Trekking in Leh Ladakh

Chadar Trek 

1. Altitude:  The trek starts at about 10170 feet and reaches up to 11100 
2. Duration: 8 to 20 days 
3. Best Time:  end of January and mid of February. 
4. Difficulty Level: Extremely challenging
   Highlight: The Chadar Trek in Ladakh is a thrilling winter expedition across the frozen Zanskar River. Trekkers walk on a sheet of ice (“Chadar”) amid breathtaking canyons and sub-zero temperatures.  

Chadar Trek is counted amongst the most popular Treks to do in Ladakh and is the most glamorous trek. If you are planning an adventurous trip to the “Land of High Passes”, your Ladakh travel itinerary must include this thrilling trek.  It is considered a highly difficult one as well. It involves trekking on the frozen Zanskar River in extreme temperatures that range between minus 15 degrees Celsius to minus thirty degrees Celsius. It is among the most beautiful winter treks in which trekkers walk on the frozen river. 

In December, the Zanskar River gets frozen and creates a trail of thick ice sheets, and this trail is the only way to connect the Zanskar villages with other Ladakh regions.

By March, as the temperature rises, the icy trail begins to melt, making the trek too dangerous and inaccessible. That means the best time for Chadar trek is January and February, when the frozen Zanskar River is at its most stable. If you miss this window, you’ll have to wait another year for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. So pack your warmest gear and go before the ice disappears! 

Markha Valley Trek

1. Altitude: 5265 meters 
2. Duration: 6 to 8 days 
3. Best Time: June to September 
4. Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficulty level
   Highlight: Experience homestays with warm Ladakhi families, spot wild horses, and conquer the 5,150m Ganda La pass. A perfect mix of adventure, culture, and raw Himalayan beauty awaits you at Markha Valley. 

It is one of the best treks in Markha Valley from Spituk and offers you a chance to soak in the entire Himalayan landscape. The Ladakh summer trek is also well known as the Tea House Trek because of its many tea stalls on the way.  During this trek, trekkers will pass through Buddhist monasteries, quaint hamlets, and lush barley fields that will offer you a memorable experience.

The trek involves river crossings and also offers outstanding views of Mt Kang Yatse. It also showcases the incredible rocky canyons along with plenty of wildlife. Also, you can stay in many lovely homes throughout the trek, and this makes the trek a very rewarding Himalayan trek experience. It is the best option for travelers who are in Ladakh for a short while, so never miss this chance. 

Snow Leopard Trek

1. Altitude- 3956 meters
2. Duration- 8 days
3. Best Time- months of  January to March 
4. Difficulty Level- Moderate to challenging
   Highlight: Track the elusive “ghost of the mountains” in Ladakh’s Hemis National Park. Trek through frozen valleys at -30°C with expert spotters for a chance to witness wild snow leopards prowling the cliffs. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure for hardy wildlife lovers! 

The snow leopard trek is among the popular winter treks in Ladakh, and the Hemis National Park is the venue to realize your dream. The journey of this amazing Ladakh trek starts from Leh, where trekkers acclimate to high altitude, and the main focus of the trip is to explore Hemis National Park, which is a well-known habitat of the snow leopard. 

The region is home to many rare wild cats worldwide, the majestic snow leopard. The trek is organized by the Hemis National Park, where you will witness the snow leopards and many other species of mammals like the Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolves, blue sheep, and Ladakh urials. Not only about wildlife spotting; the trek also includes free time to explore the Leh monasteries and meet the Himalayan Buddhist communities. The trek showcases the park’s rugged beauty with snow-covered mountain peaks and stark valleys that add to the charm of the trek. 

Stok Kangri Trek

1. Altitude- 6153 meters 
2. Duration- Level 5
3. Best Time- June to September
4. Difficulty Level- Difficult
   Highlight: The highlight of Stok Kangri Trek in Ladakh is that it offers thrilling glacier walks, steep climbs, and breathtaking views of the Karakoram and Zanskar ranges.

