Trekking in Ladakh

Tso Moriri Lake on the Parang la Pass trek.

Trekking in India can be done all year round. In the summer months, June, July and August, Ladakh is the best location for trekking in India. Because of its higher elevation it does not become as hot as areas further south. Ladakh is the region sandwiched between Pakistan and Tibet, incorperating the Karakoram and Himalayan mountain ranges as well as the upper Indus valley.


Wild Horses on the Rangdum Plains.

This August IntoIndia are offer 3 fantastic trekking Holidays in the Region. A 9 day moderate trek in the beautiful Ripchar Valley, incorporating visits to villages, monastires, palaces, markets and much more. A 16 day demanding trek over the Parang La Pass (5600m). This trek along an old trade route is one of the best in the Himalaya when considering, epic scenery, diversity of landscape and people, wildlife and sense of adventure. Finally they are offering a 10 day demanding peak ascent to Stok Kangri (6153m). Although at a huge height it is a non-technical route to the summit and the views of the Himalaya and Karakoram including K2 are breathtaking.


Two young Ladakhi Boys.

With any trek in Ladakh the lasting memory is always the culture and way of life of the local mountain people. The people of the region are of Tibetan and Indo-European origin. The majority of the population about 95%, practice Tibetan Buddhism earning Ladakh the name 'Little Tibet'. The region is characterised by high mountains, glaciers and a typically barren landscape which is very inhospitable and inaccessible. The region has one of the lowest population densities in India it is a trekkers paradise. Apart from the lager towns such as Leh and Kargil there are just scattered villages and an occasional Buddhist Monastery (Gompa).


The view from atop Stok Kangri.

Trekking Dates:

Parang La Trek - August 8th to 23rd
Stok Kangri Ascent- August 11th to 20th
Ripchar Valley Trek - August 24th to September 1st


Prayer flags at Bokar Gompa

For more information contact us at IntoIndia.

High Altitude Trekking

Trekking at high altitude is not something you should worry about, the key is being well informed.

The human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of barometric pressures. However, this process of adaptation or acclimatisation does take time and the most important rule is to gain elevation slowly. Most people encounter ill effects due to altitude purely because they gain altitude too quickly. The best practice is move slowly and avoid large altitude gains in a single day. This is not always possible as every route or trail is different and on some days one has but no option than to gain an above average amount of elevation. These days are best followed by a rest day. Hydration is also a significant factor, you should increase your water consumption by as much as possible while at high altitude.

Climbers on the Summit of Shitidhar (5394m / 17368ft), Himachal.

Good physical preparation is also key. Spend the 2 to 3 months before your trek improving your fitness. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy your trek. Also if you do feel the effects of altitude that extra bit of fitness training can be the deciding factor in you achieving your goals.

Trekker on Stok Kangri (6153m / 20187ft), Ladakh.

Taking Diamox is also popular among some trekkers. Please read the following piece from the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA).

Diamox (acetazolamide) is of some value in the prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Diamox, a drug often used in the treatment of the eye condition glaucoma, is also useful in the prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). AMS occurs commonly during visits to 3000-4500m and may cause a severe headache, exhaustion and general feelings of illness.

Diamox reduces the headache of AMS and helps the body acclimatise to the lack of oxygen - it also probably reduces the incidence of the complications of AMS. Whether or not one takes Diamox is obviously a matter of personal choice - travel to high altitudes is quite possible without it. Though the drug is not recommended as a routine treatment, though there is variation of opinion about this many people choose to use it if travelling quickly to altitude (eg. if flying into Lhasa, Leh or any airport at altitude).

How to take Diamox

If you decide to use the drug, suggested dose is Diamox 125mg (half of one tablet) to be taken twice daily - take the drug for three days before staying at altitude and thereafter for two or three days until you feel acclimatised, for about five days in all. NOT FOR THOSE ALLERGIC TO SULPHA DRUGS

Side Effects

Like all drugs, Diamox may have unwanted side effects. Tingling of the fingers, face and feet is the commonest, but this is not a reason for stopping the drug unless the symptoms are intolerable. Dizziness, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, rashes and more serious allergic reactions have all been reported but are unusual. In exceptional cases, the drug has caused more serious problems with blood formation and/or the kidneys. Those who are allergic to the sulphonamide antibiotics may also be allergic to Diamox. More commonly, the drug makes many people feel a little "off colour"; carbonated drinks and beer also taste strange when you are taking Diamox.

*COPYRIGHT UIAA MOUNTAIN MEDICINE CENTRE*

To Teach and be Taught, My Adventures in the Chander Abha Memorial School for Blind Children,Kullu. Episode 1.

The Kullu Valley.

It is now two months since I arrived in the town of Kullu, ready to start on a new adventure. Kullu, renound for its intricately hand woven shawls and of course its delicious apples, is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the deep glaciated valley of the river Beas. The spectacular views of the dramatic snow capped mountains of Manali and the luscious green apple orchards all around, will provide some calm in he evenings after my challenging days in school.


'Shivrathri' celebrating one of Indias many great festivals.

