What is it like roaming around the “Cold desert of the North India”? I am talking about Leh-Ladakh as it is fondly called. Trekking in Ladakh is a unique experience, which one shouldn’t miss ever if the chance comes by. Walking down the cobbled streets, interacting with the locals, visiting the colorful Gompas, enjoying the festivals, cleansing the mind at the monasteries, breathtaking views from the abandoned Leh palace, watching the flock of farm animals being guided by the Sherpa, the mystical evening winds, all of which is left for you to experience when you come to this land of warm people.

What other better way to discover this place than a Ladakh trekking experience, an experience which would be etched in your minds for the rest of your life. And to help you chart out the best routes to go trekking, I would like to show you the routes I took along with my friendly guide. Please read on and get all the information you can, for this is a journey which you would never want to miss.

My top ten favourites

The mighty famous Stok Kangri

Stok Kangri

This is an experience which would need your physical skills put to the test, but the sights and sounds you experience on this expedition are out of this world. The total height to climb is 6153m, with the fascinating Zanskar peaks and the Karakoram ranges as the backdrop. The sun shines in all its glory the peaks of these two ranges and as you trek on the Stok Kangri route, you would feel as if you were walking on the footsteps leading to the doors of heaven.  But the best thing to do here would be to stay a day in Ladakh so that you get accustomed to the weather conditions of the high altitude.

Best time to venture on Ladakh experience would be early July to late September

The enchanting Nubra Valley experience

This trekking expedition would take you all the way from Phyang to Hunder, which is the Nubra Valley destination. Plenty of thrills await you on this trial which would pass through ancient silk routes as well. While on this trip you would come in close contact with the age old historical monasteries, dotting landscapes and colorful hamlets in quaint villages. The villages I came across are Deskit, Khardon and Khalser. One of the passes on this trail at 18380ft that you would cross would be the famous Khardong La pass. And if you fancy a camel ride, you can have your wish fulfilled at Hunder all the way to Deskit, don’t miss it. Be active and physically fit the difficulty levels on this trip are for those who can beat strenuous activities.

Best time to venture on this Ladakh trekking experience would be early June to late September

The famous Markha Valley expedition

Markha Valley

It is just unfair for me to pen down a few words about my trekking in Ladakh experience through the well known Markha valley. I have so many memories about the trail that it would take more than a large log to pen them down. You would be spellbound at the landscapes which offer panoramic views, breathtaking flora and fauna leaves you with goose bumps and many passes along this trail which would be 15000ft and above, makes this trekking trail the most sought after.

Best time to venture on this Ladakh trekking experience would be late September to December end

Ladakh trekking experience on the Kang Yatse Trek

Just a hop-skip-jump distance covered would take you to the famous Kang Yatse Trek. You don’t have to be an expert to join this famous trekking expedition, and the best part is you come across the Nimaling Pasture, which has plenty of sightseeing and adventure sports activities, such as biking to do.

Best time to venture on this Ladakh trekking experience would be early July to the end of September

Let me tell you about the Chadar Trek experience

Chadar Trek

The locals or the Ladakhi’s as I fondly call them, also refer to this Ladakh Trekking trail as the Khado Sanglam. This is a trail not meant for those who are amateurs, but for the tough ones or the experienced trekker. You would be encountering plenty of rugged terrains, rocky slopes, and a frozen river as well. White sheets of ice over a river make the eyes feast on the beauty of what bare wild nature can give, and this happens when the winters are on full swing.

Best time to venture on this Ladakh trekking experience would be early January till end of February

Encounter the Ripchar Valley Trek as well

This Ladakh trekking trail starts from the famous Lamayuru monastery, taking you through breathtaking landscapes, such as the Ladakh and the Zanskar ranges forming backdrops and being kissed by the early morning rays of the sun. The trek ends at Chilling, where you can interact and mix with the locals or shop at the local bazaars.

Best time to venture on this Ladakh trekking experience would be early July to September.

The Lamayuru to Alchi trek Ladakh trekking expedition

On this route be ready to get enthralled with the breathtaking flora and fauna, and the colorful hamlets that dot the landscapes through Sumdochoon and Wanla valleys. You would find a slot of spiritual followers joining you on this trek, perfect to cleanse the mind and soul.

Best time to venture on this Ladakh trekking experience would be June to October

Journey through Hemis To Padum trails and feel the difference

If you love monasteries, you would love this trekking trail. You can even go mountain biking on this trail or just enjoy the age old famous monasteries around, such as the Latza Kongmaru and the Hemis. One needs to be physically active for this expedition which takes you to highest passes, such as the Zalung Karpo La, Charchar la, Tilut Sumdo and the Zangla Sumdo, ending up at Padum

Best time to venture on this Ladakh trekking experience would be August and September

The well known Rumtse to Kiber Trek

On this Ladakh trekking expedition, you begin from Leh, go through Rumtse, Kibber, Tsokar and even Tsomoriri and end up at Paran La. You would watch how colors change when you are at Tsomoriri, the experience would be seen while you are on the trail.

Best time to venture on this Ladakh trekking experience would be June to October

Lamayuru or the Sham Valley Trek shouldn’t be missed

Lamayuru or the Sham Valley Trek

You could think of this trek as a pilgrims journey as well, this Ladakh trekking experience would take you across the famous monasteries such as Thikse, Spituk, Alchi, Hemis, Likir and Lamayuru. The trek is easy to accomplish and not too demanding, so go ahead and enjoy the mystical trail.