WT trip leaders James Fuss and Hashmat Singh in Ladakh

Ladakh is often called “ Little Tibet” for its deep Tibetan Buddhist culture. We set out for a fantastic Himalayan trek in this high and wild land, visiting remote monasteries and traditional villages.

Photo by Hashmat Singh

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Across Ladakh's Himalayas: Leh to Kargil

The Spectacular World of “Little Tibet”
with Hashmat Singh

This itinerary is no longer available

We may run this trip again in the future, please contact us if you are interested.

Some of the best trekking in the Himalaya is in Ladakh, a former Buddhist kingdom perched on a high plateau in far northwest India. One of the most remote regions in India, awe-inspiring Ladakh is an absolutely striking moonscape of 20,000-foot peaks sheltering oasis-like villages and brilliant green fields of barley watered by canals that channel the melting snows. In this hidden Himalayan wonderland, we discover an ancient Tibetan culture beautifully expressed in the traditional dress of the people, in thousand-year-old cliff-side monasteries, and in long walls of exquisitely carved mani stones (Buddhist prayer stones) along the trails and atop mountain passes. Our trek—led by veteran Trip Leader Hashmat Singh—brings us on a spectacular route below the towering peaks of the Stok Kangri range, where herders make their summer camps. Throughout we enjoy magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks of the Zanskar range as well as the Nun Kun massif, and on a hike to the base camp of Tsomothang (19,872'), we set our eyes on the striking icy pyramid of K2 (28,253'), the second highest mountain in the world!

Highlights

  • Trek the remote high valleys, peaks, and passes of Ladakh, with its breathtaking landscapes
  • Incredible views of the Stok and Zanskar ranges, Nun Kun massif, and even K2!
  • Trek to the base camp of Tsomothang peak (19,872'), visit ancient gompas set against cobalt blue skies

Details

  • 22-day trip begins and ends in Delhi
  • 14 nights camping, 7 nights in hotels or guest houses
  • All meals included except 2 lunches, 1 dinner
  • Strenuous hiking on moderate to steep trails, 5-8 hours a day, altitudes between 12,000-17,400 feet

This itinerary is no longer available

We may run this trip again in the future, please contact us if you are interested.

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Itinerary at a Glance

Days 1-5
Delhi / Leh / Chilling

After a day to explore Delhi, we fly to Leh, capital of Ladakh, set at 11,500 feet in the upper Indus Valley. In the 17th century, Leh was a bustling trade center for merchants from all across Asia, who arrived with pony caravans laden with textiles, spices, and turquoise. We explore Leh, its bustling markets, and the chanting halls and shrines of Tikse and Hemis, the two largest and the richest monasteries in the valley. On Day 5, we drive to the village of Chilling, with an option of a half-day rafting trip along the way.

Days 6-14
On trek to Tsomothang Base Camp

From Chilling, we trek through remote valleys where fragrant wild roses grow and up to high passes graced with fluttering prayer flags and offering stunning views of the Stok and Zanskar ranges. Along the way we pass ancient gompas and tiny villages where the way of life has remained the same for centuries, hike through pastures where shepherds graze their yaks, and enter a steep sided gorge with colorful Grand Canyon—like rocks and natural stone archways and bridges. From a high camp at 16,400 feet, we take a day hike to the base camp of Tsomothang (19,872'), from where we feast our eyes on the icy pyramid of K2 in the distance.

Days 15-20
Kanji La / Rangdum Gompa / Leh

It's a gradual return to civilization as we follow riverside trails, pass cultivated fields and meadows of wild alpine flowers, and cross one final pass—the Kanji La at 17,300 feet—to Rangdum Gompa, superbly situated atop a hill and commanding a fortress-like presence over the valley. Meet our vehicles at Tashitongde and take a beautiful drive through the Suru Valley, with its intensely green pastures, fields of flowers, and inspiring views of the high peaks of Nun (23,408') and Kun (23,251'). We arrive back in Leh on Day 20.

Days 21-22
Leh / Delhi

With a full day in Leh, we can rest up from the trek and enjoy independent exploration around town. Depart Leh for Delhi on Day 22 and fly home.

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure