Trekking in Ladakh

Trek from Spituk uphill to Zingchen. Begin along an old jeep track, along parched ground before descending into the verdant Zingchen Valley.

Enjoy a full day hiking. Head for Ganda La today, with the peak of Stok Kangri looming overhead. Enter Hemis National Park and ascend through picturesque valleys towards the village of Rumbak. Hemis is a wildlife sanctuary and home of the snow leopard, an endangered species.

Enjoy a full day trekking from Ganda La Base Camp to Skiu, including ascent of Ganda La (4,950m/16,240 ft). The views from the pass include the entire Zanskar range below. Prayer flags and chorten line the route, with the peaks of the Himalayas in the distance. Descend down to Skiu, where an old monastery marks the history of the area.

Full day hiking from Skiu to Markha. Walk along the Markha Valley, crossing the river and through settlements. The paths are marked by 'manistones', inscribed with Buddhist prayers.

Enjoy a full day hiking from Markha to Thachungtse. Castles, monasteries, and old mills line the trek, reminders of the once prosperous history of the region. Pass small hamlets on the trek, then look up to see the views of the impressive Mt Kangyatse.

Spend the full day hiking from Thachungtse along the Nimaling stream. Arriving at the Nimaling plateau, enjoy the view of the alpine grassland and the yaks that are brought to pasture here. This is the highest camping point on the trek.

it's a full day of hiking to Shangsumdo via Kongmaru La (5,150m/16,896 ft). This is the highest point of the trek and it's a challenging hike, but the stunning views across the Indus Valley and Ladakh mountain range are worth the effort. The descent is quite steep, with some river crossings along the way.

It's a short trek this morning, leaving Shangsumdo and returning to Leh. Drive the last section of this journey and enjoy the view while giving your feet a well deserved break. Walk back along a jeep track down to meet the transport.