Markha Valley is a beautiful place surrounded by two mountain ranges—the Kangyatse Kangri Range to the north and the Zanskar Range to the south. The Markha River runs through the valley, creating an amazing landscape. This valley is one of the most famous trekking routes in Ladakh, but it is also an incredible spot for mountain biking.
With exciting trails and stunning views, Markha Valley is a perfect place for a multi-day mountain biking adventure. The ride includes everything from steep climbs to thrilling downhill sections.
DAY 1 Chokdo to Nimaling
The adventure starts in Chokdo, a small village sitting at 3,937m (12,917 ft). From here, riders climb up to Kongmaru-La Pass at 5,264m (17,270 ft), gaining about 1,297m (4,255 ft) in elevation. This part of the ride is tough, requiring riders to push their bikes up the steep pass.
At the top, the hard work pays off with an 18km (11 miles) downhill ride on a smooth singletrack, leading to Nimaling (4,841m or 15,879 ft). This high-altitude grassland is a peaceful place to rest for the night, surrounded by amazing mountain views.
DAY 2 Nimaling to Markha Village
Day two is all about fast, natural singletrack riding.
The trail drops 1,300m (4,265 ft) over 20km (12 miles), leading to Markha Village (3,400m or 11,155 ft). The ride passes through traditional Ladakhi villages, offering a chance to see ancient homes and culture along the way. Riders will finish the day in Markha Village, resting and getting ready for the next leg of the journey.
DAY 3 Markha to Skyu
On day three, riders face another challenging climb, followed by a smooth and fun descent.
The trail combines technical sections with flowy singletrack, creating a balanced ride. Riders will pass small villages and enjoy beautiful scenery before reaching Skyu Village, where they will spend the night before the final day of biking.
DAY 4 Skyu to Zingchen (via Gandala Pass)
The final day of this adventure starts with a big challenge—climbing up to Gandala Pass (4,820m or 15,813 ft).
The climb is less steep than the one on day one, with a 700m (2,296 ft) gain. However, the best part of the day is the fast descent from the top of the pass. Riders will enjoy:
- A 12km (7.5-mile) flowy singletrack downhill
- A thrilling 1,400m (4,593 ft) elevation loss
- A ride past a small, isolated village along the way
The ride ends in Zingchen, where a support truck will be waiting to take riders and bikes back to Leh, bringing this epic adventure to a close.
