Trekking in Ladakh

There are many ways of experiencing the beauty of Ladakh, but when it comes to coming close to nature, none can beat Leh Ladakh treks. Trekking in Ladakh is a captivating experience, offering a blend of adventure and natural beauty. The region is known for its diverse trekking routes, each with unique features and challenges. You come across rare sights that you wouldn’t otherwise. A thousand thoughts flood your mind as you walk past marvelous sights and think to yourself – the glories of Mother Nature are indeed infinite!

However, you should know the most popular Leh treks and what each offers before trekking. This way, you can decide which treks you want to undertake. Knowing the best time, the best season and other information is essential to making your trekking tour successful. It's also important to know safety tips for trekking in Ladakh, which you will find in this trekking in Ladakh travel guide. Read on to know more!

Most popular treks in Ladakh

Are you curious about the most popular treks in Ladakh? Here they are! Each trek offers a unique blend of adventure and sightseeing that will leave you in awe. When planning your trek, choose your Ladakh trekking packages from Leh Ladakh, India, for a hassle-free trip. Our experts will customize your package and provide all the necessary support, allowing you to enjoy the adventure and breathtaking sights confidently.

Chadar: The Frozen River Trek

With temperatures descending rapidly during winter, the Zanskar River turns into a sheet of snow. This is when the famous Chadar Trek is undertaken. One of the most popular treks in Ladakh, it takes you to a world of icy wonders. The serene beauty of the frozen river and the occasional feeling of sliding over the snowy ground will leave you with lovely memories and a deep appreciation of nature's tranquility.

• Altitude: 12,361ft, 3,850 m
• Best Season: Mid-Jan to end-Feb
• Difficulty Level: Difficult

Markha Valley Trek

Markha Valley Trek is one of the best treks for beginners in Ladakh. It’s also known as the “tea-house trek” because the trekker can expect accommodations in parachute tents at the villages along the way. It’s just the proper trek for you if you are new to trekking. During this trek, the spectacular beauty of Ladakh greets your eyes. The highlight of this trekking in Leh Ladakh is the Kongmaru La Pass, an incredibly scenic place at almost 5,000m. Besides this, you will be treated to gorgeous views of the Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges, Kang Yatze, and Stok Kangri peaks.

• Altitude: 3,700m, 12,139ft
• Best Season: June to September
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Stok Kangri Trek

Do you think you are tough enough? Try the Stok Kangri Trek. The Stok Kangri Trek is one of the most challenging treks in Ladakh. During the trek, you come across various sceneries, each showing a different picture of Ladakh’s beauty. During the trek, you will also have spectacular views of Zanskar and Indus Valley. It should be noted, though, that this trek is certainly not for the faint of heart due to its incredible altitude and difficulty. Prepare yourself both physically and mentally before setting off. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking K2 or Mt. Godwen-Austen views.

•  Altitude: 6,000m, 19,685ft
• Best Season: Mid-July to mid-September
• Difficulty Level: Difficult

Snow Leopard Trek  

Snow Leopard Trek is one of the best treks in Ladakh because it offers plenty of adventure and lets you admire its fascinating wildlife. It covers the Hemis National Park, which stretches to almost 600 sq. km in the valleys of Markha and Rumbak. While the other treks show Ladakh's natural beauty, this trek allows you to spot rare and endangered species living exclusively in the cold desert. Some are ibex, snow leopard, Ladakhi Urial, marmot, Tibetan Hare, and antelope.

• Altitude: 3,000m, 9,842ft
• Best Season: January-February
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Lamayuru to Alchi trek

What makes the Lamayuru to Alchi Trek different from the other treks is the glimpse it provides of the lifestyle of the Indo-Tibetan people. You get a chance to explore the region's rich history through the walls of the ancient monasteries of Ladakh and the scriptoriums. The major attractions of this trek are the Lamayuru Monastery, followed by Prinkti La at 3,750m, and the Alchi Monastery, along with isolated small villages including Ursi and Mang-Gyu. However, the most challenging part of this trek is the steep trail that leads to Tar La Pass at 5,250m after crossing Ursi village.

