Lunches in Leh on Days 2 and 8
Personal expenses, snacks, and bottled beverages
Tips for guide and horseman
Anything not mentioned under "Included"

Group Pricing (indicative per person)

Group Size	Price (USD) per Person
2 persons	895
3–4 persons	795
5–8 persons	720
9+ persons	On request

Hotel List

Accommodation

Leh (Days 1–2 & Day 8 — 3 Nights)

Accommodation in Leh is arranged at Hotel Ladakh Residency, Hotel The Grand Dragon, or a similar well-positioned property in the city. Twin sharing with attached bathroom, hot shower, electricity, and Wi-Fi. The first two nights serve entirely as acclimatisation — comfortable conditions and complete rest are the priority. The Day 8 return night is well-earned after 5 days on the trail and a 5,150m pass crossing the day before; a hot shower, a proper restaurant dinner, and Leh's pleasant evening bazaar are among the more appreciated comforts at this point.

Skiu (Day 3 — 1 Night)

Village homestay at Skiu (3,350m). Basic but warm — local Ladakhi family accommodation with home-cooked meals (dal, rice, roti, local vegetables). Shared outdoor facilities. The Skiu homestays are among the most atmospheric on the route: walled courtyards, apricot trees overhead, and the monastery visible on the cliff above. A sleeping bag rated to -10°C is advisable from Skiu upward.

Markha Village (Day 4 — 1 Night)

Village homestay at Markha Village (3,700m). The best-appointed homestays on the route — most have solar lighting, basic washing facilities, and a rooftop with views of Markha Gompa and the valley. An authentic and memorable experience of Ladakhi family life, with butter tea and tsampa in the traditional kitchen.

Hankar (Day 5 — 1 Night)

Village homestay or simple guesthouse at Hankar (4,000m). Very basic — toilet facilities are outdoor. Electricity is solar-only. A sleeping bag rated to -10°C is essential from Hankar upwards. Pack all personal medication, snacks, and essential items in Leh; no resupply is available above Markha.

Nimaling (Day 6 — 1 Night)

Expedition tents provided by Summit Routes at Nimaling (4,700m). A sleeping bag rated to -10°C is non-negotiable — night temperatures at Nimaling can drop to -5°C even in July and August, and significantly below that in September. Sleeping bag hire is available in Leh on request.

The tent camp at Nimaling is the logistical centrepiece of the trek's high section. The setting — open plateau, Changpa yak herds in the distance, Kang Yatse overhead — more than compensates for the basic conditions. The Milky Way at 4,700m in a Ladakh rainshadow sky with no artificial light for many kilometres is one of the outstanding incidental experiences of this route.

What to Pack

What to Pack — Markha Valley Trek via Chilling

The Markha Valley Trek spans 3,150m at Chilling to 5,150m at Kongmaru La over 9 days, with one tented night at Nimaling (4,700m) and the majority of accommodation in village homestays. This is a Ladakh high-desert trek — the climate is unlike the forested mountain treks in Kashmir, Uttarakhand, or Sikkim. There is almost no rain above Chilling; strong UV, cold nights, and daytime temperature swings between desert heat and high-altitude cold are the defining conditions. The horse team carries your main bag between trail points — you carry only a personal daypack on trek days.

Clothing & Layers

Heavy down jacket rated to -10°C — for the Nimaling overnight (4,700m) and the early start on Kongmaru La. The temperature drop from a warm afternoon at Hankar to a -5°C Nimaling night is abrupt and significant.
Windproof hardshell jacket — rain is rare above Chilling, but wind at Kongmaru La (5,150m) can be severe and cold. A windproof outer layer is more important than waterproofing on this route.
Fleece mid-layer × 2
Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom) × 3 — the absence of humidity in Ladakh means synthetic fabrics work well here.
Trekking trousers × 2 — lightweight and fast-drying. The sandy, dry terrain means these stay clean longer than on wetter routes.
Thermal leggings × 1 — for the Nimaling overnight and the Kongmaru La ascent.
Balaclava — for the early-morning Kongmaru La departure from Nimaling camp. Wind at 5,150m in Ladakh is genuinely severe.
Wide-brimmed sun hat and warm hat — both. The Ladakh desert sun at altitude is among the most intense on any route in this series. UV at 4,000–5,000m in a dry, low-humidity sky is extreme; sun protection is more critical here than on any forested trek.
Trekking gloves — a lightweight pair and a heavier warm pair for the Kongmaru La morning.
Trekking socks × 4–5 pairs
Camp shoes or sandals — for rest time at homestays in the evenings.

