Trek difficulty
Moderate - Difficult
Trek duration
9 Days
Trek altitude
17200 Ft.
Group size
6-12
Trek distance
65Km
Basecamp
Ladakh
Best Time
July to September
Pickup Point
Ladakh
is one of the most picturesque and culturally rich routes of Ladakh. The rising goes as high as 17,200 feet at Kongmaru La (one of the highest points in the trek). It offers unfathomably scenic views of the neighboring mountains and valleys.
From Chilling, the trek joins the old Silk Route, passing through the quaint villages of Markha and Hankar, rich with Tibetan culture. Within the realms of Hemis National Park, the valley enjoys a strange mixture of nature and Tibetan life. On the way, you are presented with views of serene landscapes, green fields, and simple mud cottages-especially balancing between adventure and culture.
The Markha Valley Trek is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for anyone pressed for time after a visit to Ladakh to absorb some nature and culture.
1.Leh
A beautiful city where culture and history hang in an unparalleled balance, Leh is the starting point in your adventure. Famous for its majestic monasteries, ancient temples, and palaces, Leh forms the heart of Ladakh. This city's mild unresting aura can provide a calm prelude to the trek. Since Leh lies at a high altitude, a certain acclimatization period needs to be allowed, at least for a day. Short walks in Leh will help your body cope and get ready for the trek.
2.Hemis National Park
Crossing through Hemis National Park, you find a beautiful sanctuary of unique wildlife and scenic landscapes. Due to its rich biodiversity, and those lucky few trekkers have seen mountain sheep, rabbits, and the elusive snow leopard. Bird watchers will be pleased since the park shelters great birds such as golden eagles and lammergeier vultures. The colorful landscape is a wonderful bonus for this natural paradise.
3.Sara Village
Sara Village is a wonderful little village to present the traditional lifestyle of Ladakh. From grand entrances decorated with yak skulls-a great pride for the locals-sanctuaries to old monasteries and castles, everything is here representing local culture. The village is also surrounded by large wheat fields, making it a quiet and picturesque stop along the trek.
4.Kongmaru La
It is the highest and most exciting point on this entire trek. Situated at an elevation of 17,250 feet, the views here are spectacular. It will test your endurance because it is quite a demanding climb, and the views of the Ladakh ranges from the top are worth every step. Prayer flags make lots of vibrant colors as they flutter in the wind, there is a spiritual feel to the place, and the vast openness of the landscapes will leave you speechless.
5. Nimaling
Nimaling is amongst the most picturesque spots on the trek and offers a lovely camping ground. It is surrounded by endless meadows and a pleasant stream and endowed with tranquil natural allure. Serving at the highest elevation accessible, it is the base for Kang Yatse, a prominent outstanding peak of the region. From here, one has an extraordinary view of the rugged Ladakh ranges and Indus valley. As the night sets in, the sky becomes a celestial carpet, turning your campsite into a magical one.
Day 1- Arrive in Leh
Day 2- Acclimatization in Leh
Day 3 -Drive from Leh to Skiu, then trek to Sara
Day 4 -Trek from Sara to Markha
Day 5 -Trek from Markha to Hankar
Day 6 -Trek from Hankar to Nimaling
Day 7 -Trek from Nimaling to Chokdo via Kongmaru La and Drive to Leh
July to September
Trekking Gear:
Clothing:
Accessories:
Food & Snacks:
Optional Items:
Documents & Permits:
Day 1: Arrive in Leh
Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,500 ft.,Arrive in Leh, the capital of Ladakh,Rest to adjust to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness
Day 2: Acclimatization in Leh
Acclimatization day with light sightseeing,Visit the famous Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Sangam (where the Zanskar and Indus rivers meet), and Hemis Monastery,Take a short walk in the afternoon for better acclimatization,Overnight stay in Leh
Day 3: Drive from Leh to Skiu, then trek to Sara
Altitude: Skiu: 3,400 m / 11,150 ft. Sara: 3,600 m / 11,800 ft.
Drive Distance: 70 km | 2-3 hours Trek Distance: 11 km | 5-6 hours
Begin trekking towards Sara, passing through small villages and crossing rivers,Enjoy the beauty of the barren landscape mixed with green fields and traditional Ladakhi culture,Camp overnight at Sara village
Day 4: Trek from Sara to Markha
Altitude: Markha - 3,700 m / 12,200 ft. Trek Distance: 10 km | 5-6 hours
Today’s trek takes you to Markha Village, the most popular stop in the trek.Walk through the valley with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.You can set up camp at Markha village
Day 5: Trek from Markha to Hankar
Altitude: Hankar - 4,100 m / 13,400 ft. Trek Distance: 13 km | 7-8 hours
Trek from Markha to Hankar,Enjoy the quiet atmosphere and the occasional sighting of yaks,Camp overnight in Hankar
Day 6: Trek from Hankar to Nimaling
Altitude: Nimaling - 4,800 m / 15,800 ft. Trek Distance: 12 km | 7-8 hours
Begin the trek towards Nimaling,The views of Kang Yatse Peak (6400 m) and other high mountains are awe-inspiring,Overnight camping at Nimaling
Day 7: Trek from Nimaling to Chokdo via Kongmaru La and Drive to Leh
Altitude: Kongmaru La: 5,200 m / 17,300 ft. Chokdo: 3,900 m / 12,900 ft.
