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Known the world over as the land of passes, Ladakh has several legends and myths weaved around it. The land of magnanimous landscape and vast expanse of mountains and rugged terrains Ladakh has serenity spread in its every corner. The people and culture of this place speaks of its history and uniqueness. Ladakh has also been described by its ancient travelers as Fa-hia as the land where the snow never melts and only corn ripens. Affectionately known as Little Tibet it is one of the direst regions of Himalayas. Tucked away in this region are monasteries that have preserved the Buddhist culture and little villages where the Ladakhi people reside. The traditional houses of this place transform the visitor into a bygone era. The rivers and snow covered peaks will never once fail to grab your attention.

The mysticism and grandeur lures many seekers from world over to this place. The criss cross mountains, passes and rivers make for challenging trekking expeditions and safaris. Central Ladakh forms the base of all treks and safaris. Zanskar Valley that lies between Great Himalayan Ranges and the Zanskar Range is one of the most popular trekking routes. The climate of Ladakh displays a lot of fluctuations. Sunburns and frostbites are prevalent and the temperatures go as low as -20 degrees in some regions.

Famous Ladakh Treks

Darcha ' Padum Trek

This is one of the popular treks leading to the Zanskar valley. The trek takes one through Zanskar villages and monasteries therein. There is a leisurely rise up the pass which is followed by steep drops to the Tsarap River which brings one right into the heart of the Zanskar. The track pursues the river most of the way.

Ripchar Valley Trek

This trek begins at Lamayuru and traverses up Ripchar valley with its tiny villages, nomadic set-ups and meadows where one gets to see diversity in flowers from end of July to end of August and birds too. We cross high passes that offer brilliant panoramas of the Karakorams and the Zanskar ranges.

Zanskar Trek

The classic Ladakh trek takes you right at the core of Zanskar. One will pass through remote villages and out of the world landscape.

Chadar Trek

This famous trek takes place in Zanskar, the oldest inhabited regions of the world with wild and solitary valleys at over 13,000 ft (4000 meters) in the Himalayas. In winter, the months of January and February are the times when one can have a way to Zanskar river; the canyon of the Zanskar River. In winters the river freezes and becomes a trekking destination. The trek on the 'Chadar'(blanket) or ice covering the river starts from the village of Chiling to Karsha and Padum in Zanskar, and then return to Chiling.

Rafting in Ladakh and Famous Rafting routes

Ladakh has brilliant opportunities to suit all abilities. From gentle floating, to white water rafting, everything set amidst stunning scenery. Three rivers in Ladakh are considered ideal for rafting; Shayok River in Nubra Valley, the upper Indus River near Leh and Zanskar River. Sitting by the camp fire on the banks of Zanskar River after a tiring day spent rafting. Also Indus and Zanskar River are well-known for river rafting in Ladakh region. The best time to raft is when the water levels are high. Come here during monsoons between June-August to have an ultimate rafting experience.

River rafting on Zanskar River

Zanskar River originates from the high altitude plateau of Sarchu, bordering the Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Initially called Tsarap, the river makes way for stony mountains of Western Himalayas. It drops in a continuous torrent of class V rapids. The river rafting expedition takes you through one of the most spectacular gorges in Asia. The trip comes to an end at the convergence of the Indus and the Zanskar rivers at Nimmu. The Indus and the Zanskar rivers are great for rafting purposes. Zanskar seems to be challenging as it covers the impressive route passing through a canyon sandwiched between Padum and Nimo.