Trekking in Leh Ladakh
Ladakh Trekking
Ladakh, the picturesque region of rugged terrain and a stunning alpine landscape is well known for its impeccable trekking options that ensure a chance to witness breathtaking landscapes as well as cultural encounters. Ladakh trekking is just an expedition; the most thrilling part is the journey through high-altitude deserts, lush valleys, and frozen riverbeds. Ladakh is said to be the best place for trekking as it offers many wonderful options and is the dream place for many adventure junkies. Trekking in Leh Ladakh is known for its challenging trails that give travelers a spine-chilling experience. The weather of the place also adds more excitement, charm, and challenges to the trekking options.
The moon-shaped terrains of Ladakh are heaven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, and these treks of Ladakh offer everything from crossing glaciers to climbing long stretches of the terrains to walking around the steep ridges. Even the easy treks of Ladakh trekking routes are chilling and enthralling.
The treks range from moderate to strenuous, attracting both seasonal trekkers and those trekkers who push their limits. Whether you are a first-time trekker or a seasonal one, Ladakh trek vacations will offer you an unforgettable journey through the most stunning as well as spiritual landscapes on the planet.
Trekking season in Ladakh
Ladakh is a land of beauty and adventure and attracts many adventure seekers from all over the world. However, the trekking season in Ladakh starts from June to October. June month is said to be the best month because of the warmer weather and accessibility to almost all trekking routes. Both June and July are best for the high-altitude treks, and the region remains largely dry because of its high-latitude locations. August is the month of occasional showers and can make some trails muddy at lower altitudes. It is still the best time for trekking as the crowd starts reducing, and you can enjoy peaceful treks. September is also said to be the best time because of the crystal clear skies and post-monsoon greenery. The days offer beautiful panoramic views that cannot be described in words and are best for treks. October is the end of the trekking season because the temperature drops and snowfall befalling ins at higher altitudes. Trekking is still possible at lower altitudes and is only for experienced trekkers in cold conditions. It is the time to enjoy treks like Sham Valley and Spituk to Stok. There are popular Winter Treks in Ladakh, known as the Chadar route in Zanskar; the best time is from January to February.
Top Treks in Ladakh
- Chadar Trek
- Altitude- The trek starts at about 10170 feet and reaches up to 11100
- Duration- 8 to 20 days
- Best Time- end of January and mid of February.
- Difficulty Level – Extremely challenging
Chadar Trek is counted amongst the most popular Treks to do in Ladakh and is the most glamorous 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. In March, this frozen river starts melting, and so a Chadar trek cannot be done after that. So ot only for two months that you can enjoy it the most.
- Markha Valley Trek
- Altitude- 5265 meters
- Duration- 6 to 8 days
- Best Time- June to September
- Difficulty Level- Moderate to difficulty level
It is one of the famous treks that is from Soituk to Markha Valley and offers you a chance to soak in the entire Himalayan landscape. The 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 os 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 experience. It is the best option for travelers who are in Ladakh for a short while, so never miss this chance.
- Snow Leopard Trek
- Altitude- 3956 meters
- Duration- 8 days
- Best Time- months of January to March
- Difficulty Level- Moderate to challenging
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
- Altitude- 6153 meters
- Duration- Level 5
- Best Time- June to September
- Difficulty Level- Difficult
Stok Kangri is among the most fascinating places on the planet and 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 said to be 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
- Altitude – 3874 meters
- Duration- 3 days
- Best Time- All year round
- Difficulty Level- Moderate
Sham Valley trek in Ladakh is h, however, a short trek for three days and is therefore popular as a baby trek. The trek starts from Likir, and trekkers can also visit the Likir monastery. After that trek continues through the villages of Hemis Shukpachan, Yangthang, and Temisgam, and after that trek comes to an end at Leh. Through this amazing trek, trekkers will pass through many streams and villages that provide great opportunities for you to learn about the local culture and traditions. It is an ideal activity to enjoy the local culture and stay in the Ladakhi houses. This short trek will give travelers a chance to explore the hill station and its beautiful, splendid attractions. It is part of the larger Ladakh Range; however, it does not take you to the high-altitude peaks but offers you spectacular views of many mountains and ranges.
- Nubra Valley Trek
- Altitude- 5438 meters
- Duration- 5 days
- Best Time: June to September
- Difficulty Level- moderate to difficult
The Nubra valley is a gateway to the ancient silk route and is the home to double-humped camel. It is the most visited place in Ladakh as it gives a chance to get close to the beauty. The Nubra Valley trek is among the best Ladakh Trekking options thatstrats from Sabu village and take you to the Digar La pass and, after that, takes travelers to the Indus Valley and Zanskar Valley and end at the Diskit Valley. It is one of the buried treks worldwide and is so rewarding, with spectacular views of snow-covered peaks. The highest point of Trek is Lasermo La Pass, which is covered with snow in the summer as well. The time you reach the top, you must experience the ride of the double-humped Bactrian Camel for sure, as your trek will be incomplete without experiencing it.
- Rumtse to Tso-Moriri Trek
- Altitude- 5435 meters
- Duration- 8 days
- Best Time: June to mid-October
- Difficulty Level- Moderate to Difficult
The Rumtse to Tso-Moriri Trek is among the popular Ladakh trekking options because it offers a chance to cross seven mountain passes to reach the lake. The journey is so beautiful in itself that you will forget about the destination. The trekking route is covered with snow-capped mountains, vibrant wildflowers, many exotic species of birds, and much more. The time trekkers cross these passes, they will witness the earth changing colors as well as textures whi, ch is the best part of this trek. It is one of the amazing Ladakh treks that let people experience the diversity of the landscapes. Throughout the trek, travelers might also come across the nomad tribe if they are lucky. You can sip a butter tea with them and can have a conversation as well. It is an offbeat trek where you will not see much crowd and have quietness and serenity.
