LADAKH
TREKKING
Ladakh one of the most favourite trekking destination,
having some of the most picturesque and challenging treks in northern
India. Located in the northernmost part of India some seven kilometers
from the Indus River and its extensive valley.
Ladakh lies at altitudes ranging from about 9,000
feet (2,750 m) at Kargil to 25,170 feet (7,672 m) at Saser Kangri
in the Karakoram. Thus summer temperatures rarely exceed about
27°C in the shade, while in winter they may plummet to minus
20°C even in Leh. Surprisingly, though, the thin air makes
the heat of the sun even more intense than at lower altitudes;
it is said that only in Ladakh can a man sitting in the sun with
his feet in the shade suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the
same time.
Leh has been a Buddhist centre since at least
the 3rd century AD. Since the invasion of Ladakh by Tibet in the
8th century, when much of it became part of Western Tibet, Tibetan
('Mahayana') Buddhism has dominated eastern Ladakh, while Islam
has slowly developed in Ladakh's western regions. Ladakh's colourful
gompas (Buddhist monasteries) such as Shey, Alchi, Hemis and Lamayuru,
have attracted devout Buddhists and interested travelers from
all over the globe.
Trekking In Ladakh:
Ladakh is a paradise for adventure lover given by its world's
mightiest mountain ranges, the Greater Himalaya and the Karakoram,
and two others, the Ladakh range and the Zangskar range. The most
important feature of trekking in Ladakh is it's High Mountain
passes which comes on the trekking routes gives you opportunity
to have wonderful view of colorful mountains and amazing landscape
everyday. Spituk to Markha Valley, Laayury gompa to Chilling and
Likir to Temisgam are some of the popular treks that one can take.
Acclimatization is the most important activity before heading
for trekking and mountaineering. Rafting down the Zanskar is another
exciting thought but it is imperative to take help of a rafting
instructor or guide.
Ever thought of trekking on a frozen river? A part of the Zanskar
River freezes during the winter and is used as trekking route
by many seasoned trekking enthusiasts. The trek is one of its
kinds in Leh Ladakh. If you are a novice when it comes to climbing
mountains and negotiating treacherous treks, it is better to hire
a seasoned mountaineer or trekker. A guide with experience and
with fairly good knowledge of the area is of great help.The small
isolated villages and hamlets and friendly people on the way greeting
you with a magic word "Juley" (hello) makes your trek
memorable
Some Famous Trekking Itineraries: