Trekking in Ladakh is every hiker’s dream! Walking past the desert mountains into the narrow passes, over the highest roads, Ladakh trekking experience is arguably the best in the country, if not in the world. The diverse landscape and altitudes at Ladakh ranging from 9000 ft to 25,170 ft offer numerous trekking options. One of the most pristine and beautiful destinations of the country, the region has countless unexplored trekking trails. And it is best explored on foot. Here are some of the best treks in Ladakh to choose from.
- Sham Valley Trek
The Sham Valley Trek (also known as the “baby trek” of Ladakh) goes through the Sham region, the lower part of Ladakh.Taking you through distinctive Ladakhi villages and stunning monasteries, the Sham Valley Trek is for trekkers who wish to explore the history of Ladakh without prior trekking experience. Trekkers walk only a few hours a day but be prepared for some steep slopes. Be warned, you will also pass along light traffic for part of the route.
- Stok Kangri Trek
Stok Kangri trek takes you to the highest climbable summit in India at an altitude of 6153 m. It is a moderately difficult trek in the Ladakh region that is perfect for experienced trekkers, though it does not really require mountaineering skills. The whole trek which is mixed with many hills offers you not only the complete view of Zanskar and the Indus Valley but here you can experience the sudden change in surrounding and whole tranquility at all.
- Nubra Valley Trek
With its heart-stopping views of purple mountains, double-humped camels, and white sand dunes, the Nubra Valley — one-time gateway to the ancient Silk Route—earns its accolades as Ladakh’s prettiest region. You will be traversing along the world’s highest motorable road, the Kardung Pass 17,590 feet in addition to the hike up to the snowline via the Lasermo La Pass (17, 716′) from Phyang village.
- Markha Valley Trek
The Markha River is a river in Ladakh, India. It is a tributary of the Zanskar River and starts at the junction of the Langtang Chu and Nimaling Chu.This adventurous teahouse trek remains Ladakh’s most popular route, and it’s not hard to see why. With multiple high passes and an elevation clocking in at over 5,100 m. (16,830 ft.), this diverse climb covers Ladakh’s picturesque ranges, rammed-earth villages, and snow-capped summits. It also dips inside Hemis National Park, a protected area sheltering Himalayan bears, foxes, wolves, and the world’s largest population of snow leopards.
- Chadar Trek
If you are a strong-hearted and adventure-seekers, then Chadar trek is for you. The Chadar trek (also known as Zanskar Trek) which start from Chilling and continue till Ling shed will offer you not only a great opportunity to walk on the frozen Zanskar River but here you will get a chance to learn about Buddhist heritage and religious richness. An excellent trek along the frozen Zanskar river with beautiful winter terrain and a first hand glimpse of the ancient culture of Ladakh region, this is an exciting journey for experienced trekkers. Icy routes, bone-chilling winds, pristine nature, and the experience of a lifetime So might be the climate and trail lose your confidence, but when you will cross this trail it will be sure the most wonderful experience of your life.
- Ripchar Valley Trek
Ripchar Valley trek is very fascinating, which commences at the famous Lamayuru monastery.A superb trek which gives you an insight into Ladakhi culture, country and religion. Trek to the less frequented Ripchar valley with extraordinary sites of mountains and valleys. There are number of parallel mountain ranges together with the Great Himalayan Treks. Visit the finest monasteries and villages; cross high passes and pastures. We cross some high passes with excellent views of the Karakorams and the Zanskar ranges.Trek to the village Hinju, discover the renowned Alchi monastery and the Lamayuru monastery.
- Digar La Trek
Digar La, officially named the Leh-Nubra-Pangong Tso Circuit on our site, is an 18,000ft pass that connects the Indus Valley and Leh with Nubra Valley, and man, is it spectacular. The route to the pass goes through classic dry Ladakh terrain with sparse vegetation, and a high possibility of wildlife sightings. After the pass, the trail descends to Digar in the Nubra valley with magnificent views of the Karakoram range to the north.
- Kharnak Trek
The Kharnak Nomad Trek is a wonderful, high altitude trek that crosses a few of the mountain passes offering spectacular views of the Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges. It begins from Shang and proceeds to the Nimaling high pasture land, to Zalung Karpo La, to Tsokar Lake. We then cross the “Changtang” plateau where nomads move from place to place with their yaks in search of pasture. Here we will visit nomad camps and the puga valley where we might be able to view bar-headed geese, brahiminy ducks, and rare, black-necked cranes.
- Padum To Darcha Trek
The Padum to Darcha trek runs from Lugnak valley in Zanskar to Lahaul in Himachal. The trek runs across the enchanting landscapes, imposing passes, overlooking peaks, secluded monasteries, numerous campsites, and villages and finally ends at the lush greenery of Lahaul valley. Another reason for the popularity of this trek is that the trail that leads to one of the most famous regions in Ladakh – Kargil.
- Tso Moriri to Spiti Valley
Less visited than Pangong, Moriri is arguably the more spectacular of Ladakh’s two saltwater lakes. It is also a mecca for bird-watchers and a prime camping spot. Past verdant ranges and stunning overlooks, you then climb to the glacier-capped peaks of Tanglang La, marking the world’s second highest motorable road at 5,332 m. (17, 493 ft.)
