Trekking In Ladakh

Ladakh - A Trekking Paradise For Trekkers

Leh Ladakh India is one of few wonderful destinations ideal for trekking and mountaineering.Ladakh is also known as Land of High Passes, the Land of Gompa, the Land of Nomad, one of the most sought after destination, when it comes to reaping pleasure out of adventure activities and sports.

Ladakh is a paradise for trekkers with number of opportunities to fit all adventurers and nature enthusiasts. One can take a trip of 1 day to 1 month - walking, cycling, rafting, riding and touring, exploring the local life styles and culture.

There are numerous treks with a combination of culture and sport activities. Trek along the Indus river and experience the tour of local monasteries allowing you to serve various aspects of Ladakhi culture. The exhilarating high altitude mountain climb of Stok Kangri (6212mts) combined with the beautiful Markha valley trek of 9 to 12 days forever favourite for it's amazing geography and nature.

General Advice : Without a hat and sunscreen one cannot afford trekking because one can have sunburn and a peeling nose in hours. So it is advisable to carry Moisturizers and a pair of sun-glass to make your trek easy and safe.

Some Treks At Ladakh are

For Manali and Srinagar to Leh: Sonamarg is the last major town in Kashmir, shortly before you climb up over the Zoji La pass at 3529 m and enter the Ladakh region.

Zoji La

The other passes get less snow because they are across the Himalaya and in the mountain rain shadow. The road up the pass is breathtaking and there are times when you'll wonder if you were sane to make this trip.

Drass

In winter, Drass is noted for its heavy snowfall and extreme cold. The buses stop here and tourists have to register their names and passport numbers.

Kargil

Already you are in a region where irrigation is virtually important.

Around Leh

There are fine views over the Indus from the gompa. There is an interesting little village below the gompa. The road is only open is September and October - it takes the whole summer for the snow and ice to melt for that brief time. Nearby, a bridge crosses the Indus to Stock and a rougher road to Hemis.

Zanskar Treks

A jeep road has now reached all the way from Kargil to Padum, the capital, and although is not open all the time, it has opened the area up to more outside influence. You can make number of interesting ones either down the valley or out of it to Ladakh, Kashir or Himachal Pradesh.

Padum

It's on the southern part of a wide fertile plain where two rivers join to from the Zanskar River. Around Padum: Since horses cannot cross the rope bridge from Padum, this is the first place on this side of the river where they can be hired for treks further afield to places like Lamayuru. On the final day you can cross the river directly by ferry or continue down to the wooden Tungri Bridge and double back to Padum.

Tungri-zongkhul Gompa Trip

This 4 day trek arround Padum takes you to the Sani and Zongkhul gompass by following the route up towards the Muni La, then cutting across to the base of the Umasi

Treks in Ladakh and Zanskar

Srinagar is the best place to purchase supplies but you will not find trekking gear like you do in Kathmandu, Nepal. Remember to take your garbage out with you; many areas are already becoming fouled with trekkers' rubbish.

Kargil to Padum

When all bridges are open the route is accessible from early June to late October. On the last day's walk from Phe to Padum you cross the river and pass by the Sani Gompa, one of the most important in Zanskar.