Trekking in Ladakh Himalaya

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Trekking in Ladakh Himalaya

Trekking:
The trekking options range from short, day-long walks up and down mountain slopes to visit monuments or monastic settlements (or across a ridge to enjoy the sheer beauty of the lunar landscape), or long, trans-mountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness. For example, the trek from Lamayuru in the Indus Valley to Darcha in Lahoul, across Zanskar Valley, takes nearly three weeks and crosses 2 major mountain ranges. Most of the established routes traverse the Zanskar range, which separates the Indus Valley from Zanskar. The 10-day Markha Valley trek, the 11-day Lamayuru- Padum traverse and the 4/5-day Stok-Khangri round trek are the more popular ones. In recent years, parts of the Ladakh range, which lie between the Indus and Shayok valleys, have also become available for trekking.
      The trekking season normally extends from early June to mid-October. But short, localised treks within the central Indus valley can be undertaken even in May. On the other hand, some routes are suitable only for the late autumn as during the summer the tracks are submerged due to excessive flow of water, as is in the case of the Hemis-Markha-Padum trek. The winter access to Zanskar is actually along the frozen surface of the Zanskar River called Chaddar route. This route, though difficult and highly demanding in terms of arrangements, is perhaps one of the most exciting and memorable foot journeys in the world.

Trekking Tips:
The easiest way to go on a trek is through a travel agency, which will take care of all arrangements including equipment, food provisions, ponies & porters, staff, etc. But if the intention is to make your own arrangements, it is advisable to carry as much of the provision and fuel from Leh or even Kargil as possible. It must be remembered that Ladakh is a harsh land where most villagers cannot part with their food stocks. In some villages fresh yoghurt and some tsampa can be procured, but these sources cannot be relied upon. Kerosene or gas for cooking stoves must be carried in sufficient quantity to last the duration of the trek, as fuel is not likely to be available on most routes.
For trekking in Ladakh to be a rewarding experience, it is not enough to be physically fit. Trekkers must also be prepared to face the rigours of backcountry travel. Ladakh experiences considerable fluctuations in the day and night temperatures, even during the height of summer. While the days are pretty warm, even hot, due to the desert effect of the landscape, the evenings can become quite chilly, requiring additional clothing. It is, therefore, advisable to keep a pullover and/ or an anorak or jacket handy. A sturdy pair of walking shoes with strong rubber or synthetic soles for grip, thick cotton socks (woollen for late autumn treks or glacier walks) and a good sleeping bag along with an insulated ground pad are essential gear for going on a trek. In case of trekking across mountain passes or trans-mountain traverses, a waterproof tent will have to be carried along, besides provisions and cooking equipment, all back- packed in a good quality rucksack. Such treks should, however, be undertaken in groups and accompanied with a good trekking guide. Additional requirements could include a woollen balaclava, woollen undergarments, wind parkas etc. Toiletries and first-aid kits should include lip salve, moisturisers and sun cream, water purifying tablets, medicines for high altitude sickness, etc. A good quality water canteen is a must to carry drinking water so essential during high altitude trekking in arid conditions. And lastly, do not forget to carry a flashlight with sufficient spare batteries, a sun-hat and a pair of good quality sunglasses with sufficient filter-factor to check the sun's brightness and ultraviolet rays.

Environmental Protection:
The Ladakh environment is ecologically fragile and the survival of the inhabitants depends upon the land. As such, it is absolutely important that trekkers and mountaineers keep the routes and campsites clean and avoid disturbing the region's delicate environment. Before striking camp, trekkers and tour operators should ensure that no garbage is left behind at the campsites. Plastic containers and wrappers must be incinerated, while other types of garbage should be properly buried. In this context, it is advisable to follow the instructions regarding preservation of environment contained in the Indian Mountaineering Foundation's publication, "While in the Himalayas -Do's and Don'ts".

Evacuation of casualties:
The Tourism Department initiates and co-ordinates evacuation of casualties by IAF helicopters in case of accidents or sickness during trekking, mountaineering or river rafting in the remote parts of the State. Evacuation is subject to payment of the operational cost of the aircraft. The type of helicopter normally used for the purpose costs around Rs. 75,000/- per flying hour. Evacuation from anywhere in the Zanskar mountains, the Nun-Kun massif or the Changthang area may take 4 to 5 flying hours from take off to landing back at the air base. Besides the high operational cost, such missions also involve great risk and call for a high degree of skill on the part of the pilots. It is, therefore, essential that request for aerial rescue is made under compelling circumstances, only as a life saving measure. Also, helicopters cannot be requisitioned for lifting bodies of deceased persons from accident sites.
Permission for removal of the deceased is rarely granted and the procedure to obtain such permissions is very tedious. Evacuation of genuine casualties with guaranteed payment upon billing could be initiated through the nearest Administration or Tourist Office.

The Apricot Valley Trek

8 Days
Availability : 15th June - 15th October
High mountain passes, ancient famous monasteries, charming villages and excellent views of the Zanskar range.
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The Lamayuru - Hemis Trek Via Markha

13 Days
Availability : 15th June - 15th October
Walk along the Ripchar valley -  quaint villages, nomadic settlements, wild flowers, teeming birdlife, high passes, breathtaking views of Karakorum and Zanskar mountain ranges. Experience village life, river crossings, the serenity of deep gorges. Visit the ancient Stok palace and the Stakna monastery.

