Ladakh is a paradise
for trekkers with number of opportunities to fit all adventurers and
nature enthusiasts. One can take a trip of 1 day to 1 month - walking,
cycling, rafting, riding and touring, exploring the local life styles
and culture.
There are numerous treks with a combination of
culture and sport activities. Trek along the Indus river and experience
the tour of local monasteries allowing you to serve various aspects of
Ladakhi culture. The exhilarating high altitude mountain climb of Stok
Kangri (6212mts) combined with the beautiful Markha valley trek of 9 to
12 days forever favourite for it's amazing geography and nature.
General
Advice : Without a hat and sunscreen one cannot afford trekking
because one can have sunburn and a peeling nose in hours. So it is
advisable to carry Moisturizers and a pair of sun-glass to make your
trek easy and safe.
Some Treks At Ladakh are :
- For Manali and Srinagar to Leh: Sonamarg is the last
major town in Kashmir, shortly before you climb up over the Zoji La
pass at 3529 m and enter the Ladakh region.
- Zoji La : The other passes get less snow because they are
across the Himalaya and in the mountain rain shadow. The road up the
pass is breathtaking and there are times when you'll wonder if you
were sane to make this trip.
- Drass : In winter, Drass is noted for its heavy snowfall
and extreme cold. The buses stop here and tourists have to register
their names and passport numbers.
- Kargil : Already you are in a region where irrigation is
virtually important.
- Around Leh : There are fine views over the Indus from the
gompa. There is an interesting little village below the gompa. The
road is only open is September and October - it takes the whole
summer for the snow and ice to melt for that brief time. Nearby, a
bridge crosses the Indus to Stock and a rougher road to Hemis.
- Zanskar Treks : A jeep road has now reached all the way
from Kargil to Padum, the capital, and although is not open all the
time, it has opened the area up to more outside influence. You can
make number of interesting ones either down the valley or out of it
to Ladakh, Kashir or Himachal Pradesh.
- Padum : It's on the southern part of a wide fertile plain
where two rivers join to from the Zanskar River. Around Padum: Since
horses cannot cross the rope bridge from Padum, this is the first
place on this side of the river where they can be hired for treks
further afield to places like Lamayuru. On the final day you can
cross the river directly by ferry or continue down to the wooden
Tungri Bridge and double back to Padum.
- Tungri-zongkhul Gompa Trip : This 4 day trek arround
Padum takes you to the Sani and Zongkhul gompass by following the
route up towards the Muni La, then cutting across to the base of the
Umasi
- Treks in Ladakh and Zanskar : Srinagar is the best place
to purchase supplies but you will not find trekking gear like you do
in Kathmandu, Nepal. Remember to take your garbage out with you;
many areas are already becoming fouled with trekkers' rubbish.
- Kargil to Padum: When all bridges are open the route is
accessible from early June to late October. On the last day's walk
from Phe to Padum you cross the river and pass by the Sani Gompa,
one of the most important in Zanskar.
