5 Amazing Treks in Ladakh that must be on every Hiker’s Bucket List (Part: 1)

Let’s admit it, 2020 and 2021 wasn’t the year that any of us wanted, but we received. Almost 2 years passed away in the blink of an eye locked in our homes or just venturing out to the market to get some groceries. Trust me, just a 5 min rickshaw ride gave me the thrills of a trip to some faraway place.

All we can hope is that the next year or the end of 2021 will be safer and we will be able to dust those awesome trekking gears and hop out to the unknown for some well-deserved treks.

Speaking of treks… Do you know, Ladakh has many short and long treks that are perfect for anyone who is just bored of staying at home for so long?

Yes, the same Ladakh that is well known for the rumbling motorbike engines is also home to some of the most calming and noise-free treks. (Not applicable if you consider the sound of flowing streams as noise).

Ladakh is truly an amazing place as it seems god threw bits and places of natural scenery from here and there and formed the place as we know it now. The landscape of this place has an abundance of natural beauty – from the vast deserts to shimmering blue water bodies stretching across the horizon. Here you can find everything from tall mountains to sand dunes, glaciers, and large lakes. If you love trekking and missed these treks in Ladakh, it’s considered a sin.

Don’t worry though, I’ll make your task easier. Certainly, I won’t be able to trek on your behalf, but I can tell you the details of some of the best treks in Ladakh.

Lamayuru to Alchi Trek

• Altitude: 5200 m

• Duration: 5 days

• Best season to visit: May – November

This is probably one of the most easiest and famous among the trekkers’ community due to its relatively short duration and chances to interact with the inhabitants of the remotest villages and know about their unique culture. Moreover, the abundance of spellbinding monasteries on this route makes the experience of this trek even more special.

Ripchar Valley Trek

• Altitude: 4300 m

• Duration: 9 days

• Best season: June – September

This is one of the most scenic treks in the region. Starting from the Lamayuru monastery, this trek takes you through several small remote villages and pasture lands to make your trekking experience something to be preserved in your memory forever. The vast crop fields and wide pastures along the Zanskar river, combined with the views of the valleys blooming with flowers in July and August are a treat for the eyes. On this trek, you will also pass through the famous village of Hinju.

Padum to Darcha Trek

• Altitude: 5000 m

• Duration: 12 days

• Best season: June – September

The Darcha-Padum trek passes through some regions with varied topography and is one of the most diverse geographically. It starts from the Padum region in Zanskar valley and passes through Topka, Chalang, Ramjak, and Lakong, and ends at the Darcha region of Himachal Pradesh. This trek also takes you to Kargil – one of the most famous places in Ladakh.

Lamayuru to Darcha Trek

• Altitude: 5000 m

• Duration: 18 days

• Best season: July – September

This is probably one of the most desired treks in the world, partly because it is well connected to the Zanskar valley and passes through some amazing locations in the region. Also, the three famous monasteries in Ladakh (Lamayuru, Phuktal, and Lingshed) lie on this route. This is probably the longest trek in Ladakh and is slightly on the difficult side best suited for professional trekkers with prior experience and good stamina, but nothing that can’t be done.

Markha Valley Trek

• Altitude: 3700 m

• Duration: 8 days

• Best season: June – September

Although situated at a lower altitude, this trek is said to be moderately challenging. The scenic mountain-desert landscapes, green oasis, and the Kongmaru La pass make this trekking experience a special one. The Hemis National Park along the route is another major attraction with its amazing biodiversity.

If you are ready to make it a bit more challenging, you can add a detour to the Stok Kangri summit (4900 m). This will add a fair amount of difficulty and you will need a bit of experience and conditioning.

So, what are you waiting for? Get up and plan your trip. Dust that rucksack and break-in on those trekking boots.

Oh, one more thing, if you are visiting Ladakh, do bring me an Ammonite fossil if you find more than one.

The next part of this blog is already published. Do check it out here...