TREKKING IN LADAKH

Ladakh offers very interesting trekking routes for trekkers. Trekking possibilities include short, day -long walks up and down mountain slopes to visit isolated villages or monastic settlements, or across a ridge to enjoy the sheer beauty of the lunar mountainscape. Or long, transmountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping the wilderness.

Ladakh is rich in wildlife, you may come a across some rare species like gazelles, ibex, ammon or shapo etc. You are sure to see Yak and Demos grazing on mountain pastures. The mountain river can be the only sound in your solitude as it runs along your route. All these may go to make your trek in this region a memorable moment, the experience of the life time.

CLOTHES AND EQUIPMENTS.

The summer visitors to Leh will need basically warm- weather clothes, with a sweeter for evenings and mornings when it may be chilly. Temperatures begin to fall around the 2nd half of August, and though cottons continue to be worm during the day until mid September, a heavy sweeter or an anorak or coat will be needed in the mornings and evenings. Form mid September it starts getting distinctly cold and woollens are needed even during the day, though in the sun it is still hot. Winter visitors- which means November to April- will need to equip themselves with heavy woollens, anoraks or tweed coats, gloves, balaclave helmets or equivalent and warm boots.

Reasonably good trekking equipment can be hired from Private Tour Operators specialised in mountain treks. All trekkers should remember that nights in the mountains would be chilly at any time of the year and make sure that they should be fully equipped for the treks. They must carry enough food for the whole trek, basic supplies- fruit & vegetables or the occasional villages enroute will be able to provide local food if you run out of food stock. It is advisable to keep a good torch handy during treks and visit to the monasteries because shrines are often found ill- lit.

PADAM - MANALI 8 DAYS TREK DETAILS.

S.No:Form To Apprx. Distance Time

1. Padam - Raru 22 Kms. 7 hours

2. Raru - Cha 23 Kms 7 hours

3. Cha - Testa 25 Kms 8 hours

4. Testa - Kargiah 26 Kms 8 hours

5. Kargiah - Lakhang Pulu 24 Kms 8 hours

6. Lakhang Pulu - Zanskar Sumdo

( Via Shingkunla 5100 Mtrs) 25 Kms 8 hours

7. Zanskar Sumdo - Darcha Sumdo 25 Kms 7 hours.

Padam the head quarter of Zanskar Sub Division provides the facility of the refilling of fuel and food provision etc. One can arrange pony, porters and guide for the trek and can visit the Karsha monastery and Stakrimo monastery while in Padam.

1St day PADAM- RARU 7 hours

The trek goes on to the south east of Padam and the trekkers have to follow the jeepable road almost for 15 km from here in Lungnak valley. They should follow upstream of Zanskar River. The valley promises one of its beautiful villages on both side of the river. There are bridges to cross the mountain streams. The village of Raru provides a fairly big camping site at the lower end of the village. Drinking water is available at a bit distance.

IInd Day RARU - CHA 7 hours.

The trail almost goes to the South East of the Village having several ups and downs. There are several small but peculiar villages enroute. Each village has a small monastery . A person of these villages looks very cheerful. To your right on the other side of river is the village of Cha. One may camp there near the bridge, again you have to descend down into the deep canyon for water.

3rd Day CHA - TESTE 8 hours

The trail descend down and ultimately the ascend of the trail reveal you a tri -junction of the ranges and the trail branches off. The trail which descends down takes you to a wooden bridge. On crossing the bridge here comes Purney village and at a distance of an another hour walking, lies the famous cave monastery of Phuktal. The trail runs on the right side of Zanskar river. There are several villages enroute. One can see Yaks near the mountains of Testa. The upper end of the village provides a beautiful camping site free of charge.

4th Day TESTA - KARGIAH 8 hours

Your trail still follow the river up stream. The mighty river turns into a mountain stream here and the trekkers have to ford the same twice or thrice. You can see Yaks in a every village enroute. Just before the village of Kargiah a lake with clear water exists which adds to the beauty of the valley. Kargiah is very cold during late autumn and early spring. Camping can be done in the heart of the village.

