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.

Singalila Ridge Trek with Home-Stays

Sandakphu

The Singalila Ridge Trek with Home-Stays is one of the best treks in the Himalaya. The trek is most famous for its views of the Greater Himalayan Range. The views from Sandakphu on Day 4 of the trek are consider by many as the best of the Himalaya. Trekkers rise early at both Sandakphu and Phalut to watch the sunrise and beam it's light on the snow-capped giants of the Himalaya.


Prayer Flags just before sunrise

From the Singalila Ridge, which forms the international border between India and Nepal one can see a huge panorama of peaks stretching for several hundred kilometres. Included in this view are Mt Everest (8850m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8481m) and Khangchendzonga (8585m) four of the five highest mountains in the World. The peaks of Bhutan and Tibet can also be easily seen from the ridge.


The trekking route along the Singalila Ridge

Most of this trek is in Singalila National Park. The park has a number of tree species such as Oak, Hemlock, Juniper Silver Fir, Magnolia and Rhododendron. The park has good wildlife stocks, leopard, elephant and the rare Red Panda being the most famous. As well as a number of Migratory birds the park had resident pigeon, dove, minivet, magpie, sibia, cuckoo, hornbills and kaleej pheasants.


Mt Khangchendzonga at sunrise

After walking the length of the entire ridge we descend to the Ramam valley and walk back towards Darjeeling. We pass through many thriving villages with fertile terraced fields and plenty of livestock. When we return to Darjeeling we visit a local tea plantation too sample some of the region's world famous tea.


Grazing Yak

New from this year we are offering this trek with Home-Stays. This is where instead of camping you stay in a small guest building adjacent to a village home. One learns how Himalayan communities farm, cook, eat and go about their daily lives. Home-Stays are undoubtedly one of best ways to experience any country in the world.


Views of Bhutan from above the clouds

India: The Adventure Destination

The Indian Himalaya is one of the great adventure travel destinations in the World today. These huge mountains stretch from Pakistan in the west to Burma in the east covering a distance of almost 2500km. This vast area is diverse in its people, culture, geography and weather. Due to the many micro climates in the region, perfect weather conditions for adventure tourism can be had 12 months of the year. The Indian Himalayas can be most easily divided into two Regions the areas to the west and east of Nepal. Both areas offer great trekking, rafting and kayaking but yet they are so different and diverse.