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It is fairly said that the best view comes after the hardest climb. Ladakh is best known for its adventurous biking journey and scenic views.
But the snow-covered treks in Ladakh attract thousands of visitors from all over the world. Trekking in the laps of the Himalayas gives you beautiful experiences. There are 20+ treks in Ladakh.
They vary based on difficulty and duration. Whether you're traveling with your family and kids or with your friends, Ladakh has treks that match your preferences. You can also join other people on the route for a larger group to trek.
We have listed here some of the top treks to do in Ladakh.
Snow Leopard Trek
Chadar Trek
Sham Valley Trek
Markha Valley Trek
Lamayuru to Chilling Trek
Padum-Lamayuru Trek
1. Snow Leopard Trek
The Hemis National Park is popular as the natural habitat of snow leopards. It is also home to many other animals such as Tibetan Wolves, Blue Sheep, and Ladakh urials.
The Snow Leopard Trek is organized in the Hemis National Park every year in the months of February and March. Situated in eastern Ladakh and has an altitude of 3000 m. What excites them most in this track is that if you are lucky enough, you can actually spot a snow leopard!
People wait hours for this chance. While some can spot leopards with their binoculars, others capture a picture with their cameras. Good point is that the probability of seeing a leopard is extremely high so you can stay calm and patient.
In the end, all the waiting is absolutely worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This track is suitable for even beginners (with some extra effort) and is very popular, you can also expect many people to accompany you during the trek time.
Make new friends, go on wild expeditions, and make beautiful memories on this Snow Leopard Trek.
Time: 8 days
Level: Moderate
Max Altitude: 3955m
Cost: Rs. 27000 per person
2. Chadar Trek
Talking about the treks in Ladakh and not including Chadar Trek is next to impossible. People from all over the world come to do this trek.
Walking on a frozen river is like a dream come true. There are over a hundred treks in India where you travel through mountains, caves, old forts, and valleys. But Chadar Trek is only one of its kind.
Also known as Zanskar Valley Trek or the Frozen River Trek, it covers 105 km of the frozen Zanskar River. It is also one of the important reasons that people love to visit Ladakh during winters as the Chadar trek can be done only in the month of December to February.
The extremely low temperatures freeze the river and it shines like a mirror. Walking over the river in as low as -15 to -25 degrees Celsius is really challenging. Not many trekkers are able to pass this test. Do not worry about the ice.
It is thick enough to let you walk without cracking and is absolutely safe. So if you are daring enough and want to be the "Master of Trekking", you must include Chadar Trek in your to-do list.
Time: 9 days
Level: Difficult
Max Altitude: 11,123 m
Cost: Rs. 19000 per person
3. Sham Valley Trek
This is the shortest trek in Ladakh. It is also known as Baby Trek for its nature. It is only a 3 days trek. So even if you have a shortage of time but want to go trekking, you can surely join this. This trek can be done during any time of the year.
Located in the Sham region of Ladakh, the Sham Valley trek is a 27 km long trek. But do not let the name misguide you. It can be tiring due to the high altitude. You can stay in local village homestays to experience regional life.
You can visit the famous monasteries of Rimzong, Likir, Temisgam, and Alchi. For a beginner, this trek is best to begin.
Time: 2-3 days
Level: Easy
Max Altitude: 3874 m
Cost: Rs. 15000 per person (max.)
4. Markha Valley Trek
Markha Valley Trek is one of the most popular treks in Ladakh. It runs parallel to the Indus Valley.
Since it is located in the Hemis National Park, you can spot some wild animals during the trek as well but it does not hamper the security of either visitors or animals.
You will witness breathtaking mountain scenes and some isolated villages en route. You can stay in the homestays in these villages and experience the local life.
It is also known as “Tea House Trek”. You will find plenty of options to stay in parachute tents during the journey. It is in proximity to Leh. Anyone arriving in Leh Ladakh via flight, which is connected to metropolitan cities, can directly start their journey at the Markha trek.
The trek involves river crossing and crossing the high pass Kongmaru La. The Markha and Hankar villages are a rare sight. While Markha is one of the largest villages on the trek, Hankar is an isolated beauty.
The lush green villages in the high-altitude desert attract trekkers to spend a day peacefully in these villages.
You can reach me here from Sptiuk or Chilling. However, the route via Spituk is a longer one. It crosses 2 passes, Ganda La and Kongmaru La.
If you do not have enough time and want to avoid Ganda La Pass, you can opt for the Chilling route. Go from either of the two but we promise that you will not be comprising on the adventure.
Time: 6-8 days
Level: Moderate to Difficult
Max Altitude: 5260m
Cost: Rs. 19000 per person
5. Lamayuru to Chilling Trek
Lamayuru is famous for its monasteries and Lunar Landscapes. The spectacular geological formations here will make you believe as if you were walking on the Moon. That is why the beauty of Lamayuru is famous as Moonscapes among tourists.
The exotic trek of Lamayuru to Chilling will leave you enthralled with the natural beauty of Leh Ladakh. To join this amazing trek, you only have to reach Leh. Read this blog to know how to reach Leh.
From Leh, you can travel by car to reach Lamayuru which is only a 3hours journey with the mesmerizing landscapes forcing you to halt at every stop and enjoy the view. As you reach Lamayuru, you can visit one of the oldest monasteries here.
On your trek, you set an overnight camp at Wanla which is completely safe. You can stay in tents even on a triple sharing basis. You will cross points like Prinkti La Pass, Hinju village, Kongskil La Ridge, Sumda Doska, Dung Dung Chan La Base, and finally reaching to the Chilling where your trek ends.
These all points offer exhilarating views to keep you away from tiredness during your entire journey.
Time: 4-5 days
Level: Easy to Moderate
Max Altitude: 3550 m
Cost: Rs. 17000 per person
6. Padum-Lamayuru Trek
A city’s core lies in the unexplored, small villages in it. Zanskar is one such village. Located in the remote areas of Ladakh, every stone of Zanskar tells you a tale of their culture. The Padum-Lamayuru Trek begins from Padum in Zanskar village.
You will fall in love with the views here. Even if you are a beginner, you can easily do this trek to mark the onset of your trekking life. The colorful flowers and quaint villages will refresh your heart and soul.
Before you start your trek, visit the Phuktal Monastery and feel enlightened under spiritual peace of mind. The trail goes via Tokpa, Chalang, Ramjak, Shingo La Pass, etc. This is one of the cheapest treks and does not affect the quality of the trek despite the low costs.
For the best experience, you can visit from June to October. You will see some rope bridges and the best points for photography, after all, who is not photogenic nowadays? Make your trip to Ladakh a memorable one by joining this trek.
Time: 8-9 days
Level: Easy to Moderate
Max Altitude: 5090
Cost: Rs. 5000 per person
With over 20 treks of Ladakh, we have summed up here some of the best treks of Ladakh. Whether you are a beginner, looking for a crazy adventure, or running short on time, Ladakh treks will never disappoint you with it.
Whatever you wish for is here in Ladakh. And, the best part is that you get to witness the best of the jaw-dropping views of Ladakh from each and every trek. What are you waiting for? Hurry up and pack your bags for an amazing vacation in Ladakh.