5TH DAY KARGIAH - LAKHANG PULU 8 hours.

The windy place needs courage to fight the wind because it always flow to the opposite direction. Now hundred s of Yaks and Dzos can be seen enroute. The mountain stream has to be crossed to your right. During summer one must try to cross the stream early in the morning when the water is low. A steep climbing leads your way to a mountain abode here, accommodation should be taken in one of those abodes. The climate is very cold here . Woollen clothes and good sleeping bags with sleeping mats recommended.

6th DAY LAKHANG PULU - ZANSKAR SUMDO 8 hours.

One should start the trek very early while the Shingkunla has lot of snow . 3 hours of hard climb take you to the peak of Shingkunla 5100 Metres. On the other side one can see a lake of blue water or the transit camp for the migrating water dwellers. The descend being a bit steep changes of skipping from the snow covered route is there. It may take you another 3 or 4 hours of descending upto the last border of Jammu and Kashmir State Zanskar Sumdo. The other side of river is the territory of Himachal Pradesh State. The Himachal Pardesh border provides a green camping place.

7th DAY ZANSKAR SUMDO - DARCHA SUMDO 7 hours

Right from the camping site the route passes through sandy and among boulders which creates a lot of problem for the beast of burdens. The mountain ranges are green a tress can be seen frequently. Trails takes you to the other side of river now your trail has some trees by its side the first village of Himachal Pardesh is Chaka very small village and the second village is Rari. The villages being adjacent to each other the both are named as Chaka- Rari. A rough jeepable road leads you to the village of Darcha at a Tri Junction. Here your trek comes to an end. Next morning very early a Bus can take you to Manali in one day 7 hours drive. The shopkeeper should be consulted about the timing of the Bus service because it is subject to change.

2) SPITUK - STOK 3 DAYS TREK.

This is a short and easiest trek for those who have very short time and needs sleeping bags, tents and food provision for three days. Accommodation can be had at every halting point and there are camping site at a nominal rent.

Ist Day : SPITUK - ZINGCHEN 5 hours.

Transfer by jeep or by Bus to the nearby village, Spituk and same morning, one can start the trekking down through the barren landscape after crossing Indus from Spituk bridge. The trail abruptly turns to the east through a narrow valley when you come across a stream. While walking upstream, one has to cross the water thrice to reach a wooded place. A mild ascend takes you to the village of Zingchan comprising of two houses. The upper end of village offer a good camping place. One has to pay a nominal rent for the camping place.

2nd Day ZINGCHAN - RUMBAK 4 hours

Immediately beyond the camp is a wooden bridge across a mountain stream. Thereafter you have to do three or four more crossing but the water is not more than knee deep during the summer months. At the junction of two valleys, the route goes turns east in the narrow valley and one can see the small village of Rumbak. Camping is possible by the side of a stream.

3rd DAY RUMBAK - STOK 7 hours

It is recommended to start the trek early. The trail ascends gradually upto the base of Stok la. Now the ascend is bit steep and continues for another 2 hours. While at the peak once can have a very close view of the Stok glaciers and a panoramic view of Indus valley and the mountain ranges beyond Indus river. The descend is as steep as the ascend on the other side, one can reach Stok in four hours. Enroute to Leh, the capital town, one can visit Stok monastery, Stok Palace Museum. There is a daily Bus service in the afternoon and in the evening.

3) MARKHA VALLEY TREK 9 DAYS.

This trek is possible from mid April to mid November. Trekkers should be equipped with tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment and food provisions for 9 days. The trek promises a Panoramic view of beautiful mountain ranges and of small villages high up in the mountains .

Ist Day SPITUK - ZINGCHAN 5 hours

One can avail the daily bus to Spituk which is just 9 Kms from Leh town, and start the trek on the same day. A bridge takes you across the mighty river Indus to Farkha village. A walk through barren land -scape takes you to the junction where you come across a mountain stream. After fording the stream three or four times you reach a hamlet Zingchan consisting of two houses. The upper end of the village offers a beautiful camping places at a nominal charge.

