An essential guidebook to trekking in Ladakh. With detailed descriptions of eight treks in the Ladakh, Zanskar and the Markha Valley of north India, including details on combinations and alternative routes. Ladakh is a remote environment where trekking is extremely challenging, for adventurous trekkers only. Practical information is also included.
Cicerone says:
This trekking guidebook gives detailed descriptions of eight different treks across the Ladakh, Zanskar and Markha Valley in northern India. Ranging from moderate difficulty to very demanding, each trek is broken down into multiple stages, and has information on difficulty, available accommodation and access, as well as the many combinations and alternative routes open to exploration.
Trek 1: Kharnak, 148 km / 10 days. Starts in Kharu in the Indus Valley and ends in Pang, on the Manali-Leh road.
Trek 2: Tsarab Chu, 174km / 12 days. Starts in Pang and ends in Padum, Zanskar.
Trek 3: Darcha to Padum – the classic trek to Zanskar, 135km / 9 days. Starts in Darcha and ends in Padum.
Trek 4: Round Sultanlango, 112km / 6 days. Starts in Padum and ends in Stongde, Zanskar.
Trek 5: Padum to Lamayuru – the classic trek from Zanskar, 148km / 8 days. Starts in Padum and ends in Lamayuru on the Kargil-Leh road.
Trek 6: Padum to Lamayuru via the Kanji La, 169km / 10 days.
Trek 7: Alchi – a circuit over five passes, 98km / 8 days. Starts in Alchi in the Indus Valley and ends in Phanjila, Wanla, Lamayuru, Nurla or Mangyu.
Trek 8: Markha Valley, 113km / 9 days. Starts in Spituk, southwest of Leh and ends in Hemis near the Indus Valley.
Known as Little Tibet; for both its landscape and culture, Ladakh lies at the northern tip of India. The region is bisected by the great River Indus and neighbours Tibet and Kashmir. This quiet corner of the Himalaya has developed a strong trekking culture over recent years for adventurous trekkers. Trekking in this remote, high-altitude region is extremely challenging, as paths are not signed and there are only a limited number of villages. However, its magnificent landscape (a huge area full of limitless trekking possibilities), hospitable people, rich heritage and limited number of tourists make Ladakh an amazing destination.
The guide includes background information on local culture, history and religion, as well as all the planning detail you need on crucial aspects such as environmental responsibility, health and safety in the mountains, trekking practicalities and preparation for altitude.
For nearly 50 years Cicerone have been producing guidebooks on recognised treks, regions, areas and general tips for hikers.
We have used them countless times and they've always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too.
If you're a gram counter you can easily remove sections of the book to take with you making your own ultra-lightweight guidebook with only the essential sections that you require.
Unlike other parts of the Himalayas, Ladakh is not normally hit by the Monsoon. Therefore summer (June to September) is the best trekking season.
Centres
Access is through Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The treks travel through towns and villages all over the Ladakh region, as well as the Zanskar sub-region and the Phukthal and Karsha monasteries.
Difficulty
High altitude, lack of lodges and restaurants as well as the remoteness of the region make trekking in Ladakh a rather challenging activity. Moderate to very demanding treks have been covered in the book. A number of local agencies can help organise the trip and make the trek much easier
Must See
The rich Tibetan-style culture, remote mountains, high passes, serene monasteries and Ladakhi people. See K2 from the Kanji Pass. Cover the classic Darcha-Padum-Lamayuru trek. Trace snow leopards and venture up deep river gorges.
Edition: Second
Number of pages: 384
Size: 17.2 x 11.6 x 2.4cm
Weighs 460g
Contents
Introduction Geology Landscape Climate Plants and animals History Trade routes and tourism Current population Buddhism in Ladakh Planning the trip and the trek What to bring from home Health and fitness Visas and permits Money, insurance and dealing with emergencies Communication Local language Tips on travelling in India What to take on trek Using this guide How to get there Travelling and sightseeing in Ladakh On the trek 1 Kharnak Introduction Stage 1 Kharu to camp beyond Shang Sumdo Stage 2 Camp beyond Shang Sumdo to waterfall camp Stage 3 Waterfall camp to Nyimaling via the Gongmaru La Stage 4 Nyimaling to Langthang Valley via the Kongka Ngonpo Stage 5 Langthang Valley to Gunlus Valley Stage 6 Gunlus Valley to near Dat village, Kharnak Valley Stage 7 Camp near Dat village, Karnak Valley, to camp near Lungmoche Stage 8 Camp near Lungmoche to Zara Valley camp Stage 9 Zara Valley camp to Toze Valley camp Stage 10 Toze Valley camp to Pang 2 Tsarab Chu Introduction Stage 1 Pang to Toze Valley camp Stage 2 Toze Valley camp to camp beyond Lung Stage 3 Camp beyond Lung to Morang La Advance Base Camp Stage 4 Morang La Advance Base Camp to Tsokmitsik Stage 5 Tsokmitsik to Satak Stage 6 Satak to Hormoche Stage 7 Hormoche to Nyalo Kuntse La Base Camp Stage 8 Nyalo Kuntse La Base Camp to Yata Stage 9 Yata to Phukthal Stage 10 Phukthal to Pepula Stage 11 Pepula to Mune Stage 12 Mune to Padum 3 Darcha to Padum: the classic trek to Zanskar Introduction Stage 1 Darcha to Zanskar Sumdo Stage 2 Zanskar Sumdo to Chumik Nakpo Stage 3 Chumik Nakpo to Lhakhang Sumdo Stage 4 Lhakhang Sumdo to Kargyak Stage 5 Kargyak to Testha Stage 6 Testha to Purni (and Phukthal Gompa) Stage 7 Purni to Pepula Stage 8 Pepula to Mune Stage 9 Mune to Padum 4 Round Sultanlango Introduction Stage 1 Padum to Raru Stage 2 Raru to Kalbok Stage 3 Kalbok to Phukthal Stage 4 Phukthal to Niri Valley camp Stage 5 Niri Valley camp to Shingri Valley camp Stage 6 Shingri Valley camp to Stongde Gompa 5 Padum to Lamayuru: the classic trek from Zanskar Introduction Stage 1 Padum to Pishu Stage 2 Pishu to Hanamur Stage 3 Hanamur to Nyetse Stage 4 Nyetse to Lingshed Stage 5 Lingshed to Sengge La Base Camp (Gazho) Stage 6 Gazho to Photoksar Stage 7 Photoksar to Phanjila via the Askuta Way Stage 8 Phanjila to Lamayuru 6 Padum to Lamayuru via the Kanji La Introduction Stage 1 Padum to Pishu Stage 2 Pishu to Hanamur Stage 3 Hanamur to Zhingchan Stage 4 Zhingchan to Squaz Stage 5 Squaz to Dibling Stage 6 Dibling to Kanji La Southern Base Camp Stage 7 Kanji La Southern Base Camp to Kanji La Northern Base Camp Stage 8 Kanji La Northern Base Camp to Chomotang Togpo Valley Stage 9 Chomotang Togpo Valley to Shillakong Stage 10 Shillakong to Lamayuru 7 Alchi: A circuit over five passes Introduction Stage 1 Alchi to Stakspi La Base Camp Stage 2 Stakspi La Base Camp to Sumdha Chungun Stage 3 Sumdha Chungun to Manechan Stage 4 Manechan to Hinju Stage 5 Hinju to Ursi Stage 6 Ursi to Tar Stage 7 Tar to Mangyu Stage 8 Mangyu to Alchi 8 Markha Valley Introduction Stage 1 Spituk to Zhingchan Stage 2 Zhingchan to camp below Kanda La Stage 3 Camp below Kanda La to Shingo Stage 4 Shingo to Pentse Stage 5 Pentse to Markha Stage 6 Markha to Hangkar Stage 7 Hangkar to Nyimaling Stage 8 Nyimaling to Chuskyurmo Stage 9 Chuskyurmo to Hemis
Appendix A Treks overview table Appendix B Stage summaries Appendix C Some Ladakhi language words and phrases Appendix D Glossary Appendix E Embassies and consulates Appendix F Further reading
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