Markha to Kharnak: High-Altitude Trek Across the Zalungkarpo La — 14 Days
Traverse remote Ladakh valleys via shepherd trails, crossing 5,195m pass with views of Kang Yatze and the Tibetan border.
This trek connects two of Ladakh's least-visited valleys — the Markha and Kharnak — by way of the Zalungkarpo La, a 5,195-meter pass lying on the edge of the Chang Tang plateau. The route runs through a landscape of high desert punctuated by irrigation channels, monasteries of varying states of repair, and summer grazing grounds used by nomadic Changpa shepherds. The trek begins with three days of acclimatization around Leh, including visits to Alchi Monastery (11th century, unrestored) and the 15th-century Basgo Fort, and a jeep ascent to the Khardung La (5,380m). From Markha village, the trail ascends into the Langthang Valley — known for its population of snow leopards and lammergeiers — before making the high crossing. Wildlife sightings may include blue sheep (bharal), golden marmots, kiang (Tibetan wild ass), and various raptors. The final stretch descends into the remote Kharnak Valley and its winter settlement at Dat, from which the drive back to Leh traverses two more major passes: the Yara La (4,900m) and the Taglang La (5,320m).
Highlights
- Trek across the Zalungkarpo La (5,195m) with views extending to the snow-capped summits of the Tibetan border and Kang Yatze (6,400m)
- Hike to the Tigu Lakes on Nimaling Plain for close views of Kang Yatze and wildlife including lammergeiers and golden marmots
- Walk through the rarely trekked Langthang Valley, a habitat for snow leopards and the Himalayan bearded vulture
- Visit Alchi Monastery (11th century) and its five temples, including the Sumstek with Kashmiri architectural influences
- Acclimatize in Leh with walks to the Shanti Stupa, Sankar Gompa (16th century), Tsemo Monastery (1430), and views across the Indus Valley
- Trek through the remote Kharnak Valley to the settlement of Dat, home to Changpa herders and their summer grazing flocks
- Ascend the Khardung La (5,380m), one of the world's highest road passes, with panoramic views of the Zanskar Range and Eastern Karakoram peaks
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi · a hotel in Delhi
The group meets at a hotel in Delhi. Airport transfers are provided for all arrivals. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure. The guide joins the group for dinner and provides an overview of the trek ahead.
2Flight to Leh and High-Altitude AcclimatizationLeh · Delhi's Domestic Terminal · hotel · Leh's colourful bazaar
An early morning departure from Delhi's Domestic Terminal leads to a spectacular one-hour flight to Leh, with close-up views of the 7,000-metre massifs of Nun and Kun unfolding beneath you. Arriving at 3,500 metres, a jeep transfer takes you to the hotel. The remainder of the day is entirely free—a deliberate pause built into the itinerary. Most find it wisest to rest in the hotel courtyard, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. For those not fatigued by the journey, a leisurely walk into Leh's colourful bazaar is an option, where roadside stalls sell Tibetan artefacts and local wares. Flying directly into high altitude can leave you breathless, so concentrate on acclimatization rather than activity during these first hours. The focus here is on settling in gently.
3Alchi Monastery and Basgo FortAlchi Monastery · Basgo Fort · Leh
A 90-minute jeep drive westward along the Leh-Srinagar Highway reaches Alchi Monastery, built in the 11th century and notably unrestored. The site contains five temples, including the Dukhang (entered through a finely carved wooden archway with door panels depicting the five manifestations of Buddha) and the Sumstek, which displays strong Kashmiri architectural influences unique to this location. On the return to Leh, a stop at the 15th-century Basgo Fort showcases its jagged ruins dominating the village below. Three temples dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha remain visible at the former seat of the Ladakhi capital. The group spends a second night in Leh.
4Acclimatization Walk Around LehShanti Stupa · Sankar Gompa · Tsemo Monastery · Leh Palace · Leh's old town and main bazaar
A walk beginning from the hotel in Changspa ascends to the Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), with a choice between steep steps or a gradual jeep road. From the summit, views encompass all of Leh town and the Indus Valley beyond. The route continues downhill past the stupa gate to Sankar Gompa, a 16th-century monastery of the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat) sect. A further hike reaches Tsemo Monastery, founded in 1430 by King Tashi Namgyal and housing an impressive gold-painted Maitreya Buddha statue. The views from this altitude again extend across the valley. The trail then descends steeply to Leh Palace (currently under restoration by the Archaeological Survey of India) and continues through Leh's old town to the main bazaar. The walk covers roughly 6 kilometers with 200 meters of ascent and descent, requiring 2 to 3 hours.
5Jeep Ascent to the Khardung LaKhardung La
A jeep drive north from Leh climbs 2,000 meters to the Khardung La (5,380m), one of the world's highest road passes. The pass opens into the Nubra Valley, recently opened to foreign visitors. Panoramic views from the summit extend across the Zanskar Range beyond the Indus Valley, with Stok Kangri prominent among the peaks. Views also include the lesser-known peaks of the Eastern Karakoram. Tea taken at the pass provides a moment to adjust to the thin atmosphere. The group returns to the hotel in Leh by afternoon, with the remainder of the day at leisure.
6Drive to Markha and Trek to HangkarMarkha Valley · Markha village · Hangkar village · Leh to Markha village
A rough jeep road leads south from Leh along the Zanskar River toward the Markha Valley, which runs parallel to the Indus on the south side of the Stok Kangri peaks. The route passes several small white-painted hamlets and 2 or 3 ruined monasteries perched on the valley side before reaching Markha village (3,770m) after approximately 4 hours. Markha hosts one of Ladakh's oldest monasteries. After lunch, the trek begins into the deeper valley, passing additional monasteries — some intact, others in ruins — evidence of the valley's former greater population. Small herds of blue sheep (bharal) are often visible grazing near the river. The trek reaches Hangkar village (3,995m), where a remarkable ruined monastery sits high on a rocky spur. Kang Yatze (6,400m), the area's dominant peak, appears ahead. Trek distance is 11 kilometers over 4 hours, with 350 meters of ascent and 125 meters of descent.
