Ladakh sits in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, and it shows: the landscape is stark, high-altitude desert rather than green forest, cut through by turquoise rivers and dotted with whitewashed monasteries. Trekking here is as much about culture and geography as it is about the trail itself — routes like Markha Valley pass through centuries-old villages still lived in by Ladakhi farming families.
Summer (June–September) is the standard trekking season, when passes are clear and Leh — the regional hub — is easily reached by flight or the long overland routes from Manali and Srinagar. Winter brings the region’s most unusual trek: the Chadar, a walk across the frozen surface of the Zanskar river, possible only in January and February.
Because of the altitude (most trailheads start above 3,500m), acclimatisation in Leh for at least two days is essential before setting out on any Ladakh trek.
