Best treks of Ladakh and Zanskar

What it means to trek in Ladakh

How to choose the best trek in Ladakh ?

A short but beautiful classic trek inside Hemis National Park. While it originally started at Spituk monastery, road access now allows you to begin directly from Zingchen after visiting Spituk. This region is well known for its incredible wildlife – blue sheep, ibex, marmots, and in winter, the elusive Snow Leopard.

Itinerary of the Zingchen (Spituk) to Stok Trek

• Day 1 : Leh (3500 m) to Zingchen (3400 m) via Spituk (3250 m) – Enjoy a scenic drive from Leh, stopping to visit the ancient Spituk monastery with its spiritual atmosphere and dramatic hilltop location. From there, continue by vehicle to the village of Zingchen. Depending on your preference, you can stay in a cozy homestay in Zingchen or walk further (about two hours) to reach the picturesque village of Rumbak nestled higher in the valley.
• Day 2 : Zingchen to Rumbak (3995 m) – If you spent the night in Zingchen, the trail to Rumbak is a pleasant and relaxed hike. The path winds through narrow gorges and dramatic rock formations. This is a good opportunity to experience the tranquility of Ladakhi village life, engage with locals, and enjoy birdwatching along the way.
• Day 3 : Rumbak to Stok (3530 m) – This is the main trekking day. You will ascend to the Stok La pass (4880 m), which offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The geological formations here are truly unique. After taking in the breathtaking scenery, begin your long but stunning descent into the Stok valley where your trek concludes.

This iconic trek is one of the best-known routes in Ladakh, passing through remote villages, high mountain passes, and the beautiful landscapes of Hemis National Park. Due to recent road construction, parts of the trail are now accessible by vehicle – for instance, you can reach Sara by road, which used to be a full day’s walk. While this has made the trek more accessible, the heart of the journey remains untouched, with scenic trails, dramatic gorges, and culturally rich villages along the way.

If you are open to discovering alternatives to this classic route, we also offer several less-frequented trails in the Zanskar and Changthang regions that you can explore on our website.

This beautiful route is an extension of the Zingchen to Stok trek. If you have a couple of extra days and want to explore deeper into the Hemis National Park, this trek is perfect. From the Mankarmo campsite (4370 m), rather than descending to Stok, you continue towards Matho.

• Additional Days : Climb to the Matho La pass (4960 m), offering one of the best panoramic views of the Stok Kangri range. After the climb, descend to the Gangpoche campsite and enjoy a night under the stars. The following day, make your way to the charming village of Matho. A stay in a local homestay allows for a visit to the unique Matho monastery, known for its annual oracle festival and ancient Buddhist artifacts.

An extraordinary trek that allows you to traverse Hemis National Park from west to east, starting from the Markha Valley and concluding near Hemis monastery.

This trek passes through remote mountain landscapes, lesser-known valleys, and offers exceptional opportunities to observe wildlife and immerse in raw Himalayan wilderness. You’ll experience traditional villages, high passes, and secluded camping spots that very few trekkers get to enjoy.

Kang Yatse II is a majestic peak in the Markha Valley region of Hemis National Park. It offers a real mountaineering experience without the need for highly technical climbing skills. This trek is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to push their limits at high altitude in a safe and responsible way.

Although the summit is at 6200 m, it is considered non-technical. You will need to use crampons and ropes, and all necessary equipment and guidance will be provided at the base camp, where you’ll also acclimatize. No prior mountaineering experience is required, but good physical fitness and a love for adventure are a must.

This experience replaces the now-closed Stok Kangri trek, which suffered from over-tourism. At Heco, we take great care to ensure that our expeditions are eco-conscious and community-friendly. That’s why we’ve received international recognition for our ethical trekking practices.

This special winter trek is focused on tracking and spotting the elusive Snow Leopard in its natural habitat within Hemis National Park. There is perhaps no greater thrill than observing this magnificent and endangered predator in the wild. Our treks are led by experienced wildlife trackers who work in close coordination with local communities.

Beyond adventure, this trek is part of our conservation mission. Snow Leopards are often viewed as threats by villagers because they prey on livestock. But through responsible tourism, we help shift the perception – making wildlife a valuable part of the local economy. When communities see real benefits from conservation, they become powerful allies in protecting these species.

