Trekking in Ladakh
The best way to experience the majestic beauty of Ladakh is a trekking in the Himalayas. Ladakh has some of the finest trekking options in India, from relax family-treks to longer expeditions for experienced hikers.
The vast landscapes of Ladakh consist of barren mountainranges and green valleys. Almost every day you will have to cross mountainpasses with fluttering praying flags and great views.
There are trekkings and hikes in Ladakh for every fitness level, but keep in mind that Ladakh is located at 3500m and more.
General information about trekking in Ladakh
Most treks in Ladakh are operating in a fully serviced camping formula. All our treks are private, you never join an 'international group'. Even if you are travelling as a couple, you will get your own private guide and a small crew who will take care of you. The main luggage is transported with ponies or mules. Every night the crew pitches up the tents and prepares simple but healthy meals.
Even if you go on a light trek, acclimatisation is essential: all treks go on altitudes of 3500m and more. Starting on a trek one day after arriving in Leh, certainly is not a good idea.
For some parts of Ladakh, you will need special permits. Our crew will take care of this.
Some suggestions for trekking in Ladakh
Sham Valley Trek
The Sham Valley trek is a light 4-5 day trek that goes from Likir to Khaltse, through some valleys North of the Indus-river. As all villages along the trail can be reached by car, some stages can be skipped. The trek offers some nice scenery with high mountainpasses, green valleys and scenic villages where time has stood still. Along the trail small local guesthouses can be used as accommodation.
This trek is interesting for families with younger children as well: the daily distances are not that far and a riding pony can join you for the youngest hikers.
We also operate this trek in wintertime for guests wanting to have a unique Ladakh winter experience.
Markha Valley Trek
Probably the most popular trek in Ladakh during the summer months, the Markha-valley trek offers a 9-10 day trekking experience with everything that makes trekking in Ladakh so special: camping in the high mountains, crossing a high pass of about 5000m, outstanding views on 6000m high peaks and some typical villages.
The trek itself is not that difficult, but be aware of the altitudes that range between 3500m and 5000m. A good acclimatisation before the Markha Trek is absolutely necessary.
The classic version goes from Spituk or Stok to Hemis and crosses Ganda La and Kongmaru La, but there are several alternative trails possible.
Trekking from Lamayuru to Alchi
2 of Ladakh's cultural highlights are connected by a network of trails. There are several options to reach the Unesco World Heritage village of Alchi starting from the monastery of Lamayuru: it all depends on your fitness level which trail to take. On all trails you will cross passes of about 5000m.
This 5 day-trek can be easily connected with the Markha Valley Trek, thus creating a full 2 week trekking experience.
Trekking to Zanskar
A classic Himalaya experience, crossing the Zanskar range to Padum, the capital of this remote district in the Himalayas. Although road building has been going on for years, especially in the valley of Padum, this trek remains one of the most challenging in Ladakh. Again there are several options, but all versions require a good fitness level for crossing severalrivers and passes of about 5000m. It generally takes about 10 days hiking to reach Padum. From Padum one can drive back to Leh via Kargil, but keen hikers continue their trek down south via Pukthal Gompa to Darcha on the Leh-Manali highway (at least another 7 days).
Trekking to Nubra: Phyang to Hunder
There are several routes crossing the mountains between the Indus Valley and the Nubra Valley, but this challenging 6-day trek from Phyang Gompa to Hunder is certainly one of the most appealing. It is a trek that gains height very quickly toward the Lasermo pass (5400m), so be sure to acclimatise thoroughly before the start.
Chaddar: Winter Trek across the Frozen River
One of the last real adventures in the world, this challenging winter trek takes you to Zanskar across the ice of the frozen Zanskar river. The trek can only be made if the ice is strong enough (generally January - February)
In wintertime Zanskar is disconnected from the rest of Ladakh and the local people can reach Leh only along the ice and the canyons of the Zanskar river. No high passes this time, but harsh weather conditions (-25 °C), strong winds, sleeping in caves,... In return you get one of the most authentic treks ever with fairytale landscapes, almost no people around and unexpected hospitality in Zanskar.
As we work completely tailormade, feel free to contact us for a complete trekking proposal in Ladakh according to your wishes.
Prices depend on the hotelselection, travelperiod, number of persons, exchange rates,... Please ask for a quotation through our quotation form.