2nd DAY ZINGCHAN - YURUTSE 6 hours

After walking 3 hours upstream, two valleys come to your site , one to east and another to the south west . Rumbak a small village remains to your left. Those going to Markha have to follow the trail to the south west. After a mild ascend one reaches Yurutse consisting of two houses. After 2 hours walking a good camping site with clear spring water is available at the base of Kandala ( 4,900 Mtrs).

3rd DAY YURUTSE - SKU 6 hours.

Having climbed the Kandala ( 4,900 Metrs) peak which commands a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, the descend from here to the base may take 2 hours to Shingo, a small village. Now the gorge takes one’s route through thick groves of willow tress upto Choli Chikpo,almost descending to the village Sku to your left in a valley to the south east. There is also a valley to the right, or south west, which goes to Chiling, Sku, a fairly big village, offers a very good camping site in the heart of village on rental basis.

4th DAY SKU - MARKHA 5 hours.

Most times, the river remains to the right and has to be crossed a few times. While crossing the river when in spate, trekkers should consult their guide or horseman. After pleasant walk through the wooded valley you reach the biggest village on the trek, Markha. The village consisting of approximately 50 houses and has a monastery on a mountain spur at the lower end of the village.

5th DAY MARKHA - HANKAR 6 hours.

An hour walk from this village, you have to ford the river first time and follow the river upstream. You have to cross the same stream three or four times. The trail is a gentle climb upto the village of Hankar. Here one can pitch tents without any camping charges.

6th DAY HANKAR - NIMALING 5 hours

To the south east of Hankar the trail continues uphill, ascending for the next high pass. The base of the high pass is called Nimaling, an uninhabited place. Camping by the side of water is recommended . It being the coldest place sometimes the temperature falls below zero degrees during the summer.

7th DAY NIMALING - SHANG SUMDO 7 hours

The trail begins to ascend right from the camping spot. One can have a beautiful view of the mountain ranges and the wildlife around this pass . The summit of the pass, Kongmarula ,5,030 metres, reveals different snow clad mountain peaks all around. The trail descend and at some points it is very steep and narrow. Loaded animals need great care in traversing the trail and at some places the narrow gorge . Follow downstream upto Shang Sumdo, a good camping place near water.

8TH DAY SHANG SUMDO - MARTSELANG 5 hours.

At a little distance from the camping place there is a valley to your left which takes you to Shang village, but trekkers continue straight down the wider valley, following the stream down hill. During the summer season, one should consult the guide or porter before crossing the water. The wider valley reveals the panoramic view of Indus valley. One can pitch tent by the side of water in Martselang.

9TH DAY MARTSELANG - HEMIS 3 hours.

After breakfast, one should follow the trail towards the west which takes you to the famous monastery of Hemis . You have sufficient time to visit the monastery, the place also offers restaurant facilities during the tourist season. There is a daily bus service leaving Hemis for Leh by 12 noon. Bus timings are subject to change from time to time. One can consult the restaurant owner for the departure of the bus . Leh , the capital town is 47 Kms from here.

4) LEH - PADUM TREKKING VIA JUNGLAM 11 DAYS.

Leh Padum trekking via junglam is seasonal and is therefore practicable from mid April to mid June and from mid September to November. This trekking demand a bid of endurance as it arduous and mountain rivers has to be negotiated for scores of time. Trekkers should be fully equipped and food provision should be carried by them.

Ist DAY SPITUK - ZINGCHAN 5 hours.

One can go to Spituk by Bus or Taxi. At Spituk a bridge takes you across the river Indus to Farkha village. You follow a trail which initially goes towards the south west and after wards turns to east where a stream meets your routes to your right. After fording the stream for three times you reach Zingchan, a hamlet consisting of 2 houses. The upper end of the village offer a good camping site at a nominal rate.

2nd DAY ZINGCHAN - YURUTSE 6 hours.

After 3 hours walk from Zingchan two valleys come to your site one to east and another to the south west. Rumbak a small village remains to your left. People bound for Markha trek have to follow the route leading to south west. After fording the stream for two times and having a mild ascending you reach Yurutse, consisting of 2 houses. After two hours walking a good camping site with clear spring water is available at the base of Kandala ( 4,900 Mtrs.)