• Altitude: 5,200m, 1,7060ft
• Best Season: May-November
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Lamayuru to Chilling Trek

You should go for the Lamayuru to Chilling Trek because it offers a little bit of everything that Ladakh is famous for. Opting for this trek lets you enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of Ladakh and get a glimpse of its spiritual and cultural side through the monasteries, villages, and the locals you meet along the way. The Lamayuru to Chilling Trek also offers magnificent views of the Stok and Karakoram ranges and the Dungdung Chan La, Prinkti La, and Kongskil La Passes. The best part about this trek is that anyone can go for it without requiring any experience in trekking.

• Altitude: 4,950m, 16,240ft
• Best Season: Mid-June to September
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Want to give your trip to Kashmir a personal touch? Set off for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. The trek takes you past sights you have always dreamt of visiting but at a close range. During the trek, you will see the famous lakes of Kashmir, including Vishansar Lake, Gadsa Lake, Satsar Lake, and Gangabal Twin Lakes. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek will also take you past beautiful streams, meadows, and forests dotted with pine trees.

• Altitude: 13,800ft, 4,206m
• Best Season: June-September
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Ripchar Valley Trek

Ripchar Valley Trek is a favorite with tourists. The prime reason behind the trek's popularity is its magnificent views of the Ladakhi landscape. The trek takes you across spectacular mountain ranges, including Zanskar, Karakoram, and other ranges which form a part of the Himalayas. You also cross several small villages along the way, lush pastures, and other sceneries that Ladakh is famous for. The trek also takes you to the region of Chilling, renowned the world over for its production of copper.

• Altitude: 4300m, 14107ft
• Best Season: June to September
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Lamayuru to Darcha Trek

You should try the Lamayuru to Darcha Trek in Ladakh to experience its cultural and spiritual side. Many people tend to forget that Ladakh is rich not just in its topography but also in its culture. The trail is dotted with several monasteries, which can be a spiritually uplifting experience. Some of these monasteries include Lamayuru, Phugtal Monastery, and Lingshet village. This trek is a favorite with trekkers looking to explore the spirituality of Ladakh.

• Altitude: 5000m, 16,404ft
• Best Season: July-September
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Jhunglam Hemis to Padum Trek

Jhunglam Hemis to Padum Trek offers you one of the most enthralling trails for trekking in Ladakh. The trek covers the most beautiful places in Ladakh, including the Markha Valley, Zangla Village, and Zanskar Valley. You will also visit the renowned Hemis Monastery and see the beauty of villages like Chokdo and Chuskurmo. However, it should be remembered that the trail will require you to cross several rivers and constantly acclimatize due to the frequently changing altitudes. Indeed, this trek is not easy to undertake, but the entire experience is worth it.

• Altitude: 5200m, 1,7060ft
• Best Season: August to October
• Difficulty Level: Difficult

Lamayuru to Stok Kangri Trek

You have always been fascinated with the Himalayas, right? If you want to enjoy the breathtaking views it provides at a close distance, then the Lamayuru to Stok Kangri Trek is for you. The best part about this trek is that amateurs and experts can undertake it. The Stok Kangri peak can be accessed from the Markha Valley. The trek takes you through several villages at high altitudes and a part of Hemis National Park, where you might be lucky to spot a few animals.

• Altitude: 6150m, 20,177ft
• Best Season: Mid-June to September
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Padum to Darcha Trek

Can you imagine coming across the different topographies of Ladakh in just one trek? That’s what the Padum to Darcha Trek, one of the best treks to go in Ladakh, offers. It’s interesting to know that this trek is quite popular among the Europeans. The steepest point in the trek is the Shingo La, which stands at 16,568ft. As for the unique experience during the trek, you will be greeted by the Gombu Rangjom rock, where the yaks can be seen grazing in pastures full of wildflowers. The trek also covers a point to which the Indians are emotionally attached, Kargil.

• Altitude: 5000m, 16,404ft
• Best Season: June - September
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Rules and Permissions for Trekking in Ladakh

Before you decide to go trekking to this famous tourist destination in Ladakh, there are a few rules that you should be familiar with. Trekking around Nubra Valley and Tso Moriri requires obtaining an Inner Line Permit (ILP). This can be obtained from any travel agent in Leh, costing around INR 100-200. If you decide to go on the Stok Kangri Trek, you will have to obtain a permit from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) at a price of around INR 2000. The IMF office is located near Chanspa Road in Leh. Trekking in the Hemis National Park also requires obtaining a permit from the dhaba below Rumbak village. For Indians, this will cost around Rs. 20, while for foreigners, the cost will be around Rs. 100.