Ladakh
is a paradise for trekkers with plenty 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 relish 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 can have sunburn
and a peeling nose in hours. It is advisable to carry Moisturizers and a
pair of sun-glass to make your trek easy.
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 La.
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.