Stok Kangri is among the most fascinating places on the planet and is often part of Ladakh travel itinerary. It is famous because of its exclusive tranquility and beautiful settings surrounded by the Himalayan range. Stok Kangri Trek is one of the exciting options for people who love to enjoy Leh Ladakh trekking. It is all about magnificent vistas of snow-covered peaks and tranquil valleys and is an ideal option for adventure seekers. 

The trek is one of the strenuous ones, and the trail offers some great views of the closeby Zanskar range, Ladakh range, and the Indus range. It is said to be a simple walk to heaven, and if you are lucky, you can also catch a glimpse of K2 and views of crystal crests and large moraines.  The trek is a perfect combination of natural aesthetics, the cultural beauty of Stok Village, and majestic views of dark green trees. Trekkers will enjoy the scenes of beautiful glaciers and steep slopes and can also visit the colorful monasteries and their unique beauty. 

Sham Valley Trek

1. Altitude – 3874 meters
2. Duration- 3 days 
3. Best Time-  All year round 
4. Difficulty Level- Moderate
   Highlight: With Markha Valley trek, you get to dive into Ladakh’s culture and landscapes on this beginner-friendly 3-4 day adventure. Walk through apricot orchards, visit 11th-century Likir Monastery, cross the Yangthang Pass, and stay with welcoming villagers. Perfect for those short on time but craving Himalayan vistas, monasteries, and authentic Ladakhi hospitality. 

The Sham Valley Trek in Ladakh is a short 3-day adventure, earning its nickname as the ‘Baby Trek’. It is perfect for beginners or those seeking a gentle Himalayan experience.

The Sham Valley Trek begins in Likir, where trekkers can explore the ancient Likir Monastery. From there, the trail winds through charming villages like Hemis Shukpachan, Yangthang, and Temisgam, before concluding in Leh. Along the way, hikers cross sparkling streams and interact with locals, offering a deep dive into Ladakh’s rich culture and traditions.

This 3-day “Baby Trek” is perfect for those seeking a gentle Himalayan adventure. While it doesn’t reach high-altitude peaks, it rewards travelers with stunning views of the Ladakh Range and immersive homestays in traditional Ladakhi houses. Ideal for beginners or culture enthusiasts, it’s a delightful way to experience the region’s landscapes and heritage without strenuous climbs.

Nubra Valley Trek

1. Altitude- 5438 meters
2. Duration- 5 days 
3. Best Time: June to September
   Difficulty Level- moderate to difficult
   Highlight: Trek past ancient Diskit Monastery, ride double-humped Bactrian camels, and camp beside the sparkling Shyok River. This unique adventure blends Himalayan landscapes with Central Asian culture, offering hot springs, remote villages, and starry nights in the “Valley of Flowers of Ladakh.” It is undoubtedly one of the best Himalayan treks to undertake in Ladakh.

Nubra Valley, a gateway to the ancient Silk Route, is famous for its rare double-humped camels and stunning landscapes. This trek begins at Sabu village, taking you through the breathtaking Digar La Pass, with panoramic views of the Indus and Zanskar Valleys, before ending in Diskit Valley.

One of the world’s most rewarding treks, it reaches its highest point at Lasermo La Pass (5,400m), snow-covered even in summer. Don’t miss the iconic Bactrian camel ride—a must-do experience to complete your adventure!

7.Rumtse to Tso-Moriri Trek

1. Altitude- 5435 meters
2. Duration- 8 days
3. Best Time: June to mid-October 
4. Difficulty Level- Moderate to Difficult
   Highlight: Trek through remote Changthang villages, spot rare wildlife like kiang (Tibetan wild ass), and experience authentic nomadic culture. The main highlight is camping beside the mesmerizing blue waters of one of Ladakh’s highest lakes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Perfect for trekkers seeking solitude and raw Himalayan beauty!

This incredible Ladakh summer trek takes you across seven thrilling mountain passes, each revealing nature’s magic. Snow-capped peaks, wildflower meadows, and rare Himalayan birds keep you company along the trail. Watch the landscape transform before your eyes – from rocky slopes to golden plains, all under endless blue skies.

