Explore The Hidden Valleys Of Ladakh Trek : A Journey Beyond The Ordinary

Introduction Of Hidden Valleys Of Ladakh

Ladakh is an Indian Union Territory situated in the northern most part of India. It is surrounded by the Himalayan mountain ranges in the south, Karakoram mountain ranges in the north , Tibet is to the east and  the Indian state of Jammu Kashmir and the Pakistan administered Gilgit Baltistan to the west.

Ladakh has a varied landscape primarily having a high altitude desert and scenic valleys such as Nubra, Markha, Zanskar, Sham and many more. Ladakh is also known for its pristine and clear lakes the most famous being the Pangong Tso and even serene Tso Moriri. Ladakh is also known for its passes with Khardung La being the highest motorable road. The Indus and Zanskar river flow through Ladakh making the nearby land fertile and apt for settlements.  All these landscapes are surrounded by the mountain ranges of Karakoram, Himalayas and the Ladakh ranges. Apart from the landscapes the stunning monasteries and stupa give a unique cultural charm to the region. In the past, Ladakh was very important from trade point of view sue to its proximity to China and Indian states but the borders were closed in 1960s so the trade via this route came to a standstill. However the Indian government is promoting tourism in this region and due to its strategic position there is  strong military presence esp at LAC and the Siachen Glacier.

Due to a boost in tourism and with the help of the local governments, Ladakh has gained a lot of popularity mainly for its adventure activities like trekking, hiking, mountain biking, river rafting and much more. Add to this the stunning landscapes and indigenous local culture Ladakh has become an attractive choice for travelers from not only India but all over the world.

Why Choose Ladakh For Trekking?

Ladakh is slowly gaining popularity amongst trekkers who are looking for an adventure on an off-beaten path which adds to the thrill and fuels their adrenaline even further. Trekking in Ladakh takes them away from the crowded trek routes which are popular otherwise offering them the stunning virgin landscapes along with a divine cultural experience due to the presence of various monasteries and stupas in the region. Another important point to consider for trekking in Ladakh is the stability of the climate on the region. Due to its peculiar location it is often shielded from heavy rainfall as compared to the popular treks happening from Uttarkhand, Himachal Pradesh and even Nepal where rain can cause a hindrance while trekking the Himalayas. So while trekking becomes challenging and at times impossible in the monsoon months of July to September in Uttarkhand for Kedarkantha, Har ki Dun, Chopta Chandrashila and Himachal treks like Rupin Pass, Hampta Pass or even  Nepal for Everest Base camp or Annapurna circuit trek , Treks in Ladakh will thus provide the prefect thrill to the adventure seekers who want to experience nature at its best and truly discover some magic and peace when treks in other regions are not possible.

Ladakh also has a very heavy Tibetan influence which is very evident amongst the locals from their lifestyle and food habits which can be experienced during local homestays whilst on a trek and some treks provide the opportunity to visit Buddhist monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey.  There are numerous trek options to choose from some day treks to some multi day advanced challenging treks. In all, trekking in Ladakh will provide for a unique and once in lifetime trek experience catering to everyone's needs and capacity while you explore all the hidden gems and valley treks.

Key Valley Treks In Ladakh

1. Markha Valley Trek

Situated in Hemis National Park this 65 km trek of moderate difficulty which takes about 9 days to complete at an altitude of 17200 feet is one of the most popluar treks in Ladakh which can be undertaken during the months of June to September when other Indian states are reeling under heavy monsoons. This trek is significant as it takes you along the ancient silk route and villages of Markha and Chogdo all the way upto the high altitude pass of Kongmaru La. The cost of a 9 day trek would be approximately 650$ + GST.

2. Nubra Valley Trek

Situated between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas Nubra Valley Trek is situated in the northernmost part of India. It is a 59km trek taking about 7 days to finish reaching an altitude of 5350 meters. It is also known as valley of flowers and the valley is separated by Khardungla pass which is the highest motorable road in India. The trek takes place on old silk route which connects the Indus and Nubra valleys. The varied landscapes and the monasteries in the region offer a breathtaking experience. The trek is best undertaken in the months of June to September and is an easy to moderate difficulty trek and costs about 770$ + GST.

3. Sham Valley Trek

A relatively easy trek which covers a distance of 32kms taking about 5 days reaching an altitude of 3880 meters. It is situated to the west of Nubra Valley along the lines of the lower reaches of Indus river. The trek is characterized by the abundance of apricots orchards in the region and the experience of typical Ladakhi villages and homestays. Due to its relative easy and accessible terrain as compared to other valleys in Ladakh this trek can be undertaken by beginners and by families. The best time to undertake the trek is from June to September where the weather is pleasant and it also falls under no rain zone. The cost of the entire trek is about 400$ +GST.

4. Suru Valley Trek

Another easy to moderate difficulty trek situated in the Kargil district of Ladakh the beauty of this trek is the greenery found in this valley along with the views of the majestic mountains and clear blue skies. This is an easy trek of about 32 kms at an altitude of 4200 meters and takes about 7 days to complete.  the cost of the trek is about 450$ +GST with best time to do so from May to October. Apart from trekking, one can also indulge in river rafting, biking and rock climbing.

