Trekking
possibilities include short, daylong 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,
trans-mountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the
wilderness. For example, the trek from Lamayuru in the Indus valley to
Darcha in Lahaul across Zanskar takes nearly three weeks. Most of the
established routes traverse the Zanskar range, which separates the
Indus valley from separates the Indus valley from Zanskar.
The 10 day Lamayuru-Padum traverse and the Stok-Khangri round trek are
the more popular ones among the numerous options available in this
convoluted mountain mass. In recent years, parts of the Ladakh range
between the Indus and Shayok valleys have also become available for
trekking.
The Trekking Season
T
he
traditional trekking seasons extends from early June to mid-October.
But localised treks within the Indus Valley can be undertaken even in
May. On the other hand, some routes are suitable only for late autumn,
as during the summer, the bed of narrow valleys through which the
tracks lied become turbulent streams, as in the case of the 13-day
Hemis-Markha-Padum trek. The winter access to the Zanskar valley is
actually along the frozen surface of the Zanskar River. This route,
known as "Chaddar", calls for elaborate arrangements, but it is
perhaps the most exciting trek in the world.
Depending on the time and budget one can afford, ask the Tourist
Offices at Leh,
Kargil or Padum to design a trekking program.
The easiest way to go on a trekking is through a travel agency, which
will take care of all arrangement s including capming gear,
provisions, porterage, staff, etc. But if one intends to make one's
own arrangements, it is advisable to carry as much provisions and fuel
from Leh or Kargil as possible. Please remember that Ladakh is a harsh
land where most villagers cannot part with their foodstock. In some
villages along the trek, fresh yoghurt and some Tsampa can be
procured, but these sources cannot be relied upon. Kerosene or gas for
cooking stoves must be carried in sufficient quantity to last the
duration of the trek as fuel is unlikely to be available along most of
the route.
Keeping The Environment Clean
The Ladakh environment is ecologically fragile as the survival of the
inhabitants depends upon the land, despite its apparent starkness. As
such, it is absolutely important that trekkers keep the routes and
campsites clean and avoid disturbing the region's delicate
environment. Before striking camp, trekkers and travel agents should
ensure that no garbage is left undisposed at the campsites. Plastic
containers and polythene wrappers must be incinerated, while other
types of garbage should be properly buried.
Requirements
About Trekking In Ladakh
For trekking in Ladakh to be a rewarding experience, it is not enough
to be physically fit; intending trekkers must also be prepared to face
the rigourous to back country travel. There are considerable
fluctuations in day and night temperatures even during the height of
summer. While the days are pretty warm, even hot, due to the desert
effect of the barren landscape, evenings can become chilly, requiring
additional clothing.
It is, therefore, advisable to keep a pullover and/ or an anorak
handy. A sturdy pair of walking shoes with strong rubber or synthetic
soles for grip, thick cotton socks (woolen for autumn trek or glacier
walks) and a good sleeping bag together with an insulated ground pad
are essential gear for going on a trek even if you may be passing
through inhabited areas with the possibility of accommodation in
village homes or monasteries. In case of extended treks across
mountain passes or trans-mountain traverses, a water-proof tent will
have to be carried besides provisions and cooking gear, all backpacked
in a good quality ruchsack.
Additional requirements could include a Balclava, woolen
undergarments, wind Parkas, etc. Toiletries and first-aid kits should
include Lipsalve, moisturisers and suncream, water purifying tablets,
medicines for high altitude sickness, etc. A good quality water
canteen is must to carry the drinking water so essential during high
altitude trekking in arid conditions. Do not forget to carry a
flashlight with sufficient spare batteries, a sun-hat and a pair of
good quality sunglasses with sufficient filter-factor to check the
sun's brightness and ultraviolet rays.
Shopping For Trekking Equipments
The J&K Tourism Department maintains trekking equipment hire shops in
its Srinagar, Leh and Kargil Offices. Imported items like tow-man
tents, insulated ground sheets, sleeping bags, insulated jackets,
trekking shoes and rucksacks are available at these shops at
reasonable charges fixed by the Government. Some private
establishments and, trekking agencies in Leh also provide similar
trekking gear on hire.
