Main Info
Trekking in Ladakh
Ladakh is a famous tourist spot. Especially amongst nature and adventure enthusiasts. The crescent-shaped valleys are a photographer’s delight. The trekking trails and routes in Ladakh are like no other. Nestled between the ranged of the Himalaya amongst the lush green valleys, these routes are scenic and absolutely breathtaking. The treks pose a challenge for the tourists. You get to cross the glaciers, climb over mountainous terrains and move your way around abrupt ridges. Even for seasoned trekkers, it is a challenge like no other. The valleys of Ladakh go all the up to high altitude passes and are covered with exotic flora and many species of fauna. It, all in all, is one vacation destination.
Your trekking options are vast. You can choose the altitude as per your convenience. The range starts from 9000 ft and goes all the way up till 25,170 ft. Ladakh stands as one of the most beautiful destinations in the country. While many trekking trails are available for an adventure, numerous others are still unexplored. Winters bring in extreme weather climates that are unfit for any vacation. The temperatures drop till below -30 degrees Celsius. The summertime is best for a trip to Ladakh.
A trip to Ladakh requires no permit. However, all foreign nationals will need a registration to visit, especially if travelling by road. Registrations are asked for at Drass, Rumtse and Sarchu. Visitors travelling by air can get theirs done at the airport. Many protected areas also require a ‘Protect Area Permit’ for visit. These include Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, Pangong Tso Lake, Dha Hanu and Nubra Valley. Registered travel agencies can also help with your permits.
14 Routes for Trekking in Ladakh
Easy Trekking Routes:
- Spituk to Stok
Duration: 4 days
The Spituk to Stok Kangri trek is popular amongst adventure enthusiasts for the stunning view you get on reaching atop the Stop summit. The final view from the top of the summit is adorned by the sunlit Zanskar and Karakoram peaks. The trek is relatively easier than the others in Ladakh. Beginning at Spituk, a village 7 km from Leh. The trek from Spituk to ZInchen in total takes about 4-5 hours. This is the first half of the trek. The trek runs through barren lands of Zingchen. Camp is set up at the summit where the Rumbak river flows into Indus. The most difficult part of the trek is the 3-4 hour stretch through Hemis National Park. This leads upwards to the village of Rumbak.
- Lamayuru to Alchi Trek
Duration: 5 days
This trek is your chance to interact with the locals. While on this route, you can also visit the many monasteries on the way.
- Ripchar Valley Trek
Duration: 9 days
The Lamayuru monastery is the beginning of this trek. The Ripchar valley trek happens to be one of the more interesting treks in Ladakh. While on the way, you will go across many pasture lands, fields and small villages. This trek also takes you around the irrigated crop fields of Zanskar and Karakoram Range. Witness the blooming flowers of these valleys in July and August.
- Padum to Darcha Trek
Duration: 12 days
This trek goes through scenic breathtaking landscapes. You can also witness a vast variety of regions with different topographies. The trek starts at Padum region of Zanskar valley and goes up to Darcha region of Himachal Pradesh, passing through Tokpa, Chalang, Ramjak and Lakong. The Padum-Darcha trek also leads to the very famous Kargil region of Ladakh.
- Lamayuru to Darcha Trek
Duration: 5-7 days
The Lamayuru-Darcha trek is noted as one of the most adventurous treks in the world. The trek trail is at an elevation of 5000 metres above sea level. The Lamayuru-Darcha trek is also connected to Zanskar valley. On this route, you also get to visit many monasteries like Lamayuru, Phuktal, and Lingshed.
- Indus Valley Trek
Duration: 8-10 days
The Indus valley treks is one of the easier treks in Ladakh. Hence, it makes for an ideal beginner trek. The Indus valley is the oldest known civilisations in history. This trek offers you an experience of Sham valley in all its glory – villages and mesmerising mountain passes like Phobe-La. Many monasteries can also be visited on the trek – Likir, Thiksey and Alchi. The dramatic path turns and mountains in the backdrop give a breathtaking trekking experience. Enjoy your trek amongst snow-covered mountain peaks and lush green valleys covering the areas of Leh, Skardu and deserts.
