India guide
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Ladakh travel guide
Ladakh, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of those places where it is almost easier to tell you what isn’t there, in order to highlight what is so wonderful about it. First, there are the Himalayas and mountain passes that go up to 6,000m but not ones that require highly trained alpinism skills. Just a passion for trekking. Second, there are practically no tourists outside July, August and September. Third, forget WiFi or mobile signal outside Leh. Fourth, despite what people believe, there is no travel warning here. That was lifted in 2012.
One of my favourite memories of Ladakh is standing on the summit of Dzo Jongo Peak (6,189m). Probably the easiest and quietest 6,000m peak on earth.
– Valerie Parkinson, Ladakh tour leader for our supplier, Exodus
Fifth, Ladakh is not Tibet, but it feels like it. Serenity, spirituality and solace are what Ladakh is all about. Sixth, there are few trees and forests. This is a barren, cold desert with rugged, rocky mountains. Are you loving all these Ladakhi lacks as much as we do? Then read more in our Ladakh travel guide.
Our Ladakh Vacations
Ladakh & Kashmir vacation, India
Timeless monasteries, stunning mountain scenery and Srinagar
From
£2349
14 days
ex flights
Ladakh cultural and rural tour, India
Stay with local families in beautiful Ladakh
From
US $950 to US $1650
9 days
ex flights
Snow Leopard searching vacation in Ladakh
An exciting search for the elusive snow leopard
From
US $3065 to US $3255
14 days
ex flights
Trekking vacation in Ladakh, The Markha Valley trek
Classic trek in 'Little Tibet' through stunning mountain and meadows
From
US $2245 to US $2435
14 days
ex flights
Hemis Festival in Ladakhs, India
Journey along the spectacular Leh to Manali Highway
From
US $2130 to US $2420
18 days
ex flights
Ladakh and Changtang cultural tour, India
Cultural immersive tour ideal for couples and small groups
From
US $1300 to US $1550
10 days
ex flights
Ladakh photography tour, India
Inspirational photographic expedition to stunning Ladakh
From
£3250 to £3400
17 days
ex flights
Ladakh cultural tour, India
Ladakh-Moonscape: An extraordinary part of India
From
£1039
7 days
ex flights
Ladakh and Kashmir tour, The Hemis festival
Experience the colourful Hemis festival
From
£1695
11 days
ex flights
Ladakh trekking vacation, Stok Kangri peak
Classical Trek with a chance to climb summit at 6150m
From
£1448
16 days
ex flights
Nubra Valley Trek in Ladakh, India
New trekking route in the lesser visited area of Ladakh.
From
£1498
16 days
ex flights
Snow Leopard tracking in the Himalayas
Join expert guides and track snow leopards in the Himalayas
From
£2395 to £2675
17 days
ex flights
Walking vacation in India, Ladakh & Kashmir
Walking and camping vacation in beautiful Kashmir and Ladakh
From
£2850
16 days
ex flights
Snow leopard expedition in Ladakh, India
In search of the grey ghost of the Himalayas
From
Rupee 230000
12 days
ex flights
Kashmir mountain trekking adventure
Hike in remote mountains surrounded by Tibetan Monasteries
From
£1399
9 days
ex flights
Kashmir small group vacation, India
An extraordinary road journey through Ladakh and Kashmir
From
£2645 to £2895
15 days
ex flights
Kashmir and Ladakh vacation, India
An unforgettable adventure to the rooftop of the world
From
£2149
15 days
ex flights
Manali to Leh biking vacation in the Himalayas, Ladakh
An epic journey in traditional Himalayan landscapes
From
US $2835 to US $3035
17 days
ex flights
Snow leopard tour in Ladakh, India
Search for the silver ghost, snow leopard
From
£2100 to £2400
14 days
ex flights
Ladakh is…
one of the prettiest packages of serenity you could hope for. A halcyon of mountains, monasteries and moonlike terrain.
Ladakh isn’t…
under an FCO travel ban, and hasn’t been since 2012. In the disputed territory of Kashmir, its beautiful landscapes and people are indisputably spectacular.
