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*

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

Kauri Pass Trek

Terraced fields at Ghunni

Is there no where in India where people don’t live? Second biggest population in the world, yes I knew that! But high in the mountains at 4000meters, having just descended from the snowy pass and with the nearest village a days walk away…. in front of me a small shepherd boy is standing on the first branch of a lonely tree about 8 feet off the ground staring out at the snow capped peaks that surround us in every direction….. clearly oblivious to the world I live in! Hmmm I never thought I’d find myself wishing I was an 8 year old Indian boy.

Mt Dunagiri 6892 M

We left our tents at 4am guided by the light of our head torches and the stars in the sky, spurred on by words of encouragement from our hilariously entertaining Indian guide to ascend the final uphill section of the trek.

Pankaj, Sinead and Jam at the Kuari Pass

We reached the snow covered Kuairi Pass in time to see the sun rise over the easterly peaks of the North Indian Himalaya. This undoubtedly, was the scenic highlight of the trip. However the days in the lead up, as we climbed and descended though valleys, villages, across river beds and under waterfalls were a close runner-up.

Me with my new found friend

This can only be described as an ideal trek, with the option to chip in and help with camp set up or cooking or just relax and let your every need be catered for by a first rate team. With trekkers and guides from various parts of the globe, together with our local mule guides, cooks and trekking guide we made our way over 7 days to final our destination. A huge breakfast feast geared us up for each morning of nicely paced walking arriving early afternoon each day at camp spots that offered spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and terraced fields. With a little each of hail and rain, the sun shone predominantly throughout.

Village women carrying the fresh harvest

At night we devoured beautifully prepared and abundantly endless dinner around a camp fire as we listened to local tales or returned to the rudiments of wholesome entertainment with singing, playing cards and charades.

Camp at Khulara Meadow

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.