You may go on some fantastic and thrilling treks when you visit Ladakh. Those searching for adrenaline-pumping exploration in the shadows of towering peaks need to go no farther than the Himalayas. Ladakh is home to various hiking routes, each with its level of difficulty and time commitment. Some hikes take two weeks, while others may be done in three. However, you will never forget your experiences on any of these hikes.
People who want a more challenging experience might choose a lengthier journey that crosses many passes over 5000 meters and even try the climb of a 6,000-metre mountain, while first-timers and families traveling with children could choose an easy walk. Visit our scheduled departure treks if you are a solo traveler or a small group looking to join a bigger group.
List of the 10 Most Famous Trekking Destinations in Ladakh:
1. Markha Valley Trek
As far as Ladakh treks go, the one that draws the most hikers is the one through the Markha valley. Enjoy stunning Himalayan scenery and glimpse traditional village life on this adventure. Because it is a part of Hemis National Park, the Markha Valley is also a fantastic location for seeing exotic animals up close.
The hike begins in Chilling at the Zanskar River Bridge, which serves as the park’s main entrance. For the first four days, hikers will follow the Markha Valley, passing through several settlements (Skiu, Sara, Markha, and Hankar) known for their welcoming homestays. Homestays are a great way to experience authentic Ladakhi hospitality and culture firsthand.
There is no community in this rural region, so you will have to camp when you reach Nimaling at the end of the fourth day. The next day, you’ll cross the beautiful Kongmaru La, the highest pass on our expedition at the height of 5,260m. A gradual decline awaits you as you go down from the pass and into Shang Sumdo. The final destination of this incredible hike is Hemis, which you will reach on day six. You may take a motor trip to Hemis monastery and then drive back to Leh.
Duration: 7-9 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Best Time to Visit: June to September
How to Reach: The trek starts from Chilling, accessible from Leh by a 2-hour drive.
Travel Experience Details:
- Scenic Landscapes: Trek through stunning landscapes, including high-altitude deserts, rocky canyons, and river crossings.
- Villages and Homestays: Experience traditional Ladakhi culture by staying in homestays in remote villages like Rumbak and Hankar.
- Wildlife: Spot Himalayan wildlife such as blue sheep, marmots, and if lucky, the elusive snow leopard.
- Monasteries: Visit ancient monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey along the route.
2. Nubra Valley Trek from Phyang to Hunder
Travelers link the valleys of the Indus and Nubra via the path from Phyang to Hunder. The way it takes was formerly used by traders traveling between India and Central Asia along the historic Silk Road. Lasermo La pass (5438m) is the highest point on this off-the-beaten-path journey, and it remains snow- and ice-covered even in the height of summer. You can take a breathtaking view of the Karakoram Mountains from the top of the pass. You may do this hike in 5 days.
Following the hike, you’ll get the chance to see the best that the Nubra Valley has to offer. At the Hunder dunes, you may ride a double-humped Bactrian camel, and at the Diskit monastery, you can see the 32-meter-tall statue of the Maitreya Buddha. After there, you’ll go back to Leh across the Khardung La pass.
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: June to September
How to Reach: The trek starts from Phyang, about 15 km from Leh.
Travel Experience Details:
- Varied Landscapes: Trek through diverse landscapes, from lush green valleys to arid deserts.
- Passes: Cross the high-altitude Lasermo La Pass (5,400 meters) for panoramic views.
- Cultural Insights: Explore remote villages and monasteries, and interact with the local Bactrian camel herders.
- End Point: Finish the trek in the beautiful Nubra Valley, known for its sand dunes and double-humped camels.
3. Spituk to Stok Trek
If you’re looking for a short yet beautiful trip in Hemis National Park, consider making the journey from Spituk to Stok. Before beginning the hike, you might stop at the Spituk monastery on day one.
The path complies with the Indus River and enters a confined canyon before arriving at Zingchen. Camping in Zingchen is a relaxing experience. The next day, you may go to the nearby town of Rumbak. You may go on an afternoon excursion to the nearby village and its environs. The third day is the toughest.
The first step is a three-hour climb up the 4,855-meter Stok La pass. The view from the top of the key is stunning. After that, you’ll have to trek down to Stok village. Before returning to Leh, you might stop at Stok to see the palace.
Duration: 4-5 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: June to September
How to Reach: The trek starts from Spituk, a short drive from Leh.
Travel Experience Details:
- Rivers and Canyons: Follow the Indus River and trek through picturesque canyons and valleys.
- Camping: Enjoy camping in scenic spots with stunning mountain backdrops.
- Wildlife: Spot various bird species and Himalayan wildlife along the way.
- Stok Village: End the trek in Stok, where you can visit the Stok Palace and Museum.
4. Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek
The journey from Rumtse to Tso Moriri is for people who want to be awed by breathtaking scenery. This is a stunning and rugged Ladakhi hike. In a week, you’ll hike over the Changthang Plateau at a lofty elevation (Rupshu). Crossing 6 passes higher than 5,000 feet, you’ll see the region’s varied landscapes and witness mountains of varying textures and colors. A few stunning lakes may be found in Ladakh, surprising given the region’s reputation as a frigid desert. You will see the beautiful lakes of Tso Kar and Tso Moriri on your hike.
