Anyone who loves the outdoors will find Ladakh's vast, barren desert land appealing, no matter how experienced or novice you are. There's no doubt that the piercing blue lakes and purple wildflowers will make it worth your time and effort, despite the cold, arid land and high altitude of Ladakh.
Hope you enjoyed your holiday that are listed below are six treks you can undertake this season in Ladakh:
Lamayuru to Chilling
This trekking journey starts from Lamayuru monastery and leads to Chilling village in the Zanskar Valley. In addition to some incredible views of the Stock and Karakoram ranges, the route includes monasteries, villages, mountain passes, barley fields and meadows. There are several sites worth visiting on the trek, including the famous Shey Gompa, which served as a summer palace for the Ladakh kings. In the Kanski La Valley, you will pass the shepherds making butter and cheese who will be waiting for you on day four. It would be a pleasure to spend a day or two in Chilling village. Beautiful copper handicrafts are produced in this village founded by copper craftsmen from Nepal. Chilling village is the closest airport to Leh, which can be reached by car.
Markha Valley
Hope you enjoyed your holiday at the popular trek in Ladakh, the Markha Valley expedition is also known as the Tea House Trek because of its many tea houses along the way. It offers stunning views of the Zanskar range while passing Buddhist monasteries and mountain villages. Markha Valley and the Indus Valley are connected by the Kongmaru La Pass (5,265m). During the winter, snow leopards only appear in Hemis National Park during the winter migration.
Spituk to Matho
First-timers and those returning to the mountains for the first time will find this five-day trek to be a great introduction to the mountains. Before entering the gorge leading to Zingchen, the route passes along the Indus river. Hemis National Park is your next stop, where you'll have a chance to see some incredible animals. The park also has Tibetan wolves, Eurasian brown bears, and blue sheep, in addition to snow leopards. In the area, you will find dry forests and alpine trees because the area is in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.
Padum to Darcha
There is only one moderately steep ascent on the Padum to Darcha trek, which may prove challenging to first-timers. Phugtal monastery is the first stop on the trek, which starts in Padum. Ladakh's only foot-accessible monastery is one of the few in the world. On the way, you might come across prehistoric carvings on rocks, evidence of nomads and tribes passing through the area. A number of doksas and camps can be spotted in the Kargyak River area, where yak families graze. Here you can try jo or curd made from yak's milk. In the following three hours, you will descend through rocks and scree to Ramjak after climbing steeply to Shingo La. The road to Chika begins again after passing gentle streams and tea shops on your last day.
Rumtse to Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri, the largest high-altitude lake in India, is reached after crossing seven mountain passes during the Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek. A spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks of Ladakh and colorful wildflowers make the climb worth it. Tso Moriri Lake extends 28 km from north to south and is the highest point of the trek. Bar Headed Goose, Horned Lark, and Brown Headed Gull are some of the most common birds in these parts. You can relieve your aching muscles at the Chumathang hot springs at the end of your descent. Apparently, the water is medicinal according to the locals.
Stok Kangri
Despite its popularity, Stok Kangri is not for the faint of heart. The more experienced mountaineers can climb to the summit of Stok Kangri while beginners can trek to the base camp. Mountaineers who are planning to attempt the summit should be aware that this is a nontechnical climb and does not require any special equipment. Cold, thin air and steep ridges will present some of the biggest challenges of the trek. The Indus Valley and Zanskar Mountains make the struggle worthwhile.
Nubra Valley trek from Phyang to Hunder
Phyang to Hunder trek, one of the most popular treks in Nubra Valley, hope you enjoyed your holiday that offers breathtaking views as well as historical significance. Connecting the 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 5,000mt.
Sham Valley Trek
For those just starting out on their trekking journey, this is the perfect trek for them. In addition to adults, children will also benefit from it. In addition to offering stunning views, the trek takes you through the Sham region of Leh. Here you can explore the villages and stay at the homes of locals to explore their culture and eat the local cuisine. Likir, Rizong, Temisgam, Basgo and Alchi are among the monasteries to visit in the area.
Chadar Trek
Taking place along the frozen waters of the Zanskar River in Ladakh is the Chadar Trek, otherwise known as the Frozen River Trek. Chadar, which translates to blanket in Hindi, is the name given to the frozen river. Zanskar Valley's road is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and avalanches. Hope you enjoyed your holiday while walking across the Chadar is the only remaining overland route. Trekking to Leh is done along the frozen river. About 37 miles west of Leh, the trek begins in the village of Chilling. In addition to walking 15km per day, the trek is 105km long. As many portions of the water stay frozen during peak winter (January-February), it is ideal for successful treks.