- Tso Moriri Lake Trek
Duration: 18-20 days
The Tso Moriri trek is known for its tranquil experience in all of Ladakh. The serenity and calmness of the valleys where this trek goes through are sure to bring you your peace of mind. The trek begins at Rumptse before going up to Kyamar Valley after crossing the Rupshu Valley. Further going upwards, you reach the ever-stunning view of Kang Yatse and Indus Valley at Kumur La (4770 m). If you keeping ascending, you will reach Shibuk La where you can sit and enjoy the view of Tso Kar below. Further passing through Horlam Kongka La (4900 m) and Kyamayuri La, you reach Pangunagu and Nuruchan. Here you also come across the northwestern shore of Tso Moriri. Finally, you ascend towards Parang La before descending to Jugstok and Kibber. Kibber is also one of the highest villages in the world.
- Lamayuru to Alchi Trek:
Duration: 9 days
This trek covers two of the most ancient Gompas in Ladakh – Lamayuru and Alchi. These monasteries date back to the 11th century. On this trek, you come across the Wanla and Sumdochoon valleys that account for a breathtaking view along with many high altitude mountain passes like Penji La and Prinkiti La. The trek starts at Lamayuru and goes through Prinkti La (3750 m), Shilla, Wanla, Base of Tar La, Tar, Man Gyu and finally to Alchi. There’s a lot to take in, the stunning landscapes and lush green valleys. All giving a glimpse of the culture of Ladakh.
- Nubra Valley Trek
Duration: 10 to 12 days
This trek covers the more remote regions of Himalaya. Going through these less explored mountainous regions is surely an adventure in itself. The trail goes along the path that the Indus follows before reaching on to Zanskar. You get to come across the barren desert of Hunder and the stunning Diskit village. Here, the monastery is a major tourist attraction. Starting from the Sabu village, the trek goes up towards the Digar La high altitude pass elevated at 6000 metres to reach Digar village. Further going along the Shyok river the trek ascends to Agyam village and Khalsar village. Finally, the end of the trek is reached after descending back to Diskit village via Sumur.
Moderate and Difficult Trekking Routes:
- Markha Valley Trek
Duration: 8 days
Markha valley trek is known as one of the most popular treks in Ladakh. The entire trek takes about 8 days to complete and the path takes you through many different landscapes. The highlights of the trek are Kongmaru La pass at an elevation of 5000 m above sea level, a glimpse of the Hemis National Park and the stunning landscapes along the way. The trek begins from Spituk and goes all the way up to Yurutse through Zinchen. You ascend the trek up on Ganda La pass and finally go downhill to Skyu. On following the Markha river, you will come across Thachungtse.
The highest camp on this trek is Niamling. The height also marks for an extremely stunning view of the Zanskar range. The Markha valley trek also includes the Kongmoru La pass, which is the highest pass on this trek. Trekkers spend one night at the village of Shang Sumdo before descending towards the famous Hemis and Thiksay Gompas. From here on, you can take a drive back to Leh.
Alternate Route: If you include the Stok Kangri Climb with the Markha Valley Trek, it automatically becomes even more thrilling. The whole journey is 10 days long and goes through the Stok Summit at an altitude of 4900 metres. This trek is definitely for physically and mentally fit adventure enthusiasts.
- Jhunglam Hemis to Padum Trek
Duration: 12 days
On this trek, you get to visit the stunning Gompas of Hemis and Latza Kongmaru. The path then follows the way to Zalung Karpo La, Tilat Sumdo, Zangla Sumdo, before ending at Padum.
- Kang Yatse and Dzo Jongo Trek
Duration: 13 days
This path is mostly taken up by professionals. Due to the difficulties on this trek, it is not recommended for beginners. It, however, provides breathtaking views of Zanskar, Karakorum, and Stok ranges while travelling on the Ganda La pass. The experience is once in a lifetime, especially while camping. You also get a glimpse of the Hemis National Park on the way. While hiking through the valleys, you can see the monasteries too.
