Summer trekking guide in the Indian Himalaya

The mountains of the Himalaya go beyond the borders of Nepal – and with the summer trekking season upon us from June to September, below are five unique ways to experience the Indian Himalayas on foot.

Traverse the dramatic region of Zanskar

It would be hard to surpass this challenging Trans Himalayan circuit of Ladakh which travels over high passes via ancient trails. Trek through isolated Buddhist villages to reach the secluded Himalayan kingdom of Zanskar.

This part of the Indian Himalaya is known for its rust-coloured mountains, dramatic deep gorges and villages cut off from the outside world for much of the year. Eventually, you will complete your circuit through the Indus Valley for an all-encompassing Himalayan adventure. This Zanskar to Indus Traverse is one to add to your adventure list.

Best time to travel: September

Capture the spirit of trekking in Ladakh

What better introduction to the visually stunning and culturally rich region of Ladakh than trekking through hidden valleys. A land of high passes on the borderlands of Tibet, Ladakh offers timeless landscapes and vistas of spectacular scenery where the snow leopard seeks out the highest ridges at the margins of the season.

Remarkable Buddhist monasteries and ancient forts characterise the rugged region of Ladakh. Think of the striking Tikse Monastery and the historic Stok Palace, to name a few.

Best time to travel: late June and July

Go Beyond the Markha Valley

Also known as ‘Little Tibet,’ this ancient Buddhist enclave on India’s northern border is the highest plateau in Kashmir. Explore on foot the Ladakh heartland, where the flutter of prayer flags and the ancient mani walls reflect the deep seated Buddhist heritage and follow established trails linking whitewashed settlements and tiny monasteries, with spectacular views of the Zanskar Range stretching to the borderlands of the Tibetan Plateau.

Best time to travel: early July and late August to early September

Step into the world of mountaineering

Keen to extend your mountaineering CV? On a high-altitude foray in Ladakh, you can get an ideal (albeit challenging!) introduction to Himalayan climbing.

Within relatively easy distance from each other are the twin peaks of Ladakh: Stok Kangri (6,153m) and Kangyaze Peak (6,400m). You can ascend both of them in one mountaineering holiday and be welcomed by stunning views of the beautiful Markha Valley from their summits.

The region around these peaks offers fantastic mountaineering activities with plenty of high passes to cross. It is home to the world’s highest road of ‘Khardung La,’ filled with trails linking tiny whitewashed settlements and traditional Buddhist monasteries.

Best time to travel: August

Remote Ladakh with Garry Weare

If you’re an intrepid traveller who loves to explore the most beautiful, little-visited corners of the Indian subcontinent, join Lonely Planet author Garry Weare to take you there!

Whether this is a first-time trek in Ladakh or an ideal follow up, this new trek from the Nubra to Indus valleys will surpass expectations. The trek winds through remote Buddhist settlements and summer grazing camps that allow exploring side valleys as we gradually make our way to the base of the Lasermo La. Unparalleled views and rich Buddhist culture of Alchi, Lamayuru and Likir monasteries complete this journey.

This trip will be led by adventurer and trekking legend Garry Weare who has been involved with World Expeditions since its inception in the mid-1970s. Over the years, he has devised a number of itineraries across the most beautiful corners of the Indian Himalaya.

Best time to travel: September

Is these five different ways to experience this corner of the Indian Himalaya got you hungry for more? Choose from World Expeditions' range of travel options to experience trekking in Ladakh. 

Have you travelled to the Indian Himalaya? Share your experience below.