Ladakh, the land of high passes, also known as Little Tibet, lies in the Great Himalayan Rain Shadow, so receives no monsoon during summer, but hefty snowfall throughout its long winter, November to late May. Other than for Ladakhi and Zanskari Indians, permits are required  to the four restricted areas in Ladakh – the Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and the Dha-Hanu region. Allow 3 to 4 days for acclimatisation before you start the trek.

KARGIL                                                                                            

A small town with cobbled streets, surrounded by apricot groves, lies in an area just behind the Zoji La Pass.

Good panorama of the Himalayas can be obtained on 3-4 day treks from Sanko to Dras via Umba and
                                                                                                              
on the more demanding Sanko to Mulbek via the Wakka La Pass  at 4,930m and

even more demanding,  but popular with experienced trekkers, is Rangdum and Heniskot via the Kanji La Pass at 5,270m

The stretch from Kanji to Hemiskot, a 5 day trek, is an awesome descent through impressive gorges and many river crossings.

INDUS VALLEY

Leh is the centre for these treks.

Likir to Thimisgan, a moderate 5 day hike past tiny local villages and through outstanding scenery

Markha Valley,  a moderate, occasionally strenuous, 10 day trek through Hemis National Park, home to the snow leopard, popular and frequented by all trekkers to this region.

Spituk to Hemis,  an arduous 9-10 day trek alongside rivers, across the 5,030m Gongmaru La Pass for fine views of the Stok range and Indus Valley

Lamayuru to Alchi,  a demanding 5-6 day trek crossing passes at between 3,500m and 5,200m but allowing immense views of the Stok and Zanskar Ranges. A visit to the monastery at Sumdachoon with its large wooden statue of the Buddha is a must.

ZANSKAR

One of Ladakh’s remotest regions, only accessible by high passes. The treks here are demanding and not for the novice.

 Lamayuru  to Karsha – a 9-10 day trek, 6 hours walking a day, across 7 passes (up to the 5,100m Singi La Pass) initially following the Zanskar river and visiting remote 16th century monasteries

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

OPTIMUM TIME:  Mid June to Mid Oct

Major festivals take place during the tourist season at Spituk, Matho, Hemis and most other gompas in the region. The annual Ladakh Festival is held in the first two weeks of September - with large colourful displays throughout Ladakh but mainly in Leh, a must for visitors.