Best Treks to do in Ladakh

INTRODUCTION:

Ladakh offers some fantastic and exciting trekking opportunities to visitors. This Himalayan region is a haven for those seeking adventure amid mountains and peaks. There are numerous trekking options in Ladakh, ranging in difficulty and duration. Some treks can be completed in two weeks, while others can be completed in three days. Regardless, any of these excursions will leave you with lasting memories.

First-timers and families with children may opt for a shorter trek, whereas those seeking a more challenging experience may opt for a longer trek that crosses multiple passes above 5000 meters and even attempts to summit a 6000-meter peak.

The best season for trekking in Ladakh is from May to October. Due to heavy snowfall on mountain passes during the winter, however, some treks are only available beginning in early July. The arrival of winter heralds the beginning of two annual treks in Ladakh, which run from January to March: the Chadar trek on the frozen Zanskar river and the Snow Leopard trek.

• From Phyang to Hunder, we hiked through the Nubra Valley.

The hike between Phyang and Hunder connects the Indus and Nubra valleys. It follows an ancient trade route that was once part of the Silk Road network connecting India and Central Asia.

The highest point on this off-the-beaten-path trek is the Laser La pass (5438m), which is covered in ice and snow even in summer. The pass provides a breathtaking view of the Karakoram range.

Following the trek, you will visit the main attractions of the Nubra Valley. You will be able to ride a double-humped Bactrian camel at Hunder dunes.

• From Spituk to Stok, take a trek.

The trek from Spituk to Stok is intended for those with limited time who want to experience a beautiful Ladakh trek in three days. Begin your journey with an auspicious stop at the Spituk monastery, an 11th-century Gelugpa sect monastery.

You’ll arrive in Zingchen after crossing the Indus, where you’ll hike for two hours to Rumbak. It’s a beautiful village with whitewashed houses and barley and mustard fields. There are homestays available in this village. After spending the night in Rumbak, climb to the top of Stok La pass for a breathtaking view of the snow-clad mountains.

• From Lamayuru to Alchi, there is a trek.

The western part of Ladakh is well-known for its centuries-old monasteries, as well as the Lamayuru-Alchi trek. This five-day trek includes two difficult passes – Kongskil La (4948m) and Stakspi La (5153m) – and will put your endurance to the test, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking mountain scenery. Stay at a homestay in a remote village if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit monasteries before or after your trek.

• Hiking in Sham Valley

The Sham Valley trek, also known as the “baby trek” due to its ease of access, offers breathtaking views to trekkers. This is the hike for you if you want a simple hike suitable for your children. It never climbs higher than 4000 meters and can be done all year.

The trail passes through many small villages where you can stay in homestays and eat authentic local cuisine prepared by the families. You can visit some ancient and well-known monasteries in Likir, Rizong, Temisgam, Basgo, and Alchi both during and after the trek.

• excursion to see the Snow Leopard

The majestic snow leopard lives in Ladakh, one of the world’s most elusive wild cats. In February and March, the Snow Leopard trek takes place in Hemis National Park. In the Hemis National Park, you can see snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, Asiatic ibex, blue sheep, and Ladakh urials.

In subzero temperatures, it is difficult to spot the elusive snow leopard. Patience is essential on these types of wildlife expeditions. Many people have seen snow leopards in binoculars after hours or even days of waiting, and they have even returned home with images of the big cat on their cameras.

• Trekking along the frozen Chadar River

The Chadar route is a lifeline for Zanskar, which is cut off from the rest of the country by heavy snowfall during the winter.

It’s easy to see why the Chadar trek has become the “next big thing” in Ladakh over the years. Walking for 105 kilometers on the frozen Zanskar river in mind-numbing temperatures (-25 to -35 degrees) tests trekkers to their limits. There aren’t many hikes that take you through gorges with frozen waterfalls and along an ice trail that becomes a mirror for the sky. The Chadar expedition has been documented in documentaries, most notably the BBC’s “Human Planet” series from 2011.