You may go on some fantastic and thrilling treks when you visit Ladakh. Those searching for adrenaline-pumping exploration in the shadows of towering peaks need to go no farther than the Himalayas. Ladakh is home to various hiking routes, each with its level of difficulty and time commitment. Some hikes take two weeks, while others may be done in three. However, you will never forget your experiences on any of these hikes.
People who want a more challenging experience might choose a lengthier journey that crosses many passes over 5000 meters and even try the climb of a 6,000-metre mountain, while first-timers and families traveling with children could choose an easy walk. Visit our scheduled departure treks if you are a solo traveler or a small group looking to join a bigger group.
List of the 10 Most Famous Trekking Destinations in Ladakh:
1. Markha Valley Trek
As far as Ladakh treks go, the one that draws the most hikers is the one through the Markha valley. Enjoy stunning Himalayan scenery and glimpse traditional village life on this adventure. Because it is a part of Hemis National Park, the Markha valley is also a fantastic location for seeing exotic animals up close.
The hike begins in Chilling at the Zanskar River Bridge, which serves as the park’s main entrance. For the first four days, hikers will follow the Markha valley, passing through several settlements (Skiu, Sara, Markha, and Hankar) known for their welcoming homestays. Homestays are a great way to experience authentic Ladakhi hospitality and culture firsthand.
There is no community in this rural region, so you will have to camp when you reach Nimaling at the end of the fourth day. The next day, you’ll cross the beautiful Kongmaru La, the highest pass on our expedition at the height of 5,260m. A gradual decline awaits you as you go down from the pass and into Shang Sumdo. The final destination of this incredible hike is Hemis, which you will reach on day six. You may take a motor trip to Hemis monastery and then drive back to Leh.
2. Nubra Valley Trek from Phyang to Hunder
Travelers link the valleys of the Indus and Nubra via the path from Phyang to Hunder. The way it takes was formerly used by traders traveling between India and Central Asia along the historic Silk Road. Lasermo La pass (5438m) is the highest point on this off-the-beaten-path journey, and it remains snow- and ice-covered even in the height of summer. You can take a breathtaking view of the Karakoram Mountains from the top of the pass. You may do this hike in 5 days.
Following the hike, you’ll get the chance to see the best that the Nubra Valley has to offer. At the Hunder dunes, you may ride a double-humped Bactrian camel, and at the Diskit monastery, you can see the 32-meter-tall statue of the Maitreya Buddha. After there, you’ll go back to Leh across the Khardung La pass.
3. Spituk to Stok Trek
If you’re looking for a short yet beautiful trip in Hemis National Park, consider making the journey from Spituk to Stok. Before beginning the hike, you might stop at the Spituk monastery on day one.
The path complies with the Indus river and enters a confined canyon before arriving at Zingchen. Camping in Zingchen is a relaxing experience. The next day, you may go to the nearby town of Rumbak. You may go on an afternoon excursion to the nearby village and its environs. The third day is the toughest.
The first step is a three-hour climb up the 4,855-meter Stok La pass. The view from the top of the key is stunning. After that, you’ll have to trek down to Stok village. Before returning to Leh, you might stop at Stok to see the palace.
4. Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek
The journey from Rumtse to Tso Moriri is for people who want to be awed by breathtaking scenery. This is a stunning and rugged Ladakhi hike. In a week, you’ll hike over the Changthang Plateau at a lofty elevation (Rupshu). Crossing 6 passes higher than 5,000 feet, you’ll see the region’s varied landscapes and witness mountains of varying textures and colors. A few stunning lakes may be found in Ladakh, surprising given the region’s reputation as a frigid desert. You will see the beautiful lakes of Tso Kar and Tso Moriri on your hike.
The first night of this walk is spent at 4,500 meters in Kyamar, and the other six days are all spent at an altitude of 4,500 meters or higher. So, it’s crucial to become acclimated to the size before you go out on the hike.
