“One day, I will go on a trekking trip to Ladakh.”
Every traveller is overcome by this desire as there can be no better way to explore the scenic heaven called Ladakh than a trekking expedition. But, the major impediment to fulfilling that desire is the length of a Ladakh trekking expedition, which takes anywhere between 15-20 days. The other is taking a break from our professional & personal commitments! However, here is your chance to bring your dream to life! In this blog, I have come up with a list of the best treks in Ladakh that can be covered over a week-long break. Take a look at them and select a trek which appeals to you the most!
List of 9 Best Short Treks to Do in Ladakh, Himalayas
- Saboo to Khalsar Trek
- Saspotse to Skuru Trek
- Sham Valley Trek
- Lamayuru to Chilling Trek
- Spituk to Matho Trek
- Lamayuru Alchi Trek
- Likir to Temisgam
- Spituk to Stok Trek
- Spituk to Chilling via Ganda la
Also check out
Saboo to Khalsar Trek
Regarded as easy to moderate, the trek from Saboo village to Khalsar via Digar will give you the best and shortest introduction of Ladakh’s culture and its scenic beauty. During this six to five day’s bumpy trek, you can see the sacred monasteries; meet and greet the local people, and get to know about their lifestyle little better. The trek commences from the mesmerizingly beautiful Saboo Village.
From Saboo, you will trek to Saboo Phu and then to Digar Village, from where you can see the stunning view of Stok and Karakoram range. Further, you will trek to the east side to reach the Shyok Valley, which leads to Khalsar on the Leh-Panamik road. The last destination of the trek is Diskit.
Altitude: 5300m
Duration: 5 – 6 days
Route: Saboo – Digar – Chumik Yogma – Rongjok – Khalsar – Deskit
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to September
Highlights: Digar village, Chumik Yogma, Shyok Valley, Khardung Village
Grade: Moderate
Check out: Best Treks for Beginners in Ladakh
Saspotse to Skuru Trek
When it comes to the thrilling treks that can take you to a spine-tingling journey in the shortest period then surely, definitely and certainly Saspotse to Skuru Trek would be the best contender. This action-packed week-long trek commences with a 65-kilometer long drive cutting and running through the intervening valleys and mountain ranges further accompanied by Indus valley throughout the journey.
The trek commences at Saspotse village, just behind Likir and passes through Phyang, Lasermo high camp, Drok Yokma, Hunder Drok, and Hunder. Your journey will end at Nubra Valley, a wonderland known for sand dunes, monasteries, a ruined palace and a whole different culture (Balti) to discover.
Altitude: 5100m
Duration: 6 – 7 days
Route: Phyang – Lasermo high camp – Drok Yokma – Hunder Drok – Hunder
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to September
Highlights: Nubra Valley, Khardung La, Shepherds Place, Saspotse village
Grade: Moderate
Check out: Popular Moderate Treks in Ladakh
Sham Valley Trek
People who are new to trekking, highlight this place in BOLD writers as your start just can’t get better than this. It’s not only easy but also will give you the best introduction to Ladakh’s supernatural beauty and its capability to rejuvenate. Counted amongst the easiest treks in Ladakh and that’s why known as Baby Trek, Sham valley trek is a heady mixture of stunning sceneries and culture.
The trekking expedition commences from Likir and ends at Nurla by cutting and running through few highland passes like Phobe La at 3580 meters, Mebtak La at 3750 meters and Tsermangchen La perched at 3750 meters. Click here for detailed itinerary of Sham Valley Trek.
Altitude: 3750 m
Duration: 7 days
Route: Likir – Yangthang – Hemis Shukapachen – Ang – Temisgam – Nurla
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Highlights: Hemis Shukpachan, Tingmosgam, Ang Village, Apricot Valley
Grade: Easy
Check out: Detailed Itinerary for Sham Valley Trekking Tour
Lamayuru to Chilling Trek
For all those who wants their trekking trip a mixture of the adventure and sightseeing then Lamayuru-Chilling trek is what they’re looking for. The trekking expedition starts from the 11th century Lamayuru monastery, which will further lead to Sham Valley. The movement you will leave Sham Valley, you will see such startling views that closing eyes for a second will be impossible.
Further, you will cover destinations like Wanla, Hinju, Sumdha Chenmo and Dudunchen La before finally reaching the beautiful village of Chilling in the Zanskar Valley. This trekking expedition is so beautiful that not even for a single second you would want to close your eyes and leave that beautiful view.
Altitude: 4950 m
Duration: 7 days
Route: Leh – Wanla – Hinju – Sumdo Doksa – Base of Dung Dung Chan la – Chilling
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June – September
Highlights: Shyam Valley, Kongskil La, Dung Dung Chan la, Visit to the monasteries
Grade: Moderate
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Spituk to Matho Trek
No other trek can give the better introduction to Ladakh’s wildlife than the Spituk to Matho Trek, which mainly revolves around the Hemis National Park. During this five days trekking expedition, you will see the high-altitude flora and fauna, amazing rock formation, and not to forget the stunning view of the mountains. Commencing from Spituk, the trek passes through the attractions like Zingchen, Rumbak, Mankorma, Stok La, and Matho Phu before reaching Matho La.