5. Rupshu Valley Trek

Rupshu Valley Trek is a high altitude trek reaching an altitude of 15800 feet situated in the Changthang Valley near Tibet.  It’s a 9 day trek covering a distance of 60 kms and is a difficult trek undertaken only by experienced trekkers with acclimatization being of utmost importance. The trek apart from offering stunning views also gives a glimpse into the lifestyle of people living in the changpa villages who are mainly shepherds. One will encounter yaks and pashmina goats whilst trekking. The best time to undertake this trek is from June to September and will cost approximately 1275 $+GST. Its not a very popular trek hence trekkers will experience nature at its best.

Other notable treks in Ladakh region which are famous:

6. Rumtse To Tso Moriri Trek

A 106km difficult trek, Rumtse to Tso Moriri is one of the popular trek in Ladakh. The trek starts at Rumtse village which is at a height of 13450 feet and extends upto the height of 18860 feet crossing six high passes mainly Kyamari La, Kartse La and Yalung Nyau La. As there is a tremendous altitude gain acclimatization becomes of utmost importance and hence the trek takes about 9 days to complete.

The main highlight apart from traversing all the high altitude passes is the Tso Moriri Lake which is a Ramsar site and an oligotrophic lake meaning lake which has clear waters but devoid of any nutrients and home to many migratory and indigenous birds and animals.  The best time to do this trek is from July to September and costs about 800 $+GST.

7. Ripchar Valley Trek:

A 75km moderate difficulty trek spanning 8 days reaching an altitude of 14000 feet which can even be attempted after proper acclimatization by beginners offering not only stunning views of the Karakoram and Zanskar mountain ranges but also experiencing the Buddhist culture by visiting the Lamayuru Monastry.  The best time to trek is from July to September where the grasslands are blooming with flowers making it a pleasant trekking experience. The cost of this 8 day trek would be about 800$+GST.

8. Matho La Trek

Matho La Trek is a relatively less popular trek located along the banks of Indus river at the foot of the Zanskar mountain ranges. The trek starts at Matho village and ends at Stok village gaining an altitude of 5010 meters. This trek is a relatively easy difficulty trek covering a distance of about 35 kms spanning over 5 days. The Matho monastery located in the village is of great cultural significance as it is the only Sakya Sect monastry in Ladakh. This lesser known trek is perfect for those seeking peace and adventure at the same time. The best time to trek is from June to September and costs about 575$+GST.

9. Stok Kangri Trek

A highly challenging and a difficult trek , which is on every seasoned and experienced trekkers bucketlist. This 40km trek starts from Stok village and includes ascending the Stok Kangi Peak gaining a total altitude of 20180feet. Due to its altitude acclimatization is of utmost importance and a few areas while ascending the peak could be challenging. The panoramic views of Zanskar and Karakoram ranges after the ascend is the highlight of the entire trek making it a sight to behold and a memory of lifetime. The entire trek takes about 9 days to complete and costs about 1210$ +GST and the best time to trek is from July to September.

10. Spituk Trek

A 39km trek starting from  Spituk village going through Rumbak Valley finally reaching Stok La Pass reaching an altitide of 4800 meters. From here you can get astounding views of Ladakh range and Stok Kangri peak. This 4 day trek costs about 210$+GST and best undertaken from the months of June to September.

11. Parang La Trek

Parang La is a 128km very challenging yet exciting trans himalayan trek which connects the Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh. Apart from the high altitude where one reaches the altitude of 18300 feet, the train also has some rugged mountains, moraines and icy stretches along the way making it challenging. At an altitude of 15000 feet one will encounter the Tso Moriri Lake where the clear water of the lakes gives a tranquil feeling whilst trekking. A 9 day trek best undertaken by seasoned trekkers is best done from mid July to September. The cost of this unique trek which follows the ancient silk route is about 1270$ +GST.

What Will You Expect On The Trail

Ladakh has a varied landscapes featuring rugged mountains, high altitude deserts and lakes along with flourishing meadows and stunning valleys. Ladakh is also known for its pristine and clear lakes the most famous being the Pangong Tso and even serene Tso Moriri. Some rivers like Zanskar during winters get frozen and the Chadar trek on this becomes an experience to remember.  Ladakh is also known for its passes with Khardung La being the highest motorable road. Traversing these multiple passes at such high altitude can be very challenging yet absolutely rewarding.

The local flora and fauna which one encounters while trekking in this region provides an added fulfillment to the thrill of trekking. Ladakh is indigenous to various endangered species like snow leopards, blue sheep, pashmina goats, yaks and more. 

Apart from this Ladakh has a rich cultural heritage which is primarily inspired from Buddhism as evident from the numerous monasteries which one encounters on different treks. Some of the famous monasteries in Ladakh are Hemis which is the largest and most famous, Lamayuru which is the oldest, Thiksey and Alchi.

The lifestyle of the Ladakhi people which can be sampled during the homestays provide an insight into the simple lifestyle of these people giving you a wholesome experience during treks and making it an experience to remember.

