Trekking - Hikes for several days

Want to see more of Ladakh? Walk!

Dorje (dorjay namgal) or Dawa can suggest many small treks of 3-5 days with overnight stays in tents or with local hosts.

Hiking at this altitude is quite challenging, so you should be fit and sure-footed. However, the daily walking time usually is 4-5 hours only and thus possible for most of us.

Ponies or jeeps will transport your luggage from one place to the other, you only have to carry what you will need during the day.

Tents and simple mattresses will be provided. You need a warm sleeping bag of your own, no matter whether you sleep in tents or houses. Some of the routes cross passes of up to 4.200m, but you will always sleep below 4.000m for your comfort and security. However, at this “low” altitude days can be rather hot in summer.

On the way you will be surprised by the colourful rock formations, you rest in the shade of willow trees next to babbling creeks, visit small village temples, watch the seasonal farmer’s work in the picturesque villages and wonder how workmen accomplish their tasks with very simple tools. Maybe some village festival will take place during your visit and you decide to change your plans and stay a day to watch it. Most treks can be shortened in case it is necessary.

When you reach your daily restplace your tent will be waiting for you. Have a cup of tea and explore the surroundings, usually we camp close to villages. After sunset a delicious dinner with several dishes will be served. Before you retire, take a cup of piping hot ginger tea to keep you warm for the night.

When you sleep in local houses you get an impression of the daily routine and the rhythm of life. Guests have a room of their own, however, sometimes several guests have to share a room. Bathroom facilities are rather basic.

The most common trek will raise your appetite for more:
Likir – Yangthang – Rizong monastery – Ang – Temisgam – Khalse (4-5 days)

A new route has come up in the Dha Hanu area, ask Dawa, it’s his home valley!

Bodhkarbu – Sambra – Koksha – Laidoh (3 days) it can be combined with a visit of the monasteries on the way from Leh or with another trek: Lamayuru – Wanla – Urshi – Tar-la – Mangyu – Alchi (5 days), however, Tar-la is a pass above 5.000m and thus a challenge.

If you don’t mind a longer approach by jeep, drive to Shergol (next to Kargil). From there visit Urgyen Dzong, a cave monastery in a secluded valley, only reachable through a narrow gorge. Then cross the Sapi-Pass to Sapi-Valley, a place where Buddhism and Islam meet in peaceful atmosphere. The valley is well-known among Ladakhi and Tibetan doctors for its abundance of medicinal plants. Your destination could be the holy Sapi lake, a small glacier lake at an altitude of app. 5.000m.

Maps can be found at Leh. So far the best maps (set of 3 for all Ladakh) are published by Editions Olizane/Geneva/Switzerland, where you can order them at a better rate than you find in Leh: www.olizane.ch

Trekking - Hikes for several days