Footwear

Waterproof trekking boots — fully broken in before arrival. The Markha Valley trail includes river crossings (particularly in early season when meltwater is high), rocky canyon sections below Chilling, and scree on the Kongmaru La approach. Ankle support is important on the full 16 km Day 7.
Trekking poles × 2 — strongly recommended for the river crossings in the lower valley, the moraine terrain above Hankar, and the steep descent from Kongmaru La (1,550m in one day). Two poles reduce risk significantly on the pass descent.

Personal Health & Safety

Altitude medication — this is the highest-altitude trek in the Summit Routes India portfolio, reaching 5,150m on Day 7 with the base at 3,500m. Two acclimatisation days in Leh are built in. Consult your doctor about Diamox well before departure. Read our guide to altitude sickness in the Himalaya.
Personal first aid kit — blister plasters, ibuprofen, paracetamol, antihistamines, rehydration sachets. Leh has well-stocked pharmacies; above Markha there are none.
Glacier sunglasses or goggles — Category 4 UV protection — the combination of high altitude (4,000–5,000m), rainshadow low humidity, and the reflective scree and snow on Kongmaru La makes this the highest UV-exposure route in the India trek portfolio. Standard Category 3 sunglasses are the minimum; Category 4 or goggles are strongly recommended for the pass day. Snow blindness is a real risk on Kongmaru La without proper protection.
High-SPF sunscreen (50+) — the Ladakh desert UV is severe and sustained. Apply to all exposed skin including the back of the neck and ears. Carry enough for 9 days.
Lip balm with SPF — dry Ladakh air and UV together cause severe lip damage without protection.
Hand sanitiser — homestay washing facilities are basic; hand hygiene is important.
Personal prescription medicines — carry double your required quantity. No pharmacy above Leh.

Gear & Equipment

Sleeping bag rated to -10°C — non-negotiable. The Nimaling camp (4,700m) drops to -5°C in summer and below -10°C in September. Village homestay blankets above Markha are thin. This is the single most important piece of personal gear on this trek. Hire available in Leh on request.
Sleeping bag liner — adds warmth at homestays and extends the range of the bag at Nimaling.
Trekking daypack (20–30L) — carries personal items on trail. Horse carries your main duffel.
Main duffel bag (60–70L, soft-sided) — for horse loading. Maximum 20 kg. No hard-framed luggage.
Headlamp + spare lithium batteries — for the early Kongmaru La departure and for navigating homestays after dark. Cold at Nimaling kills alkaline batteries; use lithium for the high-altitude nights.
Insulated water bottle (1L) — temperatures on Kongmaru La can freeze standard plastic bottles. An insulated bottle is important for the Day 7 pass start. Water sources are reliable on the valley trail but absent on the upper pass approach.
Water purification tablets — as backup for stream water on the trail.
Power bank — electricity is solar-only or unavailable from Hankar onward. Charge devices fully in Leh before departure. A power bank for 5 days is essential.

Documents & Money

Original ID / Passport — required for Inner Line Permit registration in Leh and for checkpoints on the trail. Carry throughout.
Travel insurance documents — must cover high-altitude trekking above 5,500m and helicopter evacuation. Mandatory for participation.
Cash in Indian Rupees — Leh has ATMs. There are no ATMs on the Markha Valley trail. Withdraw sufficient cash in Leh for all personal expenses through Day 9, including homestay extras and tips (guide, horseman).

Optional but Useful

Camera with multiple spare batteries — the Kongmaru La panorama is one of the finest photographic opportunities in Indian trekking; cold at 5,150m and at Nimaling drains batteries quickly.
Lightweight down trousers or over-trousers — for cold evenings at Nimaling.
High-energy trail snacks — energy bars, nuts, electrolytes. Carry a personal supply from Leh; nothing is available above Markha Village.
Small padlock for your duffel bag at Leh hotel.

For a complete Himalayan packing guide with brand recommendations and a printable checklist, see our Himalayan Trekking Gear List →

Sleeping bag hire and trekking pole hire are available in Leh — contact us before travel to arrange.

Safety Protocols

Safety & Emergency Protocols — Markha Valley Trek via Chilling

Your safety is the absolute priority on every Summit Routes trek. The Markha Valley Trek reaches 5,150m at Kongmaru La — the highest altitude of any Summit Routes India trek — with the base at Leh (3,500m), where the acclimatisation risk begins the moment you land. The route spends five consecutive nights above 3,350m, including two above 4,000m and one at 4,700m, in terrain where road access is non-existent from Chilling to Shang Sumdo. Below is a full account of the safety protocols and emergency procedures maintained on every departure.