Trek Distance: 13 km | 7-8 hours
Cross the highest point of the trek, Kongmaru La Pass (5,200 m).Reach Chokdo, the endpoint of your trek, and drive back to Leh.
Drive Back to Leh: 60 km | 3 hours
Inclusion
During The Trek
Exclusion
Yes, it is fairly difficult with its high altitudes and differing terrain. However, it is apt for the novices with a good amount of fitness and will have to do a proper acclimatization.
To finish the trek in full generally takes 6 to 8 days, with the pace of the trek and days of rest influencing the actual length.
May to September if the weather is clear and with mild temperatures.
From Leh to the starting point at Chilling, the distance is about 70 to 80 km, covered in basically 3-4 hours by car.
Testimonials
Radandi Shashank
“You are not just a mountain trek guides, but a true guardian of the journey. Your unwavering loyalty to our team, the mountains, and safety itself is extraordinary. Every step felt secure because of your dedication, integrity. And stayed committed to every trekker, through every challenge, with patience, care, and honesty. Huge respect to Subodh Jii n Aditi Mam!! Thank youu @thinairexpedition It was wonderful experience!!❤️❤️
67D3_KALYAN
Completing the Kedarkantha trek at an altitude of around 12,500 feet was not just a trek for us, it was a life-long memory, and a major reason for this unforgettable experience is our guide Shubhod Sir. From the very first day till the summit, Shubhod Sir guided us with immense patience, discipline, and genuine care. At every difficult patch, when our legs were tired and breathing became hard, his calm words, constant motivation, and confident leadership gave us the strength to keep moving forward. He never rushed anyone and always made sure that every member of the group was safe, comfortable, and mentally strong. Shubhod Sir’s knowledge of the mountains, weather, and high-altitude conditions was truly impressive. More than a guide, he felt like a protector and mentor who treated everyone like family. His positive attitude and humble nature created a sense of trust and confidence among all of us. We are also thankful to Atidhi Madam for her support and cooperation during the trek, which added to the smooth experience. Because of Shubhod Sir’s guidance and dedication, we successfully reached the summit with confidence and joy. We will always remember this trek with gratitude and respect. Truly blessed to have a guide like him. 🙏⛰️
Arvind Sahu
Wonderful experience totally worth it. At those price they provided services that no one could provides really enjoyed ❤️🎉
Kolanu Anirudh
This is my first trek in Uttarakhand(Kedharkanta) and Thin Air Expedition made it a memorable one Thanks for everything subodh bro you made it so special.
kanica kandpal
Completed the Gaumukh–Tapovan trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. Instead of opting for a fixed-departure model, we chose a personally curated itinerary, as this was our first trek—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The team was extremely thoughtful in planning each day’s distance, ensuring we were comfortably challenged without ever feeling overtired or exhausted upon reaching the campsites. Every campsite was carefully selected, offering not just safety and comfort but also breathtaking views that made each halt truly memorable. What stood out most was the level of personalization. The itinerary was clearly tailored to our pace and comfort, and the trek leader constantly shared insightful facts about the region, its geography, and cultural significance, adding depth and meaning to the journey. Overall, Thin Air Expedition delivers a highly personalized, well-paced, and enriching trekking experience. I would highly recommend them, especially for first-time trekkers looking for a safe, informative, and thoughtfully curated adventure.Sen
Raj Bahadur
I booked my trek with Thin Air Expedition on a friend’s recommendation, and it turned out to be a great decision. They managed travel and accommodation very smoothly, and everything was well organized throughout the journey. The team stayed in regular coordination, ensuring that stays and drivers were properly arranged each day. The entire trip was timely, hassle-free, and also pocket-friendly. I would definitely recommend Thin Air Expedition—you can trust them completely with your travel and trekking plans.
sachin aulakh
I recently completed the Kedarkantha Trek with ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was outstanding. The coordination, communication, and arrangements were excellent. The trek leaders were experienced and friendly, the support staff was humble, the stay was comfortable, and the food quality in such high altitude conditions was truly impressive. Their focus on safety and responsible trekking made the journey even better. I would definitely choose them again for my next Himalayan adventure! 🏔️✨
Aman rai
I recently completed a trek with the help of ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was very comfortable. From stay arrangements to travel from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, everything was well managed. The driver was extremely polite, supportive, and made the journey smooth and stress-free. Overall, a great experience and I would definitely recommend them.
Nitya Jaiswal
Kedarkantha was not just a trek, it was an experience that helped me reconnect with myself. Thanks to Thin air expeditions , I felt safe, cared for and encouraged at every step. The sunrise at the summit, the laughter around the campfire and the kindness of the guides will stay with me forever. If you're looking for a company that treats you like family on the mountains, this is the one.
