Ladakh is a magical land that holds many mysteries and secrets in its womb! From the extraordinarily blue skies to sparkling blue lakes located in the vicinity of brown naked and barren mountains; Ladakh doesn’t fail to cast a spell on you; and the best way to experience this magic is on foot! Here’s a list of some of the most amazing and breathtaking treks that you can do in this cold desert of Leh Ladakh-
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Maximum Altitude: 3,400m
- Approximate duration: 7-10 Days
- Best Time to Visit: January- Early March
One of the most exhilarating and sought after treks in India, The Chadar Trek is one of the most challenging treks in the world. Giving a sense of pride and victory, many wish to take this trek and witness the extraordinarily gorgeous beauty as they walk on the frozen Zanskar River, but only a few dare to take this trek.
Highly recommended for seasoned trekkers who love to live on the edge.
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Sham Valley Trek:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Maximum Altitude: 4,500m
- Approximate duration: 4-5 Days
- Best Time to Visit: June- October
Also known as the “Baby Trek”, Sham Valley is perfect trek in Leh Ladakh for those who have little trekking experience (Not beginners) and have decent fitness levels. Although there are a few steep climbs one should be careful about; it’s called a Baby, only in comparison to the other treks of Ladakh.
One can be spellbound by the beautiful monasteries, the barren yet mesmerizing landscape, and the small villages one would cross while on this trek. The best part is, if planned well, you can get to stay at a village home-stay after every day’s trek, meaning you needn’t carry your tents or pay for a porter.
However, you can see the asphalt roads a number of times during the trek which might be a turn-off!
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Nubra Valley Trek:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Maximum Altitude: 5,400m
- Approximate duration: 7-9 Days
- Best Time to Visit: June-September
Perched across the World’s Highest Motorable Pass, “Khardung La”, Nubra Valley is one of the most desired places to visit for all-mountain lovers, trekkers, or not. The trek not only gives a glimpse of the life of the locals in these villages, but you also get to visit the gigantic and extraordinary beautiful Thiksey and Hemis Monasteries, the exorbitantly beautiful landscapes and a magical colorful bloom of flowers amidst bareness on all sides if visited in the season.
Ride the double-humped Bactrian camels, Camp under a full moon on silver sands, and a chance to rediscover self in the barren topography of the region.
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Snow Leopard Trek:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Maximum Altitude: 4,000m
- Approximate duration: 8-10 Days
- Best Time to Visit: November-March
Lying in the Hemis National Park, this Winter Trek covers almost entire Rumbak Valley. As the name suggests, the trek is a trail around the home of the majestic snow leopards which if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of!
The Hemis National Park is a wide 600sq KM area that aims on preserving the rare and unique Flora and Fauna of this region. Blue Sheep, Brown Bear, Horned Sheep, Tibetan Hare, Mountain Goats, etc are some royal descendants of this region.
Be prepared for both the harsh climate and the bewitching views you of the snow-covered Himalayas you get on this trek!
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Stok Kangri Trek:
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Maximum Altitude: 6,150m
- Approximate duration: 7-9 Days
- Best Time to Visit: July- September
One of the popular treks in the Ladakh region, Stok Kangri Trek isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you’re willing to go beyond the usual and witness extreme dramatic changes in the landscape, the Stok Kangri Trek is what you should be planning. Winds, Slippery slopes, Steep Climbs, AMS, Changing weathers: it all seems worth once you start enjoying the views.
Getting a chance to drool over and awe at the sights of the gorgeous Mt. Karakoram (Mount K2) and the Zanskar region, this trek for sure truly deserves the respect and popularity amongst Himalayan trekkers.
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Markha Valley Trek:
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Maximum Altitude: 4,600
- Approximate duration: 8-10 Days
- Best Time to Visit: June- October
Markha Valley trek offers some of the most stunning views of the Ladakh and Zankar regions and a chance to explore the nomadic life of locals here. The trek offers you a taste of Buddhist monasteries, Hemis National park, Gandala la Kongmaru La, etc.
The barrenness of the region and the absence of much human activity make the trek slightly challenging giving you a major adrenaline rush.
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Kang Yatse Trek:
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Maximum Altitude: 6,250m
- Approximate duration: 12-14 Days
- Best Time to Visit: June- September
An extension of the Markha Valley Trek, Kang Yatse is every adventurous trek lover’s Mecca. The trek starts after the Markha Valley Trek and one can witness views of the Sasses Massif, Mt. Karakoram, Stok Kangri region, Nun Nun, and even Zanskar range while taking this difficult but enthralling trek. If lucky, one might be able to spot rare wildlife like the Blue Sheep, Marmont, Ibex, etc.
Appearing like the shape of a King’s throne, the Kang Yatse Trek in Leh Ladakh is apt for experienced trekkers for their first 6000+ m trek as the Markha Valley provides enough acclimatization.
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Zanskar Valley (Padum-Darcha) Trek:
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- Maximum Altitude: 4,300 m
- Approximate duration: 10-12 Days
- Best Time to Visit: June- Early October
Lying in the vicinity of Jammu and Kashmir State of India, closely connected to the Ladakh region, Zanskar Valley is extremely beautiful and almost untouched by tourism influx. Only the rarest of the travelers visit the Zanskar region and very few dares to take on this trek.
Often termed as the Lost Valley trek, it starts from the enchanting Lungak Valley in Zanskar and ends at the Lahaul Valley in Himachal Pradesh running through secluded monasteries, extraordinary passes, numerous villages, changing landscapes and green pastures giving you memories for life.
I urge you to take these trek soon, as there is a motor-able road under construction for this circuit, and once made it will start losing its charm.
So pick up the route which suits you best and start booking your trip to Leh, for a Lifetime Adventure!
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