Pangong Tso vs Markha Valley
Pick Pangong Tso for
camping, road trips, couples, an easier walk, fewer days
Pick Markha Valley for
adventure, a real challenge, culture and heritage, fewer people, a smaller budget
| Pangong Tso | Markha Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Ladakh, Changthang, Leh | Ladakh, Hemis National Park, Leh |
| Highest point | 5,360 m | 5,150 m |
| Difficulty | Easy–moderate | Moderate |
| Trek distance | No trek needed | about 70 km |
| Days on the ground | 4–5 | 9–10 |
| Best months | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Snow likely | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Rarely |
| Crowds in season | Busy | Moderate |
| Daily spend | about ₹4,000 | about ₹3,000 |
| Gateway | Leh | Leh |
| With kids | Possible | Not advised |
| With seniors | Not advised | Not advised |
| Permits | Ladakh protected-area permit required. | Hemis National Park fee and Ladakh permits. |
Pangong Tso: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- ❄︎Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Markha Valley: when to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely