Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Leh & Ladakh
Ever heard of India's high-altitude desert region with Tibetan culture? Ladakh requires acclimatization in Leh before trekking. Routes include Markha Valley, Zanskar region, and Stok Kangri summit. You're walking through valleys with Buddhist monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey, crossing high passes, and camping under incredibly clear skies. The landscapes look Tibetan because culturally they are—Ladakh's distinct from rest of India.
7 best hiking & trekking Leh & Ladakh tours
Compiled by
MelissaLeh & Ladakh travel expert at TourRadar
India: Trekking in Ladakh
“The country is beautiful and the people are very kind and welcoming.”
OLIVE, traveled in August
The premier Markha Valley trek showcases ancient monasteries like Thiksey and Hemis Gompa. Challenging passes including Ganda La (4900m) and Kongmaru La test adventurers, while traditional village life in Rumbak and camping beneath Himalayan stars await.
Duration 14 days Destinations Delhi, Leh, Shey, Thiksey, Rumbak, Hemis National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Physical Rating Heart-pumping Distance 834 mi Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$2,970
Search for Snow Leopards with Valerie Parkinson
“As a result of this support, and encouraged by the revenue available from sustainable tourism, poaching in the park has been reduced to zero.”
Alan, traveled in March
Remote valleys of Ladakh welcome wildlife enthusiasts, with traditional homestays in Rumbak village. Paths from Jinchen through Rumbak Gorge at 12,470ft reveal snow leopards, blue sheep and golden eagles, while ancient Buddhist monasteries like Shey and Thikse provide cultural interludes.
Duration 14 days Destinations New Delhi, Leh, Shey, Hemis Shukpachan Age Range Ages 18+ Distance 946 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $5,479
5% Off- US$5,210
Ladakh's finest peaks await, including Dzo Jongo East (19,685ft). The route winds from Stok village through remote valleys, ascending challenging passes like Gongmaru La (17,178ft) and settling at high-altitude Nimaling meadow (15,925ft).
Duration 16 days Destinations Delhi, Leh, Shey, Thiksey, Stok, Zanskar, Manali Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Heart-pumping Distance 1069 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
5% Off- US$3,530
High-altitude trails of Ladakh wind from Leh (3500m) through Buddhist monasteries. The path ascends multiple passes including Mebtak La (3840m) and weaves through remote villages like Yangtang (3670m), showcasing treasures from Thiksey's three-story Buddha to Alchi's 12th-century artwork.
Duration 9 days Destinations Leh, Thiksey, Shey, Stok, Likir, Alchi, Yangthang, Hemis Shukpachan, Tingmosgang Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 546 mi Operator Yellowwood Adventures Ltd From
5% Off- US$2,141
Pristine valleys stretch from Hundar Gompa through dramatic gorges. The route includes Diskit monastery, sand dunes with Bactrian camels, and high camps like Morubuk (16,076ft), crossing challenging passes with expert guidance.
Duration 15 days Destinations Delhi, Leh, Shey, Thiksey, Diskit, Nubra Valley, Hunder, Ladakh Age Range Ages 16+ Distance 1040 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
5% Off- US$3,810
No departure dates availableDuration 18 days Destinations Delhi, Leh, Thiksey, Shey, Hemis, Zanskar, Alchi, Likir, Yangthang, Hemis ShukpachanSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Easy Distance 1644 mi Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen 
Mountain paths wind from Prinkti La (3,800m) to Wanla village in Leh & Ladakh. The route circles Tso Moriri lake (4,521m) and traverses Nubra Valley's golden dunes, connecting remote monasteries like Lamayuru and Thiksey.
Duration 17 days Destinations Delhi, Leh, Thiksey, Hemis, Khardūng La, Nubra Valley, Hunder, Diskit, Karzok, BasgoSee all destinations Age Range Ages 9+ Operated in English, German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 1299 mi Operator MOSKITO Adventures From
5% Off- US$3,168
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Leh & Ladakh
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Leh & Ladakh?
Leh & Ladakh's hiking season peaks from June to September when mountain conditions are optimal for trekking. The mountain passes become accessible as snow melts with daytime temperatures reaching 20-30°C at lower elevations near Leh (3500m). TourRadar travelers note that July and August provide the most reliable weather while September brings colorful autumn landscapes. Popular routes like the Markha Valley and Nubra Valley are in their prime during these months. Accommodation options like Wonderland Cottage near Pangong Lake and Hotel Ladakh Imperial in Leh serve as convenient starting points for treks.
How physically demanding are the treks in Leh & Ladakh?
The terrain and altitude in Leh & Ladakh create moderate to challenging hiking conditions. Trekkers regularly cross passes between 13000-17700 feet including the steep Lasermo La pass. World Expeditions travelers report that even moderate routes like the Markha Valley need good fitness as daily hikes last 5-7 hours on rocky paths with river crossings. The Hanker village route involves 4-5 hours of daily walking at 12000-14000 feet while the Nubra Valley trek requires 6-7 hour days at higher elevations.
What type of accommodation can I expect during multi-day treks?
Multi-day treks combine camping and homestay experiences. Tour operators provide two-person alpine tents sleeping bags insulated mats dining tents and toilet facilities for camping nights. Local stays include monastery guesthouses and family homes like those in Hemis Shukpachan village. In Leh hotels like Hotel Omasila or Glacier View Hotel offer modern comforts. A TourRadar traveler on the Markha Valley trek noted: "The camp facilities were excellent with spacious tents and surprisingly good meals considering the remote location."
What wildlife might I encounter while hiking in Ladakh?
The mountains of Ladakh especially Hemis National Park are home to distinct high-altitude wildlife. Visitors often spot blue sheep (bharal) Himalayan marmots and birds including lammergeiers and golden eagles. Snow leopards appear in Rumbak Valley during winter months. The Changthang region near Tso Moriri lake houses kiang (wild asses) and black-necked cranes. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Watching herds of blue sheep navigate the steep slopes near Nimaling was a highlight of our journey."
How experienced are the trekking guides in Ladakh?
Ladakh's licensed guides bring extensive knowledge of local trails altitude management and cultural heritage. Companies like Exodus and World Expeditions work with guides who have 10+ years of experience and wilderness first aid training. Notable guides include Valerie Parkinson who leads the Peaks of Ladakh trek and has received top guiding awards. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Our guide's deep knowledge of Buddhist culture and expert ability to pace the group at altitude made the trek both safe and enlightening."
What cultural experiences are included in Ladakh trekking tours?
The treks weave together hiking with authentic cultural encounters. Visits to key Buddhist monasteries like Thikse Hemis and Alchi let travelers observe morning prayers and traditional ceremonies. Many tours align with local festivals. A TourRadar traveler described the Matho Festival: "after a day of golden sunshine and intense blue skies joyous crowds and masked dancers we watched the state oracles appear." Programs often include stays in traditional Ladakhi homes and visits to remote villages like Rumbak where travelers can learn about local customs and food.