Ladakh Trekking Guide | Ladakh Treks

Ladakh is a haven for those looking for adventure and trekking is just one of the many activities you can take up on your trip to the mountains. If you wish to go trekking in Leh Ladakh, the best time to do so is between May and October. However, you might still find some treks unavailable until July due to heavy rainfall in the high altitude areas. Though the winter months of January to March will open up two special treks for you– The Chadar trek and The Snow Leopard trek.

The Ladakh trekking opportunities are diverse with treks that last just three short days to treks that take multiple weeks to complete. You will find a range of treks to suit the difficulty level of you and your companions with the easy and short treks being more suitable for those travelling with kids. So without delay, let us dive into this list of the best treks in Ladakh.

Table Of Contents

1. Best Treks in Ladakh
2. Markha Valley Trek
3. Nubra Valley Trek
4. Zanskar Valley Trek
5. Kang Yatse II Peak Trek Expedition
6. Chadar Trek
7. Summing Up

Best Treks in Ladakh

a) Markha Valley Trek

The Markha Valley trek might just be one of the most popular treks of Ladakh. Also fondly known as the Tea House Trek just for the myriad of tea house pit stops that fall on the route, this Leh trekking expedition is perfect for beginners. The route of the trek runs along parallelly with the Indus Valley, giving you gorgeous views of the snow-clad Stok Kangri massif to the north and the Zanskar range to the south. The trek ends in the Hemis National Park with beautiful Buddhist monasteries and mountain villages along the way

You can take two different routes to reach The Markha Valley– one from Spituk and the other from Chilling. This Leh trek will be longer if you take the Spituk route. On the way, you will cross two passes– Ganda La which is at an altitude of 4961 metres and Kongmaru La which is at an altitude of 5260 metres before you reach Hemis, the concluding point of your trek. The trek from Chilling will be shorter and easier, avoiding the Ganda La pass. You can get many trekking packages in Ladakh that will help you get good deals on your trekking trips.

• Duration: 6-8 days
• Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Highest Altitude: 5260 metres
• Starting Point: Leh
• Length of Trek: 78-113 kilometres
• Best Time To Trek: Mid-May to October

Also Read : Leh Ladakh trip in May 2024

b) Nubra Valley Trek

When you trek ladakh, The Nubra Valley Trek is an expedition you must go on. This trek will take you exploring one of Ladakh’s most unique regions that is known for its desert-like landscapes and the distinctive sand dunes of Hunder. Starting from the town of Leh, this Ladakh trek takes you across the high Khardung La Pass, one of the world’s highest motorable passes, before descending into the Nubra Valley.

When you go on this trek in Leh Ladakh, you will encounter lush oases, ancient monasteries, and the famous double-humped Bactrian camels. The height of Leh Ladakh on this trek is quite low, offering a fascinating contrast to the usual high-altitude landscapes of Ladakh, showcasing the valley’s unique geography and cultural heritage.

• Duration: 5 days
• Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Highest Altitude: 5438 metres
• Starting Point: Phyang
• Length of Trek: 59 kilometres
• Best Time To Trek: mid-July to end of September

c) Zanskar Valley Trek

When you go trekking Leh Ladakh, The Zanskar Valley Trek will take you on a comprehensive journey through one of Ladakh’s most remote and rugged regions. Starting from the vibrant town of Padum, the trek traverses the barren landscapes and ancient monasteries before concluding in Lamayuru.

This trekking in Ladakh Himalaya region involves crossing several high passes and walking through narrow canyons and vast open plateaus. The remote nature of Zanskar Valley means that trekkers will encounter few tourists, providing a more isolated and authentic experience of Ladakhi culture and natural beauty.

• Duration: 10 days
• Level: Intermediate to Advanced
• Highest Altitude: 5009 metres
• Starting Point: Padum
• Length of Trek: 149 kilometres
• Best Time To Trek: mid-June to beginning of October

d) Kang Yatse II Peak Trek Expedition

When you go hiking in Leh Ladakh, you can choose this trek if you have a little more experience with trekking. This is a demanding trek and not really suitable for beginners. En route on this trek to Leh you will come across remote landscapes that will take your breath away. The trek will begin in Chilling and conclude with a summit of the 20,000 foot peak, Kang Yatse II. From the top, you’ll be able to see truly stunning views.

The Kang Yatse climb becomes an extension of the Markha Valley trek, so that trekkers can gradually acclimatise to the increasing altitude before attempting the summit. This Leh Ladakh trek becomes more and more challenging as you get closer to Kang Yatse II with steep ascents and technical climbing. When you go trekking Ladakh on this route, you’ll need to be in excellent physical condition and have experience with ice climbing and high-altitude mountaineering to attempt this peak.

• Duration: 9-10 days
• Level: Advanced
• Highest Altitude: 6200 metres
• Starting Point: Chilling
• Length of Trek: 80 kilometres
• Best Time To Trek: end of June to end of September

Also Read : Nearest Airport To Leh Ladakh : Reach Ladakh By Air

e) Chadar Trek

The Chadar Trek is renowned for its unique journey along the frozen Zanskar River. This trek in Ladakh takes you on a sheet of ice, or “Chadar”, offering you an otherworldly experience that’s unlike any other trek in the world. The route takes you through stunningly stark landscapes, with the river providing the path through a deep gorge surrounded by towering cliffs.

This trek is particularly challenging due to the extreme cold temperatures and the need to navigate the fragile ice sheet. However, the breathtaking scenery and the feeling of walking on the frozen river make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many adventurers.

• Duration: 9 days
• Level: Advanced
• Length of Trek: 54 kilometres
• Best Time To Trek: January and February

Summing Up

Ladakh’s treks offer a rare combination of breathtaking landscapes, cultural richness, and challenging adventures. Whether you’re traversing frozen rivers, climbing high peaks, or exploring remote valleys, each trek provides a unique opportunity to connect with the raw beauty of this high-altitude wonderland. You will even find a host of Leh Ladakh trekking packages that will help you get a good deal on your trip. So, pack your bags, prepare for an unforgettable journey, and immerse yourself in the mesmerising treks of Ladakh.