5 Most Challenging Treks in Ladakh Himalaya Region

The adrenalin junkie in you is yearning to challenge the forces of nature. Ladakh is one of the few places that will evoke the thrill and rush that you crave. High altitudes, icy cold winds that will take your breath away and chill you to your bones. Thin air and low oxygen levels will require you to acclimatize to the changing weather conditions and topography.

The following treks are not for the weak hearted.

CHADAR (The Frozen River): It takes 9 to 10 days to complete this once in a lifetime trek. Nestled at an altitude of 3850 meters, the Zanskar River freezes in the minus degree centigrade temperatures. Walking over the frozen river gives you an ethereal feeling, as you slip and slide over the icy riverbed. One can also do a shorter version 4 to 5 days of the trek and return back.

HEMIS TO PADUM: Altitude at 5200 meters, it requires approximately 12 days to cover the trek. The snow melts during the period August to October and this is the best time to do the trek, as you will be witness to the awesomeness that Mother Nature bestows on this pristine wilderness. Home to the Hemis national park and beautiful monasteries. What makes this trek challenging is the multiple river crossings and varying levels of altitudes.

STOK KANGRI TREK: A mind-blowing altitude at close to 6100 meters. You will require up to 11 to 12 days to complete this trek. You can visit the attractions like Khardung La pass, PangongTso Lake. With temperatures fluctuating between -10deg to -20deg depending which season one chooses to attempt this trek. The trek is stimulating, as it is also an attainable summit peak and may require use of rope, crampons and ice axe on the last summit day. There is no high than summiting a peak in Ladakh.

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KANG YATSE and DZO JONGO: At 6400 meters above sea level, this is as close to heaven as one can get. With jaw dropping temperatures at -30deg, the trek is dogged and exhausting. 13 days to finish the journey of the twin peaks, of which you will require the initial 6 days to acclimatize to the varying weather conditions while moving constantly.

RUPSHU VALLEY TREK: A.K.A The cold desert, this heavenly trek will introduce to the people of the Chang-pa tribe. Vast grasslands and desert scenery, abandoned villages constitute of a dream like painting. An erstwhile passage across the Rupshu to Tibet, for trading goods. This will be etched in your memory to regale your friends and acquaintances over a quiet get together.