Altitude: 4850 m
Duration: 5 days
Route: Leh – Spituk – Rumbak – Matho Phu – Leh
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June – September
Highlights: Hemis National Park
Grade: Easy
Check out: Popular Trekking Peaks in Ladakh
Lamayuru Alchi Trek
After the best and shortest wildlife trekking tour, now it’s time to tell you about the spiritual trekking. Yes, Ladakh offers such experiences too. And the best example of the same is Lamayuru Alchi Trek. Apart from covering the extremely beautiful sites like the valley of Wanla and Sumdochoon and many high mountain passes like Penji La and Prinkiti La and a number of rivulets and stream, the trek covers many prominent monasteries.
The trek commences from Lamayuru and before reaching Alchi, it passes through Prinkti La (3750m), Shilla, Wanla, Base of Tar La, Tar, and Man Gyu. Click here for detailed itinerary of Lamayuru Alchi Trek.
Altitude: 5250 m
Duration: 8 days
Route: Leh -Lamayuru – Wanla – Base of Tar La- Mang Gyu- Alchi
Best Time to Visit: July to October
Highlights: Prinkti La, Shilla Village, Mang Gyu, Gera Village
Grade: Easy
Check out: Difficult Trekking Trails in Leh Ladakh
Likir to Temisgam
A fascinating treat for the novices and adventure enthusiasts alike, Likir to Temisgam trek will make you transverse through the historical villages with stupas, mani walls, and small gompas, and monasteries. The best part about this trek is that you don’t need to wait for a particular season to plan the trekking expedition, it can be done throughout the year.
The trek starts from Likir and passes through fascinating attractions like Yangthang, Temisgam, and Hemis Shukpachan before concluding at Leh.
Altitude: 5250 m
Duration: 8 days
Route: Leh – Likir – Yangthang – Hemis Shukpachan – Tingmosgang
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Highlights: Saspotse village, Hemis Shukpachan, Phobe La
Grade: Easy
Check out: Popular Winter Treks in the Himalayas
Spituk to Stok Trek
An easy trek that leads through the unexplored regions of the Markha Valley of the Ladakh region, Spituk to Stok Trek cuts and runs through the Stok La at 4900 meters; hidden Rumbak village and extremely beautiful Stok Palace museum. If lucky, you will also get rewarded by the sights of Blue Sheep, Argali, Tibetan Wolf and Snow Leopard. Nonetheless, you can also see many migratory birds and thus offering some serious birding. Click here for detailed itinerary of Spituk to Stok Trek.
Altitude: 3900 m
Duration: 6 days
Route: Leh – Shey – Thiksey – Hemis – Leh – Spituk – Zingchen – Rumbak – Stok la
Best Time to Visit: Mid June to Mid October
Highlights: Rumbak Village, Stok la pass, Stok Palace, Wildlife expedition
Grade: Easy
Check out: Spituk Trek Upcoming Fixed Departure Dates
Spituk to Chilling via Ganda La
Spituk to Stok Trek and Spituk to Chilling trek follow the same trail, the only difference is that need to pass through the Ganda la Pass. Your trekking journey will commence from Spituk, and after passing through Zingchen, Rumbak, Yurutse, Ganda la Pass, Skiu, and end at Leh.
The trek will trek will take you to the most arresting parts in Ladakh. Moreover, the trail can be measured by the amateurs as well.
Altitude: 4900 m
Duration: 5 days
Route: Spituk – Zingchen – Rumbak – Yurutse – Ganda la Pass – Skiu – Chilling – Leh
Best Time to Visit: Mid June to Mid October
Grade: Medium
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Well, these are some of the most awesome treks of Ladakh that can be covered in the shortest time. If you think that there are certain names that deserve to be in the list but you can’t find them anywhere then do let us know by commenting below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is the Nearest Railway Station to Leh Ladakh?
Nearest railway station to Ladakh in Jammu. From Jammy, you can hire a bus or taxi to reach Ladakh only if you’re brave enough to handle the bumpy rides. It will be hectic but the views that you got to see throughout the journey will be worth every slit and cut.
Q.What is the Nearest Airport to Leh Ladakh?
There’s an airport in Leh – Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, which is well connected with all the prominent destinations in India. From the airport, you can easily get buses and taxis to reach your desired destination.
About the author
From the Lake District, Nainital, Nidhi Singh is a travel writer whose love for mountains can be seen in her write ups. Talk about solo travelling, indulging in adventure activities, binging on good food, planning budget trips or the Aurora Borealis and you will get all her attention. It is the wanderlust that keeps her going and if at all she could get one wish granted she would love to live a life less ordinary. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.
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