Whether you're a rookie or an expert mountaineer, the best treks in Ladakh will appeal to anyone with a penchant for the outdoors. The cold, arid land, high altitude and unpredictable weather of Ladakh often deter beginners from making the trip, but trust us, the bursts of purple wildflowers, verdant meadows, and piercing blue lakes will make it worth the effort.
With trekking season in Ladakh upon us, here are the best treks in Ladakh to attempt (or add to your bucket list):
Duration: five to six days
Level: beginner to intermediate
Best time to go: mid-June to September
Highest altitude: 16,240 feet
Starting point: Leh
This trek begins at the Lamayuru monastery and takes you to Chilling village in the Zanskar Valley. The route is dotted with monasteries, villages, mountain passes, barley fields, and meadows to give you the entire Ladakh experience, complete with some incredible views of the Stok and Karakoram ranges. The trail takes you through an area of Shey where you can find the famous Shey Gompa, which was used as a summer palace for the kings of Ladakh. On day four, you will pass through the valley of Kanski La where it's possible to mingle with the shepherds who make butter and cheese in the region. Chilling village itself is a fascinating place to spend a day or two. Founded by a copper craftsmen from Nepal, the village is famous for producing beautiful copper handicrafts. From Chilling village, you can drive to Leh which is the closest airport.
Duration: eight days
Level: beginner to intermediate
Best time to go: June to September
Highest altitude: 17,274 feet
Starting point: Leh
Also known as the tea house trek for the sheer number of tea house pit stops along the way, the Markha Valley expedition is one of Ladakh's most popular. Perfect for beginners, the trail takes you through Buddhist monasteries and mountain villages with a gorgeous view of the Zanskar range. The highest point of the trek is Kongmaru La Pass, which connects Markha Valley to the Indus Valley. The route goes through Hemis National Park, famous for its snow leopards that can make a rare appearance only during the winter months.
Duration: five days
Level: beginner
Best time to go: mid-June to September
Highest altitude: 15,928 feet
Starting point: Leh
This hike is perfect for first timers and those of you who are just getting acquainted with the mountains. The route begins with a scenic walk along the Indus river before entering the gorge leading to Zingchen. From there you will pass through Hemis National Park where there's a high chance of spotting some incredible wildlife. Other than snow leopards, the park is home to the Tibetan wolf, Eurasian brown bear ,and blue sheep. As the area lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, you can expect dry forests and alpine trees.
Duration: 10 days
Level: beginner to intermediate
Best time to go: Mid-June to September
Highest altitude: 16,699 feet
Starting point: Leh
The Padum to Darcha trek is another one great for first timers, with only one relatively steep ascent that might pose a challenge. The trek begins at Padum where you pass through the Phugtal monastery. This is one of the few monasteries in Ladakh which can still be reached only by foot. Look out for prehistoric carvings on rocks along the way, proof of the nomads and tribes who would once pass through the region. When you reach the Kargyak River area, you will find a number of camps called doksas where you can spot families of yaks grazing in the fields. Try a bowl of jo here or curd made of yak's milk. A steep ascent will take you to Shingo La, the highest point of the trek after which you make a three hour descent through rocks and scree, down to Ramjak. The last day will take you past gentle streams and tea shops until reaching Chika, where the road begins again.
Duration: 11 days
Level: intermediate to advanced
Best time to go: June-mid October
Highest altitude: 16,240 feet
Starting point: Leh
Rumtse to Tso Moriri takes you across seven mountain passes, to reach the largest high-altitude lake in India, Tso Moriri. Colorful wildflowers and breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks make it worth the climb. The highest point of the trek is Tso Moriri Lake which stretches out for 17 miles from north to south. Keep a keen eye for birds like the Bar Headed Goose, the Horned Lark, and the Brown Headed Gull who frequent the region. On your descent, stop by at the Chumathang hot springs to soothe those aching muscles-some even believe that the water has medicinal benefits.
Duration: seven to nine days
Level: intermediate to advanced
Best time to go: mid-July to mid-September
Highest altitude: 20,078 feet
Starting point: Leh
Stok Kangri is not a climb for the faint hearted. Beginners can choose to traverse up to the Stok Kangri base camp, while the more experienced mountaineers can head to the summit. For those making a summit attempt, a point to be noted is that this is a non-technical climb and can be attempted without any special equipment. The trek involves crossing steep ridges and glaciers but the cold, thin air will be one of your biggest challenges. The stunning view of the Zanskar and Indus Valley makes the struggle worth it.
Duration: five days
Level: intermediate
Best time to go: mid-July to the end of September
Highest altitude: 17,841 feet
Starting point: Leh
Besides offering breathtaking views, this moderately difficult hike from Phyang to Hunder in Nubra valley is of historical significance. Connecting Indus valley to Nubra Valley, the trek follows the ancient silk route, which once connected India to the rest of central Asia. Soak in the mesmerizing view of the Karakoram range as you reach the highest point of the trek at Lasermo La Pass. At Nubra Valley, visit the Diskit Gompa, and take a ride on the double-humped Bactrian camel, native to the region.
Duration: three days
Level: easy
Best time to go: All year round
Highest altitude: 12,710 feet
Starting point: Hemis National Park
Also called the 'baby trek,' this one is for all who want to begin their trekking journey. It is also suitable for children. The trail winds through the Sham region of Leh, and not only offers stunning views but also a chance to explore the villages and spend the night among locals at their homes, experiencing their culture and trying the local cuisine. You can also visit the many monasteries in the area such as Likir, Rizong, Temisgam, Basgo and Alchi.
Duration: eight days
Level: difficult
Best time to go: mid-January to mid-February
Highest Altitude: ?? 11,123 feet
Starting point: Chilling
The Chadar Trek, also known as the frozen river trek, is undertaken on the iced-over waters of the Zanskar River in Ladakh. In its frozen state, the river itself is called 'Chadar,' which translates to blanket in Hindi. During the winter months, the road to Zanskar Valley is closed due to heavy snowfall and avalanches. The only remaining overland route is to walk across the Chadar. The frozen river is used as a route to reach Leh. The trek starts from the village of Chilling, about 37 miles west of Leh. It is an arduous one, with travelers having to walk about nine miles per day. In peak winter, the temperature drops to -20 to -30 degrees during the day, which is ideal for a successful trek as a large portion of the water remains frozen.