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With its beautiful landscapes, Ladakh is a trekker’s paradise, offering a thrilling trekking experience. Located in the great mountains of the Himalayas at a very high altitude, Ladakh features trails that pass through high hills with spectacular sights of Leh’s white mountains, green valleys and clear blue lakes. Since ancient times, Ladakh trekking has been popular amongst advanced and novice trekkers. Leh serves as a starting point for numerous treks. Every trail is a challenge to get familiar with nature, such as walking over the frozen Zanskar River during the Chadar Trek or biking through culturally rich Markha Valley.
10 Places For Ladakh Trekking
Here is a top-picked list for Ladakh trekking that will help you make the most of your visit to Ladakh and make your trip memorable.
1. Markha Valley Trek
Photo: SlartibErtfass der bertige / Wikimedia Commons
The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most beautiful and sought-after treks starting in Leh. The trekkers often spend 1-2 days acclimatising in Leh before starting the trek. This moderate to hard trek takes you across the arid but scenic landscape of the Markha Valley along with its green patches and breathtaking views of Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse peaks. In a span of six to eight days, the trekkers navigate across high mountain passes like Kongmaru La (5,200 metres), wade through rivers, and traverse traditional Ladakhi homes with ancient monasteries and Buddhist stupas.
Duration: 6 – 8 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging
Best Time To Visit: January to February
Highest Point: Kongmaru La Pass (5,200 metres)
Scenery: Stunning views of Stok Kangri, Kang Yatse peaks, arid landscapes, and green valleys
2. Chadar Trek
Photo: Goutam1962 / Wikimedia Commons
The Chadar Trek, often referred to as the Frozen Zanskar River Trek is one of the most interesting yet strenuous treks in Leh. This trek takes place in the harsh winter months (January to February) when trekkers walk over a frozen Zanskar river which takes the shape of a Chadar. This 9-day trek is very beautiful and offers sights over icy cliffs, frozen waterfalls and deep gorges with elevations reaching up to 11,150 feet. The experience entails sleeping in caves and meeting the Zanskari locals who offer perspectives about their lives in winter.
Duration: 8 – 9 days
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Highest Altitude: Around 11,150 feet (3,400 metres)
Best Time To Visit: January to February
Unique Feature: Walking on the frozen Zanskar River (Chadar)
3. Stok Kangri Trek
Photo: Kevin May / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Stok Kangri Trek is one of the most fascinating treks in Leh and the highest summiting at an altitude of 20,187 ft (6,153 metres). This difficult trek provides stunning views of the Himalayas, the Karakoram Range and the Zanskar Valley. It takes approximately 8 to 10 days to complete, and several beautiful sceneries, rough terrains and outlying areas are covered. Trekkers endure ice walks, ascents of steep walls, and rocky cliffs making it quite a strenuous undertaking.
Duration: 8 – 10 days
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Highest Altitude: 20,187 feet (6,153 metres) – Summit of Stok Kangri
Best Time To Visit: July to September
Scenery: Panoramic views of the Himalayas, Karakoram Range, and Zanskar Valley
4. Nubra Valley Trek
Photo: Shubham Sharma / Unsplash
The Nubra Valley Trek is an exhilarating journey across one of the most beautiful regions 120 km from Leh, which is the most culturally and topographically diverse. The trek spans about 5 to 7 days and traverses Khardung La Pass, touted as the highest motorable road in the world, and goes further to the Nubra Valley, which is characterised by endless dunes, fertile green pastures, and beautiful Ladakhi settlements. The trek is also decorated with snowy horizons and allows travellers to visit places like the Diskit and Samstanling monasteries.
Duration: 5 – 7 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Highest Altitude: Khardung La Pass (5,359 metres or 17,582 feet)
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Scenery: Dunes, lush meadows, snow-capped peaks, and picturesque valleys
5. Lamayuru To Alchi Trek
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
Ladakh is characterised by rough topography, and Lamayuru to Alchi Trek near Leh is an exciting adventure full of mysticism. This is a 5 to 6-day trek which commences from the Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. Trekkers travel through beautiful vistas displaying barren mountains, deep gorges and lonely villages. The path involves crossing high mountain passes including Prinkti La (3750 metres). At the end of the route are famous picturesque Alchi Monasteries rich in beautiful frescoes. It is recommended for travellers looking for moderate adventure.
