The Nubra Valley and Markha Valley treks both showcase Ladakh’s most diverse and authentic Himalayan landscapes. These trails cover the region’s cold deserts, traditional villages, high mountain passes, and ancient monasteries, offering a complete combination of culture and adventure. The Nubra Valley Trek leads trekkers to vast sand dunes, thrilling river crossings, and views of the Karakoram Range. In comparison, the Markha Valley Trek leads deep into Hemis National Park, where trekkers experience harsh canyons, remote villages, and prominent passes like Kongmaru La with panoramic views of Kang Yatse and other high peaks.
Nubra Valley Trek
The Nubra Valley trek is a classic trek of Ladakh in the region of the Leh district. The trek connects the Indus Valley with the Nubra Valley; in ancient times, this route was used by traders to trade between Leh, Central Asia, and Saser La.
Highlights
- The trek crosses the iconic Digar La Pass (5,400 m), which connects the Indus and Nubra valleys.
- Stunning sights of the Karakoram Range, Saser Kangri, and Shyok Valley.
- Nomadic villagers above Digar Village, deep sand dunes and Bactrian camels.
- Along the trail, Stok Kangri, Matho Kangri, and other breathtaking peaks are visible.
Distance & Duration
The Nubra Valley trek starts from Phyang Village or Sabu Village and ends at Hunder or Diskit in Nubra Valley by covering a total distance of 40 to 55 km, depending on the route. Ideally, the trek lasts for 4-6 days.
Best Time
From the middle of June to the end of September is an ideal season for the Nubra Valley trek. In June and July, the weather is cool; however, August and September offer comfortable temperatures and stable skies with the clearest views.
Difficulty level
The difficulty level of the Nubra Valley trek is graded as moderate to difficult, although it is only suitable for trekkers with prior Himalayan trek experience. The trek demands acclimatisation of a minimum of 2 days as well as an ideal level of fitness.
Markha Valley Trek
The Markha Valley trek is the most popular trek in the Himalayas for its rich culture in the region of Hemis National Park, Ladakh. The trek follows the Markha River, which offers remote villages, high-altitude desert landscapes and canyons.
Highlights
- River crossings, trans-Himalayan desert scenery, narrow gorges, blue sheep and Himalayan fox.
- The trail passes through traditional Ladakhi villages like Skiu, Markha, Hankar, and Nimaling.
- The trek passes through Kongmaru La (5,260 m) with panoramic views of Kang Yatse I and Kang Yatse II.
- Old, beautiful Buddhist monasteries, homestays which provide cultural immersion, and mani walls along the trail.
Distance & Duration
The Markha Valley trek starts from Chilling or Skiu, which is 60-70 km from Leh, and ends at Shang Sumdo by covering a total distance of 70-80 km, depending on the route. Ideally, the trek demands 6-8 days for the Markha Valley trek.
Best time
From the middle of June to September comes the ideal season for the Nubra Valley trek. If you want to experience green landscapes and melting snow, then June to July is perfect for you; however, August and September offer the most stable and pleasant weather as well as clear skies.
Difficulty level
The difficulty level of the Markha Valley trek is marked as moderate, which is suitable for trekkers who already have some prior high-altitude exposure and are reasonably fit.
Conclusion
The Nubra Valley trek is higher and tougher in comparison to the Markha Valley; however, both treks showcase Ladakh’s best experience of high passes, wildlife, and barren landscapes. The Nubra Valley trek fits best for those who are seeking high, remote, challenging and adventurous treks, although the Markha Valley fits best for cultural, scenic, welcoming, steady and moderate-level treks.