The first night of this walk is spent at 4,500 meters in Kyamar, and the other six days are all spent at an altitude of 4,500 meters or higher. So, it’s crucial to become acclimated to the size before you go out on the hike.
Changpa nomads tend to flocks of pashmina goats and yaks on the Changthang plateau. Eight to ten times a year, they pack up and move, making it impossible to predict where they’ll set up shop next. Along the way, you could run across some nomadic people who might welcome you for butter tea and a rest in their yak-wool tent. Korzok is the most considerable hamlet in the area and the primary center of Changpa culture and society. This incredible journey concludes at the shore of Tso Moriri, a lake whose waters are the color of sapphire. Read Also: Tso Moriri Lake: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time Visit & Weather.
Duration: 8-10 days
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Best Time to Visit: June to September
How to Reach: The trek starts from Rumtse, about 80 km from Leh.
Travel Experience Details:
- High-Altitude Lakes: Trek to the stunning Tso Moriri Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world.
- Passes: Cross several high passes, including Kyamari La and Yalung Nyau La.
- Nomadic Life: Experience the nomadic life of Changpa herders and their yak caravans.
- Wildlife: Spot rare wildlife such as the Tibetan gazelle, wild ass, and migratory birds.
5. Chadar Trek
The Chadar trek is a one-of-a-kind winter adventure through the Zanskar River’s icy landscape. All highways leading to the isolated Zanskar area are blocked in the winter owing to excessive snowfall, leaving the Zanskari people with just this route over the frozen river to reach the rest of the nation. January and February are the most common months for the journey (although global warming has impacted the ice thickness during the last winters).
From Chilling, the starting point of the Chadar trek, it is a four-day journey over ice and tight gorges to the Zanskar settlement of Lingshed. It is customary to spend the evenings of a hike in caverns beside the river. Expect nighttime lows of -25 to -35 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact route is used to return to Chilling and Leh.
Duration: 8-9 days
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Best Time to Visit: January to February
How to Reach: The trek starts from Tilat Sumdo, accessible by a 2-hour drive from Leh.
Travel Experience Details:
- Frozen River: Walk on the frozen Zanskar River, an unforgettable experience.
- Ice Formations: Marvel at the stunning ice formations and frozen waterfalls.
- Camping: Camp in caves and tents on the riverbank.
- Cultural Experience: Interact with local Zanskari people and learn about their winter survival skills.
6. Spituk to Matho
Following a pleasant stroll along the Indus River, travelers will descend into the valley that will take them to Zingchen. From here, you may enter Hemis National Park, where fantastic animal sightings are almost guaranteed. The Tibetan wolf, the Eurasian brown bear, and the Bharal may all be found in this park, in addition to the snow leopard (or blue sheep). Because of the Himalayas’ rain shadow, the region is characterized by dry woods and alpine trees.
Duration: 3-4 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: June to September
How to Reach: The trek starts from Spituk, a short drive from Leh.
Travel Experience Details:
- Monasteries: Visit Spituk and Matho monasteries, both offering rich cultural experiences.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the Stok and Ladakh mountain ranges.
- Rivers and Valleys: Trek along the Indus River and through picturesque valleys.
- Wildlife: Spot various Himalayan bird species and possibly even snow leopards.
7. Stok Kangri Climb
Stok Kangri is a tremendous Himalayan peak for novice climbers and those aiming to break the 6,000-meter mark. Climbers still need to employ technical equipment such as crampons, an axe, a rope, etc., even though the summit is not technically challenging. The expedition leader will give a brief tutorial on essential equipment use during the acclimatization day at the base camp.
The Stok Kangri adventure will test your physical and mental limits, but the rewarding panorama at the peak will make an effort worthwhile. It is possible to begin the journey at either Stok or Spituk or to combine it with the Markha hike.
Duration: 9-10 days
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Best Time to Visit: July to September
How to Reach: The trek starts from Stok Village, about 15 km from Leh.
Travel Experience Details:
- High-Altitude Climb: Ascend to the summit of Stok Kangri (6,153 meters), one of the highest trekking peaks in India.
- Acclimatization: Spend several days acclimatizing and trekking to base camp.
- Summit Views: Enjoy breathtaking views from the summit, including the Karakoram Range.
- Adventure: Experience the thrill of climbing a non-technical peak.
8. Saboo to Khalsar Trek
If you’re looking for a substitute for the trip from Phyang to Hunder in the Nubra valley, consider the route from Saboo to Khalsar. The time, difficulty, distance, elevation gain, and scenery of these two hikes are comparable. The Digger La pass, which must be traversed on the second day of the hike from Saboo to Khalsar, adds a little more difficulty to the journey (While the Lasermo La pass is reached on the third day of the Phyang to Hunder trek).
Khalsar hamlet in the Nubra Valley is a good stopping point on the way back to Leh from the major attractions in this region of Ladakh (such as Diskit, Sumur, Hunder, Panamik, and Turtuk).