 
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The Nubra Valley Traverse

22 Days
Availability : 15th June - 15th October
Cross the highest motorable road in the world. Experience milder climate, laid back village life; wander through apricot and apple orchards; walk through fertile green fields of barely, wheat and millet. Birdwatchers delight with a variety of bird species. Age old monasteries; once a stopover on the legendary caravan trade route.

 
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The Padum to Lamayuru Trail

16 Days:
Availability : 25th June - 15th October
Numerous High mountain passes; excellent views of the Ladakh ranges; vast plains; deep gorges; ancient monasteries.
 
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The Lamayuru to Alchi Monastery Trek

7 Days
Availability : 25th June - 15th October
Easier trek. mountain passes; less visited trails and remote Ladakhi Villages. Lower altitudes; prominent monasteries of central Ladakh; a reborn ancient monastery.
From₹500000
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The Classic Markha Valley Trail

16 Days;
Availability : 15th June - 15th October
High and arid region; region between Ladakh and Zanskar; large diversity of landscapes; excellent views from the jagged 5000 metre Kongmaru La pass; green oasis of the Markha valley; breath-taking views of the Karakorum snow-capped peaks. numerous high villages; irrigated fields of barley and potatoes, meet Ladakhi peasants; experience the simplicity of their daily life. visit the old monastery famous for its paintings.
 
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The Brandy Nullah to Rupshu Valley Traverse

16 Days:
Availability : 15th June - End September
Rupshu is a large area to the south east of Ladakh, on the road linking Kulu & Leh; altitudes between 4500 & 5500 Mts. Extremely cold and dry plateau little agriculture but a lot of grazing land; sparsely populated; inhabitants called Changpa - essentially nomads with herds of goats, yaks, and flocks of sheep; they also trade and transport goods by caravans between Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti.
 
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The Sham & Indus Valley Trek

8 Days
Availability : 15th June - 15th October
Easy and gentle trek in Western Ladakh ; ancient monasteries; delightful villages; through the famous Apricot Valley of Ladakh. 1000 year old magnificent murals & wall paintings at Alchi Monastery; once center of Silk Route Trade Caravan; drive through barren landscapes and moon land.
From₹55000
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The Stok Kangri Trek

13 Days
Availability : 15th June - End September
Stok Kangri peak- perfect objective for fit trekkers without climbing experience; one of the main peaks of the Zanskar range; high and arid landscape; remote valleys, scattered high villages and hilltop monasteries; stunning views of the Karakorum Range; distant views of K2 mountain peak.
 
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Sabu Village to Phyang Monastery via the Nubra Valley

9 Days
Availability : 15th June - End September
Mild climate; great views of the Nubra and Shyok rivers; apricot and apple orchards; charming villages; ancient monasteries; fertile green fields; once a stopover for caravans plying the ancient trade routes to Central Asia. encounters with the nonchalant Bactrian double humped camel.
 
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The Sabu to Khalsar Trek

7 Days
Availability : June - September
Excellent views form Digar La pass; easy trail in the Nubra valley; sand dunes; Bactrian double humped camels; riverside walks; charming villages and ancient monasteries; drive across the highest motorable mountain road in the world.
 
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The Changthang to Spiti Trail over the Parang - La

9 Days
Availability : June - September
Remote trail; traditional trade route between the people of Spiti, Changthang and Tibet; high altitude meadows of Kibber; highest permanently inhabited village in the world; breeding grounds of the famous Spiti horses; called the Snow Leopard country; over the 5600 metre high Parang la the source of the Pare Chu river; 15,000 ft high Tso Moriri a high altitude lake 27 kms long and nearly 8 kms wide; breeding ground for bar-headed geese, black-necked crane and the Brahminy ducks.
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The Rumtse TsoMoriri Trail to the Nomad Lands

8 Days
Availability : June - September
Best Time: June - September
Of the beaten track through pastures and wilderness across rugged landscape; over small passes; excellent views and fantastic landscape; Tsokar brackish salt-water lake at 4250m; through the Rupshu plains; small lake and Hot Springs at Puga; Tso Moriri Lake at 4550 metres; small village of Korzok, small monastery; visiting the nomads who live in their yak skin tents tending to their Pashmina goats.
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The Lamayuru to Hemis Monastery through Markha Valley

13 Days
Availability : June - September
Oldest and richest monasteries in Ladakh; Lamayuru and Hemis; many mountain passes on this trail; through Hemis national park; protecting snow leopard and other wild animals; 10% chance to view a snow leopard; beautiful valley of Markha overshadowed by many Peaks; high pasturelands; yaks & goats; Changpa nomads; taste Yak milk, butter and curds.

 
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The Lamayuru to Stok Kangri Trail through Matho Village

18 Days
Availability : 15th June - End September
Through the arid Markha valley; Zanskar river crossing by a box bridge; old famed monasteries; extensive summer pasture lands of shepherds; high mountain valleys; excellent views of Kang Yatze peak's north face; sweeping views of Ladakh ranges and Indus valley; base of Stok Kangri peak.
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