Ladakh, or as popularly called the ‘Land of High Passes,’ is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Scenic views, serene monasteries, and snow-clad peaks define Ladakh as it offers some of the globe’s most magnificent trekking routes. If you are a seasoned trekker or an amateur seeking an experience for a lifetime, hiking in Ladakh is something that will haunt your memories for life.
Markha Valley Trek
The Markha Valley Trek is ideal for adventurers who desire an experience of culture and adventure combined. This trek, which ranges from moderate to difficult, runs through picturesque Ladakhi villages, Buddhist monasteries, and breathtaking scenery. It covers approximately 75 km and generally takes 6 to 8 days to traverse. The trail provides breathtaking sights of Kang Yatse Peak and the Hemis National Park, where the elusive snow leopard resides.
Duration: 6-9 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Altitude: 5,260 m (17,257 ft)
Trek Distance: 59-78 km
Best Time: Mid-June to Mid-Octobe
Snow Leopard Trek
The Snow Leopard Trek is a winter wildlife expedition in Hemis National Park, ideal for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. It offers a rare chance to spot the elusive snow leopard along with blue sheep, ibex, and stunning frozen landscapes.
Best Time: December to March
Duration: 10-12 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Max Altitude: 6,000 m (19,685 ft)
Trek Distance: 29 km
Chadar Trek
One of Ladakh’s most mythical hikes, the Chadar Trek, involves a trek over the icy Zanskar River. The winter trek is feasible only between January and February when the river freezes in a sheet of ice. Spanning around 105 km in 9 days, this trek is tough but rewarding. Trekkers face sub-zero temperatures, ice formations, and the excitement of walking on a frozen river—an experience like no other.
Best Time: Mid-January to February
Duration: 7-9 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Max Altitude: 3,400 m (11,150 ft)
Trek Distance: 28 km
Stok Kangri Trek (Now Closed)
For those who want to challenge their stamina, the Stok Kangri Trek is a good option. Standing at an elevation of 6,153 meters, Stok Kangri is among the highest trekking peaks in India. The journey takes around 8 to 10 days and involves glaciers, high-altitude passes, and rocky terrain. While experience in trekking is recommended, the breathtaking view at the top makes it worth all the trouble.
Best Time: Mid-June to Mid-September
Duration: 8-9 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Max Altitude: 6,153 m (20,187 ft)
Trek Distance: 40 km
Sham Valley Trek
If you are inexperienced or short of time, the Sham Valley Trek is the ideal option. The ‘baby trek,’ as it is called, is an easy-to-moderate trek that can be done in 3 to 4 days. It traverses scenic villages such as Likir, Yangthang, and Hemis Shukpachan, giving you a glimpse of the traditional Ladakhi way of life. Short though it may be, hiking in Ladakh along Sham Valley Trek offers breathtaking views of the Indus Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Best Time: June to October
Duration: 3-7 days
Difficulty: Easy
Max Altitude: 3,900 m (12,795 ft)
Trek Distance: 32 km
Nubra Valley Trek
Nubra Valley Trek is perhaps the most varied trekking experience in Ladakh. Blending desert terrain, verdant valleys, and snowy peaks, the trek presents something unmatchable. The trek goes over the iconic Khardung La Pass (one of the world’s highest motorable passes) and lasts for 7 to 9 days. The valley is also inhabited by the double-humped Bactrian camels, which bring an exclusive sheen to the trip.
Best Time: Mid-June to September
Duration: 7-12 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Altitude: 5,438 m (17,838 ft)
Trek Distance: 59-60 km
Lamayuru to Alchi Trek
This is the perfect trek for those seeking to discover the spiritual facet of Ladakh. The Trek Lamayuru to Alchi trek links two of the most important Buddhist monasteries—Lamayuru and Alchi—passing through scenic vistas. Spanning around 5 to 7 days, this moderate trek is a mix of ancient culture and breathtaking scenery. Trekkers have the option to pass by rural villages, mingle with monks, and observe Ladakh’s rich heritage en route.
Best Time: Mid June to September
Duration: 4-8 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Altitude: 5,153 m (16,900 feet)
Trek Distance: 71 Km
Kang Yatse II Climb
The Kang Yatse II Climb is a challenging Ladakh expedition, combining scenic trails through Markha Valley with a demanding summit push. It rewards trekkers with breathtaking Himalayan views, ideal for experienced high-altitude climbers.
Best Time: June to October
Duration: 9-14 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Max Altitude: 6,250 m (20,500 ft)
Trek Distance: 70-80 km
Spituk to Stok Trek
The Spituk to Stok Trek is an easy to moderate trail suitable for beginners and nature lovers. It passes through Hemis National Park, offering views of barren landscapes, colorful valleys, monasteries, and chances to spot Himalayan wildlife.