First Aid & Medical Equipment

Comprehensive expedition first aid kit carried by the lead guide at all times throughout the 9-day route
Pulse oximeter for blood-oxygen monitoring on all days above 4,000m — readings taken on arrival at each camp and each morning before departure above Hankar
Basic medications including Diamox, Dexamethasone, Nifedipine, analgesics, rehydration salts, and wound and blister care supplies
Daily health check-ins throughout — individual condition assessed at each acclimatisation stage in Leh, and at each overnight above 3,500m on the trail

Acclimatisation and Leh Arrival

The Markha Valley Trek begins at 3,500m in Leh — one of the highest airports in commercial aviation. Trekkers arriving from sea level are at significant AMS risk in the first 24 hours regardless of fitness. The two mandatory Leh acclimatisation days are the most important safety investment of the entire journey. The guide conducts pulse oximeter assessments on Days 1 and 2 and will not clear any trekker to depart for Chilling on Day 3 if their blood-oxygen levels or symptoms are concerning. No departure schedule or booking commitment overrides this assessment.

Evacuation Procedure

Chilling and lower gorge (Day 3, approach section):

Return to the Chilling road by foot and vehicle transfer to Leh (~2.5 hours from Chilling). Road access at Chilling is the fastest evacuation point on the entire route.

Skiu to Hankar (Days 3–5):

Assisted descent to Chilling road access — approximately 4–8 hours from Markha/Hankar to Chilling depending on starting point, followed by vehicle transfer to Leh. Helicopter access is possible in the open sections of the lower Markha Valley near Skiu in good weather.

Nimaling (Day 6, 4,700m):

Helicopter landing is possible on the Nimaling plateau in good weather — this is the primary emergency evacuation route from the high camp. Assisted descent to Hankar (4–5 hours on foot) is the secondary route for stable cases.
For any trekker showing severe AMS symptoms at Nimaling, descent must begin immediately — the combination of 4,700m altitude and cold night conditions makes this the highest-risk overnight on the trek.

Kongmaru La and Shang Sumdo (Day 7):

Once the pass is crossed, descent to road access at Shang Sumdo is the fastest available route — approximately 2–3 hours to road, followed by vehicle transfer to Leh (~1.5 hours).
If a trekker cannot complete the Kongmaru La crossing, assisted descent back to Nimaling and then to Hankar is the evacuation route.

Medical Facilities:

Primary hospital: SNM Hospital, Leh — the main government hospital serving the Ladakh Union Territory and the primary referral for high-altitude medical emergencies from the Markha Valley
HelpAge India operates a seasonal Medical Camp at Leh focused on altitude sickness — your guide knows the current contact details

Guide Training & Certifications

All trekking guides are licensed by the J&K Tourism Department / Ladakh Union Territory Tourism
Wilderness first aid training and high-altitude awareness certification
Minimum of three prior Markha Valley Trek completions required for every lead guide — direct knowledge of current river-crossing conditions at the Chilling entry, the Kongmaru La approach snowpack, weather patterns in the upper valley, and individual trekker AMS assessment at altitude is essential
No summit, schedule, or booking commitment overrides the guide's safety judgement

Travel Insurance — Mandatory Requirement

Valid travel insurance is a non-negotiable condition of participation on this trek.

Must cover high-altitude trekking above 5,500 metres — Kongmaru La reaches 5,150m and standard trekking policies at 5,000m or below are insufficient
Must include emergency helicopter evacuation from Nimaling plateau or the Markha Valley — helicopter rescue requires insurer pre-authorisation before Summit Routes activates the evacuation
Must cover medical hospitalisation and emergency repatriation
The insurance policy must be shared with Summit Routes before departure
Trekkers without valid insurance cannot join this trek — no exceptions

See our Insurance & Permits FAQ for guidance on policies that cover 5,150m+.

Emergency Contact Protocol During the Trek

For Family / Next of Kin

A dedicated emergency contact number is provided before departure. Our Leh operations coordinator monitors every active Markha Valley departure and will contact your nominated next-of-kin within 2 hours of any serious incident.

On the Trail

Mobile signal is available in Leh (Days 1–2 and Days 8–9). Signal is absent from Chilling through to Shang Sumdo on Days 3–7. Our guides know the specific locations in the lower valley near Chilling and at Shang Sumdo where emergency signal can be accessed. For helicopter coordination from Nimaling or the mid-valley, emergency communications are managed through the guide's pre-arranged protocol with the Leh operations base.

