Markha Valley Trek from the UK: Route, Fitness & How to Book
If you’ve dreamt of trekking through the wild landscapes of Ladakh — where monasteries cling to cliffs and the Himalayas stretch endlessly ahead — the Markha Valley Trek should be at the top of your list. From the UK, it’s one of the most rewarding Himalayan adventures you can plan. I’ve guided and helped travellers prepare for this route for years, and in this post I’ll walk you through everything — from the route and fitness tips to how you can book confidently from home.
Why Choose the Markha Valley Trek
Known as the “Little Tibet of India,” Ladakh offers striking contrasts — barren mountains, bright prayer flags, and high-altitude villages that feel untouched by time. The Markha Valley Trek runs through Hemis National Park and offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural immersion. You’ll walk alongside locals, cross river streams, and visit monasteries perched high above the valley.
For UK trekkers looking for an authentic Himalayan experience without climbing extreme peaks, this trek strikes the ideal balance between challenge and comfort.
Route Overview
The trek usually begins in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, after a couple of days of acclimatisation. From there, you drive to Chilling — the trailhead — and begin your multi-day journey through remote valleys and mountain passes.
Typical Route Itinerary:
Day 1–2: Arrive in Leh (3,500 m) and acclimatise
Day 3: Drive to Chilling – Trek to Skiu
Day 4: Trek Skiu – Markha (via Sara village)
Day 5: Trek Markha – Hankar
Day 6: Trek Hankar – Nimaling (4,700 m)
Day 7: Cross Kongmaru La Pass (5,200 m) – Descend to Chokdo – Drive to Leh
Expect roughly 6–7 hours of trekking per day, with altitude steadily increasing. The total duration from the UK (including flights, acclimatisation, and return) is around 12–14 days.
Fitness & Preparation
While you don’t need mountaineering experience, you’ll be trekking at high altitudes — so fitness and stamina are key.
Here’s how to prepare:
Cardiovascular training: Running, cycling, or brisk walking 3–4 times per week.
Leg strength: Include squats and step-ups to build endurance.
Altitude readiness: If possible, plan shorter UK hikes in the Lakes or Snowdonia to train with elevation gain.
Most trekkers find the Markha Valley Trek difficulty moderate to challenging. Acclimatisation days in Leh are essential to help your body adjust to the thin air.
Best Time to Trek
The best time for the Markha Valley Trek is June to September. During this window, trails are clear of snow, river crossings are manageable, and temperatures remain pleasant.
June – July: Greenest landscapes, melting snow, fewer trekkers.
August – September: Stable weather, clearer skies, excellent visibility.
Avoid the winter season (November–April), as heavy snow makes the route inaccessible.
Booking the Trek from the UK
Booking your Markha Valley Trek from the UK is straightforward when you go through a specialist small-group operator like High Places UK. We handle everything from international flight guidance to local permits and accommodation.
Your trip typically includes:
Airport transfers in Leh
Twin-share hotel in Leh and camping during the trek
All meals while trekking
English-speaking local guide and porters
Transportation between Leh and trailheads
Trekking permits for Hemis National Park
All you need to arrange is your international flight from London to Leh (via Delhi) and travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking.
Markha Valley Trek Cost from the UK
The cost of the Markha Valley Trek from the UK generally ranges between £1,600 and £1,900 per person, depending on group size and inclusions. Flights to India are additional (typically £600–£800 return).
At High Places UK, we keep our groups small — no more than 12 people — ensuring personal attention, safety, and a richer cultural experience.
Why Trek with High Places UK
We’ve been leading small-group adventure tours across the Himalayas for over 35 years. When you book with us, you’re not just joining a trek — you’re joining a community of mountain lovers who value responsible travel, local partnerships, and genuine adventure.
Every itinerary is crafted by experts who’ve trekked these routes themselves. From our UK team handling your pre-trip queries to our Ladakh crew managing on-ground logistics, you’re in safe hands throughout.
Final Tips Before You Go
Carry layered clothing — weather can shift quickly in Ladakh.
Bring water-purification tablets and reusable bottles.
Avoid alcohol for the first few days at altitude.
Keep an open mind — it’s as much a cultural journey as a physical one.
If you’re ready to experience the best of the Indian Himalayas, the Markha Valley Trek from the UK offers everything you could ask for — stunning scenery, authentic local life, and a deep sense of accomplishment when you cross the 5,000-metre pass.