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Treks

Ladakh provides many different opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. We can organise treks to suit your interests and requirements. Whether it's wildlife, scenery or monasteries, let us know what you want to see and we'll explain the different possibilities to you. We can also arrange mountaineering and more strenuous treks.

Click here to see our recommendations on things to bring with you as well as information about altitude sickness, drinking water and cultural considerations.

New in 2012! Winter snow leopard treks in the Sham area.

Stay in a homestay, looking for snow leopard signs during the day and experiencing Ladakhi hospitality in the evenings.  The area where snow leopards are often seen has good communications with satellite phones in the villages of both Ulley and Saspoche, making it easy to pass on information concerning the sightings of snow leopard signs such as fresh kill, etc.  There is less snow in the Sham region compared to Rumback which makes the daily trekking as you look for snow leopards a bit easier. You will be based in a homestay in Ulley, but depending on sightings, you might stay in Saspoche as well and although there are no actual homestays there, it is easy enough to arrange to stay with a local family. The best time for trying to find snow leopards is in February/March which is mating season so that they are more likely to be on the move and hence there is an increased chance of someone seeing signs of snow leopards, hopefully leading to actual sightings!

Below is a selection of possible homestay treks from easy to challenging:

Jingchen to Rumbak (easy)

Hemis National Park. 2-3 nights/3-4 days or longer. This is for those who are not sure about trekking at higher altitude. By staying in Rumbak you have the opportunity to trek up towards Stok La pass(4850m) and/or Ganda La pass(4850m) - turn around whenever you feel like it or keep going to the top of the pass. You will see flora and fauna such as blue sheep and a variety of birds. Trek through areas where snow leopards can be seen in winter time.  Accommodation in homestays.

Sham Trek (easy/moderate)

Likir to Temisgang, 3 nights/4 days (or shorter or longer). This is a good introduction to trekking in Ladakh and a useful acclimatizer if you want to attempt longer, more difficult treks. A leisurely trek through a number of picturesque villages, with the possibility of visiting 2 monasteries along the way - Likir and Temisgang. It's also possible to visit Rhizong and Alchi Monasteries on the final day before returning to Leh. Accommodation in homestays. Guesthouses also possible.

Chilling to Shang Sumdo (moderate/difficult)

4-5 nights/5-6 days. A shorter version of the full Markha Valley Trek for those who would like to see Markha Valley, but either don't have the time for the full trek, or prefer a slower ascent to altitude by avoiding Ganda La (4850m) pass. Accommodation in homestays (1 night in a permanent tented camp).

Jingchen to Chilling (moderate/difficult)

Hemis National Park. 2-4 nights/3-5 days. Optional acclimatisation day in Rumbak with the opportunity to trek up towards Stok La pass(4850m). You will see flora and fauna such as blue sheep and a variety of birds. Trek through areas where snow leopards can be seen in winter time. Cross Ganda La pass(4850m) and enjoy wonderful views of the mountain ranges of Ladakh and Zanskar. Accommodation in homestays.

Jingchen to Stok (moderate/difficult)

Hemis National Park. 1 night/2 days. 2 nights/3 days: includes an acclimatisation day in Rumbak with the opportunity to trek up towards Ganda La pass(4850m). You will see flora and fauna such as blue sheep and a variety of birds. Trek through areas where snow leopards can be seen in winter time. Cross Stok La pass(4850m) and enjoy wonderful views of the mountain ranges of Ladakh. Optional acclimatisation night/day in Rumbak and enjoy a nature walk.  Accommodation in homestays.

Markha Valley Trek (difficult)

Jingchen to Shang Sumdo - faster: 6-7 nights/7-8 days, slower (includes acclimatisation day): 7-8 nights/8-9 days. Spend a week or more in Hemis National Park. You will see flora and fauna such as blue sheep and a variety of birds. Trek through areas where snow leopards can be seen in winter time. Cross two high passes, Ganda La(4850m) and Kongmaru La(5260m), and enjoy wonderful views of the mountain ranges of Ladakh and Zanskar. Spend a night in a tent at Nymaling and see the sun setting over the Kangyatsey peaks. Visit small monasteries along the way. Accommodation in homestays (1 night in a permanent tented camp).

Lamayuru to Alchi (difficult/challenging)

Sham and Hemis National Park. 4 nights/5 days. This is a harder trek than Markha Valley, but you are rewarded with amazing views over Sham to the north, Zanskar to the south and Stok to the east. Start with the easy crossing of Prinkita La pass(3730m), followed by the more challenging passes of Konzke La(4950m) and finally Stakspi La(5290m). Enjoy a wide variety of flora along the way, as well as wildlife. See unusual carved wooden statues in Sumda-Chenmoh, visit the monastery in Sumda-Choon and end the trek with a visit to the famous Alchi Monastery. Accommodation in homestays.

Below is a selection of possible camping treks:

Rumtse to Tso Moriri (difficult)

7 nights/8 days. Trek through wilderness and cross some high passes, enjoying magnificent views of the great Himalaya along the way. See flora and fauna such as the wild ass. Enjoy bird watching on the shores of Tso Kar and finish the trek at Tso Moriri. Camping.

Stok to Stok-Kangri (challenging)

Non-technical climb to Stok-Kangri peak (6150m) - depending on conditions may need experience using crampons and ice-axe. 4 nights/5 days. If already well-acclimatised at high altitude - 3 nights/4 days. Considered to be the most accessible peak over 6,000m in the Himalaya. See wildlife along the way and enjoy wonderful views of Ladakh and the Himalaya. Camping.

Zanskar - Lamayuru to Palamo(near Darcha) (challenging)

19 nights/20 days. This is a demanding long-distance route for experienced and fit trekkers only! Trek across the rugged Zanskar mountains with spectacular views along the way. Cross many high passes, ranging in height from 3700m to 5000m. Pass through attractive villages and visit remote gompas. Camping.