Our top Ladakh Vacation
Ladakh & Kashmir vacation, India
Timeless monasteries, stunning mountain scenery and Srinagar
From
£2349
14 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 20 Jul
2020: 18 Jul
2019: 20 Jul
2020: 18 Jul
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Ladakh or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
Ladakh map & highlights
This remote, Himalayan terrain and its traditional, mostly Buddhist culture is not to be rushed. From the ancient Namgyal Tsemo Gompa or monastery in Leh to the remote 14th century Diskit monastery in the flower filled Nubra Valley, the many cultural sites will stop you in your tracks, they are so beautiful. Ladakh is a place to trek at high altitude but not have to be super skilled, such as in the Markha Valley or in Hemis National Park. You can track snow leopard in the latter, although they are elusive. In fact, in Ladakh, you too will feel elusive. With little connection with the rest of the world, this is one place where you will definitely feel on top of it.
1. Hemis National Park
2. Khardung La Pass
3. Leh
4. Markha Valley Trek
5. Nubra Valley
6. Pangong Tso Lake
2. Khardung La Pass
3. Leh
4. Markha Valley Trek
5. Nubra Valley
6. Pangong Tso Lake
Hemis National Park
1. Hemis National Park
A high altitude national park in the Himalayan Stok range, with the Husing, Tarbuns and Rumbak Valleys at its hiking heart. These landscapes certainly keep the blood pumping. The highest peak is Stok Kangri (6,153m) which trekkers can access with guides as it does not require technical climbing skills. It is also a wildlife lover’s paradise, being home to at least 200 snow leopard, which you can track with local experts.
Khardung La Pass
2. Khardung La Pass
Once known as the most elevated road in the world, at 5,359m, recently beaten by one in Tibet, you will feel like you are flying high as a kite when you drive, cycle or motorbike along this extraordinary mountain pass. Only open to motorised vehicles since 1988, it is on an ancient horse and camel caravan route from Leh to Kashgar. The most fun way to descend into Leh now is by bike though.
Leh
3. Leh
The capital of Ladakh is a stunner at 3,500m, enveloped by snowy Himalayan peaks. Trekkers and cyclists gather here, as do people hiring Royal Enfield motorbikes for exploring on. Culture vultures swoop in and swoon over gems like the former royal palace, the ancient Namgyal Tsemo Gompa or Buddhist temple, as well as the twisting, traditional lanes of the old town. Nearby Thikse Monastery is also a must see.
Markha Valley Trek
4. Markha Valley Trek
It takes about eight days to complete this iconic journey through a valley that is enveloped by the Stok, Matho and Zanskar Himalayan ranges. Following the course of Markha River, trek through traditional Ladakhi villages where monasteries exude some sort of spiritual aura from their hillside settings, such as Tache Gompa and Hemis. It’s not all riverside rambles, however, with climbs up to Ganda La or Gongmaru mountain passes for those ‘hello Himalayas’ moments.
Nubra Valley
5. Nubra Valley
Also known as Valley of the Flowers and part of the ancient Silk Road, Diskit is the main town in this valley that is fed by the Nubra and Shyok Rivers. The latter has a cold desert basin all around it known for its Hunder sand dunes and bactrian camels with two humps. Diskit is also home to a 14th century Buddhist monastery where a cultural highlight, the Dosmoche Festival, is held every February.
Pangong Tso Lake
6. Pangong Tso Lake
A glorious spot for camping, waking up to an expanse of bright blue due to its 4,350m elevation and clear skies all around. At 604km2, two thirds of it lie in Tibet unbeknownst to its bevy of birdlife, mostly migratory, such as bar-headed geese and Brahmini ducks. Located in the Changtang Plateau, this region is home to the Changpa nomads.
More about Ladakh
If snow covered mountains are your thing, head here in February or March. If warmer days and festivals are more your scene, then visit July to September...
More relevant guides
protection
Photo credits: [Page banner: Praveen] [Is/Isnt: Aayush Iyer]
[Map topbox: Priyambada Nath]
[Leh: taNvir kohli]
[Hemis NP: Jørn Eriksson]
[Pangong Tso Lake: Silver blue]
[Nubra Valley: Raghavendra]
[Khardung La Pass: Steve Evans ]
[Markha Valley Trek: Jørn Eriksson]
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