Rescue Coordination

Summit Routes maintains coordination with the Ladakh Union Territory Tourism Department, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) which operates in the Hemis National Park region, and SNM Hospital, Leh.

Altitude Sickness (AMS) — Our Policy

AMS is the primary medical risk on this trek and must be taken seriously from the moment of arrival in Leh. Read our complete altitude sickness guide before departure.

Any trekker showing signs of HACE or HAPE will be descended immediately. This decision is non-negotiable and cannot be overridden by the trekker.

The acclimatisation schedule for this route:

Days 1–2: Leh — 3,500m (two full acclimatisation days — non-negotiable)
Day 3: Skiu — 3,350m (slight descent from Leh aids adaptation)
Day 4: Markha — 3,700m
Day 5: Hankar — 4,000m
Day 6: Nimaling — 4,700m (largest single-day gain on the trek: +700m)
Day 7: Kongmaru La — 5,150m (+ full descent to 3,600m same day)

Day 6 is the critical acclimatisation stage — the guide conducts a thorough evening assessment at Hankar before committing to the Nimaling push on Day 6. Any trekker not cleared will remain at Hankar for an additional rest day, with the Nimaling and Kongmaru La crossing attempted the following day if conditions allow.

Have a safety question before booking?
Contact our team on WhatsApp (+91 96222 44022) or email info@summitroutes.com.

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FAQ

How difficult is Markha Valley Trek via Chilling?

Moderate to challenging. Long daily distances (up to 16 km) on rough, unmarked terrain with a high-pass finish at 5,150m. Good fitness is essential; technical skills are not required.

Do I need trekking experience to join Markha Valley Trek via Chilling?

Prior trekking experience helps but is not mandatory. If you can walk 6–8 hours a day on uneven ground and are comfortable at altitude, this trek is within reach.

When is the best time to do the Markha Valley Trek via Chilling?

June to September. July and August are the driest and warmest months. Early June and late September are quieter but colder, with possible snow on Kongmaru La.

What permits are required and do you arrange them?

Yes. We arrange both required permits — the Inner Line Permit for Markha Valley and the Hemis National Park entry permit. No paperwork on your end.

What's included in the price?

All transport, Ladakhi guide, horse support for luggage, all meals on trek, homestay and camping accommodation, and all permits. See the full inclusions list above.

How do I get to the starting point?

Fly into Leh (IXL). We handle all transfers from Leh airport. Direct flights operate from Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, and Jammu.

What accommodation is provided during the trip?

Village homestays in Skiu, Markha, and Hankar; expedition tents at Nimaling (4,700m). Hotel in Leh on arrival, acclimatisation, and post-trek nights.

What kind of food is served, and can you cater to dietary requirements?

Dal, rice, chapati, local barley dishes, eggs, and seasonal vegetables — cooked fresh at homestays and by our camp cook at Nimaling. Vegetarian by default; let us know any dietary requirements on booking.

Can I join as a solo traveller?

Yes. Solo trekkers are welcome and join small groups on fixed departures. Private solo departures are also available — ask on enquiry.

What is the maximum altitude reached on this trek?

5,150m at Kongmaru La on Day 7. You sleep at a maximum of 4,700m at Nimaling on Day 6.

How are meals handled on the trail?

Breakfast and dinner at homestays or in camp. Packed lunch carried on trail each day. Our horseman carries camp cooking equipment for the Nimaling night.

What happens if I develop altitude sickness?

Your guide carries a pulse oximeter and monitors readings daily from Day 1 in Leh. If symptoms develop, the protocol is immediate descent. We do not push through AMS. Helicopter evacuation is available from the valley floor.

Is there mobile coverage during the trek?

No reliable mobile coverage beyond Leh. Expect no signal from Day 3 to Day 7. Inform family before you leave Leh.

Can I combine the Markha Valley Trek with the Kang Yatse II Expedition?

Yes — and it is one of our most popular combinations. The Markha Valley approach passes directly beneath Kang Yatse. Contact us to build a combined itinerary.

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📅 2026 Departures — Markha Valley Trek via Chilling (9 Days)

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Jun 20 – Jun 28 Jul 18 – Jul 26 Aug 08 – Aug 16 Sep 06 – Sep 14

Arrive & Depart: Leh (IXL), Ladakh, India

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Markha Valley Trek via Chilling

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Markha Valley Trek via Chilling — 9 Days (Leh, Ladakh)

Arrive & Depart: Leh (IXL), Ladakh, India

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