Best Time: Mid-May to October
Duration: 3-6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Altitude: 4,900 m (16,076 ft)
Trek Distance: 35-40 km
Zanskar Trek (Padum to Lamayuru)
The Zanskar Trek (Padum to Lamayuru) is a classic Himalayan journey for seasoned trekkers, crossing high passes and remote valleys. It offers dramatic landscapes, ancient monasteries, and an immersive experience of Zanskari culture and rugged wilderness.
Best Time: June to September
Duration: 13-16 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Altitude: 5,060 m (16,600 ft)
Trek Distance: 149 km
Darcha to Padum Trek
The Darcha to Padum Trek is a high-altitude adventure suited for experienced trekkers, linking Himachal to Zanskar. It offers remote valleys, rugged mountain passes, river crossings, and a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of isolated Himalayan villages.
Best Time: June to September
Duration: 9-10 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Altitude: 5,090 m (16,700 ft)
Trek Distance: 127 km
Ripchar Valley Trek
The Ripchar Valley Trek is a scenic trail ideal for beginners and nature enthusiasts. It passes through lush meadows, villages, and wildflower fields, with striking views of the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges along the route.
Best Time: June to September
Duration: 7-8 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Altitude: 4,700 m (15,420 ft)
Trek Distance: 75 km
Lamayuru to Darcha Trek
The Lamayuru to Darcha Trek is a long and challenging trans-Himalayan route for seasoned trekkers. It traverses remote valleys, high passes, and monasteries, offering diverse landscapes and deep insights into Ladakh and Zanskar’s cultural heritage.
Best Time: Mid-June to Mid-September
Duration: 14-19 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Max Altitude: 5,090 m (16,700 ft)
Trek Distance: 291 km
Jhunglam Trek (Hemis to Padum)
The Jhunglam Trek (Hemis to Padum) is a demanding route for experienced trekkers, crossing wild gorges, high passes, and remote valleys. It showcases raw Himalayan beauty, vibrant monasteries, and the untouched culture of Zanskar.
Best Time: August to October
Duration: 12-19 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Max Altitude: 5,200 m (17,060 ft)
Trek Distance: 141 km
Parang La Trek
The Parang La Trek is a challenging high-altitude journey for seasoned trekkers, connecting Ladakh with Spiti. It features dramatic landscapes, glacier crossings, vast plateaus, and the stunning Tso Moriri Lake at the trail’s end.
Best Time: June to September
Duration: 10-12 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Max Altitude: 5,600 m (18,370 ft)
Trek Distance: 90–130 km
Spituk to Matho Trek
The Spituk to Matho Trek is a short and moderate trail, great for beginners and cultural explorers. It passes through colorful valleys, monasteries, and villages while offering panoramic views of the Stok and Zanskar ranges.
Best Time: June to September
Duration: 5 days
Difficulty: Easy
Max Altitude: 4,810 m (15,781 ft)
Trek Distance: 52 km
Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek
Ideal for nature enthusiasts who wish to see Ladakh’s unspoiled beauty, the Tso Moriri Trek takes you to the stunning Tso Moriri Lake, a high-altitude freshwater lake at an altitude of 4,522 meters. Covering around 8 to 10 days, the trek goes through isolated areas, providing interactions with nomadic Changpa herders, elusive wildlife, and breathtaking alpine scenery.
Best Time: June to September
Duration: 8-12 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Max Altitude: 5,440 m (17,840 ft)
Trek Distance: 100-120 km
Why Dreamland Trek and Tour Ladakh for Your Trekking Experience?
Dreamland Trek and Tour Ladakh is a company that is dedicated to offering genuine and memorable trekking experiences. Having traveled the trails for years and learned about the local geography, we design our very own trekking packages for various skill levels and interest groups. Our seasoned guides provide safety, comfort, and immersion in the local culture so that every trek is an experience to cherish. Whether a quick trek or a demanding expedition, we manage all logistics so you can relish the stunning vistas of Ladakh. At Dreamland Trek and Tour Ladakh, you don’t trek you experience an adventure for a lifetime.
Conclusion
Ladakh is a heaven for trekkers as it presents a range of routes that suit every level of experience. From traversing a frozen river on the Chadar Trek to ascending to the high mountain peaks of Stok Kangri, each trek is an experience in itself. Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, high-altitude encounters, or tranquil scenery, hiking in Ladakh is something that remains etched in your memory forever. So pack your rucksack, tighten your boots, and prepare to experience Ladakh’s most stunning trekking trails with Dreamland Trek and Tour Ladakh!