Changpa nomads tend to flocks of pashmina goats and yaks on the Changthang plateau. Eight to ten times a year, they pack up and move, making it impossible to predict where they’ll set up shop next. Along the way, you could run across some nomadic people who might welcome you for butter tea and a rest in their yak-wool tent. Korzok is the most considerable hamlet in the area and the primary center of Changpa culture and society. This incredible journey concludes at the shore of Tso Moriri, a lake whose waters are the color of sapphire. Read Also: Tso Moriri Lake: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time Visit & Weather.
5. Chadar Trek
The Chadar trek is a one-of-a-kind winter adventure through the Zanskar River’s icy landscape. All highways leading to the isolated Zanskar area are blocked in the winter owing to excessive snowfall, leaving the Zanskari people with just this route over the frozen river to reach the rest of the nation. January and February are the most common months for the journey (although global warming has impacted the ice thickness during the last winters).
From Chilling, the starting point of the Chadar trek, it is a four-day journey over ice and tight gorges to the Zanskar settlement of Lingshed. It is customary to spend the evenings of a hike in caverns beside the river. Expect nighttime lows of -25 to -35 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact route is used to return to Chilling and Leh.
6. Spituk to Matho
Following a pleasant stroll along the Indus River, travelers will descend into the valley that will take them to Zingchen. From here, you may enter Hemis National Park, where fantastic animal sightings are almost guaranteed. The Tibetan wolf, the Eurasian brown bear, and the Bharal may all be found in this park, in addition to the snow leopard (or blue sheep). Because of the Himalayas’ rain shadow, the region is characterized by dry woods and alpine trees.
7. Stok Kangri Climb
Stok Kangri is a tremendous Himalayan peak for novice climbers and those aiming to break the 6,000-meter mark. Climbers still need to employ technical equipment such as crampons, an axe, a rope, etc., even though the summit is not technically challenging. The expedition leader will give a brief tutorial on essential equipment use during the acclimatization day at the base camp.
The Stok Kangri adventure will test your physical and mental limits, but the rewarding panorama at the peak will make an effort worthwhile. It is possible to begin the journey at either Stok or Spituk or to combine it with the Markha hike.
8. Saboo to Khalsar Trek
If you’re looking for a substitute for the trip from Phyang to Hunder in the Nubra valley, consider the route from Saboo to Khalsar. The time, difficulty, distance, elevation gain, and scenery of these two hikes are comparable. The Digger La pass, which must be traversed on the second day of the hike from Saboo to Khalsar, adds a little more difficulty to the journey (While the Lasermo La pass is reached on the third day of the Phyang to Hunder trek).
Khalsar hamlet in the Nubra Valley is a good stopping point on the way back to Leh from the major attractions in this region of Ladakh (such as Diskit, Sumur, Hunder, Panamik, and Turtuk).
9. Lamayuru to Alchi Trek
The western region of Ladakh is well known for the Lamayuru to Alchi trail and its ancient monasteries. This five-day hike has two challenging passes: Kongskil La (4948m) and Stakspi La (5153m), but the stunning mountain views are well worth the effort.
If you want a natural feel for the local culture, staying at homestays in small towns is the way to go. It would help if you stopped at monasteries before or after the hike.
10. Sham Valley Trek
This walk sometimes referred to as a “baby trek”, is ideal for first-time hikers. Kids may enjoy it too. The journey passes through the Sham area of Leh, providing breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to visit local communities and spend the night with hosts who can introduce you to their customs and food.
Likir, Rizong, Temisgam, Basgo, and Alchi are just a few of the numerous monasteries you may visit in the region.
Conclusion
Anyone interested in the outdoors can find something to love in Ladakh, whether you’re a first-time hiker or a seasoned climber. Ladakh puts off many first-timers because of its cold desert landscape, high altitude, and erratic weather. Still, the region’s purple wildflowers, verdant meadows, and brilliant blue lakes are well worth the journey.
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