Top 5 Treks of Ladakh – A Himalaya High
Top 5 treks of Ladakh that blew me away
The snow-capped peaks of Himalayas, scenic wonders of nature, crystal blue waters- those are the memories that stay with you once you have been to Ladakh. I am no different. The experience of trekking in Ladakh was simply exhilarating, and it is really hard to pick one trekking trail over the other. However, here I am, trying to do the virtually impossible- picking out 5 best treks in Ladakh and trying to explain what it is like to be there.
The spiritual trek from Lamayuru to Alchi
This is where my Ladakh trekking trail began. The trek from Lamayuru to Allchi takes you to what is believed to be the oldest monastery of Ladakh, Swastika. It dates back to the 11th century and is situated at an altitude of 3450 meters above sea level. It took me a couple of days of trekking through beautiful river streams, splendid landscapes and quaint little hamlets that dot the trail.
The arduous yet exciting Stok Kangri
Yes, I did it. Stok Kangri is one of the most difficult Ladakh trekking trails. It takes a high level of fitness to trek this majestic peak. And it did take a lot out of me, but at the end of it, I was rejuvenated and asking for more. The view from the top of Stok Kangri is simply stunning. I just could not get enough of seeing the snow- capped Karakoram Range, the yellow rays of the sun beating on it, creating a mesmerizing hue.
The brilliant Kang Yatse trail
If you cannot do the Stok Kangri trail, you must do the Kang Yatse trail. Of course, I’m happy to say I did both. The Kang Yatse trail is as good as it gets. There are picture perfect locations along the way, the scenic beauty all around beckoning you to slow down and take in the small pleasures of life.
The mesmerizing Nubra Valley
Trekking in Ladakh isn’t complete without a trek in the Nubra Valley. And I was surely not going to miss out on that. I managed to pass through some really stunning delights on this trail, not the least of which was the Khardung La Pass, the highest motorable pass in India. The little hamlets along the way and the historical silk routes just made the trekking trail all the more interesting. I was truly spellbound by the beauty of Nubra valley and everything it had to offer- from the hot springs of Panamik to Esna Gompa and everything in between.
Awe-inspiring Rupshu Valley
Trekking in Ladakh wasn’t complete for me without a trek in the Rupshu Valley. I had heard about it from fellow travelers, read about it books, and frankly speaking, the beauty of the place surpasses all such descriptions. I was taken along a less frequented route by my guide, which he told me, was an ancient Nomadic route. And I got to see some really awe-inspiring scenery along the way. There was the crystal blue Pangong Lake, beautiful flowers gleaming in the sunlight, and nomads herding their beautiful blue sheep and yaks.
Trekking in Ladakh for me was an adventurous as well as a spiritual experience. It left me spellbound, asking for more and loads of memories to cherish for the rest of my life. Of course, I am coming back here to collect some more. (Ladakh turned me into a poet too!)
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About The Author: Divij is an adventurer, a budding photographer and a writer. He has been to various trekking trails and to many offbeat destinations in India. He has been writing since he was 12. Currently, he writes articles on travel for www.Thrillophilia.com.
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