Ladakh, the land of high mountains, offers a long list of outdoor adventures for all adventure enthusiasts. The unique terrain of the region, much like a high-altitude desert, is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels – there are a number of options to pick from whether you are a beginner, an avid trekker, an experienced climber or if you like to explore the outdoors on two wheels. The high-altitude culture and traditions of the locals here are also widely different from those you’d meet in regions like Himachal and Uttarakhand.
While there is a lot to explore, geographically and culturally, in this beautiful land of colorful prayer flags, mane walls, high passes, exotic wildlife, deep gorges and unusual canyons, here are some of our favorite trails from the region.
1. Chadar Trek
Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 9 Days Best Season: Jan - Feb
You think about trekking in the inhospitable terrain of Ladakh and the first trek that’s likely to pop into your mind is the Chadar Trek. Undeniably the most famous trek of Ladakh, the trek is literally a walk on water as a chadar or blanket of ice forms on top of the Zanskar River.
Although Himalayan trails offer a multitude of experiences, how often do you get to say you walked on a frozen river? What the trek lacks in altitude, going up to a maximum elevation of 3,400M, it makes up for in extreme temperatures which dip down to minus 30 degrees even during day time.
We have been on this trek hundreds of times but it still does not fail to amaze us. Owing to its popularity, the trail remains fairly packed through the winters. Although it offers an experience of a lifetime, if you are someone who gets bothered by crowds, you might want to pick a different adventure from the list.
Difficulty: Easy Duration: 5 Days Best Season: May - Oct
A perfect trek for beginners, it can easily be turned into a family adventure since Sham Valley is an age-no-bar kind of a trek. If you are looking to experience some of the remotest parts of lower Ladakh, this trek is an ideal choice. Also known as the ‘baby trek’ of Ladakh, Sham Valley can be visited any time of the year and the trek gives you a great opportunity to discover the villages, old monasteries and the everyday life of locals in the region.
Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 10 Days Best Season: Nov - Feb
Easily the most overlooked trek in Ladakh, the Markha Valley Winter Trek can be considered Chadar 2.0. You get to walk on a frozen river, trek through snow-laden trails, stay in traditional homestays and enjoy some of the world's most pristine landscapes in the heart of winter. A trail steeped in cultural experiences for those who wish to explore the more offbeat trails.
Difficulty: Difficult Duration: 13 Days Best Season: Jul - Sep
This one for those experienced trekkers who are looking for a challenge and a summit experience. Located in Hemis National Park, Kang Yatse II, at 6,250M, is the shorter of the two cousins with Kang Yatse I towering beside it at 6,400M. As one of the highest trekking peaks in the vast expanse of the arid terrain in Ladakh, Kang Yatse II makes itself seen on day 6 of the trek as you make your way to its base through the scattered villages of the beautiful Markha Valley. The peak is a thing of sheer beauty standing tall in the middle of this dry land of scree and loose rocks. The trek also brings you to the Kongmaru La pass after summiting the peak.
Difficulty: Difficult Duration: 10 Days Best Season: Jul - Sep
Another trekking peak in Ladakh is Dzo Jongo (East). Dzo Jongo is a 6,240M peak which might be every bit as mysterious as any urban legend you ever heard! Hidden like a mystery in plain view, Dzo Jongo is one magical mountain. Although housed in the popular valley of Markha, this marvelous peak has been overshadowed by its much popular neighbours, Kang Yatse I and II for much too long. Dzo Jongo, therefore, does not see too many climbers, reserving all the mighty sights, its icy slopes and the breathtaking 360° view of the nearby ranges, just for you. If you want an off-beat summit to your name, it cannot get better than Dzo Jongo.
Difficulty: Difficult Duration: 10 Days Best Season: June - Sep
Starting from the village of Rumtse on the Leh-Manali highway, the 6 Passes Trek also known as Rumtse to Tso Moriri Lake Trek takes you to the village of Karzok by the shores of Tso Moriri Lake.
This 106 km gargantuan offbeat trek takes you across, as the name suggests, 6 high altitude passes above 5000M and 3 lakes namely Tso Kar, Startsapuk Tso and Tso Moriri. Considered as a difficult trek, the 6 Passes Trek shows you the full glory of the beautiful and pristine Changthang Valley with snowcapped peaks, mesmerizing highlands, meandering rivers, rich meadows, barren terrain and rainbow-like landscapes.
Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 8 Days Best Season: May - Aug
Known as the Leh Nubra Pangong Circuit, the Digar La Trek is the best way to see Ladakh as it takes you across the mighty Digar La meaning Pass that connects the Indus and Nubra Valleys. Taking you to places like Hunder, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake and much more, Digar La is perfect if you are looking to explore all the places high on a tourist’s list of must-visit places in Ladakh, but want to do it like a trekker, on foot.
So, what do you say? We’ll see you in Ladakh soon?
