Top 10 Treks in Ladakh 2025

January 13, 2025

himalaya

It is not just the beautiful mountains and scenery that make Ladakh a paradise, but it is the entire community

To add an extra pinch of salt, the treks in Ladakh also play a major role in making Ladakh a true heaven. We all are aware that Ladakh is one of the best adventure centers for people who wish to trek. From meadows to alpine lakes to summit points to peaks there is nothing that Ladakh can’t offer. If you are an adventure enthusiast Ladakh is definitely a place that you should visit at least once in your life for trekking.

But the real struggle comes when we try to decide which trek in which season should we choose. You don’t need to worry about that when you have Himalayan Shelter by your side.

Here are the best 10 Ladakh Treks for you in 2025!

10 Best Treks in Ladakh 2025

1. Markha Valley Trek

One popular trekking route in Ladakh is Markha Valley trek. The Markha Valley Trek leads you through the beautiful villages of Markha and Hankar, which are located in a valley that is now part of Hemis National Park. Markha Valley trek is along the historic Silk Road. The valley runs from north west to south east and is situated south of Leh. Following the valley, the trek ascends to Kongmaru La, a high pass at 17,250 feet, which links it to a gorge on the opposite side.

Location: Hemis National Park, Ladakh
Altitude: 17,100 ft
Base Camp: Leh
Best Time: April to September
Trek Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Highlight: Scenic views of Kang Yatse and Stok Kangri, river crossings, and traditional Ladakhi villages.

2. Kang Yatse II Trek

Kang Yatse 2 trek is a famous mountain peak in the Markha Valley of Ladakh. The Kang Yatse Peak is part of the Kang Yatse mountain range and is around 6,250 meters high above sea level. The climb to Kang Yatse 2 trek usually begins from a base camp near the mountain. The journey to the top includes trekking over rocky ground and crossing glaciers, sometimes facing steep slopes where crampons and ice axes are needed.

Location: Markha Valley, Ladakh
Altitude: 21,000 ft
Base Camp: Markha Valley
Best Time: June to September
Trek Difficulty: Difficult
Highlight: Summit of Kang Yatse II with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

3. Kang Yatse I Trek

Kang Yatze, also known as Kang Yatse, is a mountain in the Himalayas in northwest India, with an elevation of 21,000 feet. It is situated at the end of the Markha valley. There are two main summits on the mountain – the lower western peak, Kang Yatze II. This one is easier to climb and more popular among mountaineers. The higher eastern peak, Kang Yatze I, is the true summit but is less frequently climbed due to the technical difficulty.

Location: Markha Valley, Ladakh
Altitude: 20,000 ft
Base Camp: Markha Valley
Best Time: June to September
Trek Difficulty: Difficult
Highlight: Stunning views from the summit and exploration of remote valleys.

4. Chadar Trek

Want to make 2025 a little adventurous? How about ice trekking? Chadar Trek is your key to Ladakh Adventure. Chadar Trek on the Zanskar River is considered one of the top treks in Ladakh. The name Chadar means “blanket,” as it involves walking on a thick sheet of ice over the blue Zanskar River. Despite not having much uphill climbing, it takes time to adjust to walking on ice and enduring temperatures as low as -30 degrees.

Location: Zanskar River, Ladakh
Altitude: 11,123 ft
Base Camp: Leh
Best Time: January to February
Trek Difficulty: Difficult
Highlight: Walking on the frozen Zanskar River amidst breathtaking landscapes.

5. Sham Valley Trek

Sham Valley, referred to as the “Apricot Valley,” is situated in northern India’s Ladakh region. The Sham Valley Trek follows the lower reaches of the powerful Indus River and is located west of the more well-known Nubra Valley. The valley is well known for its traditional Ladakhi villages, colorful apricot orchards, and breathtaking scenery. Tibetan Buddhism is practiced by the majority of the residents, who are of Tibetan heritage. The landscape is decorated with prayer flags, chortens and old monasteries.

Location: Western Ladakh
Altitude: 12,000 ft
Base Camp: Leh
Best Time: March to October
Trek Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlight: Cultural immersion in traditional villages and monasteries.

6. Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek

Offbeat, adventure and the scenic Tso Moriri – that is Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek. A well-traveled trekking route in northern India’s Ladakh region is the Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek. Some of the most breathtaking and isolated scenery in the Indian Himalayas can be found during this trek. From Leh, the Ladakh capital, Rumtse is reachable by road. Kyamar Pass, which is roughly 18,860 ft above sea level, is the highest point of the Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek, which involves a significant altitude gain. Because of this, it is crucial to adequately acclimate before beginning the Ladakh trek.

Location: Changthang Plateau, Ladakh
Altitude: 15,000 ft
Base Camp: Rumtse
Best Time: June to September
Trek Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Highlight: Scenic landscapes and the beautiful Tso Moriri Lake.

7. Parang La Trek

Parang La Trek is situated close to the border with the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Parang La Trek provides stunning sweeping views of the valleys and peaks in the area. Trekkers can engage with the locals, who are primarily of Tibetan descent, and learn about their distinctive customs, culture, and way of life along the way. The area is renowned for its wildlife, and you may see creatures like the Himalayan blue sheep, marmots, the elusive snow leopard, and a variety of birds.

Location: Kibber to Tso Moriri, Ladakh
Altitude: 18,000 ft
Base Camp: Kibber
Best Time: June to September
Trek Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Highlight: Crossing the Parang La pass with views of snow-capped peaks.

8. Stok Kangri Trek

Stok Kangri, located in the stunning region of Ladakh, is among the most fascinating locations on Earth. The northern Indian state of Ladakh is well-known for its people’s kindness and support. The most daring destination for trekking enthusiasts is Leh, the capital of Ladakh, which is located at an elevation of 3500–3800 meters above sea level. There is more to the Stok Kangri Trek than just Trekking.

Location: Stok Range, Ladakh
Altitude: 20,080 ft
Base Camp: Stok Village
Best Time: July to September
Trek Difficulty: Difficult
Highlight: Summit of Stok Kangri with stunning views of the Zanskar range.

9. Spituk to Stok Trek

For people with limited time, this quick trek in Hemis National Park is ideal. You will come across the quaint village of Rumbak, which is encircled by verdant fields and vibrant mountains. In this region, wild animals like marmots and blue sheep are also frequently sighted.In Ladakh, India, the Spituk Trek is a well-traveled trekking route. Since the trek is manageable and can be finished in a single day, a variety of trekkers, including novices, can participate.

Location:Stok Range, Ladakh
Altitude: 14,300 ft
Base Camp: Spituk
Best Time: June to September
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Scenic views and cultural experiences in traditional villages.

10. Dzo Jongo Peak Expedition

Only a few only this hidden gem of Markha Valley – The majestic Dzo Jongo Expedition. The Dzo Jongo peak is not visible until you arrive at the base camp, which adds to the trek’s mystery. The journey begins in Leh and passes through the stunning Markha Valley. Markha Valley is well-known for the Kang Yatse 1 and 2 peaks, but it also conceals the Dzo Jongo peak, a 6000-meter peak that is marginally higher than Stok Kangri.

Location: Ladakh, India
Altitude: 20,000 ft
Base Camp: Chuchot Village
Best Time: June to September
Trek Difficulty: Difficult
Highlight: Summit views and exploration of remote landscapes.

FAQs

Q1. What is the most popular trek in Ladakh?

Ans: The Markha Valley Trek is renowned as the most popular trek in Ladakh, offering stunning mountain scenery, local culture, and wildlife encounters.

Q2. When is the best time to trek in Ladakh?

Ans: The ideal trekking season in Ladakh generally spans from mid-June to early October.

Q3. What are some other notable treks in Ladakh?

Ans: Besides the Markha Valley and Stok Kangri, other notable treks include:

Chadar Trek
Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek
Parang La Trek
Stok Kangri Trek
Spituk to Stok Trek
Dzo Jongo Peak Expedition

Explore the treks of Ladakh HERE…