COUNTRIES VISITED: India
TRIP CODE: LST
DURATION: 23 Days
TRIP TYPE: Trekking
TRIP LEADER: International Leader
TRIP GRADE: Strenuous
GROUP SIZE: 5 - 14 people
TRIP STYLE: Camping
NEXT DEPARTURE: 08 Aug 2026
REVIEWS: 5 Stars Based On 12 Reviews
TREES PLANTED: 8 Trees Planted for each Booking
Ladakh Sky Trail GHT is a unique camping trek designed by us to explore a remote Himalayan region of northern India. While trekking for three weeks you will travel through Ladakh, Zanskar, and on the Rupshu plateau.
In January 2024, we launched a new and improved itinerary for our Ladakh Sky Trail GHT trek. The changes mean you will spend less time walking along jeep tracks with vehicle traffic. In fact, at the start of the trek (ie Day 5) we use the road to our advantage by driving over Singge La (5,120m) to Yulching village. It is early days on the trek, and we are not yet sufficiently acclimatised to walk over a 5,000m pass. Our new itinerary is very scenic and crosses more high passes in total compared to our old itinerary. Furthermore, the new trail is less risky for the pack animals compared to the previous route which followed a very narrow gorge.
On this remote trek, we cross seven mountain passes over 4,500m. These passes link landscapes described as a geological wonderland. Stunning white-washed monasteries and Buddhist villages mark our route. We hike on ancient footpaths from the Lamayuru monastery into the Zanskar valley. We follow the trail to Tsokar Lake where the people of Zanskar traded yak products and barley for salt. You will end your Ladakh trek at Tsokar Lake (4,520m), which is a salt lake located on the Rupshu plateau. Near the lake, you will see nomads and observe their traditional lifestyle. This area is an important wildlife sanctuary harboring snow leopards and wild asses. There are various species of birds such as the black-necked crane.
Our Ladakh Sky Trail GHT is one of the best treks in Ladakh exploring remote parts of the Indian Himalayas. This is a camping-style trekking expedition where you sleep in tents and our cooks provide the meals. For a shorter itinerary in Ladakh take a look at the Markha Valley trek and the Nubra and Shyok Valley trek.
On a clear day this is a spectacular 75 minute flight from Delhi with views of Himalayan peaks. We will meet you on arrival at Leh airport and drive you back to the hotel. The rest of the day we recommend you relax and keep hydrated to help your adaptation to the high altitude of Leh. Once everyone has arrived Almas will give a detailed briefing on the trek. In the evening we will organise a meal to meet the rest of the group.
Leh is the ancient capital of Ladakh. It has hilltop forts and palaces to visit including the Royal Palace above the town. The town is on the old Silk Route and still has a trading tradition. It is well worth wandering around the colourful bazaar and exploring the centre of town.
During today's sightseeing tour we visit Shey palace and Thiksey Monastery. Thiksey is a beautiful monastery and is sometimes called the mini Potala. It contains stupas, statues, thankas, and wall paintings. There is also a large pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings. The sightseeing is by private cars as Shey and Thiksey are about 10 kms out of Leh. We leave the afternoon free to do what you like. You might like to do last minute shopping for the trek and spend time exploring Leh.
After breakfast, we go on a hike from the hotel up to the Leh Royal Palace overlooking the town. This walk is important to do as will help acclimatisation to the high altitude before the trek starts. From the Palace, there are good views of Leh and the mountains behind. We leave the afternoon free to do what you like. You might like to do last-minute shopping for the trek, packing your gear, and spend more time exploring Leh.
After breakfast, we drive to Lamayuru and on the way visit Alchi monastery. This is the oldest monastery in Ladakh and is situated on the bank of the Indus River about 70 km from Leh. After Alchi, we drive for a further 55 km to Lamayuru Monastery (3,510m). After lunch, we walk over Prinkiti La (3,700m) and descend to Wanla village (3,150m).
After breakfast, we drive to Yulching Village via Singge La (5,120m). We opt to drive this section as there is a jeep track so can be dusty if vehicles pass by when walking. Furthermore, it is early days on the trek, and yet not sufficiently acclimatised to walk over a 5,000m pass. We continue the drive again over Chuchokhuri La (3,970m). After crossing the pass we drive down to the Zanskar River and onto the Nerak village. We have time in the afternoon to explore the village.
After leaving Nerak, we have a steady climb to reach the top of Laban La (3,980m) and we camp on the ridge nearby. In the afternoon, you can go for a walk around camp and enjoy the views.
From camp, we continue our ascent towards the Tarti La (4,950m). From the top of the pass, there is a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and landscape. We follow a trail descending to a river and after crossing it we walk downstream to our camp at Panatsey (3,730m).
After breakfast, we continue walking along the river. Later on, we cross several rivers on foot so pack your sandals in your day pack. After the rivers, we continue on a gentle gradient along the valley up to the campsite.
After leaving Tsogo, we follow a trail with a gentle climb towards a small pass. After crossing the pass we continue walking up the valley towards Namtse La (4,400m ). After crossing the pass, we descend until reaching Honara. We continue to descend until reaching the jeep track where we walk on it for only 1 km and in practice there is very little, if any, traffic. We camp in the meadows near the Zanskar River.
Today is a well-earned rest day for the group in Zangla. At 3,430m, it is the lowest camp on the itinerary so is a good place to rest and recharge.
We will explore the area and do some sightseeing by vehicle. We will first visit the superb monastery of Karsha. This is a magnificent building that is culturally very important. In the afternoon we can visit the Nunnery monastery and the royal palace of Zangla. Our crew will go to Padum to get resupplies for the rest of the trek.
From Zangla village we start walking through the most remote section of the trek. The trail is in a beautiful gorge until we get to Daat. This area does not see many trekkers and according to locals, there are less than four groups per year. We are now walking along the old salt route. The people of Zanskar used to take yak products and barley over to Tshokar Lake in exchange for salt.
It is a steady ascent up the Zangla River to our camp at Zangla Sumdo (3,850m). We have several river crossings on the walk to Zangla Sumdo. Please make sure you have your sandals and walking poles in your day pack. The river crossings are likely to have water up to knee high given normal weather conditions. If the water level is low it can be an easy half day to reach the camp but if the water level is high it can take up to 7 hours. The walk is in a beautiful gorge and the trail is not too challenging.
From camp, we follow a valley on the left side and start our ascent towards Niri La (5,150m). It takes about 3 hours to the top of the pass. We descend on a good trail for 1 1/2 hours until reaching Niri Doksa (4,400m). This is the summer pasture for Shade Village.
From camp, we walk along the left bank of the river. Afterward, we start the gentle approach to Lar La (4,850m) taking about 2 hours to reach the top of the pass. We descend on a good trail for about 2 hours until we reach Ningri Doksa (4,370m). Like Niri Doksa, this is the summer pasture for Shade Village.
From camp, we start the ascent up to the Rothang La (5,000m). After crossing the pass, we descend and continue walking on a good trail to Shade Village (4,290m). Along the way, we pass shepherd looking after their animals of yaks, cows, sheep, and goats. After getting to camp it is worth exploring the village
We walk alongside the Niri Chu until reaching its confluence with the Tsarap Chu. From there we head south and walk to Yatak (4,000m).
From camp, we continue following the Tsarap Chu until reaching the Phugtal monastery. This is a dramatic building clinging to the cliff. Temples and monastic residences date from the 10th Century. After visiting the monastery, we continue walking to Purne village (3,850m). This place overlooks the confluence of the Tsarap Chu with the Lung Nag Chu, a tributary of the Zanskar.
Today we walk to Tabla village (4,100m). In the afternoon we can explore this traditional Zanskari village. It is surrounded by fields growing barley and black cumin.
From Tabla, we enter a narrow gorge before a steep ascent to a ridge. From here there are good views of Kargyak river and its plains dotted with grazing yaks. We cross the Phirtse River before getting to camp at the base of Phirtse La (4,750m).
This is a tough day and probably the most demanding of the whole trek. We start early in the morning by crossing a small river and then ascend to Phirtse La (5,490m). The view is superb as we can see snow-covered mountains and the high peaks of Zanskar. We descend on a trail on a glacier covered with tricks and boulders to the plains at Chumik Marpo (4,750m).
We walk through a large river plain with many yak grazing on the grass. We cross by foot a river called, Khala Meera, and a few other streams. At Lingti (4,750m) and nearby we are likely to meet the Changpa who live in a nomadic camp.
Today we have an easier walk along the plains to Sarchu (4,200m) where we end the trek. We meet our vehicles for the drive over Taglung La (5,300m) to Rumtse (4,240m). It is a lovely place for the last night of the trip sleeping in a tent.
On our drive back to Leh we visit the important monastery at Hemis.
Transfer to Leh airport for you fight to Delhi.
We provide an early bird discount for the first people paying their deposits to make up our minimum group size
| Dates | Trip Leader | Price | Single Supplement: Room/Tent | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08 Aug 2026 to 30 Aug 2026 | International Leader | US$4,845pp US$4,695pp | Room: US$325pp Tent: US$450pp | 5 Left to Guarantee Early Bird Discount |
Hotel Lotus is above the main town of Leh and in a grove of evergreen trees. The hotel has seventeen rooms, restaurant and lobby.
We use A frame tents in Ladakh. These sturdy tents work well with the conditions experienced in Indian Himalaya. They are waterproof plus have ample headroom inside.
We provide a comfortable experience on our camping style treks in Ladakh. Our team works hard to support you so that you can relax and enjoy the trek. We provide personal tents, mess tent, kitchen tent and toilet tent(s). The camp will be set up and dismantled by the trek crew. We bring along a cook and kitchen helpers to provide the meals.
The day starts with an early morning mug of tea brought to your tent by one of the trek crew. Before heading for breakfast you pack your overnight gear into your duffel bag. During breakfast the trek crew pack away the tents. The pony men arrange their loads and the horses and ponies set off on the trail in the cool of the morning. After breakfast, between 7am and 8am, we start walking.
The pace of the trek is moderate as there is plenty of time in the itinerary to reach the camp for tonight. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos and explore the local villages. Lunch will be around midday at a spot by the side of the trail. Our cooks prepare lunch for us and the food is usually ready by the time the group arrives.