7Acclimatization Hike to Tigu Lakes on Nimaling PlainTigu Lakes · Nimaling Plain · Hangkar · Markha stream
A day hike from Hangkar gains elevation while providing views of Kang Yatze (6,400m). The route ascends a pretty valley, crossing the Markha stream after 90 minutes before climbing more steeply toward the high plain known as Nimaling. Wildlife includes herds of blue sheep, large golden marmots, and hares. Lammergeiers (bearded vultures) — the largest Himalayan raptors — are common in this zone. The high point of the day reaches the Tigu Lakes, twin pools offering some of the best views of Kang Yatze in the region. The trek returns to Hangkar for a second night. The round trip covers 13 kilometers with 650 meters of ascent and descent, taking approximately 6 hours.
8Trek to Langthang Chen ValleyLangthang Chen · confluence of the Nimaling and Langthang streams · Nimaling stream · Langthang Valley
A short morning trek from Hangkar reaches the confluence of the Nimaling and Langthang streams (which merge to form the Markha) within 10 minutes. A wooden bridge crosses the Nimaling stream, leading past irrigated farmland into the Langthang Valley. The trail continues upward along the valley, crossing the stream at least once before reaching a camping place at Langthang Chen (4,150m) by late morning. The afternoon is free for rest or local exploration. The trek covers 5 kilometers over 3 hours, with 200 meters of ascent and 45 meters of descent.
9Langthang Valley Trek to YakrupalLangthang Valley · Yakrupal
The ascent continues through a rarely trekked valley. The trail gains height gradually at first, crossing the stream and following ancient stock routes. The valley narrows into steep-sided terrain; recent rockfall may require additional stream crossings. The path undulates and contours along the valley side, passing abandoned shepherds' huts and old mani walls, with several side streams crossed en route. The overnight stop at Yakrupal (4,675m) marks the last practicable camping location before the Zalungkarpo La. The day covers 10 kilometers over 5 to 6 hours, with 600 meters of ascent and 75 meters of descent.
10Cross the Zalungkarpo La to Kharnak ValleyZalungkarpo La · Khar · Gunlus stream to Khar
From camp, the trail reaches a junction of two narrow valleys after approximately one hour; the right fork is taken. The ascent steepens over the next two hours to the crest of the Zalungkarpo La (5,195m), marked with many prayer flags. Looking back toward Nimaling to the northeast and eastward, views extend to numerous snow-capped summits including Kang Yatze. A short, steep descent from the pass is followed by a more gentle descent to the Gunlus stream, which the trek follows down to open pasture at Khar (4,350m). Shepherds and their flocks of sheep and goats are encountered in this remote valley. The day covers 12 kilometers over 7 hours, with 600 meters of ascent and 925 meters of descent.
11Kharnak Valley Trek to DatKharnak Valley · Khar to Tsogra · Tsogra to Dat
The trek continues downstream from Khar, following the Gunlus valley to Tsogra, located at the confluence with a small side valley. The summer grazing grounds of Dat's residents lie in this area. Below Tsogra, a section of narrow valley lined with ancient willow trees narrows further before widening. The stream is crossed multiple times en route to the junction with the Chang Chu, which the trail follows uphill. Additional willow woodland and grassy meadows appear, along with more old mani walls in open areas. The Tibetan wild ass (kiang) may be spotted in this region, and a wetland area near Dat is important for birdlife. The trek covers 18 kilometers over 7 to 8 hours, with 400 meters of ascent and 450 meters of descent.
12Monastery Visit at Dat and Drive to LehLeh · monastery in Dat · Yara La · Taglang La
After breakfast, a visit to the monastery in Dat — an ancient and basic settlement of about a dozen houses serving as winter headquarters for Kharnak Valley residents — is possible before departure. Mid-morning, the jeep drive back to Leh begins, crossing the Yara La (4,900m) and passing through Jakang before meeting the Manali-Leh Highway. The final major pass, the Taglang La (5,320m) — the most northerly of the great trans-Himalayan passes — is crossed before reaching Leh. The drive takes 4 to 5 hours. The group stays overnight at the hotel in Leh.
13Flight to Delhi and Optional City TourDelhi · Qutab Minar · Humayun's Tomb · India Gate · Raj Ghat
An early departure leads to the airport for the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, a transfer goes to an airport-accessible hotel. Depending on flight timing, a short sightseeing tour of Delhi may be included, covering sites such as the Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Lutyens Delhi, and Raj Ghat. Alternatively, the afternoon may be spent resting at the hotel.
14Departure from DelhiDelhi Airport
Your holiday concludes after breakfast. Transfers to Delhi Airport are provided for all guests. Consider extending your time in India with pre-booked visits to Dharamsala, the Taj Mahal, or a Golden Triangle tour. Contact our office to arrange further explorations.
Where you go
- 1Delhi
- 2hotel
- 3Delhi
Included
- A professional English-speaking local leader
- Delhi Airport transfers (on group arrival and departure days only)
- Internal flights
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- All accommodation as described
- All meals throughout the holiday
- Full trekking service including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Delhi Airport transfers (other than on group arrival and departure days)
- Indian Visa
- Tips for trek staff
- Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.
Activities: Walk & Trek