Leh
Ladakh Tourism
Adventure in Ladakh
Trekking in Ladakh
Trekking
possibilities include short, day-long walks up and down mountain slopes to visit
isolated villages or monastic settlements, or across a ridge to enjoy the sheer
beauty of the lunar mountainscape. Or long, transmountain treks involving weeks
of walking and camping in the wilderness. For example, the trek from Lamayuru
in the Indus valley to Darcha in Lahoul across Zanskar takes nearly three weeks.
Most of the established routes traverse the Zanskar range which separates the
Indus Valley from Zanskar. The 10- day Markah valley trek, the 11- day Lamayrur-Padum
traverse and the stock-Khangri round trek are the more popular ones among the
numerous options available in this convoluted mountain mass. In recent years,
parts of the Ladakh range between the Indus and Shayok valleys have also become
available fro trekking The traditional trekking season extends from early June
to mid-October. But localised treks within the Indus Valley can undertaken even
in May. On the other hand, some routes are suitable only for late autumn as
during the summer, the bed of narrow valleys through which the tracks lie become
turbulent streams, as in the case of the 13-day Hemis-Markha-Padum trek. The
winter access to the Zanskar Valley is actually along the frozen surface of
the Zanskar river. This route, known as Chaddar, calls for elaborate arrangements,
but it is perhaps the most exciting trek in the world.
Depending on the time and budget you can afford, ask the Tourist Offices at
Leh, Kargil or Padum to design a trekking programme for you. For more inforamtion
about trekking through the Zanskar mountains and across the Great Himalayan
Wall, ask for a free copy of our brochure, Ladakh-Kargil and Zanskar from any
J&K Tourist Office.
The easiest way to go on a trek is through a travel agency, which will take
care of all arrangements including camping gear, provisions, porterage, staff,
etc. But if you intend to make you own arrangements, it is advisable to carry
as much of your provision and fuel from Leh or Kargil as possible. Please remember
that Ladakh is a harsh land where most villagers cannot part with their foodstock.
In some villages along the trek, fresh yoghurt and some tsampa can be procured,
but these sources cannot be relied upon. Kerosene or gas for cooking stoves
must be carried in sufficient quantity to last the duration of the trek as fuel
is unlikely to be available along most of the route.
The Ladakh environment is ecologically fragile as the survival of the inhabitants
depends upon the land, despite its apparent starkness. As such, it is absolutely
important that trekkers keep the routes and campsites clean and avoid disturbing
the region's delicate environment. Before striking camp, trekkers and travel
agents should ensure that no garbage is left undisposed at the campsites. Plastic
containers and polythene wrappers must be incinerated, while other types of
garbage should be properly buried. In this context, it is advisable to follow
the instructions regarding preservation of environment contained in the Indian
Mountaineering Foundation's publication; while in the Himalays-Dos and Don'ts,
which can be obtained from the I.M.F. headquarters in Delhi, or any of tis subsidiaries.
For
trekking in Ladakh to be a rewarding experience, it is not enough to be physically
fit; intending trekkers must also be prepared to face the rigours to back country
travel. There are considerable fluctuations in day and night temperatures even
during the height of summer. While the days are pretty warm, even hot, due to
the desert effect of the barren landscape, evenings can become chilly, requiring
additional clothing. It is , therefore, advisable to keep a pullover and/ or
an anorak handy. A sturdy pair of walking shoes with strong rubber or synthetic
soles for grip, thick cotton socks (woolen for autumn trek or glacier walks
) and a good sleeping bag together with an insulated ground pad are essential
gear for going on a trek even if you may be passing through inhabited areas
with the possibility of accommodation in village homes or monasteries. In case
of extended treks across mountain passe or trans-mountain traverses, a water-proof
tent will have to be carried besides provisions and cooking gear, all backpacked
in a good quality ruchsack.
Additional requirements could include a balclava, woolen undergarments, wind
parkas, etc. Toiletries and first-aid kits should include lipsalve, moisturisers
and suncream, water purifying tablets, medicines for high altitude sickness,
etc. A good quality water canteen is must to carry the drinking water so essential
during high altitude trekking in arid conditions. Do not forget to carry a flashlight
with sufficient spare batteries,a sun-hat and a pair of good quality sunglasses
with sufficient filter-factor to check the sun's brightness and ultraviolet
rays.
The J&K Tourism Department maintains trekking equipment hire shops in its
Srinagar, Leh and Kargil Offices. Imported items like tow-man tents, insulated
ground sheets, sleeping bags, insulated jackets, trekking shoes and ruckscks
are available at these sops at reasonable charges fixed by the Government. Some
private establishments and , trekking agencies in Leh also provide similar trekking
gear on hire.
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