Leh Ladakh
Ladakh Adventure
Trekking in Ladakh
Trekking
possibilities include short, day-long walks up and down mountain slopes to visit
isolated villages or monastic settlements, or across a ridge to enjoy the sheer
beauty of the lunar mountainscape. Or long, transmountain treks involving weeks
of walking and camping in the wilderness. For example, the trek from Lamayuru
in the Indus valley to Darcha in Lahoul across Zanskar takes nearly three weeks.
Most of the established routes traverse the Zanskar range which separates the
Indus Valley from Zanskar.
The 10- day Markah valley trek, the 11- day Lamayrur-Padum traverse and the
stock-Khangri round trek are the more popular ones among the numerous options
available in this convoluted mountain mass. In recent years, parts of the Ladakh
range between the Indus and Shayok valleys have also become available fro trekking
The traditional trekking season extends from early June to mid-October. But
localised treks within the Indus Valley can undertaken even in May. On the other
hand, some routes are suitable only for late autumn as during the summer, the
bed of narrow valleys through which the tracks lie become turbulent streams,
as in the case of the 13-day Hemis-Markha-Padum trek. The easiest way to go on a trek is through a travel agency, which will take care of all arrangements including camping gear, provisions, porterage, staff, etc. But if you intend to make you own arrangements, it is advisable to carry as much of your provision and fuel from Leh or Kargil as possible. Please remember that Ladakh is a harsh land where most villagers cannot part with their foodstock. In some villages along the trek, fresh yoghurt and some tsampa can be procured, but these sources cannot be relied upon. Kerosene or gas for cooking stoves must be carried in sufficient quantity to last the duration of the trek as fuel is unlikely to be available along most of the route.
The
Ladakh environment is ecologically fragile as the survival of the inhabitants
depends upon the land, despite its apparent starkness. As such, it is absolutely
important that trekkers keep the routes and campsites clean and avoid disturbing
the region's delicate environment. Before striking camp, trekkers and travel
agents should ensure that no garbage is left undisposed at the campsites.Additional requirements could include a balclava, woolen undergarments, wind parkas, etc. Toiletries and first-aid kits should include lipsalve, moisturisers and suncream, water purifying tablets, medicines for high altitude sickness, etc. A good quality water canteen is must to carry the drinking water so essential during high altitude trekking in arid conditions. Do not forget to carry a flashlight with sufficient spare batteries,a sun-hat and a pair of good quality sunglasses with sufficient filter-factor to check the sun's brightness and ultraviolet rays.
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