Four routes through the Ladakh Himalaya — from a single easy day out near Leh to a four-day crossing of Kongmaru La at over 5,200 m.
Explore the mountains, valleys and traditional villages of Ladakh with our carefully designed hiking packages. These hikes are suitable for travellers looking for short and rewarding adventures in the Indian Himalayas.
Our hiking routes range from easy day hikes to challenging high-altitude mountain crossings. Depending on the route, you will experience ancient monasteries, traditional Ladakhi villages, high mountain passes, alpine meadows, rivers and spectacular views of the Himalayas.
Pick a route below, or use the form on the right to send us an enquiry and we'll help you choose the right one for your dates and fitness level.
| Starting Point | Leh |
| Hiking Area | Gyamtsa |
| Maximum Altitude | Approx. 4,000 m |
| Walking Distance | Approx. 8–10 km |
| Walking Time | 4–5 hours |
| Accommodation | Not required |
| Meals | Packed lunch |
| Best Season | May to October |
The Gyamtsa Day Hike is a short and enjoyable mountain hike near Leh. It is a good option for travellers who want to experience the Ladakh mountains without joining a multi-day trek.
The route takes you through the dry and beautiful mountain landscape of Ladakh, with views of rocky mountains, valleys and surrounding high-altitude terrain. This hike is also a good choice for travellers who have limited time in Ladakh.
After breakfast, drive from Leh to the hiking starting point at Gyamtsa. After a short briefing, start walking along the mountain trail. The route gradually climbs through the rugged Ladakh landscape.
Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and valleys while walking at a comfortable pace. Stop for a packed lunch and rest before continuing the hike. After completing the hike, return to the roadhead and drive back to Leh.
| Starting Point | Likir |
| Ending Point | Yangthang / Sham Valley |
| Maximum Altitude | Approx. 3,750 m |
| Total Walking Distance | Approx. 18–20 km |
| Accommodation | Village homestay |
| Best Season | May to October |
The Likir to Yangthang hike is a beautiful short trek in the Sham Valley of Ladakh. It combines mountain walking with traditional villages, Buddhist culture and views of the barren Himalayan landscape.
The hike is suitable for travellers who want their first experience of a multi-day Ladakh trek without going to very high altitudes.
After breakfast, drive from Leh towards Likir. Visit Likir Monastery before starting the hike. From Likir, follow the trail through the dry mountain landscape.
On the way, visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib and the Sangam — the junction of the Indus and Zanskar rivers — with a short halt for photography. The route then climbs towards a small mountain pass and descends towards Yangthang village, where you overnight at a homestay and take in traditional village life.
After breakfast, start walking from Yangthang towards Tsermangchan La. Cross the mountain pass and descend towards Hemis Shukpachan, a beautiful traditional Ladakhi village. Meet the vehicle there and drive back to Leh.
| Starting Point | Matho |
| Ending Point | Stok |
| Highest Point | Matho La — approx. 4,850 m |
| Total Walking Distance | Approx. 28–32 km |
| Accommodation | Camping |
| Best Season | June to October |
The Matho to Stok hike is a beautiful high-altitude traverse connecting the Matho and Stok valleys. The route crosses Matho La, a high mountain pass at approximately 4,850 m, and then descends through the spectacular Stok Valley.
This hike is more demanding than the Likir–Yangthang route because of the higher altitude and mountain pass crossing.
After breakfast, drive from Leh to Matho village. Start hiking from Matho and gradually climb towards Matho La. The trail becomes steeper as you approach the pass. Reach Matho La, enjoy the spectacular mountain views, then begin the descent towards Gangpoche.
After breakfast, continue through the high mountain landscape towards the Stok Valley. The trail gradually descends and passes through remote mountain terrain before reaching Mankarmo, an important camping area on the Stok Valley route.
After breakfast, begin the descent towards Stok village. The trail gradually becomes easier as you lose altitude. Reach Stok, meet the vehicle and drive back to Leh.
| Starting Point | Leh (hiking starts at Hamurja) |
| Ending Point | Chokdo |
| Highest Point | Kongmaru La — approx. 5,200–5,300 m |
| Total Walking Distance | Approx. 50–60 km |
| Accommodation | Camping / Homestay |
| Best Season | June to September/October |
The Markha Valley is one of the most famous trekking and hiking regions of Ladakh. The route passes through remote villages, river valleys, mountain landscapes, traditional settlements and high-altitude meadows.
Our 4-day itinerary is a short and fast version of the Markha Valley route, starting with a drive from Leh to Hamurja and then continuing on foot towards Markha. The trek finishes by crossing Kongmaru La, one of the major high passes of the Markha Valley. Because this is a compressed itinerary, trekkers should be properly acclimatised and physically prepared for long hiking days.
Start early from Leh and drive towards Hamurja. Begin the hike into the Markha Valley, following the trail through rugged mountains and traditional Ladakhi landscapes towards Markha village — one of the important settlements in the valley.
After breakfast, continue from Markha towards the upper valley, passing through traditional settlements including Hankar. The scenery becomes more dramatic as you gain altitude, with impressive views towards the Kang Yatse region on clear days.
The longest and most challenging day. Start early from Thachungtse and climb towards Nimaling, a spectacular high-altitude meadow surrounded by mountains. Continue climbing to Kongmaru La, then begin the long — occasionally steep — descent towards Chokdo.
After breakfast, complete the final section of the route if required and meet the vehicle at Chokdo. Drive back to Leh through the beautiful Ladakh landscape — end of the hiking package.
Who can join: Gyamtsa suits beginners with basic fitness. Likir–Yangthang suits first-time trekkers comfortable walking for several hours. Matho–Stok is best for trekkers with prior hiking experience given the high pass. Markha Valley is recommended for experienced, physically fit trekkers because of the long days, altitude and Kongmaru La crossing.
Acclimatisation: Ladakh is a high-altitude destination — spend sufficient time in Leh before starting higher hikes, walk slowly, drink enough water, avoid overexertion in the first few days, and tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell.
| Package | Duration | Highest Altitude | Difficulty | Main Attraction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gyamtsa Day Hike | 1 Day | ~4,000 m | Easy–Moderate | Short mountain hike |
| Likir–Yangthang | 2 Days | ~3,750 m | Easy–Moderate | Villages & monasteries |
| Matho–Stok | 3 Days | ~4,850 m | Moderate–Challenging | Matho La & Stok Valley |
| Markha Valley | 4 Days | ~5,200–5,300 m | Moderate–Challenging | Nimaling & Kongmaru La |
All distances, walking times, camp locations and altitudes are approximate and can change depending on weather, trail conditions, group fitness and local regulations. For private groups, duration, starting point, accommodation and transport can be customised.
