Top 5 Most Popular Trekking Destinations in Ladakh

Ladakh the paradise of earth located in the laps of the great Himalayas and is an ultimate trekking destination for adventure lovers. Trekking through the high passes, with extreme peaks is a lifetime achievement for those who love to dare and look forward to an extreme raw trekking experience. A Trip to Ladakh will make you experience some of the most adventurous activities which will include treks like the Indus Valley, Zanskar Valley treks. Shyok and Padum valley are other treks equally stimulating.

Here nature is at its extreme. Popular for being a land of the freezing winds and hot sunlight which is burning, Ladakh is a popular cold dessert and a tourist destination that lies in the rain shadow of the Great Himalayas along with other smaller ranges.

Best Places for Trekking In Ladakh

1. Kargil

Surrounded by the apricot copse Kargil is a small town with paved streets, the temperature at Kargil can fall as low as-60 degree Celsius. Summers being the perfect time for trekking, one can opt for a 3 to 4 days trekking experience through the tracts of this region where the challenge is to achieve the heights of paramount Himalayan ranges.

2. Indus Valley

Indus Valley is located between two mountain ranges with Zanskar Range on its south and Ladakh Range on its north. Indus valley is the backbone for the inhabitants of Ladakh.

This region has witnessed the rise and fall of many Dynasties and thus holds a historical significance as well. At an elevation of 3500 m, the Indus valley is also the home of several monasteries, quaint villages, forts, and palaces.

3. Zanskar Valley

The isolated valley of trans Himalayan is adorned by alpine lake and snow covered peaks. The Zanskar valley is a vast stretch of ancient forts whose ruins lay on the ridge of the valley.

As you pass by the riverbank a look around will find you rock carvings belonging to the primitive era. Karsha is among the largest monastery in the Zanskar region with a rich collection of Himalayan art and frescoes that are 500 years old. Other monasteries to visit are the Stongdey and Burdan monasteries, which have several clays, bronze, copper, and wood idols. Phugtal and Zongkhul are other caves worth exploring.

4. Shyok Valley

The Shyok Valley is situated along the banks of the River Shyok where the water from the Nubra and Chang Chenmo River joins it which further flow into the River Keris. The Khardung la pass is the gateway to Shyok and Nubra valley via Leh. Partway to the Nubra valley lies the Siachen Glaciers. In winters while the river water freezes it gets easy to access the Shyok valley trek, while in summer one needs to take the route from the uplands or cross the Shyok River and have some river rafting experience.

5. Padum Valley

The ancient kingdom of Zanskar maneuvered its dynasty from Padum as its capital. Padum is the most populous settlement in the Zanskar region. Padum has the majority of the Muslim population and dates back to the 17th century. The historic sites of primitive times are a set of the ancient rock-carved on a huge rock near the riverbank dating back to the 8th century, influences of North Indian Buddhism can be found in this region. Across the wide expanse of cultivation lies an old and quiet village hamlet of Pibiting, dominated by its striking hilltop monastery, this place represents a superb culmination of stupa architecture.