3rd DAY YURUTSE - SKU 6 hours.

Having climbed Kandala, its peaks commends a good panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. The descending to trend of the routes continues up to Shingo, consisting 2 houses. The route pass through a gorge with groves of willow tress. As the end of the gorge the lower end of Sku village can be seen where the route branch off to opposite direction. The route to the Southeast leads to Sku, while the route to the Southwest goes to Chiling. Sku also offer very good camping site in the heart of the village.

4th DAY SKU - MARKHA 5 hours

For most of the time the streams remains flow to your right which you have to cross several times. After a pleasant walk through the wooded valley you reach Markha, the biggest village in this trekking, consisting of 50 houses and a monastery on mountain spur at the lower end of the village.

5th DAY MARKHA - BAIRPA KYANCHIK. 6 hours

The trail leads Langrula ( 4900 Mtrs), from a top the pass, the route branch off, one in front is very steep which is not advisable and the other to the left has a gradual descending, come across Kharnak Sumdo. Valley runs to the Southeast and to the Southwest. The former valley is restricted. One should follow the route to the south west. An hour walk bring you to Bairpa Kyanchik, a suitable camping place.

6TH DAY BAIRPA KYANCHIK - TILAT SUMDO ( STABDONGSA) 5 hours.

Between Bairpa - Kyanchik and Tilat Sumdo route pass through narrow gorges, Tilat Sumdo offers good camping place. After the gorge trail turns to the east and ascends continuously upto the Tilat Sumdo, the river has to be crossed after every half a kilometre. The route is very narrow, specially at Nari Nartse. It is quite precarious for loaded animals. Ultimately you reach Stopdongsa which offer camping place.

7th DAY STAPDONGSA - STASHONG GAMISHONG. 5 hours.

En route there are glaciers . Sta shong Gamishong offer camping place. It being the coldest place the water freezes during night. Therefore water for morning use should be stored in the evening.

8th DAY STASHONG GAMISHONG - CHAR CHAR LA 6 hours.

Stashong Gamishong the trail is very narrow at the initial stage. The animal has to be unloaded at certain places. After the gorge turns to the east and ascends continues upto the summit of Charcharla ( 5030 Metres), from the top of the pass one can enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding mountain of Zanskar valley and descend to the south base camp of Charcharla for nearly 2 hours. At the base water and wood is available.

9th DAY SOUTH BASE OF CHAR- CHARLA - ZANGLA 5 hours.

The trail descend towards Zangla. En- route a river has to be forded for several times.

The trail passes through narrow gorges and the descending continues upto Zangla. Zangla is fairly a big village with a monastery and an old palace.

10th DAY ZANGLA - STONGDAY 5 hours.

It is almost flat walking. Villages like Tsazer and Shiling Skit can be visited enroute. Stongday has a big and a prominent monastery.

11th DAY STONGDAY - PADUM 4 hours.

From Stongday, Karsha on the right side of the river and Padum which is the Headquarter of Zanskar Sub-Division can be seen. Accommodation both in Public and Private Sector is available. Food provision can be purchase from the shops. A Tourist Office also exist in Padum.

LIKIR - TINGMOSGANG 4 DAYS TREK.

Ist DAY LEH - LIKIR. 3 hours.

A good number of buses ply past Likir village from Leh, right from 8 o’clock in the morning to 1 P.M . These buses drop one on the road side about 1 Km. Away from the village. Start by the morning bus, walk up to the village, visit the monastery, after your meals make all preparations for the next days journey. Night halt at Likir in a guest house or a tented camp.

2nd DAY LIKIR - YANGTHANG 4 hours.

From the village the trekking path descends into a narrow gorge. Follow the trail along the bare hill down the village upto Sumda in the next valley. Before you enter Sumdo village the path forks at a stupa. Follow the path on the left side till you reach Yangthang village. Hire a guide to visit Rizong Gonpa ( a secluded and a peaceful monastery) and back to the village for the night.