- Kang Yatse Trek
Duration: 12-13 days
Kang Yatse is also known as one of the most epic mountain ranges in Ladakh. The mountain peak is at an altitude of 20,000 feet. The trek upwards is a difficult one and is also a part of the Markha Valley Trek, by extension. This junction happens at Niamling, before heading back to the base camp at Kang Yatse. The uphill route between the two campsites is what makes this trek difficult, although the distance is not too much. From the top of the Kang Yatse Peak, you get the most spectacular view of Tibet and Zanskar river. Even the trek back downhill through Kongmaru La pass accounts for amazing views.
- Chadar Trek
Duration: 6-20 days
The Chadar Trek is the most stunning of them all. This trek takes you on a path on the frozen Zanskar river. Truly, the most compelling trek in all of Leh. Every winter causes the Zanskar river to freeze and this is when the adventure enthusiasts grab their opportunity of crossing the icy river. This trekking route is only open for a few months. Although, it is not recommended for those lacking in mental and physical fitness. The name ‘Chadar’ of the trek comes from the ‘blanket of snow’ that the river becomes during this time. The trek starts 64 km away from Leh at Chilling. The route offers you everything frozen or covered in snow – waterfalls, river, monasteries. You come across the Gompas of Lingshed and Karsha (the largest in Zanskar) and the fort at Zangla village. During the day, the temperature drops till -10 C but during the night, the drop goes below -25 C. Carrying enough warm jackets is a necessity.
Acclimatisation
The high altitude treks in Ladakh mean physical activities in low oxygen environments. This causes altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness amongst trekkers. Hence, it is a major problem faced during these treks. The following symptoms mean that you may be suffering from acute mountain sickness – dizziness, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, loss of breath and rapid heart rate.
Avoid making abrupt altitude elevations. Gradually changing your altitudes can only worsen your condition. After climbing every 2,000 ft, rest for a day or two. This resting period gives your body enough time to get acclimatised with the low oxygen conditions. Also, carry with yourself some medicine like Diamox, Dexamathasone, Aspirin or Disprin. You can also carry with you portable oxygen cylinders. They are of big help while travelling at such high altitudes. Other things you can do to avoid lack of oxygen affecting you are avoiding smoking, drinking and not turning on the heater while sitting in your car. Keep your body hydrated and avoid sleep deprivation.
Accommodation and Food
You can find personalised services being offered in most family-run hotels in Ladakh. Some luxury hotels you can choose are Hotel Charu Palace Leh and Grand Dragon, Hotel Shangri La and Spik n Span. Hotel Asia and Hotel Dreamland can be opted for standard stays. Although, it is recommended that you go for homestays as a way of closely interacting with the locals.
Essential Equipments for Trekking in Ladakh
A few essential that are recommended while travelling and trekking in Ladakh are a kit-bag with padlock, a small backpack for trekking, a sweater, a fleece jacket, a waterproof jacket, two trouser – one of which should be waterproof, a good sleeping bag, gloves and cap, hiking shoes, sunglasses and sun cream, a frontal lamp or an electric torch, a self-inflating mattress, first aid kit and a walking stick.
Tips for Ladakh Trekking
- Although trekking is a hugely popular activity in Ladakh, it is always advised to be extremely careful. The temperature drops even during the summers so carrying warm clothes during June is recommended.
- High altitude causes dehydration. So trekkers must always keep plenty of water with them.
- The capital city of Ladakh – Leh – provides all the basic amenities that you may need, including STD calls and internet.
- Most of Ladakh is cut off from all network. Photography may be restricted in many areas as the area is highly politically sensitive. Beware of signboards in the area for any restrictions.
- Prefer keeping much of cash than carrying credit cards as even ATMs are scarce in number.
- Since you are visiting their land, respect the local culture. Don’t cause any harm to public or private property including croplands.
- Keep up to 6 copies of permits that you might need to visit certain areas in Ladakh. These permits will be required to be deposited at multiple checkpoints along the way.