Biswajit Sahoo
Subodh Sir making the trek so much of fun and intresting .. Awesome Experience with Subodh Sir
Anmol Verma
Overall trekking and accommodation was a very smooth experience. Our trek leader Mr. Ramesh was amazing and very helpful. He managed to make the trek look easy. Overall experience was 10/10. Would highly recommend.
Rishabh Singh Rana
Trek Guide Mr. Ramesh Ji is a very cool & good person. Trek journey became beautiful with the group and overall it became my one of the best experience.
aditi vaidya
I recently went on a trek with Thin Air Expeditions, and I can't get over the experience I had! I did the Phulara Ridge trek with Subodh sir, and it was an incredible experience. What made it even more special was that Subodh sir made sure I could bring my dog, Flake, a toy pom. His team and him took such great care of us, and it was clear that they truly care about their guests, human or canine! The group was amazing too. I met some wonderful people along the way, and we formed lifelong bonds. The whole experience was beautiful – from the breathtaking views to the friendly, supportive environment. I’ll cherish these memories forever! If you're looking for a SAFE, well-organized, fun, and caring trekking company, Thin Air Expeditions and Subodh sir are the ones to go with!
Anuja Vaidya
It was a wonderful experience with TAE on Phulara ridge trek, everything was on point the gears, food, trek guides and Subodh sir himself was an amazing leader who is the founder of TAE, he made sure the experience was amazing even for the first timers keeping safety the first priority. Also I took my Dog, Flake along with me for the trek and it was a great experience for her as well and her food and safety was well taken care of . 🐾 Would love to go back again with Thin air expedition. Thank you so much 🤗
Simran Samal
Phulara Ridge Trek – A Memorable Experience for me !!! Someone once told me, “Trips aren’t just about travel — they become a part of you.” I never really believed it, but this time, Phulara Ridge became exactly that for me. Our first campsite — the forest trail, the tents, the whole setting — gave me the first taste of what was to come. Everything was so thoughtfully arranged, it felt like nature itself had prepared that space for us. All thanks to our trek leader, Subodh bhai 🙌🏻. The next stop was magical in its own way. The campsite was picture-perfect, and we even ended up learning a bit of the local Uttarakhandi dance from Dev bhaiya (well… I tried to! 😄). In the evenings, we played games and spent such a good time that we forgot the weight of city life for a while. And finally, the Ridge: Honestly, we thought the weather would block the views, but Subodh bhai timed it so perfectly that the skies cleared for us. Walking on the ridge — one valley on the right, another on the left, clouds passing beneath us — felt surreal. We sat there for hours, just soaking it all in. It was pure peace. And yes, we even made tea there!!! 🫶🏻 (Of course, we made no mess, cleaned it all up, and left the space exactly the way it should be 😌). For me personally, trekking has always been like meditation — a way to quiet the noise and reconnect with myself. This trek with Subodh bhai and the team gave me exactly that: peace, perspective, memories for a lifetime, and inspiration. #SoGrateful 🙏🏻 Thank you, Subodh bhai and team, for making this such a soulful and unforgettable journey! Lastly Just one note for all: “In the end, we don’t conquer mountains; they help us discover who we truly are.” To anyone even considering it: please go with #ThinAir Expeditions to experience the rawness of trekking, the beauty of nature, and the joy of escaping city life for a while. You’ll come back not just with pictures, but with stories, stillness, and a piece of the mountains in your heart. All the best !!! ✌🏻
Netra Sharma
It was a wonderful experience with ThinAir Expedition. I went on my first trek to Phulara Ridge, and it was truly amazing. Our guide, Subodh ji, managed everything so well and remained patient throughout the trek. I enjoyed every moment and every spot. The place, the cook, and the helpers were all wonderful. The food and camps were awesome. I highly recommend joining ThinAir Expedition to experience the best of “pahadi” life!
Vaibhav Srivastava
Thin Air Expedition gave us the best experience while trekking. Everything was finely arranged and properly taken care of whether it was travel, food. Staff availablity. But the best part was free hand while trekking. Subodh led us beautifully taking in note that everyone reaches the base camp and everyone is doing well. Consulting our next phase keeping in mind the safety and gears. It was collectively very amazing. He gave us full free hand additionally it is our responsibility as well to take care of each other. We did so many activities had games and fun and he even taught us how to camp. How to set up it was fun. If it would've given me option I'll rate it 10. Thanks subodh and team and thin air expedition for such a memorable trip.
Somya Chaturvedi
I recently did the Phulara Ridge Trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was my first trek ever truly an unforgettable experience! Everything was so well managed from safety arrangements and equipment to food and stay, I never had to worry about a thing. Our trek leader, Subodh, was extremely supportive, patient, and motivating, which made a huge difference for a first-timer like me. The food was simple, homely, and very satisfying after long trekking hours. Most importantly, safety was always the top priority. For anyone planning their first or next trek, I’d highly recommend Thin Air Expedition. Professional, caring, and passionate about making the experience memorable!
We're always ready for adventure
Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.
We embrace low-noise trekking
We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.
We protect the environment
We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.
We are self-sufficient
We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.
We support each other
Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.
We are fit and prepared
We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.