Duration: 5 – 6 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Highest Altitude: Prinkti La Pass (approximately 3,750 metres or 12,303 feet)
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Scenery: Barren mountains, deep gorges, and picturesque valleys
6. Rupshu Valley Trek
Photo: Ales Krivec / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Rupshu Valley Trek is among the most demanding yet beautiful trekkings in the majestic Ladakh region. It is a long trek ranging from 8 to 10 days en route to the wilderness of the stunning Rupshu Valley where tourists get to interact with people with an intriguing nomadic lifestyle, the Changpa tribe. The trekking is at a straight altitude of 16,000 ft above sea level and crosses over towering ranges like Parang la Pass with 360 degrees view of hills, plateaus and lakes including the enormous Tso Moriri from the north range.
Duration: 8 – 10 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging
Highest Altitude: Approximately 16,000 feet (4,877 metres)
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Scenery: Vast plateaus, snow-capped peaks, and shimmering lakes (including Tso Moriri)
7. Tsomoriri Lake Trek
Photo: Ashwini Chaudhary(Monty) / Unsplash
One of the most mesmerising treks is the Tsomoriri Lake Trek near Leh which enables travellers to reach the incredible snow-clad Tsomoriri Lake getting up to 14,836 feet (4,570 metres). The duration of the trek ranges from 8 to 10 days with rewarding sights of the mountains, broad slopes, and a variety of animals including the Tibetan antelope and other migratory birds. There are valleys with high passes such as the Kyamayur La (5,100 metres) which makes the adventure more enjoyable but also highlights the nomad style in the region.
Duration: 8 – 10 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging
Highest Altitude: Tsomoriri Lake (14,836 feet or 4,570 metres)
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Scenery: Stunning mountain views, vast meadows, and the pristine blue waters of Tsomoriri Lake
8. Kanji La Trek
Photo: Dawid Małecki / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Kanji La Trek is an offbeat and challenging trek designed for seasoned trekkers who want quietness and breathtaking beauty. This trek, which usually lasts between 7-9 days, meanders in the rough terrains of Kanji Valley and goes over a high Kanji La Pass measuring 17,500 feet (5,334 metres) above sea level. The Latitudes offer striking sightings of the Zanskar Range along with deep canyons and lush green meadows at higher elevations. Because of its charm, mixed topography, and opportunities for interactions in traditional Ladakhi Villages, the Kanji La Trek is a true paradise for trekking enthusiasts.
Duration: 7 – 9 days
Difficulty Level: Challenging; suitable for experienced trekkers
Highest Altitude: Kanji La Pass (17,500 feet or 5,334 metres)
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Scenery: Rugged mountains, deep gorges, high-altitude meadows, and panoramic views of the Zanskar Range
9. Rumtse To Kibber Trek
Photo: Rutpratheep Nilpechr / Unsplash
The trek from Rumtse to Kibber near Leh is an exhilarating high-altitude trek that interlinks Ladakh with the Spiti region and provides an extensive range of beautiful and cultural aspects. This trek takes about 8 – 10 days to complete and begins at Rumtse village and leads across remote valleys, expansive plateaus, and numerous passes with the most famous being Parang La Pass (5,600 metres). Along the way, you will appreciate the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, the beautiful blue ponds and the yaks on pastures.
Duration: 8 – 10 days
Difficulty Level: Challenging; suitable for experienced trekkers
Highest Altitude: Parang La Pass (5,600 metres or 18,372 feet)
Best Time To Visit: July to September
Scenery: Vast plateaus, snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and remote valleys
10. Saboo To Khalsar Trek
Photo: Nikhil / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Saboo to Khalsar Trek is an interesting trek that links the nearby Leh village Saboo, to Nubra Valley and leaves the trekkers with an adventurous experience. This is a moderate trek of 5-6 days that encompasses high altitude passes such as Digar La Pass, 5400m above sea level providing exquisite sight of the Karakoram and Ladakh topography. The trek includes traversing over secluded settlements and dry and green hills. The trek ends at the idyllic Khalsar village in the Nubra Valley, which presents sights, people and peace mixed beautifully.
Duration: 5 – 6 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Highest Altitude: Digar La Pass (5,400 metres or 17,716 feet)
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Scenery: Panoramic views of the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges, barren landscapes, and lush valleys
Ladakh trekking is indeed a surreal experience. The trek routes are amazing and let you connect more with nature. Plan your visit to Ladakh today and learn about the rich history and challenging yet rewarding sceneries. If you are a history lover, nature enthusiast or just looking for a calm holiday then treks in Ladakh offer something for everyone. Plan your trip with TripXL for a memorable experience.
Cover Photo: Saikat Ghosh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
