Reprinted
Trekking in Ladakh
Eight adventurous trekking routes
Trekking in Ladakh
Eight adventurous trekking routes
An essential guidebook to trekking in Ladakh. With detailed descriptions of eight treks in the Ladakh, Zanskar and the Markha Valley of north India, including details on combinations and alternative routes. Ladakh is a remote environment where trekking is extremely challenging, for adventurous trekkers only. Practical information is also included.Discover the remote, high-altitude landscapes of Ladakh, where glaciated peaks, deep gorges, and ancient Buddhist monasteries await adventurous trekkers. Journey through the Zanskar range in northern India, exploring wild mountain deserts where Tibetan heritage and dramatic scenery combine for an unforgettable trekking experience.
This comprehensive Cicerone guidebook is designed for experienced and self-sufficient trekkers seeking a serious adventure. It features 8 challenging multi-day treks (98–169km/61–105 miles, 6–12 days each), including classic routes such as Kharnak, Tsarab Chu, Darcha to Padum, Round Sultanlango, Padum to Lamayuru (two variants), the Alchi circuit, and the celebrated Markha Valley. Each trek is divided into day stages, with detailed route descriptions, altitude profiles, distance, ascent, and guidance on access, accommodation, and water sources.
- Ladakh’s trekking season runs from mid-June to mid-October, with the best conditions for trekking in late August and September.
- Trekking routes in Ladakh range from remote wilderness journeys across high mountain passes to classic village trails, suitable for experienced trekkers with strong mountain skills and self-sufficiency.
- Detailed 1:250,000 mapping for every trek in Ladakh, with variants and alternative routes to help you customise your Himalayan adventure.
- Stage-by-stage route descriptions for Ladakh treks, including distance, altitude range, access, and accommodation options, make planning your journey in this remote region straightforward.
- Practical advice for Ladakh on planning, transport, permits, equipment, acclimatisation, and safety, essential in a region where trails are unmarked and villages are few.
- Comprehensive background on Ladakh’s unique culture, history, and Buddhist heritage, plus tips for responsible trekking and environmental care in northern India.
- Guidance for trekking in Ladakh, both independently and with local agents, to suit every style of adventure in this spectacular corner of India.
Plan your Ladakh trekking adventure with this authoritative Cicerone guidebook and immerse yourself in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring, culturally rich, and rewarding trekking regions.
Trekking in Ladakh - Quick Facts
Location: Northern India, Zanskar range and greater Ladakh region
Routes covered: 8 multi-day treks (6–12 days, 98–169km/61–105 miles), including Kharnak, Tsarab Chu, Darcha to Padum, Round Sultanlango, Padum to Lamayuru (two variants), Alchi circuit, and Markha Valley
Typical trek length: 8 multi-day treks (6–12 days), with daily stages outlined for flexible planning
Trail type: Unmarked mountain trails, high passes, deep gorges, arid plateaux, village paths, and wilderness routes
Terrain: High-altitude desert, glaciated peaks, alpine meadows, arid valleys, remote monasteries, and challenging mountain passes
Accommodation: Village homestays, fixed campsites, occasional guesthouses, and wilderness camping (self-sufficiency required for remote areas)
Navigation & mapping: 1:250,000 mapping for each trek; detailed stage-by-stage route descriptions
Best season: Mid-June to mid-October; optimal trekking conditions in late August and September
Highlights: Magnificent Himalayan scenery, Tibetan Buddhist heritage, remote monasteries, rugged solitude, and culturally rich trekking in the heart of Ladakh
Author Highlight
“There are popular routes where accommodation is in village ‘homestays’ with local hosts, others where fixed campsites with good facilities provide overnight comforts, as well as remote, exciting wilderness treks where you will not see anyone for days and will be totally dependent on yourself and your team. With its magnificent landscape, hospitable and charming people, rich heritage – and still limited numbers of tourists – Ladakh is a desirable destination for every trekker."
- Radek Kucharski, author of Trekking in Ladakh
Printed book
A guidebook with detailed route descriptions, stage breakdowns, accommodation listings, profiles and maps - everything you need on the trail.
ISBN
9781852848309
Availability
Published
Published
14 Oct 2015
Edition
Second
Pages
384
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 2.40cm
Weight
460g
eBook
The complete digital edition of the guidebook, with full route descriptions, accommodation listings, profiles and maps, ready to use on any device. To access your eBook, you will need an eReader app. For more details, visit the eBook FAQs.