- Kang Yaste & Dzo Jongo
- Altitude-
- Duration- 12 to 16 days
- Best Time-
- Difficulty Level- challenging only for experienced trekkers
It is the best Laadkh 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 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
- Altitude- 5153 meters
- Duration- 5 days
- Best Time: May to November
- Difficulty Level- Moderate
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
- Altitude- 5080 m
- Duration- 9 to 10 days
- Best Time- from mid-June to early September
- Difficulty Level- Moderate
The Darcha Padum trek is the most fulfilling adventure trek in Ladakh 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.
Easy treks in Ladakh
- Spituk to Stok Trek
It is one of the easy options for Trekking in Leh Ladakh and takes trekkers through the renowned part of Hemis High Altitude National Park and leads them to Stok La Pass. The trek will give you a chance to witness three famous and parallel mountain ranges, including the Zanskar Range, Ladakh Range, and Karakorum Range. Travelers will also see a range of the highest peaks as well, like Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse, which also can give a glimpse of the snow leopards that are also present in the area and route. It is a perfect trek in Ladakh if you are seeking a shorter option with a moderate difficulty level and beautiful views. It is for those who have a short time and want to enjoy the trekking experience here. The trek gives an exciting chance to explore the beautiful Rumbak village and also enjoy a wildlife expedition. So, give it a chance during your Ladakh trip to get lost in the beauty of the historically steeped Stok Palace.
- Lamayuru to Chilling Trek
It is said to be one of the stunning adventure Ladakh Trekking options that will take a person from the moonlike landscapes and famous monastery of Lamayuru to the village of Chilling across 3 high-altitude passes. The trekkers will get a great chance to explore classic Ladakhi villages, green barley, as well as apricot fields, rural passes, and beautiful vistas of the Stok, Zanskar, and Karakoram mountain ranges. The trek is perfect for nature lovers and spiritual seekers and is of moderate difficulty level for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The best time to enjoy this amazing short trek is between May to September. It starts from Lamayuru and continues to ascend towards Konze La, and from there, the journey turns to Dun Dung La mase. After that, the trek continues a steep trek downhill before it ends at Chilling. It offers trekkers to experience the warmth of hospitality as theythey stay in traditional homestays and also gives you to know the lifestyle and traditions of the Zanskari population.
- Ladakh Monastery Trek
Ladakh is not only known for its passes but is also popular among travelers for its monasteries, which are true emblems of the Mahayana or the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. The Ladakh monasteries are exclusive and offer the region its exclusive flavor and beauty. Most gompas and monasteries here are built on the lone rocks or craggy mountain faces. People who love to explore these monasteries to get the true essence of the region and its culture choose the Ladakh Monastery trek, which will take trekkers to the most beautiful villages and fascinating gompas that are lesser known. It is all about the snow-covered peaks, remote villages, and ancient Buddhist monasteries and will give travelers a chance to explore the explicit and wondrous land. The trek is designed to give you a tour of various monasteries like Thiksey and Shey and is a great combination of spirituality and adventure. It gives an unparalleled experience while trekking through the breathtaking landscapes and visiting the sacred Buddhist monasteries in the world.
- Indus Valley Trek
It is the spectacular Ladakh Trek and the best way to explore all the attractions in the Indus Valley in one stretch. The trek includes parts of the Leh district, the Skardu region, and a vast barren desert. It is one of the best treks that pace along the valley and nearby ranges and is said to be one of the easiest treks. It is filled with thrills and attractions that can be enjoyed during the peak months of June to October. The Indus Valley is also a great region that offers many other activities, including river rafting, mountain biking, and other activities filled with thrill. The trek follows the Sham Valley and other valleys to the Indus and covers some passes but misses the high-altitude ones. It includes short and accessible talks with the highest trekking point at 4040m and gives a chance to explore different geographical attractions, topographical diversions, and unusual directions.
Ladakh Family Packages (Luxurious Stay)
14D/ 13N
12D/ 11N
1 Hour
FAQ's
Is Ladakh good for trekking?
Ladakh is the best option if you seek the best trekking experience. The region is best for trekking as it offers many wonderful options, attracting mountain enthusiasts and thrill and adventure seekers. The Ladakh trekking offers an unforgettable experience through remote trails and gives a chance to hike through almost all untouched lands.
Which valley in Ladakh is Popular for trekking?
However, many valleys in Ladakh are popular for amazing treks, including Markha Valley, Sham Valley, and Nubra Valley. However, Markha Valley is and most popular, which is picturesque and full of thrill, involving many river crossings and the high pass of Kongmaru La.
Which time is best for Ladakh trekking?
June to September are the months that are great for enjoying the Ladakh treks because of the pleasant weather and accessibility of almost all trekking routes. If you seek for best winter trekking in Ladakh, then November to December are the best months for snow lovers, and to trek in mild temperatures, you can plan from March to May to explore the vibrant blossoms.
Is the Markha Valley Trek difficult?
The Markha Valley trek’s difficulty level comes under moderate to difficult because of its high altitude that demands moderately fit people. The altitude of the trek is 5260m, and thus, there is a need for a good fitness level, like strong legs and lung capacity. The terrain of the trek involves rocky paths and steep sections as well as around higher passes.