7 Best Treks of Ladhakh

February 23, 2024

adarsh-ojha

Ladakh, an amazing region in the Himalayas, is many-sided by its rough terrain, high peaks, and the way of life of its people. Its embracing desert landscapes, which can be seen as lunar, are dotted with patches of green and wildlife. More than this, the area contains old Buddhist monasteries and traditional settlements. Tourists can walk around the capital of Ladakh province, Leh. Ladakh has a giant treasure chest of natural and cultural sights to offer that include the hardest treks.

1. Markha Valley Trek:

The Markha Valley trek, located in Hemis National Park, follows the ancient silk route through the valley, passing through Markha and Hankar villages. The trail ascends to Kongmaru La, a high-altitude pass, and leads to “Chogdo” village. Access to Markha Village is available from both sides.

Why Markha Valley Trek?: The trek passes along the Indus Valley, where some of the most stunning views of the mountains can be witnessed and there is a high chance of spotting some wildlife are Hemis National Park including the Himalayan snow leopard, blue sheep & Himalayan marmots.

Highlights: It is popular for the magical vantage of Stok Kangri massif and the Zanskar range and it is certainly lovely for natural and archeological sightseeing. When passing through the green barley fields and getting reacquainted with the plant and animal life, one will gain a sense of what it feels like to embark on a silk road journey of the silk merchants.…which will add a little spice to the tour.

Trek Altitude	17,200 Feet
Trek Distance	65 km
Duration	09 Days
Difficulty	Moderate

2. Chadar Trek:

The Chadar Trek of Zanskar River is a thrilling adventure in Ladakh, offering an unforgettable experience on a thick sheet of ice over the blue Zanskar River. The trek is challenging, with extremely cold temperatures and unpredictable weather. The ice and snow constantly change, offering insight into the vibrant yet challenging life of the locals. The journey is recommended for those interested in Himalayan culture, vibrant colors, and icy air. January is the ideal time to experience the Chadar Trek.

Trek Altitude	11,250 Feet
Trek Distance	50 Km
Duration	09 Days
Difficulty	Difficult

3. Kang Yatse II:

Kang Yatse II, a 6,250-meter peak in Ladakh’s Markha Valley, is a popular choice for climbers seeking high-altitude experience and panoramic views of surrounding peaks, offering a well-defined path and challenging ascent.

Essence: The Kang Yatse II Climb is a kind and exciting tour that offers a non-stop tracing of Markha Valley and climbing a high-altitude peak. This peak has two peaks; therefore, the climb is challenging compared to the Stok Kangri peak which has only one summit. It is less travelled as compared to the other treks; giving the climbers a quiet and more thrilling climbing adventure with nature at its best.

Why Kang Yatse? Alpine vegetation is found on the trek along with opportunities to spot wildlife such as snow leopards and Himalayan ibex. The peaks themselves are said to be occupied with minor deities who protect the land and its people. Such a meaning enhances the value of the journey in terms of spirituality, which in turn gives the trek a positive connotation.

Trek Altitude	20,500 Feet
Trek Distance	75 KM
Duration	13 to 14 Days
Difficulty	Difficult

4. Stok Kangri Trek:

The Stok Kangri trek, a 6,153-meter peak in the Ladakh region of northern India, offers a thrilling adventure with stunning views of the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges, cultural interaction with local Ladakhi people, and the chance to experience high altitude mountaineering at high altitudes.

Essence: Pertinently, Stok Kangri having a height of 6,153 meters is among the most climbed peaks in Ladakh. Although is closed this year, it is still one of the most famous treks for mountaineering freaks. Trekking to Stok Kangri is generally combined with that of the Markha Valley, and peeps into the cultural experience in addition to a thrilling ascend. This trek is suitable for those interested in having their first interaction with Himalayan mountaineering in things endued with mountaineering gears.

Why Stok Kangri Trek: Of course, the minute one gets to the top of the island the view is majestic, virtually all the neighbouring mountains can be viewed from this summit. It is also occupied by Snow Leopards and blue Sheep and has alpine vegetation making the climb all the more appealing. The Kirghiz people believe that in the highlands there are energies that cannot be explained, and during the climb, most of the participants noticed a spiritual component.