If you dream of walking through a living cultural landscape untouched by mass tourism, the Yak Trek offers a rare glimpse into the soul of Ladakh. This gentle, immersive journey takes you across the Kargyam Valley, home to the Changpa nomads, whose lifestyle hasn’t changed for centuries.

You’ll walk side by side with herds of yaks, sheep, and goats, camping in wide valleys that echo with the sounds of the wind and the distant rumble of hooves. At the heart of the experience is not just the scenery – but the human connection. You’ll have the chance to interact with nomadic families, help gather firewood or tend animals, and understand what it means to live in harmony with this fragile ecosystem.

Expect a mix of open pastures, highland wetlands teeming with birdlife, and soft riverbeds crisscrossing the arid plateau. The terrain is not difficult, making it perfect for those seeking an authentic experience rather than an athletic challenge.

Unique highlights :

• Visit working Changpa camps and experience nomadic hospitality.
• Observe yak milking, wool spinning, and the making of traditional butter and cheese.
• Spot wildlife like black-necked cranes, kiangs (wild asses), and foxes in their natural habitat.
• End your journey near Likchey, a remote village framed by ochre hills and poplar groves.

This iconic trans-Himalayan trail is one of the wildest and most visually dramatic in Ladakh. Starting from the turquoise shores of Tso Moriri, you’ll head southeast into uninhabited valleys, tracing the path once used by ancient traders between Ladakh and Spiti.

The landscape shifts from high-altitude wetlands to sculpted canyons, with towering peaks forming a jagged skyline. The trek builds up to the thrilling Parang La pass (5590m), a crossing that offers 360-degree views of Ladakh and Spiti’s stark beauty. The descent brings you to Kibber, one of the highest villages in the world, nestled in the Spiti Valley.

This is one of Ladakh’s last great wilderness routes. Starting from Rumtse, just east of Leh, this 8-day trek leads you over seven high-altitude passes, each revealing a new vista—valleys dotted with wildflowers, herds of kiang galloping across the plains, and distant salt lakes glinting in the sun.

What makes this trek extraordinary is the consistency of altitude—you’ll remain above 4000m for nearly the entire journey, immersing yourself in the stark, surreal beauty of the Changthang. Few treks offer such a sustained feeling of remoteness.

Highlights include :

• Crossing passes like Kyamar La (5120m), Mandalchan La (5200m), and Shibuk La (5270m).
• Camping near sacred lakes like Tso Kar, known for its salt crusts and flamingo flocks.
• Spotting wildlife including blue sheep, wolves, and Tibetan snowcock.
• Ending at Korzok on the banks of Tso Moriri, one of Ladakh’s holiest and most beautiful lakes.

This epic cross-region trek is a journey through Ladakh’s entire ecological spectrum – from the lush, willow-lined riverbeds of the Markha Valley to the haunting openness of the Changthang Plateau. It’s a trail that links not just landscapes, but also histories, communities, and spiritual traditions.

Ideal for seasoned trekkers, the route takes you through remote villages, over four major passes, and into nomadic lands where you’ll likely be the only visitors. If you’re looking for a complete and immersive Himalayan experience – this is it.

This lesser-known trek is an excellent option for those who enjoy full camping treks and crossing high passes. Starting near Leh, it takes you through stunning high-altitude landscapes and gives you the chance to hike on a glacier at the top of the pass.

The real bonus? You’ll reach the enchanting Nubra valley on foot, bypassing the typical drive over Khardung La. The destination, with its wide valleys and dramatic contrasts, is the perfect reward after the journey.

This trek is a great alternative to the Phyang–Hunder route, offering another scenic way to reach the Nubra valley on foot. It starts from the village of Saboo, just outside Leh, making it very accessible.

Itinerary of the Saboo to Digar trek in Nubra

• Day 1: From Leh, drive to the upper part of Saboo, called Saboo Phu. From there, a 6 km hike brings you to the base camp of Digar La at 4,600 m.
• Day 2: Cross Digar La (5,430 m). The final ascent is steep but well-marked. Descend to the campsite at Chumik Yongma (4,620 m).
• Day 3: Enjoy a gradual descent to Digar village (3,980 m), where the trail ends. The village is connected by road, making your return easy.