Map key
Ladakh and northern India
Overview map of the trekking routes
Preface
Introduction
Geology
Landscape
Climate
Plants and animals
History
Trade routes and tourism
Current population
Buddhism in Ladakh
Planning the trip and the trek
What to bring from home
Health and fitness
Visas and permits
Money, insurance and dealing with emergencies
Communication
Local language
Tips on travelling in India
What to take on trek
Using this guide
How to get there
Travelling and sightseeing in Ladakh
On the trek
1 Kharnak
2 Tsarab Chu
3 Darcha to Padum: the classic trek to Zanskar
4 Round Sultanlango
5 Padum to Lamayuru: the classic trek from Zanskar
6 Padum to Lamayuru via the Kanji La
7 Alchi: A circuit over five passes
8 Markha Valley
Appendix A Treks overview table
Appendix B Stage summaries
Appendix C Some Ladakhi language words and phrases
Appendix D Glossary
Appendix E Embassies and consulates
Appendix F Further reading
Index of maps
Index of place names
Seasons
Unlike other parts of the Himalayas, Ladakh is not normally hit by the Monsoon. Therefore summer (June to September) is the best trekking season.
Centres
Access is through Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The treks travel through towns and villages all over the Ladakh region, as well as the Zanskar sub-region and the Phukthal and Karsha monasteries.
Difficulty
High altitude, lack of lodges and restaurants as well as the remoteness of the region make trekking in Ladakh a rather challenging activity. Moderate to very demanding treks have been covered in the book. A number of local agencies can help organise the trip and make the trek much easier.
Must See
The rich Tibetan-style culture, remote mountains, high passes, serene monasteries and Ladakhi people. See K2 from the Kanji Pass. Cover the classic Darcha-Padum-Lamayuru trek. Trace snow leopards and venture up deep river gorges.
September 2015
Updates
Update on the effects of the Zanskar River flood on trekking routes
A flood on Tsarab and Zanskar rivers in Ladakh in May this year destroyed many bridges and parts of newly-built roads. This has effected some trekking routes in the area and much damage has not been repaired will last into next trekking season, too. Trekking is possible but alternative pathways need to be followed in places.
The following information records what the author recorded on his latest visit, in late September:
- The route along the Tsarab River between Barandy Nala (Gian) and the abandoned village of Hormoche (Trek 2) has been repaired and is fine. However, this is an autumn option, usually not accessible earlier than the beginning of September due to high water levels.
- All the way along Niri Chu (the Niri River) down to its confluence with Tsarab and the route along Tsarab to Yata and then down to Phukthal (Treks 2 and 4) is fine.
- The bridge on Tsarab just below the Phuktal Monastery en-route between the gompa and Purni as well as the bridge on the Kargyak River just before its confluence with Tsarab in Purni had been washed away but new bridges have been built already. I saw the bridge in Phukthal but did not see the one in Purni and the one below Phuktal (Treks 2 and 4 as well as a side trip on Trek 3) is a simple footbridge, not suitable for horses.
- My Zanskari friends also tell me that it is fine to follow the route on the right side of the river between Phuktal and Cha village (Trek 2).
- The bridge in Cha below the confluence of Tsarab and Kargyak rivers has been already rebuilt but again it is not strong enough for horses. There is no bridge below it down the valley as far as Raru but it is possible to trek on either side of the valley (I tested the route between the Enmu village and the Raru bridge on the right side of the river).
- The Pepula campsite (Treks 2, 3 and 4) no longer exists and there are no camping nor homestay options on the left side of the Lungnak (Tsarab Lingti) rive between Changpa Tsetan and Raru.
- There is no longer a bridge between Changpa Tsetan and Enmu and the bridges in Dorzong and Ichar have also gone. The road between the Enmu village and Pobre (the solitary house half way between Enmu and Dorzong on the right bank), which was built in recent years, is badly damaged but passable.
- If you reach Ichar on the right bank of the river there is no other option than to continue to the Raru bridge on Tsarab. It is a bit tough on a high traverse but views are rewarding. It is also fine to walk on the left side of the river although the part of the road between the place where the Ichar road bridge was and the Raru village was washed away during the flood - there is a footpath.
- The pedestrian bridge over the Lungnak (Tsarab Lingti), just below its confluence with Raru Nala, had been partially damaged but it have been rebuilt already. It is fine both for people and horses. As reported by the local people, the road bridge over Raru Nala was not effected.
- The bridge connecting the two banks of Lungnak in Pibcha village was not seriously effected and can be crossed by people and animals. The next bridge (a road one) is in Pibiting near to Padum, just above the confluence of Lungnak (Tsarab Lingti) and Stod (Doda) which marks the beginning of the Zanskar River.
- The bridge over Zanskar which existed near to Zangla and Pishu no longer exists (according to local contacts). The Padum - Hanumer - Lingshed route is fine again now and the way is clear.
- The bridge in Niearak was destroyed but I do not have any information whether it was rebuilt.
- The road bridge on the Zanskar River just below its confluence with Markha which was built in 2014 to link Chiling and Kaya villages was washed away in May. As this point marks an alternative beginning of the Markha Valley Trek (Route 8) we had to use rafts to start the trek in mid-May this year. I am told that there is a trolley (a kind of simple cable-car) crossing at this point at the moment.
- The road bridge on Zanskar below Chiling as well as the bridge on Indus just before the confluence of the two rivers survived the flood so the road connecting Chiling with Leh is open.
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