Markha Valley welcomes you with its snowy peaks, crisp skies, Buddhist gompas, rock formations and several adorable villages. However, the main reason why tourists visit this valley is trekking.
This beautiful valley takes its name from Markha River which is a tributary of Zanskar River. While on your visit here, you get to see several settlements and villages of Tibetan Buddhists like Rumbak, Shingo, Skyu, Sara and a few others. The people belonging to these villages are mainly yak herders.
If you too want to visit Markha Valley for trekking, then let us tell you it is not at all an easy trek by any means as there are two passes here each accounting for a height of about 4900 m or more.
The valley runs parallel with the Indus forming an almost divine scene, due to which it comes across almost as a dream destination for any hardcore trekker or wildlife adventure enthusiast.
Markha Valley Trek is also referred to as the Tea house Trek as here you get to stay in the parachutes, tents while on your whole trip.
Best Time to Visit Markha Valley
The best time to visit Markha Valley is between the months of June and September. During this time, the overall weather is also quite pleasant for exploring around and challenging the traveller bubbling within you for that adrenaline rush.
Major Attractions in and Around Markha Valley
1. Nubra Valley. Situated at a distance of about 140 km from Leh, this valley is renowned for the Bactrian camel rides, beautiful orchards as well as the monasteries. Surrounded by snow-clad mountains Nubra valley has everything to be your next dream destination.
2. Shanti Stupa Ladakh. This is one of the must-visit travel getaways in Ladakh near Markha Valley. This Buddhist monument is situated on a hilltop close to 12,000 feet. For any religious person or a hardcore Buddhist, this place is really unmissable. The highlight of the stupa is that it also holds the relics of Lord Buddha consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama. And the sweeping views of Leh along with nearby villages come as a consolation reward for the travellers.
3. Tso Moriri Lake. Tso Moriri is one of the largest high altitude lakes in India situated at a height of 4,595 m. Located in the Changthang region, this place is very much identical to the Pangong Lake. The lush beauty and the sparkling water of the lake will make you fall in love with it.
How to Reach Markha Valley
The sheer beauty along with the sweeping views of infinite mountains make Markha Valley and its nearby regions no less than a fairytale-like travel destination for many; encompassing all kinds of adventures and challenges. Check out the details given below on how you can reach Markha Valley via various means of public transportation.
By Air. To reach here via air, you will need to deboard at the Kushok Bakula Rompochee Airport (IXL). Named after the 19th Rinpoche, this airport basically acts as a military airbase and has also been fairly well routed with other Indian cities.
However, due to the overall rough weather conditions, all the flights take off and land here in the mornings only. But travelling here is worth it as well, due to the amazing views of unending horizon dotted with mighty mountains. After deboarding at the airport, you will need to take a cab to reach this spot.
- From Amritsar - Board IndiGo, Spicejet, Air India flights from Amritsar Airport. It will cost you between INR 5,000 - INR 6,000
- From Lucknow - Board IndiGo, Vistara, GoAir, Spicejet flights from Lucknow Airport. It will cost you between INR 10,000 - INR 12,000
- From Chandigarh - Board Air India, Spicejet flights from Chandigarh Airport. The airfares start from INR 9,000 - INR 11,000
By Train. To reach Leh via train, you will need to deboard at the Jammu Tawi Railway Station (JAT). This station is one of the busiest train stations in the region with good train connectivity with nearby towns and cities. Once you deboard at Jammu, then travel further by taking a flight to Leh and from there you will need to hire a cab to reach your destination.
By Road. Travelling to Leh via road is a dream of any biker. People usually prefer to visit here during the months of May and October, the reason being good climatic conditions. While you plan on travelling here via either bike or car, make sure that your vehicle has the needed ground clearance owing to the geographical conditions. Otherwise, from the nearby regions, you can also board state-run buses to reach here.
- Amritsar - 867 km via NH154
- Jammu - 681 km via NH44
- Moga - 955 km via NH1
- Delhi - 1,007 km via Leh Manali Highway
- Shimla - 717 km via Keylong Leh Road
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