A short but rewarding trek, ideal if you want to experience Ladakh’s remote beauty and reach Nubra valley without the road journey.

Once the most popular beginner-friendly trek in Ladakh, this route winds through charming villages, apricot orchards, and ancient monasteries.

Though a small road now connects the villages, it’s still possible to enjoy the trail by carefully following paths that avoid the road.

You can also tailor the trek by starting or ending it at different points along the way, depending on your time and interest.

Is this truly a trek? That depends on the elusive cat.

In winter, you’ll stay in a homestay in Uley village, waiting with your guide and spotter for any sign of the Snow Leopard. Sometimes, you might be lucky and spot it right near the village. Other times, the search takes you into higher terrain for short hikes or longer climbs through snowy landscapes.

This is a unique and immersive experience that combines wildlife tracking, village life, and winter trekking.

Contact us to organize your Snow Leopard expedition in the Sham Valley.

Opened in 2023 by Himalayan Ecotourism under our “Reinventing Tourism in Ladakh” initiative, the Tso Marpo trek is a unique route starting from Photoksar.

After the first day of trekking, you reach our high-altitude nomadic camp at 4,700 m, where you’ll stay in yak wool tents equipped with proper bedding, solar lights, and traditional décor for comfort in the wild.

Tso Marpo means “Red Lake” in Ladakhi, named after the iron-rich minerals that give the lake its vibrant hue. Surrounded by glaciers, this otherworldly lake lies near the Mathang La pass. If you’re up for more adventure, you can trek across a glacier to a second lake – this time blue in color – just below the pass.

On the third day, either return to Photoksar or go for a day hike to the Kangri Mermer glacier.

A scenic and remote trail connecting two of Zanskar’s most beautiful monasteries: Stongdey and Phuktal.

Itinerary of the Stongdey to Phuktal trek

• Day 1: From Padum, drive to Stongdey or stay overnight in the village. Begin the trek by climbing the Stongdey La (5,162 m). After the pass, descend to the picturesque campsite known as “the Junction” (4,250 m).
• Day 2: A pleasant descent through a narrowing valley and into a steep gorge until reaching the remote village of Shade. Overnight in a homestay or tent.
• Day 3: Continue descending toward the Tsarap River. The vibrant blue river contrasts beautifully with the surrounding orange-brown mountains. Trek alongside the river to reach the Phuktal Monastery. Stay in a nearby homestay.
• Day 4: A short descent leads to the village of Purne, where a vehicle can pick you up for onward travel.

This five-day route offers a condensed version of the first stretch of the classic Zanskar crossing. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want a taste of Ladakh’s high-altitude trekking.

You can also extend the trek by continuing into the Markha Valley or toward Rumbak and Stok via the Ganda La (4,968 m).

An alternative to the Lamayuru–Chilling trek, this route passes through the traditional village of Tar, known for its warm homestays and opportunities to engage with village life, especially during harvest season.

Suggested Itinerary of the Lamayuru to Alchi trek via Tar La

• Start by trekking from Lamayuru to Wanla via the Prinkiti La.
• From Phongila, head toward the Tar La, camping at its base.
• Ascend the Tar La and descend into Tar village (3 days total so far).
• Spend two nights in Tar to enjoy the village.
• Continue to Mangyu via the Hibti La and Mangyu La (both around 4,145 m).
• Overnight at Mangyu and end your trek by walking or driving to Alchi.

This off-the-grid adventure is perfect for trekkers seeking solitude in the wilds of Zanskar. The route crosses three high passes, starting with Kanji La (5272 m), and leads through the pristine village of Dibling before arriving in Lingshed.
The village of Lingshed, with its dramatic monastery perched on a hill, is a rewarding end to this stunning journey.

One of Ladakh’s most iconic treks, the Chadar takes you across the frozen Zanskar River in extreme winter conditions. With temperatures ranging from -20°C to -30°C, this is a true expedition.

Due to climate change, the trek often starts later in January, as it did in 2025. While the trekking portion is five days, be sure to plan extra days for travel and acclimatization.