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Best Time to Visit: June to September
How to Reach: The trek starts from Saboo, a short drive from Leh.
Travel Experience Details:
- Desert Landscape: Trek through the unique landscape of the Nubra Valley, featuring sand dunes and oasis-like areas.
- High Pass: Cross the Digar La Pass (5,400 meters) for stunning views.
- Local Villages: Visit remote villages and interact with local Ladakhi people.
- End Point: Finish the trek in the beautiful Khalsar village, known for its apricot orchards.
9. Lamayuru to Alchi Trek
The western region of Ladakh is well known for the Lamayuru to Alchi trail and its ancient monasteries. This five-day hike has two challenging passes: Kongskil La (4948m) and Stakspi La (5153m), but the stunning mountain views are well worth the effort.
If you want a natural feel for the local culture, staying at homestays in small towns is the way to go. It would help if you stopped at monasteries before or after the hike.
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: June to September
How to Reach: The trek starts from Lamayuru, about 125 km from Leh.
Travel Experience Details:
- Monasteries: Visit the ancient Lamayuru and Alchi monasteries, both known for their unique architecture and religious significance.
- Scenic Villages: Trek through picturesque villages and interact with the locals.
- Passes: Cross several high-altitude passes, offering panoramic views.
- Cultural Experience: Learn about Ladakhi culture and history through the monasteries and local interactions.
10. Sham Valley Trek
This walk sometimes referred to as a “baby trek”, is ideal for first-time hikers. Kids may enjoy it too. The journey passes through the Sham area of Leh, providing breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to visit local communities and spend the night with hosts who can introduce you to their customs and food.
Likir, Rizong, Temisgam, Basgo, and Alchi are just a few of the numerous monasteries you may visit in the region.
Duration: 3-4 days
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Visit: June to September
How to Reach: The trek starts from Likir, about 50 km from Leh.
Travel Experience Details:
- Monasteries: Visit Likir, Ridzong, and Temisgam monasteries, each offering a unique cultural experience.
- Village Homestays: Stay in homestays in local villages, experiencing traditional Ladakhi life.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy beautiful views of the Indus Valley and surrounding mountains.
- Suitable for Beginners: This trek is ideal for beginners or those looking for a shorter, less strenuous trekking experience.
Conclusion
Anyone interested in the outdoors can find something to love in Ladakh, whether you’re a first-time hiker or a seasoned climber. Ladakh puts off many first-timers because of its cold desert landscape, high altitude, and erratic weather. Still, the region’s purple wildflowers, verdant meadows, and brilliant blue lakes are well worth the journey.
Learn more about Leh Ladakh:
- Famous Destinations in Ladakh to See in July
- Ladakh Tour in May For Popular Places
- Popular Honeymoon Places in Ladakh
- June Visit in Ladakh for Famous Destinations
- 7 Most Famous Restaurants in Ladakh
- Ladakh Tourist Places to Visit in August
- Visit Ladakh Popular Places Travel in September
- Most Famous Offbeat Places in Ladakh
- Ladakh 6th Siachen Folk Festival in Nubra Valley
- Now Fly and Explore Ladakh in a Helicopter
- Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh via Manali
- Nubra Valley is to be upgraded and the Sumoor desert developed in Ladakh
FAQs About Trekking in Ladakh:
1. What are the best treks in Ladakh?
Some of the best treks in Ladakh include the Markha Valley Trek, Chadar Trek, Stok Kangri Trek, and Lamayuru to Alchi Trek.
2. Where are the popular trekking sites in Ladakh?
Popular trekking sites in Ladakh are Zanskar Valley, Nubra Valley, Sham Valley, and Tso Moriri Lake.
3. What is the Lasermo La Trek?
The Lasermo La Trek is a high-altitude trek that offers stunning views of the Karakoram Range and passes through beautiful valleys and remote villages.
4. What are some easy treks in Ladakh?
Easy treks in Ladakh include the Sham Valley Trek, Nubra Valley Trek, and the Spituk to Stok Trek.
5. Can beginners go trekking in Ladakh?
Yes, beginners can go trekking in Ladakh. Easy treks like the Sham Valley Trek and Nubra Valley Trek are suitable for beginners.
6. What should I know about trekking in Leh Ladakh?
When trekking in Leh Ladakh, be prepared for high altitudes, carry necessary permits, pack warm clothing, and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.
7. How long does the Markha Valley Trek take?
The Markha Valley Trek typically takes about 8 to 9 days to complete, covering a distance of approximately 65 miles (105 km).
8. What is the best time for trekking in Ladakh?
The best time for trekking in Ladakh is from June to September when the weather is favorable and most trekking routes are accessible.
9. Are there any challenging treks in Ladakh?
Yes, challenging treks in Ladakh include the Chadar Trek (a frozen river trek), the Stok Kangri Trek (a summit trek), and the Kang Yatse Trek.
10. What permits are required for trekking in Ladakh?
For trekking in Ladakh, you need Inner Line Permits (ILP) for certain areas, which can be obtained in Leh. Ensure to check the latest requirements before your trip.
