Trekking & Hiking
A 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.
| Waypoint | Distance | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Hemis | 0.0 km | 3,658 m |
| Martselang | 4.7 km | 3,377 m |
| Shang Sumdo | 10.7 km | 3,660 m |
| Lartse (camp) | 21.7 km | 4,574 m |
| Kongmaru La (pass) | 26.7 km | 5,260 m |
| Nimaling (camp) | 29.7 km | 4,821 m |
| Tachungtse (camp) | 33.6 km | 4,356 m |
| Yakrupal (camp) | 49.1 km | 4,588 m |
| Zalung Karpo La (pass) | 55.1 km | 5,144 m |
| Tilat Sumdo (camp) | 74.7 km | 3,656 m |
| Charchar La base (camp) | 92.1 km | 4,362 m |
| Charchar La (pass) | 96.1 km | 4,957 m |
| Zangla Sumdo (camp) | 103.8 km | 3,770 m |
| Zangla | 111.0 km | 3,602 m |
| Karsha | 129.7 km | 3,642 m |
| Padum | 140.9 km | 3,545 m |
10.7 km3–4 hrs+283 m / −281 m
Drive 40 km (about 1 hr) from Leh to Hemis and visit its gompa, one of the richest and largest in Ladakh, then walk via Martselang to Shang Sumdo (a jeep can be arranged instead). Overnight in a homestay.
11 km5–6 hrs+914 m / −0 m
The trail follows the river up a magnificent valley through the villages of Chokdo and Chuskurmo to Lartse. Overnight in camp.
11.9 km6–7 hrs+686 m / −904 m
Climb the Kongmaru La for a superb view of Kang Yatse, descend to Nimaling where villagers graze their livestock, and continue down to Tachungtse. Overnight in camp.
15.5 km5–6 hrs+545 m / −313 m
Leave the Markha valley behind and pass through the remote Langthang valley to Yakrupal. Overnight in camp.
25.6 km8–9 hrs+556 m / −1488 m
Cross the Zalung Karpo La, with a spectacular view of the Zanskar range and the Changthang plateau. After several river crossings, a long trail follows the Changchu river to Tilat Sumdo. Overnight in camp.
17.4 km6–7 hrs+706 m / −0 m
Cross the Changchu river into a beautiful narrow valley and follow the canyon, with several river crossings, to the base camp below the Charchar La. Overnight in camp.
11.7 km5–6 hrs+595 m / −1187 m
Walk through spectacular gorges and cross the Charchar La, then make a steep descent to Zangla Sumdo. Overnight in camp.
7.2 km3 hrs+170 m / −338 m
A short, easy walk out to Zangla and the Zanskar valley. Visit the small hilltop palace-fortress. Overnight in a village homestay.
18.7 km6 hrs+250 m / −210 m
Cross the bridge over the Zanskar river near Pishu and climb gradually through Rinam to Karsha. Visit Karsha monastery, the largest and most important in Zanskar, rising almost vertically above the village. Overnight in a village homestay.
11.2 km3 hrs+77 m / −174 m
A short, easy walk (or drive) to Padum, the capital of Zanskar. Overnight in a homestay.
Begin the 450 km drive back to Leh over the Pensi La, with an overnight stop in Kargil or the Suru valley.
Drive back to Leh along the Srinagar–Leh highway.
More trekking & hiking
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.
Tell us your dates and interests — we'll reply with a tailored itinerary.
