Markha Valley Homestay Trail: A Handpicked Circuit of Culture, Trekking & Rural Hospitality

Walk the trails of ancient traders and monks, rest in warm homes run by Ladakhi women, and let each step through Markha Valley tell a deeper story of resilience, craft, and community.

The Markha Valley Homestay Trail is not just a trek—it’s a journey into the heart of community-led tourism in Ladakh. This trail connects some of the region’s most iconic villages—Skiu, Markha, Hankar, Umlung, Nimaling, and Shang Sumdo—offering clean, locally run homestays, SHG-hosted meals and workshops, and direct livelihood benefits to remote communities.

Ideal for slow travelers, responsible trekkers, women’s travel groups, and anyone seeking authentic Ladakhi hospitality, this circuit blends adventure with cultural immersion.

Overview: Trail at a Glance

Trail Route: Chilling → Skiu → Markha → Hankar → Nimaling → Kongmaru La → Shang Sumdo
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 Days
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to Early October
Stay Type: SHG-supported Homestays (basic, warm, welcoming)
Ideal For: Trekking groups, cultural travelers, eco-conscious tourists

SHG-Linked Homestays by Village

Each homestay on the Markha Valley trail is supported by local SHGs (Self Help Groups) or community women’s collectives, trained in hosting, cooking, and sustainable tourism practices.

Skiu – Gateway to Markha

Where You Stay: Village-run homestays affiliated with Skiu SHG
What to Expect:
- Riverside houses, warm barley soup, herbal tea
- Orientation on local customs, Ladakhi prayer rituals
- Evening conversations with women artisans

Markha – Cultural Capital of the Valley

Where You Stay: Markha Village SHG Homestays (4–6 homes)
Highlights:
- Local food tastings: paba, skyur, chhang
- Visit to 500-year-old Markha Monastery
- Optional demo on spinning yak wool and weaving

Hankar – Midway Point and Yak Territory

Where You Stay: Homestays managed by Hankar SHG
What Makes It Special:
- Sunrise and sunset viewpoints
- Family-run homes with handmade wool insulation

Taste chhurpi stew and fresh barley flatbreads

Markha

4 Homestays

Skiu

10 Homestays

Hanker

Nimaling (Optional) – Alpine Grazing Camp

Stay Type: Tent stays supported by local trekking SHGs
Why Nimaling Matters:
- Base camp for Kang Yatse
- Rare medicinal plants, pastoral stories
- SHG-run tea point with herbal drinks and energy snacks

Shang Sumdo – Trek End with a Feast

Homestay Type: Women’s Collective–led homes
Features:
- Foot soak with herbs grown locally
- Celebration meal with seasonal vegetables
- Transfer vehicle available for Leh return

Shang

Activities Along the Trail – All SHG-led

Activity	Location	Who Leads It	What You Learn
Pashmina Spinning	Markha	Village Women SHG	Drop spindle demo, fiber to thread
Herbal Tea Tasting	Hankar, Skiu	Elder Women SHG	Learn blends using thyme, seabuckthorn
Traditional Cooking	Every village	SHG Homestays	Make skyu, kholak, apricot chutney
Farming & Composting	Hankar	Farmer SHG	Soil prep, natural irrigation, compost pits
Wool Dyeing	Markha, Skiu	Dye & Weave SHG	Use rhubarb, buckthorn, walnut for dyes

Sample 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Leh → Chilling → Skiu (via road + short trek)
Day 2: Skiu → Markha (20 km, scenic trail along river)
Day 3: Rest in Markha – explore monastery and village
Day 4: Markha → Hankar (climb begins, overnight stay)
Day 5: Hankar → Nimaling (alpine pasture, optional camp)
Day 6: Nimaling → Kongmaru La → Shang Sumdo
Day 7: Shang Sumdo → Drive back to Leh

Each stop includes SHG food options, storytelling evenings, and craft demos on request.

What to Buy on the Trail (Locally Produced)

Hand-knit wool socks (Hankar, Markha)
Herbal teas – thyme, rhododendron, seabuckthorn (Skiu)
Apricot oil & dried fruit chutneys (Markha SHGs)
Natural-dyed wool yarn (Hankar)
Small weaving kits or motif embroidery patches (Markha, Skiu)

All products are SHG-certified and 100% locally sourced.

Responsible Travel Tips

Carry your own filter bottle and cloth napkin
Leave no waste behind – pack everything out
Engage deeply – talk to your hosts, ask about their life stories
Be mindful with photography—always ask before clicking
Use biodegradable toiletries during your stay

Why Choose the Markha Homestay Trail?

You directly support rural women’s income in isolated villages
You stay in hand-built homes with Ladakhi design
You engage in cultural, craft, and food traditions
You enjoy an unforgettable trek with low ecological impact

Let Us Help You Plan

We offer:

SHG homestay bookings across the trail
Add-on sessions: cooking, wool spinning, herbal foraging
Permits, eco-guides, and vehicle support
SHG trail shop curation (available in Leh or on route)

Discover Homestays

Experience the heart of Leh by staying with local families.
Immerse yourself in Ladakhi culture, traditions, and warm hospitality.
Book your homestay and explore the region like never before.

Book Your Homestays

Discover Local Experiences

From pottery workshops to Ladakhi cooking sessions, uncover the authentic experiences that Leh offers. Dive into the local culture with hands-on activities that will leave lasting memories.

Discover Local Experiences

Discover Monasteries

Leh is home to some of the most stunning and serene monasteries in the world. Visit these sacred sites, learn about their rich history, and experience the spiritual calm of Ladakh.

Discover Monasteries