After lunch we continue the walk and on most days we arrive to camp by mid afternoon. Some of the trek crew would have gone ahead of the group to set up camp and to put up the tents. On arrival to camp you will get a hot drink and biscuits. In the evening our cook will provide a three course meal in the mess tent around 6pm.
After supper the leaders will discuss the plan for the next day. Afterwards people might stay in the mess tent chatting about the day’s events or playing cards. After a tiring day most people head to their tent quite early for the night. Tomorrow is likely to be very similar as today! The only difference is that if we are crossing a high pass or climbing to a summit we leave camp earlier in the morning.
While on a camping style trek in Ladakh we provide tasty and nutritional food. We make sure there is more than enough quantity to go around as trekkers will be hungry after a long day on the trail. Over the years we have worked on increasing the variety of the menus. We have expanded the list of ingredients provided to the cooks so they have more to work with.
For breakfast we provide porridge or cereal, toast or chapatis and eggs. There will be hot drinks including tea, herbal teas, hot chocolate and coffee. We also provide fresh coffee from our Bialetti Moka coffee machine.
For lunch we stop at a convenient spot with water at the side of the trail. The cook and kitchen walk ahead of the group in the morning and lunch should be ready shortly after our arrival. After lunch we have time to relax before starting to walk again in the afternoon.
On arrival at camp in the afternoon you have biscuits and a hot drink such as tea or coffee. Around 6pm we serve a three course meal in the mess tent. The starter is often soup with popcorn or poppadoms. We have a range of main dishes and carbohydrates including rice, potatoes or pasta.
We cater for a variety of dietary requirements. Our meals are suitable for vegetarians. If there is a meat dish then we also provide vegetarian options as standard. During booking we find out if you have any dietary needs and agree upon meal plans before departure. If you have any questions about the food provided please get in touch with us to discuss further.
This is the mandatory kit list for the safety of everyone in the group and to ensure a successful trek. You must have the following items tailored for the Ladakh Sky Trail GHT trek. The group leader will check your gear in Leh before departure for the trek.
As a reminder, the weather on this trek will vary from season to season and day to day as you ascend to higher elevations. At the start of the trek, you experience hot conditions with temperatures up to 25 or 30 Celsius. August is the peak of summer in the Ladakh region. Using sun protection and wearing light clothing is essential.
The weather will start to cool off in the later stages of the Ladakh Sky Trail GHT trek as we progress into September. During Autumn the nights are colder and the daytime temperatures go to only 15 Celsius. You will experience the coldest temperatures at Phirtse La Base at an altitude of 4,750m. The overnight lows go down to around -10 Celsius.
You should bring a rucsac or backpack for the gear required during the day. Your pack should contain items such as warm clothes, a jacket, a camera, water bottles, a personal first aid kit and snacks. A pony will carry the rest of your personal equipment packed in a duffel or kit bag. The weight limit for your duffel bag is 15kg. Please mark your bag on the outside for easy identification.
Print the kit list and tick items off as you pack them then weigh your kit bag before you come on trek.
Footwear
Clothing
Head and Gloves
Personal equipment
Travelling
Personal first aid kit
We provide a comprehensive group first aid kit. Please bring personal medications and other items you might use such as:
You should be aware trekking in a developing country involves a risk of personal injury or death. You must accept these risks and be responsible for your own actions and involvement. Adventure travel requires an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions and unpredictable weather. There could be last-minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. The ability to work in a team is an important aspect of our trips.
We have performed a threat and risk assessment for our Ladakh Sky Trail GHT trek. Our trips have a degree of risk. This is part of the attraction of adventure travel and why so many people choose to join this type of holiday. By identifying the hazards we assess the level of risk. We have control measures in place to reduce this happening or to reduce the impact.
Our risk assessment is available to clients on request. We have listed below a summary of the significant risks and hazards identified by us:
This trip visits a remote area. You are away from the usual emergency services and medical facilities. Evacuation for a serious injury requiring hospitalisation could take up to several days. This delay could impede your ensuing recovery. Helicopters are not available for evacuation.
August is the peak of summer for the Ladakh region. You should expect the days to be hot for the first two weeks of this trek often up to 30 Celsius. The weather will start to cool off in the later stages of Ladakh Sky Trail GHT trek as we progress into September. During Autumn the nights are colder and day time temperatures decrease to 15 Celsius. You will experience the coldest temperatures on the evening of Day 23 in Gyama Burma camp at an altitude of 5,030m. The overnight lows go down to around -10 Celsius.
The weather will start to cool off in the later stages of Ladakh Sky Trail GHT trek as we progress into September. During Autumn the nights are colder and the day time temperatures go to only 15 Celsius. You will experience the coldest temperatures in Gyama Yagmo camp at an altitude of 5,190m. The overnight lows go down to around -10 Celsius.
We have selected the best time of year to increase your chances of a successful trek. The reason for starting later in the Summer is to allow for snow melt to decrease the snow in the mountains. The advantage of trekking into September is that the river levels will be lower. This is key for the section through the gorge with many river crossings on Days 14 to 16.
