Trekking & Hiking
Ladakh'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.
| Waypoint | Distance | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Chilling | 0.0 km | 3,175 m |
| Skiu | 6.9 km | 3,346 m |
| Markha | 28.1 km | 3,740 m |
| Hankar | 39.3 km | 4,010 m |
| Nimaling (camp) | 50.0 km | 4,821 m |
| Kongmaru La (pass) | 54.0 km | 5,260 m |
| Shang Sumdo | 67.0 km | 3,659 m |
| Martselang | 73.0 km | 3,376 m |
| Hemis | 77.7 km | 3,657 m |
6.9 km2–3 hrs+189 m / −18 m
Drive 60 km (about 1.5 hrs) from Leh to Chilling. Cross the Zanskar river into Hemis National Park and follow the trail into the Markha valley to Skiu. Overnight in a village homestay.
21.2 km6–7 hrs+451 m / −57 m
Continue along the river through small villages to Markha, a pretty village of around 20 households. Visit the old monastery and the ruined fort above the village. Overnight in a village homestay.
11.2 km4–5 hrs+305 m / −35 m
Walk along the river, with the option to visit Techa gompa on its cliff near Umlung village. Overnight in a village homestay in Hankar.
10.7 km5–6 hrs+836 m / −25 m
Climb from Hankar to Nimaling, where villagers bring their cattle to graze in summer. Enthusiastic trekkers can hike to the base of the Kang Yatse glacier in a few hours. Overnight in camp.
17 km6–8 hrs+439 m / −1601 m
Ascend the Kongmaru La for spectacular views of Kang Yatse and the Karakoram, then make the long, steep descent through the Shang gorge, crossing the river several times. Overnight in a homestay at Shang Sumdo.
10.7 km3–4 hrs+281 m / −283 m
Walk via Martselang to Hemis monastery, one of the best known in Ladakh (a jeep can be arranged from Shang Sumdo or Martselang instead). Drive 40 km (about 1 hr) 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.
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.
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