Read more: Top 10 Treks In Ladakh

Planning Your Valley Treks In Ladakh

• Best time to visit and weather conditions:

Ladakh has slowly gained importance amongst the trekkers as it provides a very stable climate. While most of northern Indian states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and even Nepal receive heavy rainfall and treks are next to impossible , treks in Ladakh gain popularity as it falls under rain shadow zone esp from the months of June to September.

Thus the best time to trek in Ladakh is during the months from June to September which are summer months providing with an ideal climate to trek where most of the snow has melted and roads and terrains are clearer. Some treks like Chadar trek can be done in the winter months where the river is frozen and that experience is unparalleled.

The daytime temperatures range from 15-20 degree C while the night time temperatures will be from 5-10 degree C.

• Acclimatization and altitude consideration:

Ladakh is a high altitude region with a varied altitude from 8790 feet above sea level to 18380 feet above sea level. Due to such high altitudes acclimatization becomes very crucial. Our body can take anywhere 2-3 days to adjust to the height and low oxygen levels of the region. Hence on reaching one must avoid any strenuous activities , rest and drink a lot of water at least 2- 4 litres a day. Avoiding smoking and alcohol is also beneficial to help body get used to the climate. Alternatively one can also take prescribed medication which helps prevent altitude sickness.

Permits - one needs a valid permit to enter and trek the restricted regions of Ladakh. At Himalaya Shelter all the required permits will be obtained for you on submitting Aadhaar Card and valid travel insurance for Indian citizens and Passport, valid visa and travel insurance for foreign nationals along with a valid physical fitness certificate from a registered medical consultant for all trekkers.

• Logistics and travel from Leh

All trekkers will be picked up from Leh airport and taken to the hotel for the mandatory acclimatization period before driving to the starting point of the trek.  At Himalaya Shelter we will customize according to your needs and make sure that the trek is smooth by providing experienced tour guides, technical support, required permits and comfortable stay with high quality nutritious food.

Read: Safety measures during a trek

How To Trek Responsibly In Leh 

While trekking Responsibly in Leh we are going to places which aren't commercial and there is still abundance of natural beauty in its pristine conditions, so as conscious citizens of the world that we practice sustainable trekking by following the No Trace Policy by avoiding using plastic items, using reusable stuff like metal water bottles, not littering the campsite and ensuring proper disposal of waste. Along with this by staying in local homestays  gives a boost of income to the local communities and in return you get a unique cultural experience too. The main focus to trek responsibly is that we can leave the are untouched the benefits of which can be enjoyed by the generations to come too.

Tips For Responsible & Eco Friendly Trekking In Ladakh:

• Proper acclimatization is a must while in Ladakh. It takes a good 2-3 days for the body to get used to the climate and low oxygen levels of the region. Hydration and rest is key.
• Leave No Trace practice must be consciously followed where absolutely no littering and throwing of waste should be done.
• Making use of reusable bottles, plates and other cutlery is encouraged.
• Waste material should be disposed properly and campsite should be left absolutely clean.
• Using bio degradable items like soaps etc is encouraged.
• Preplanning of routes by using various GPS apps and saving them offline help in an effective and successful trekking experience.
• Hiring local guides and staying in local homestays will help in boosting the economy of the communities and gaining an indigenous experience.

Conclusion

Trekking in Ladakh is slowly becoming popular amongst trekkers who want a unique experience and capture natures beauty at its finest and pristine form. During the months of June to September when all northern Indian states like uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh reel under heavy rainfall even Nepal for that matter, trekking in Ladakh becomes the perfect option. Not only it’s a heaven for experienced trekkers but also beginners with proper acclimatization can undertake valley treks in Ladakh. The blend of the scenic routes along with rich cultural experiences of the locals and its monasteries provide the trekkers with a wholesome and once in lifetime experience. 

FAQs of Hidden Valleys Of Ladakh Trek

Q1. when is the best time to trek in Ladakh?

Ans: the months of June to September is ideal for treks in Ladakh as the temperatures are pleasant and comfortable and rainfall is no to scanty in the entire region.

Q2. Does one need to acclimatize before treks in Ladakh?

Ans: Yes, acclimatization is must to prevent altitude sickness due to drop in oxygen levels. It takes about 48 hrs for the body to get used to the altitude and rest and hydration during this period is vital.

Q3. Can valley treks in Ladakh be done solo?

Ans: Trekking solo is not advisable due to the difficult nature of the landscapes of the region and due to high altitudes some pass and terrains can be tricky to navigate and experience of a tour guide or a local thus becomes very helpful. 

Q4 Does one require permits to trek in Ladakh ?

Ans: Certain regions like Pangong, Tso Moriri and Nubra valley require protected permits which can be easily obtained by furnishing required documents.

Q5. What kind of clothing item to get during treks?

Ans: The night time temperatures can get chilly , hence layered clothing with thermals and thick jackets, gloves, wool beanies and thick socks are advisable. A light raincoat along with caps and good sunscreen should also be carried.

Read more: Treks In Ladakh