Challenge details
- Trek in the Indian Himayalas
- Go to Ancient Buddhist monasteries
- Visit the Tibetan influenced town of Leh
- Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery
- Meet the fascinating mountain people of this remote region
Isolated for many months of the year by snow, Ladakh remains one of the best places to experience the unique culture of the high Himalaya. Your challenge is varied with a great trek affording some of the best views in the world. With its snow covered peaks, remote villages, and ancient Buddhist monasteries – Ladakh transports you to another world! An amazing flight from Delhi to Leh takes in many of the Himalayan peaks.
The peak of Stok Kangri stands out in the mountains as it turns from crimson to sparkling white on the skyline of Leh, a high mountain town where you will acclimatise. Leh, or "Little Tibet" as it is commonly known, is a wildly beautiful desert region high in the Western Himalayas. It is a place of few resources and an extreme climate, yet it has been home to a thriving culture for more than a thousand years. Indeed, there is an amazing cross of mountain cultures here, for Leh was a trading post on the ancient silk route. While acclimatising, you will be given time to visit Shey Palace as well ancient Hemis and Thikse monasteries, where you will be able to take part in a prayer ceremony with Buddhist monks. A warm-up walk to the Shanti Stupa will give you fantastic views of Leh, the Indus Valley and River and the beautiful surrounding snow-capped peaks. You will also be given the opportunity to visit the Lingshed Area Project, a children’s home project which we support in Ladakh.
Your route takes you through picturesque and ancient villages. Tourists are still relatively few and far between in this isolated region, and the lifestyle here has in many respects remained unchanged for centuries. In contrast to the often bitter climate, the local populace are warm and friendly, and will greet you with a smile and a "Jullay". This is also the land of the Snow Leopard, and if you are lucky you just might see one of these magnificent animals.
This trek is one of the most varied and beautiful treks in the world. It ventures high into the Himalayas, and passes through varied terrain, ranging from incredibly narrow valleys to vast expanses! It is made all the more interesting by the ancient form of Buddhism that still flourishes in the many monasteries that dot the landscape.