Trekking & Hiking
A 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.
| Waypoint | Distance | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Lamayuru | 0.0 km | 3,369 m |
| Prinkti La (pass) | 4.5 km | 3,738 m |
| Wanla | 9.1 km | 3,146 m |
| Hinju | 25.6 km | 3,785 m |
| Kongskil La (pass) | 32.1 km | 4,948 m |
| Sumda Doksa (camp) | 37.0 km | 4,422 m |
| Sumda Chenmo | 41.0 km | 3,643 m |
| Dung Dung Chan La base (camp) | 52.8 km | 4,428 m |
| Dung Dung Chan La (pass) | 55.3 km | 4,603 m |
| Chilling | 63.1 km | 3,190 m |
9.1 km3–4 hrs+369 m / −592 m
Drive 115 km (about 3 hrs) from Leh to Lamayuru and visit the monastery built on the hill right above the village. Cross the Prinkti La, walk through Shilla village and reach Wanla. Overnight in a village homestay.
16.5 km6 hrs+639 m / −0 m
Keep to the trail along the river bank, passing through villages amidst green fields, and climb gently to Hinju. Overnight in a village homestay.
11.4 km6–7 hrs+1163 m / −526 m
Cross the Kongskil La, the highest pass on this trek, with spectacular views of the Karakoram and Stok mountains, then walk down to the summer pastures of Sumda Doksa. Overnight in camp.
15.8 km6–7 hrs+785 m / −779 m
A short walk brings you to the village of Sumda Chenmo, after which the trail climbs to the base of the Dung Dung Chan La. Overnight in camp.
10.3 km3–4 hrs+175 m / −1413 m
Climb to the Dung Dung Chan La for your first view of Zanskar, then make the long descent to Chilling, a village known for its skilled silversmiths. Drive 60 km (about 1.5 hrs) back to Leh.
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.
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.
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