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Union territory administered by India
Photo: Bodhisattwa, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
For the Pakistani-controlled parts of Kashmir see Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. For the Chinese-controlled part of Kashmir, see Tarim. For the rest of Indian-administered Kashmir, see Jammu and Kashmir Ladakh (Ladakhi: ལ་དྭགས la dwags, Urdu: لداخ Laddākh) is a mountainous region in northern South Asia. Due to its geographical and cultural similarity with Tibet, Ladakh is sometimes described as "Little Tibet". However, unlike Tibet, only a bit over half of the population are Buddhists, with the rest Muslims. The settled population lives between 2,700 m and 4,500 m, and in nomadic encampments even higher.
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peak
This trek is located to the south east part of the Leh, in the Markha valley.
This is one of the most challenging and adventurous treks. It is located on an isolated route far into the mountains with many rivers to be crossed. See also Leh#On foot, where it is mentioned as option to hike into Ladakh from Kibber, Himachal Pradesh.
Ladakh's one "tea house trek" is, despite the name, hard work due to the steep and frequent ascents and descents. Its highest point is 3,750 m (unusually low for Ladakh). It passes through frequent villages, allowing one to sleep in guest houses or peoples' homes every night. It is a good introduction to trekking in Ladakh and way to acclimatize to the altitude. The main attractions of this trek are the large villages filled with beautiful, well-made houses seated among good agricultural land. The mountains and views from the passes are relatively unimpressive.
Route: Likir village - Phobe La (3,580 m)- Sumdo village - Chagatse La (3,630 m) - Yangthang village - Tsermangchen La (3,750 m) - Hemis Shukpachen village - Mebtak La (3,720 m) - Ang village - Tingmosgam village.
This trek is among the easily accessible and popular trek in Ladakh. However, it is not cheap—tent camps along the way with shitty facilities charge ₹2,000 per night, so better to have your own tent and just rely on the food by them. The trek features a large diversity of landscapes, flora and fauna. It is surrounded by the Kang Yatse mountain, which is 6,400 m at its highest. The trek passes through colourful villages and beautiful valleys, where the trekker can experience and enjoy the tradition and culture of Ladakh.
Also called Zanskar Trek, it is a winter trail located at a very high altitude and one of the best trekking destinations around the world.
By road
By bus, by taxi, by motorbike, or by hitch-hiking are the options by road.
By plane
Leh's Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) has at least 4-6 connections from Delhi into Ladakh daily.
On foot
Hiking in might be possible via Zanskar, and there is the 100-km trail from Kibber (Spiti Valley) to Karzok (at Tso Moriri).
Fees and permits
Non-Ladakhi visitors will need a permit to visit remote areas close to the Chinese or Pakistani border, like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri. Indians can apply for these online.
By bus
Ladakhi buses run from Leh to the surrounding villages. They are often overcrowded and generally disorganised and poorly run.
By thumb
e. between non-tourist villages.
By taxi
There are loads of taxis that will take you to any of the surrounding sights.
By motorcycle
Exploring the region by motorbike seems to be the new trend among the emerging Indian middle class.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Leh · Regional · IXL
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main capital of Ladakh a medium-sized town, very picturesque, an excellent base for exploring Ladakh, good guest houses and restaurants
secondary capital of Ladakh, key for access to Zanskar area, and a necessary stop on the way from Leh to Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley
a small village with a gompa or Buddhist monastic complex, 4 km off the road between Kargil and Leh
a tourist village with many homestays famous for its nearby hot springs.
the main town in Nubra Valley, famous for its apricot plantations and a 350 year-old monastery.
a small village in the far east of Ladakh, known as the "Dark Sky Reserve" of India and one of the most-visited sites of astronomy. The clear sky and zero light pollution in Hanle provide a crystal-clear view of the universe, thus making it a good destination for astronomy in India.
a small village with a Buddhist gompa, on the road between Kargil and Leh
An impressive lake region close to the border with China and a convenient side tour from the Leh-Manali Highway, home to many rare wildlife.
A national park and haven for snow leopards and the numerous other rare and endangered species. With an area of over , it is by far India's largest national park, at elevations of 3,000–6,000 m. It is also one of the entry/exit point into Markha Valley, popular with experienced hikers and trekkers.
If you thought Leh was impressive, head to Nubra Valley, Diskit, Hundar and Turkut, one of the greenest part of the cold desert region of Ladakh, and the only place in India where Bactrian Camels are found. Memories of the old trade routes connecting India with Central Asia.
A very popular 64 km long soda lake of picturesque colours situated between India and China.
One of the remotest areas in Ladakh, only accessible through high passes.
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