What makes it special? The chance to meet Changpa nomads! Share butter tea with these warm-hearted shepherds and hear their stories. Unlike crowded trails, this trek offers pure silence – just you, the mountains, and occasional grazing yaks. At journey’s end, the sparkling blue Tso Moriri lake appears like a mirage, making every step worthwhile.

Kang Yaste & Dzo Jongo 

1. Altitude- 20500 ft.
2. Duration- 12 to 16 days 
3. Best Time- July to September
4. Difficulty Level-  challenging only for experienced trekkers
   Highlight: This challenging trek takes you up Kang Yatse II (6,250m) with its knife-edge ridge, then across to Dzo Jongo (6,250m) for panoramic views of the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges.  

It is the best Ladakh trek, also known as twin peak trekking, that offers an extraordinary adventure to mountain seekers who love and seek to explore two prominent parks. The trek involves two peaks, Kang Yatse, and Dzo Jobgi East. 

The first one is at an altitude of 6250 meters and is a challenging yet rewarding climb that offers beautiful views of the Zanskar and Ladakh ranges. 

On the other hand, Dzo Jongo East is at an altitude of 6240 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The trekking routes in Ladakh of this thrilling trek will take trekkers to the Markham Valley, a vibrant route that passes through Ladakhi villages, monasteries, and unique landscapes in the region of Hemis National Park. The trek is said to be the perfect blend of technical climbing, scenic trekking as well as a cultural expedition, and that attracts many mountaineers to come and explore every year. 

Lamayuru to Alchi Trek

1. Altitude- 5153 meters
2. Duration- 5 days
3. Best Time: May to November 
4. Difficulty Level- Moderate
   Highlight: Trek through golden canyons and apricot orchards, crossing the 3,750m Prinkti La Pass with panoramic Zanskar views. Exploring 11th-century Alchi Monastery’s vibrant frescoes and the moon-like landscapes of Lamayuru, while staying in traditional village homestays is the ultimate highlight of the trek. 

It is counted among the amazing Ladakh Treks that start with a visit to the Lamayuru monastery and end with a visit to the Alchi monastery, which is well known for its early Buddhist art in Kashmiri tradition. This hike offers breathtaking views and a chance to converse and interact with the dynamic Tibetan culture. The trail passes through many undiscovered communities and lets trekkers discover remote villages and see the rich history carved on the walls of historic monasteries. 

It is the most beautiful and interesting trek and is unique as it offers an opportunity to witness not only the natural beauty of Leh Ladakh but also some of its popular monasteries. The trek is not only about the monasteries and scenic valleys but also brings glimpses of wildlife. Also, travelers can enjoy activities like camping, sightseeing, and cultural tours during this trek. 

Padum to Darcha Trek

1. Altitude- 5080 m 
2. Duration- 9 to 10 days 
3. Best Time- from mid-June to early September 
4. Difficulty Level- Moderate
   Highlight: Traverse five high passes above 4,800m, including the challenging Shingo La (5,090m), connecting Buddhist Zanskar to Hindu Lahaul. Witness turquoise glacial lakes, remote villages like Kargyak, and ancient monasteries clinging to cliffs. 

The Darcha Padum trek is the most fulfilling adventure Ladakh summer trek as the route gives the chance to explore different places and is included in many Ladakh trekking packages. The trek is considered the finest and most popular one that opens up breathtaking beautiful variations along the way. The route of the Darcha Padum Trek is dotted by quaint ancient monasteries located alongside cliffs across the rivers, with their old Buddhist cultures. 

The trek includes passing through some stunning mountain passes like Shingo La and many other isolated places. The trip enriches trekkers with mesmerizing sightseeing that falls in the way. It is the best option for those who wish to enjoy the tranquility of high-altitude campsites, cross mountain passes, and connect with the hospitality of the locals. The trek promises every traveler not only a physical challenge but a soul-string experience.