7 journeys
From the gentle apricot-village walks of Sham Valley to multi-day crossings of 5,000 m passes on the Markha and Rupshu trails, every trek is led by local Ladakhi guides with homestay or camping support.
EasyKnown as the "Baby Trek," this gentle 3-day, 32 km route crosses four low passes through the Sham region, Ladakh's lower Indus valley, linking the monastery villages of Likir, Yangthang, Hemis Shukpachen and Temisgam. Nights are spent in village homestays, it tops out at just 3,874m and can be walked almost year-round, making it ideal for beginners and families. Extend it to 4–5 days via Rizong monastery or onwards from Temisgam to Khaltse.
ChallengingOne of Ladakh's most beautiful treks: 98 km over 7 days across the Changthang plateau of Rupshu, following the old salt road past Tso Kar to the turquoise shores of Tso Moriri. The route crosses numerous passes above 5,000m, topping out at the 5,435m Yalung Nyau La, and passes the camps of Changpa nomads with their pashmina goats and yaks. Exceptional, but demanding.
ChallengingA 5-day, 63 km trek from the "Moonland" monastery of Lamayuru through rural villages of green barley fields and apricot trees to Chilling on the Zanskar river. It crosses three passes, topping out at the 4,948m Kongskil La, with sweeping views of the Stok and Karakoram ranges. Homestays in Wanla and Hinju, then camping in the high country.
ModerateLadakh's most popular trek, in a shorter and easier 6-day, 78 km version starting at Chilling. The trail follows the Markha river through villages tucked into a deep valley in Hemis National Park, home of the snow leopard, up to the high pastures of Nimaling and over the 5,260m Kongmaru La, with spectacular views of the Kang Yatse peaks. Homestays most nights.
ModerateThe fuller, more diverse version of the Markha valley trek: 7 days and 97 km from Zingchen, a short drive from Leh past Spituk, up the Rumbak valley to Yurutse and over the 4,941m Ganda La into the Markha valley, then on to Nimaling and over the 5,260m Kongmaru La. Remote villages, green oases in an immense arid landscape and a high chance of spotting wildlife in Hemis National Park.
ChallengingA demanding 10-day, 141 km trek that starts at Hemis monastery and crosses the 5,260m Kongmaru La into the Markha valley. From Tachungtse it leaves the Markha trail behind for a seldom-used path over the Zalung Karpo La and Charchar La, through narrow canyons with many river crossings, to Zangla and the Zanskar valley. For experienced trekkers seeking rugged, off-the-beaten-path terrain.
ModerateFollow an ancient trade route between the Indus and Nubra valleys, once part of the Silk Road network linking India with Central Asia. This 5-day, 59 km trek goes through one of the least-visited corners of Ladakh, over the 5,438m Lasermo La with the Indus on one side and Nubra on the other, down through the flower meadows of Hunder Dok to the sand dunes and Bactrian camels of Hunder.
Every journey can be tailored to your dates, fitness and group. Tell us what you have in mind.