Trek Altitude	20180 Feet
Trek Distance	40 KM
Duration	8 to 9 Days
Difficulty	Difficult

5. Spituk Trek:

trekking to siptuk trek route in ladakh, india

The Spituk Trek is a popular, short, accessible, and beginner-friendly trekking route in Ladakh, India. Starting from Spituk Village, it offers stunning views of Stok Kangri, one of the highest peaks in the Stok Range, and dramatic landscapes of Ladakh.

Essence: Spituk to Stok Trek can be called a small circuit that gives you several experiences within 3 days of the trek. The first day of this trek begins with a visit to the Spituk monastery which dates back to the 11th century and there are homestays at Rumbak. Finally, the trek is quite spectacular when seen from the Stok La pass and that is why this is the perfect short trek.

Why Spituk to Stok Trek: It is anticipated that the teaser for the trek route would be laden with barley & mustard fields and some sort of view of Himalayan birds. Mythical tales of the monks of Spituk monastery who used to go into caves to meditate for their spiritual awakening also make an interesting background to the trek.

Trek Altitude	15928 Feet
Trek Distance	39 KM
Duration	3 to 4 Days
Difficulty	Moderate

6. Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek:

enjoying the rumtse to moriri trek in ladhakh, india

The Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek is a popular mountain trek in northern India, starting from Rumtse village at 4,100 meters. It involves substantial altitude gain to Kyamar Pass, reaching 5,750 meters. Acclimatization is crucial before starting the trek.

Essence: Ladakh also known as barren heaven, is home to numerous treks among which the Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek is highlighted among the pack. We traverse through the stark barren landscapes of Ladakh and ancient monasteries which pose a testament to time itself which rests at the river banks of Lake Tso Moriri.

Why Rumtse to Tso Moriri?: This trek provides the travelers an opportunity to meet Changpa nomads see their Pashmina wool tent and have a cup of salty butter tea. The trek goes across six high passes with changing scenes on them as well as ending at the glorious twin lakes – Tso Kar and Tso Moriri. Furthermore, this is a significantly challenging trek involving unknown and exquisite altitude considerations; encounters with Pashmina goats and yaks are prevalent.

Highlights: Within the history of the region, the paired salt lakes of Tso Kar and Tso Moriri have long been the focus of Tibetan nomads passing through exquisite ecosystems hosting migratory birds. The positive impact of tourists on the local economy in Tso Moriri is significantly felt, although the Changpas still share some sort of spiritual kinship with the land and their folklore enhances the cultural flavor of the trekking.

There are also climbing places, fishing spots, and many other attractions around the lakes. Certain other attractions besides the vistas of the alluring blue sky, towering snow-peaked mountains, and sparking rivers or the serene voices of welcome that each region showers on its explorer. Not to forget the grandness this region also boasts 225 species of birds, including the resident and the migratory ones some of the endemic birds in the Changthang area.

The Changpa nomads share some sort of kinship with the land and their folklore enhances the cultural flavor of the trekking.

Trek Altitude	17847 Feet
Trek Distance	86 KM
Duration	9 to 11 Days
Difficulty	Difficult

7. Sham Valley:

sham valley or also called apricot valley

Sham Valley, also known as the “Apricot Valley,” is a picturesque region in northern India, known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant apricot orchards, and traditional Ladakhi villages. The valley is home to ancient monasteries, chortens, and prayer flags, making it a spiritually significant destination for the local Buddhist population.

Essence: Also known as the “baby” trek taking its name from being very comfortable and family friendly the Sham Valley Trek offers a pleasant start to Trekking in Ladakh. This route is perfect for those who wish to go on a short and easy trek but at the same time want to check the incredible view of nature and the cultural uses of the local community.

Why Sham Valley Trek: The trek involves staying with the local people in their homes next door eating their local food, and passing through the oldest monasteries in the region.

Sham Valley Apricot trees and barley fields along the route provide a charming backdrop. An enjoyable excursion will no doubt be turning high for bird watchers especially due to the several species of migratory and endemic birds.

Highlights: The history of the monasteries also connects a rich mythological tradition about great monks who lived there and spiritual experiences which will add extra charm and fulfilment to your overall Sham Valley trek.

Trek Altitude	12729 Feet
Trek Distance	32 Km
Duration	5 Days
Difficulty	Moderate