Trails in Ladakh

Ladakh is a cold desert between the Karakoram and the Great Himalaya, and its routes are mostly jeep and motorcycle expeditions rather than walks. The classic introduction is the Leh to Leh - Nubra Circuit, a long loop that climbs above 5,300 m over the Khardung La road to the sand dunes and Shyok valley of Nubra. The Tangtse to Durbuk - Pangong Loop follows the approach to Pangong Tso's long blue lake.

The eastern Changthang plateau has quieter tracks. The Hanle - Chumur Eastern Ladakh Expedition and Chushul to Mahe - Kaksang La cross high, empty grassland used by nomadic herders. On the Kargil side, The Umba La expedition crosses a lesser-known pass toward the Suru and Dras valleys. The Diskit to Saser La Expedition heads north toward the Karakoram along the old caravan route.