Your Guide to the Best Treks in Ladakh
Nov 15, 2023 By Juliana Daniel

Bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region, Ladakh is a significant state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The place is surrounded by hefty mountains and filled to the beam with natural beauty. In addition, the site has some fantastic trek options to offer. The beauty of Ladakh is that from simple to complicated, you can have wide treks of all sorts to suit first-timers and frequent travellers.

So, are you also one of those looking for a well-suited trek for themselves in Ladakh? Well, if the answer is yes, then look no further. Keep reading, and the forthcoming content will delve into some fantastic treks in Ladakh, such as the Markha Valley trek Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek, along with all the essential information. So, without any further discussion, let's jump in.

Top 5 treks in Ladakh worth visiting

1: Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek

Are you someone to whom trekking is about exploring new places and treating your eyes with natural beauty and landscapes? Then, the Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek might be an excellent match for you.

The trek starts at Rumtse, taking you on a week-long journey. It makes you cross some incredible plateaus, including the Changthang (Rupshu) plateau. During the trip, witness textures of mountains, green grass and all the herbivorous fairings feeding upon it. The total distance is 45000 meters.

Nomads are said to live on the Changthang, which has no definite place for any season. However, if you're lucky enough, you might get a chance of a personal encounter with them.

Best time to visit: The best time to set upon the Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek trip is mid-June and October. The rest of the months at the place remain colder and can cause difficulties in the journey.

Maximum altitude: The trek covers four difficulty levels with a maximum height of about 5435 m

2: Markha valley trek

The Markha Valley Trek is located in the great Hemis National Park. Also known as the Markha Trek, it is the most popular trek in the whole of Ladakh that follows a parallel pathway to the Indus Valley.

It will take about 6 to 8 days to reach the ending point. However, this duration can be shortened if you don't start trekking right away from the entrance. There are two primary routes of the Markha Valley trek named Spituk and Chilling. Spituk is the most extended option that crosses two passes, Ganda La and Kongmaru La, making the total distance of about 10581 meters. During the trek, you will witness amazing landscapes of sunsets and valleys. In addition, some villages are also located in the middle of the pathway.

Best time to reach: The best time for the Markha Valley trek is between May and the start

of October, as the rest of the months are colder.

Maximum altitude: The Markha Valley trek covers three difficulty levels with a maximum altitude of 5260 m

3; Nubra valley trek

The Nubra Valley trek is another significant trek in Himachal Pradesh that starts from Phyand and ends at Hunder, connecting the Indus Valley to the Nubra Valley. If you choose the Nubera trek, you will walk upon an ancient silk road stretching to the central area.

Unlike other trekking options, the Nubra Valley trek lets you participate in exciting activities like riding a double-humped Bactrian camel and socializing with the local villagers. Travelers also stay at these villages sometimes to understand the culture from the root level and enjoy some traditional delicacies of the valley.

Best time: The best time to set up the Nubra Valley trek is between July and the end of September. However, you can also visit the place during the winter season if you want to.

Maximum altitude: The trek covers three levels of difficulties with a max altitude of 5438 m

4: Stok Kangri climb (6153m)

For all the hiking lovers who like trekking high in the mountains, the beautiful Stok Kangri climb is the exact place to go. With a total height of about 6200 metres, the rise might be tough on the body and mind. However, once you have reached the top, you will realize by seeing all the Amazon spectacles that all your efforts were worth it.

You can not go on this trek alone or with your friends. Instead, you need to register yourself with the professional camping organization present at the place for the expedition. They will first ask a brief medical history and a short training session before you are taken to the trek.

Ensure you provide accurate medication history to avoid every type of health risk in the long run. The expedition starts from Stok. However, you can also join from Spituk.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Stok Kangri climb (6153m) is between June and the end of September. Do not visit after September has started because mountains may observe heavy snowfall in those months;

Max altitude: The trek covers level 5 difficulty with a maximum height of 6200 meters.

5: Lamayuru to Alchi trek

Last but not least, we have the Lamayuru to Alchi trek next up in the list. As part of western Ladakh, this trek is renowned for obtaining decades-old monasteries. There are two routes to start the tour: Kongskil La and Stakspi La. It will take about 5 to 6 days to reach the endpoint.

One fantastic thing about the Lamayuru to Alchi trek is that it covers multiple remote villages. Thus, you can spend nights comfortably in one of the guesthouses. In addition, witness all the natural beauty as healthy trees and smooth paths surround the trek. As you reach the highest spot, take the privilege of having the aerial view of the whole town spread in front of you. However, carry all the necessary medication and snacks for quick energy gain.

Best time to visit: Anytime

Maximum altitude: The trek covers three levels of difficulties with a max altitude of 5438 m

Final notes

On the bottom line, Ladakh is also known as the heaven on earth because of its beauty and richness in green plantations. The same is why people from India and Asia visit here for the trek.

The content above discusses some of the beautiful treks and all the essential information to help you better decide on an option.