I came here with time to offer. Open to any work needing done I have been given the responsibility of he Prep class. This class consists of seven students with varying degrees of visual impairments and learning disabilities. There are 35 students in total attending The Chander Abha Memorial School for The Blind. The senior students are now, thanks to the perseverance and dedication of teachers and staff, integrated into the local government school. This of course is essential to the social development of the children and a huge benefit to their confidence and sense of independence.


'Chimta' one of the instruments the children love to play, music is an essential part of life here.

On another positive note the school has recently acquired a plot of land to build a new school, from the government 6km outside of Kullu. Though this was no easy task, the Principle has been working and petitioning hard for 10 years now for this. And it will take a lot more time energy and money before this project is up and running. But this will be an ideal setting for the children’s education and welfare and they will have the huge benefit of outdoor space. In the mean time, the children, for the best part of 11months of the year, eat, sleep, play and are educated in the 3 small rooms here at the Mahila Kalyan Bhawan, (Womens Social Welfare Building, another N.G.O. ) But these lively and ambitious kids make the absolute most of everything and take nothing for granted and are driven by the encouragement of their four fantastic teachers.


'Utsav Janem Din', birthday celebrations.

Each day here is a challenge for me but I have been welcomed into this warm and open family and so far am thoroughly enjoying every new experience each day. I am quickly learning the ways of the culture here and the children seem to enjoy helping me through with hindi, especially what seems to be my hilarious pronunciations




To support the school please contact us at IntoIndia.

By Meadhbh O'Donovan

Zanskar River Expedition - The Grand Canyon of Asia - August 21st to September 1st

Drive to the Zanskar River. Photo Dave Prothero

The Zanskar River is located in Ladakh in Northern India. The Doda and Tsarap Rivers join near Padum and form the Zanskar. The Zanskar flows north east through the Grand Canyon of Asia to where it joins the Indus river near Leh.


Karsha Beach Camp. Photo Anvesh Singh Thapa

Once rafters and kayakers enter the Gorge they are committed to reaching the end. The walls of the gorge are near vertical and up to 600 meters high in places. There is virtually no flat water as the river moves at ferocious pace. The rapids are long and continuous. Camping spots are rare and usually found only where side streams or tributaries enter the Gorge. The Gorge constricts down to 5 meters in places yet the river is four times the size and volume of the Indus when they meet.


In the Gorge. Photo Dave Prothero

The people of the region are of Tibetan and Indo-European origin. The majority, about 95% of the population practice Tibetan Buddhism. The region is characterised by high mountains, glaciers and a typically barren landscape which is very inhospitable and inaccessible. Apart from the river which can be rafted in the summer and walked on when frozen in winter the area is only accessible by one road. The largest town and capital Padum has a population of 700 and apart from that it there are just scattered villages and an occasional Buddhist Monastery (Gompa).


Ladakhi Man.

The Zanskar River Expedition is a 12 day holiday starting and finishing in Delhi. It includes return flights to Leh, 3 nights in Leh, 3 days of driving through the Ladakhi moonscape to reach the river and 6 days through on the Zanskar on raft or kayak. For more information please click here or contact us


The Gorge begins to Narrow. Photo Anvesh Singh Thapa

The Coveys in Corbett

We had a fantastic time in India, and our visit to Corbett Tiger Reserve will never be forgotten. We arrived at Forktail Creek camp mid-morning with the warmest welcome and some refreshing cold drinks! Our first impression of the camp was awe at the beauty and simplicity and we were delighted with our rooms. It was then that we saw our first fauna: several different types of bird and a rather large and handsome monitor lizard! (He was resident in our hut and could be found sunbathing daily in the heat!). The walk in the forest that afternoon was a joy and we encountered many different animals as well as seeing some tiger scratch marks on a tree - our first taste of what we were soon to encounter! The camp staff were incredibly friendly, generous and helpful - and the food was just superb!!!


Elephant Safari

Over the next two days we made two trips into Corbett Tiger Reserve. The first was a morning trip - we were jolted awake by the beauty of the park (and also the rough roads!). We had a wonderful time looking at all the wildlife, including three different types of deer, some peacocks displaying their tail feathers, monkeys eating in the trees and much more. We returned to the camp for lunch before heading off mid-afternoon for an elephant safari. It was a fantastic experience! As you are no longer confined to roads you can get much closer to everything and we all enjoyed it very much.


Spotted Deer

The next morning we set off for a full day safari. Early that day we saw our tiger. She was magnificent! As our spotter was the first to track her down we had several minutes all to ourselves before other jeeps arrived and we were literally left speechless! It was definitely a highlight of our trip. We then moved on and spent the long lunch break at an isolated comopund - a treat. That afternoon we saw warthog, a mongoose and a snake amongst other wildlife. The whole day was brilliant and we returned to camp tired but happy. Our trip to Corbett will always be remembered as a wonderful and inspiring experience.


Our Tigress

Thank you for organising such a fantastic trip for us!

The Coveys

Blog by Karen(17) & Alex(14) Covey