3rd DAY YANGTHANG - HEMIS -SHUKPACHAN 4 hours.

Continue your journey towards west to the village through a narrow gorge and then climbing a pass to Hemis-shukpachan. There are guest houses and camping sites available in the village for night stay.

4th DAY HEMIS-SHUKPACHAN - TINGMOSGANG 4 hours.

The path to Tingmosgang passes through a wide valley past several big stupas. Take the path sloping down the south upto the bottom of the valley and again start climbing up from the valley along the northern slope of the valley till you reach the top of the Maptak-la. Continue along a gentle slope down to Tingmosgang. Visit Tingmosgang Palace and the monastery over a hillock. There is another small Gonpa called Tseskarmo inside a valley extending to the North along a narrow valley up from the village. This monastery is unique in its location and tranquil surroundings. Plan your night halt at a camping site or in a guest house. The twin villages of Tingmosgang and Tia is continues up stream along a beautiful clear water rivulet up to a centuries old small monastery called Khatsa Gonpa. A rarely visited by tourists this monastery is worth seeing. You should plan to visit the monastery early in the morning on the last day of your trekking. There is a daily bus service from Tingmosgang to Leh at 8 A.M.

LAMAYURU - ALCHI 6 DAYS TREK

1St DAY LEH - LAMAYURU

Plan your trekking on this route by contacting guides, helpers etc. at Leh. Purchase food stuff and hire trekking equipments before starting from Leh. Since availability of porters and pony at Lamayuru is uncertain ensure that your porter or pony is arranged before hand . Proceed to Lamayuru by taxi or Leh- Srinagar Bus along with your guide, food stuff etc. On reaching Lamayuru you have plenty of time to visit the famous 11th century Lamayuru monastery and see some interesting landscapes around the village. Night halt at Lamayuru in a guest house.

2nd Day LAMAYURU - WANLA 5 hours.

Follow the well mark path on the other side of the village along a slope which rises gradually to the top of Prinkitila ( 3500 Mtrs) then the path descend down a very narrow gorge till you reach Wanla village. The guide or the pony man can tell you the proper camping site. The duration of trekking is only 5 hours so you have enough time to visit the monastery, go around the village and chat with local people.

3rd DAY WANLA - FANJILA 5 hours.

Continuing up stream along the foot path proceed to Fanjila, a small village at the junction of two streams. There is a good camping place near a spring at the upper end of the village.

4th Day FANJILA - TARLA BASE 4 hours.

Here one can see wild animals in abundance. The trail ascends gradually to the east and you may feel a little breath less while climbing. The ascend becomes more difficult when you are near the Tarla Base. The base is uninhabited and one can manage to pitch tents at this beautiful place.

5th DAY TARLA BASE - TAR( via TARLA 4900 Mtrs) 4 hours.

The ascend to the pass being very steep, the loaded animals can not cross this pass in early spring and late autumn. Tarla, almost 4,900 Mtrs high and the trekkers walk over snow even in summer. The peak offers very beautiful views of mountain ranges. The descend is also steep and continue down to the village of Tar. Plan your night halt at a camping site.

6th DAY TAR - ALCHI 4 hours.

Follow the well mark path sloping down gradually. Between Tar and Alchi village, there are some small villages. Within a period of approximately 6 hours reach at Alchi Village. Visit Alchi monastery that is very famous for its ancient wall paintings and wood carving. Night halt at Alchi in a guest house. In the morning at 7 A.M. there is a bus service from Alchi to Leh.

LAMAYURU - PADUM 10 DAYS TREK

Ist DAY LAMAYURU - FANJILA

Accommodation in a guest house or camping site is available in Lamayuru . It is a big village, horses and porters are available in this village but purchase food stuff and trekking equipment from Leh. The pony trek goes to the south east of Lamayuru, follow the well mark path along a slope which rises gradually to the top of the Prinkitila 3,500 Mtrs high. Then the paths descend down a very narrow gorge till you reach Shela village. The road traverse through the valley of Shela and Wanla can be seen from here at the distance of 5 Kms. And can visit the monastery and a castle in ruin.

There is a beautiful halting place for lunch at the side of the stream and a good camping site. Continue your journey towards the village of Tarchet by crossing the Hanupata stream. The well mark path leads to another village at the meeting point of three ways the name of this village is Fanjila. Night halt at Fanjila in a tented camp.

2nd DAY FANJILA - HANUPATA. 7 hours.

Approximate distance is 7 hours walking . Starting this trek early in the morning is recommendable cross Urtse water and keep on walking on a broader trail on the left side of Hanupata stream for 5 kms. And it comes a peculiar bridge built with the help of two wooden poles covered with stone slabs. Almost at a distance of 1 Km. From the bridge is the trail of Dem-Dem Chan. The trail has been cut out of very hard rock during the year 1978, to avoid Gyapopass, the ascend to this pas was very crucial. Those who are with loaded animals should unload their luggage and adjust the loads on once own back just from the first crue. In the month of October one can avoid this foot path Dem-Dem-Chan just by walking stream side.

Now it comes a natural bridge -like formation of rocks. Here one can transfer the loads again on the horse back. After a little distance from here two valleys comes as well as it is the junction of two streams that is Photoksar to the left and Hanupata stream to the right side. Follow the Hanupata water upstream.Before the proper village comes a chorten attached to a Mani wall. It is the village of Hanupata 3,700 metres high. For accommodation there is a good camping site.

3rd DAY HANUPATA - PHOTOKSAR 7 hours.

Follow the right side of the Hanupata stream, the trail is well marked and at the distance of another 1 Km.it start their ‘ Dok’ where the shepherds live in summer. There after the trail descends towards the side of the stream and cross the Hanupata stream over the bridge. The foot path goes on left of the stream and the water bottles should be filled here. It is the base camp for She-Shela. To cross the She- Shela 4500 metres high it takes two and half hours.

The people who are interested in wild animals can see marmots just near the top of She-shela. After an hour walk from the top Yak and Dzomos can be seen. At another little distance is a chorten attached a Mani wall, from this shorten the village of Photoksar is seen. There is a camping site for night halt. For edibles one should not depend upon the villagers.

4th DAY PHOTOKSAR - BASE SINGHEYLA

From Photoksar your route ascends on the other side of the river of Photoksar for a small pass called Bamiktsala. The descend of Bomiktsala reveals the whole route to the base of Singheyla through a wider valley. In the evening you can reach at the base of Singheyla and pitch tents by the side of the mountain stream for night halt.

5th DAY BASE OF SINGHEY LA - SKUMPATA.

The trail traverse a plateau like valley and walk to the east gradually leads to the famous pass known as Singheyla 5400 Metres. high. While reaching the top one should not take much time here. Well the descend from here not very steep. You reach a place of two houses is called Skumpa-ta. There is beautiful camping site for night halt.

6th DAY SKUMPATA - LINGSHET.

It would be recommend to start the trek early in the morning in order to reach the next destinations well in time. If you take the walk easily you may reach the Lingshet village in the afternoon. You have a enough time to visit the monastery.It is worth seeing you can pitch the tent near the monastery.

7th DAY LINGSHET - OMANGSCHU.

It is a gentle climb for an hour from the village. Here the trail ascend up for another pass called Hanumala which is 4700 metres high. The ascend to this pass is not very steep while you are at the top of the pass you can see Debring la to the North. It is an easy descending for half an hour where you meet a spring water on the way. After a little walk from here the route turns quite rough for loaded animals. Here the loaded animals has to be unloaded because the trail is so narrow and one has to transfer the load on one’s own back. The route traverses through a wooded place and leads your way to Omangschu. Near the water you can pitch your tent and spend the night easily.

8th DAY OMANGSCHU - PIDMO

Now the route ascend directly just at the chest of Parpila (4700 metres) high and once you are at the summit of pass it reveals the whole valley of Zanskar. The descend is gradually and one can enjoy the descending towards a wider valley. After that the flat walking starts till the first village of Zanskar named Rinam. At a short distance there is another village called Pidmo. There is a camping site for night halt.

