With its severe yet breathtaking landscape, Leh is a trekker’s paradise. Some of the popular trails your guide will take you, start from from Spituk to the Markha valley. The Markha Valley Trek is almost sublime in its beauty and variety. It crosses over two Himalayan passes over 15,000 ft (4575 m) high, and circles from the edges of the Indus Valley, down into parts of Zanskar, and you go through a topography ranging form incredibly narrow valleys to moonscape-like vast expanses!
The trek circuit from Lamayuru gompa to Chiling village alongside Zanskar River, gives you stunning views of the Ladakh and the Indus valley. The other highlights of the trip are upclose views of the Kangyyaze Peak, and you pass through settlements of Khampa nomads, who rear hundreds of horses and yaks in the Nimaling plains. The Zanskar River offers some great rafting experiences, between July and September.
Another trek path is from Likir to Temisgam
The best season for trekking is between the end of June until the middle of October. Proper acclimatization is necessary as many of the passes are as high as 5,000 m in altitude. Many trekking agencies in Leh offer inclusive treks with a guide, packhorses, food and supplies
Polo is also a popular pastime in Leh, but, of course, reserved for the summer, when the polo grounds are active on Tuesdays and Saturdays. You can also mingle with the locals and participate in archery competitions are held at the National Archery Stadium. For, during the short summer time, there are a number of festivals that are vibrant with local cheer.
Come winter or summer, a visit to Leh, with its surrounding environs of Ladakh, is an other-worldly experience, where nature is tough yet compelling in her beauty, and where you are transported into the silent world of the lamas, with their aesthetic culture and philosophy. And amidst all this, you can satisfy all your sense of daring, by braving the demands of harsh and unpredictable weather, with rarified heights. Getting there is easy enough, as there are several guided tours and regular flights, which are often overbooked, with its increasing popularity as an adventure destination. All you need is a bold heart to enjoy a rugged adventure that will rejuvenate your senses. |