9th DAY PIDMO - RINAM

At a distance of an hour’s walk on the right side of Zanskar River from Pidmo one can see Zangla village and after walking for two hours from Pidmo there is Pishu village. A little above this village cross the Zanskar river through a rope bridge. Visit Zangla Gonpa and Palace. From here it takes two hours to reach the village Rinam.

10th DAY RINAM - PADUM

Before starting from Rinam one should carry enough drinking water as you don’t get water for then two hours before reaching Karsha. Continue your journey through a vast plain. Before reaching Padum the path forks in two directions. Follow the right trail to visit Karsha village. Visit the monastery and continue to walk towards Padum crossing the river through a bridge. There are guest houses and hotels for stay.

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING.

The area most frequented by foreing climbers is the Nun-Kun Massif in the Great Himalayan Range. Its easy accessibility from the Kargil- Padum road and the shortest possible approach march to the base camps makes this massif the most attractive climbing destination in the Great Himalaya, necessitating advance booking years ahead. Among its six known Peaks accessible from the Suru Valley, Nun (7,135 m) and Kun (7,077 m) are the highest summits.

The area nearest to Leh is the Stok-Kangri Massif in the Zanskar Mountains, South of Leh. The base camp for the various peaks of this massif is about two days trek from the village of Stok. Among its known peaks, Stok-Khangri (6,150 m) is the highest; its offers a spectular perspective to the Central expanse of the Indus valley which it donimates. Other peaks in the area include Gulap Khangri ( 5,900 m), Matho West (5,950 m) and Kantaka (5,275 m). The much higher Konglacha Peak (6,700 m) lies southwest of Leh and is reached via Rumbak on the first leg of the Markha Valley trek from Stok. Many un-named peaks in the altitude range of 5,500 metres and 6,400 metres are also available for climbing in the same region. This entire area falls well outside the Inner Line, or restricted area. North of Leh, across the Ladakh Range and the Nubra valley lies the Karakuram range. It soars to a number of known peaks which are, however, within the restricted area and so not freely accessible to foreign climbers except with special permission from the Government of India.The most prominent summits in this range which are accessible from various parts of the Nubra Valley include, Saser-I (7,415 m), Saser II (7,513 m) and Saser III (7,495 m). The climbing season extends from mid-May to mid- October, the ideal period being from June to September because during this time only Ladakh remains unaffected by the monsoon which holds away over most of the Himalaya.Foreign climbing expeditions are required to obtain permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for climbing all listed peaks. A booking fee, based on the height and popularity of the alloted peak, is charged and a Liaison Officer is assigned to every climbing team. The minimum period required for processing applications is six months. Every authorised expedition is provided with adequate rescue coverage in the event of accidents and illness. A list of peaks available for climbing and application forms for booking along with other requisite documents can be obtained from;

The Director,

Indian Mountaineering Foundation,

Benito Juarez Road,

New Delhi-110021.

Phone No: 671211,602245.

Fax: 6883412

RIVER RAFTING.

A range of rafting options is available on the Indus and its major tributaries. The best stretch for professionally guided runs in white water is on the Indus between Spituk and Saspol. Beyond Saspol, the river becomes difficult and running it requires technically skilled participants and careful organisation. Upward of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up to Karu, ideal for basic training and for day-return”scenic floating” for amateurs. In recent years, running the Indus has become an attractive alternative to trekking and features on the itinerary of most visitors. Several agencies in Leh offer attractive rafting packages. Ask for details at the Tourist Office at Leh.They will also be able to provide some rafts on hire.

The most difficult but exciting option for river running is on the Zanskar along its spectular course through the gorge in the Zanskar mountain, between Padum and Nimo. This is suitable only for well-organised white-water expeditions, prepared for several days of river running and camping in absolute wilderness. Participants are required to be trained rafters themselves while the arrangements should be assigned to a dependable professional agency. Adequate arrangements for rescue coverage are an essential pre-requisite for embarking upon a white-water expedition on a river like the Zanskar.