Ladakh
The Best Adventure Activities In Ladakh
A glimpse at the adventure activities in Ladakh that will leave you feeling light-headed and thrilled. From camping to river rafting to camel safaris, read on to know about all that you adventure seekers can do.
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES IN LADAKH
Adventure activities in Ladakh are some of the best in the country in terms of the opportunity to do it amidst the most scenic setting possible. Ladakh boasts of so many things at once – unparalleled views, stark landscapes, indomitable monasteries and one of the best road trip experiences. It goes without saying then that it also offers plenty to do for adventurous spirits. It would be a shame if one went to Ladakh and did not indulge in atleast a few of these.
Camping
One of the best experiences that Ladakh has to offer is a night under the stars. The milky way looms overhead almost magically and the inky black backdrop makes it one of the most photographable sights. Building a bonfire in one of the many camping spots in Ladakh is a must-do for sure.
trekking
Ladakh offers some great treks including the world-famous Chadar Trek during winter in Ladakh. The trek along the frozen Zanskar river is one of the most beautiful treks one can ever take. Usually held beween mid-January to the end of February, the feeling of walking on ice is surreal and one needs to be fit enough for the extreme conditions.
The Markha Valley trek is another famous trek that spans 9 days between May and September. One has to wade through the knee deep Markha river and cross the Gandala La and Kongmaru La passes to enjoy views of the Zanskar, Stok Kangri and other surrounding ranges.
The Stok Kangri trek is an advanced trek and involves 10-12 days of scaling the highest peak of the region. It involves trekking over frozen rivers and steep ridges. If you’re a seasoned trekker and think you have the mental and physical capabilities to take this on, you will be rewarded with the prettiest views possible as well as the exhilaration of completing one of the most challenging treks.
One of the most offbeat things to do in Ladakh is to go on a snow-leopard trek. Covering the valleys of Rumbak and Markha, one has the chance to spot snow leopards, blue sheep, red billed chuff and other birds and wildlife.
biking
Riding a bike on the tough terrain of Ladakh is as extreme as it gets. Out of all the adventure activities in Ladakh, this is the most sought after experience as it gives you the thrill of being in control of your adventure by navigating the tough conditions of the roads.
Quad biking
If you love being behind the wheel and navigating through tough terrain, quad biking is for you! The cold desert of Nubra Valley offers a great opportunity to criss cross through the undulating roads at one of the highest motorable paths in the world. The mesmerising beauty all around only makes it more thrilling. The best time to do this activity is in the summer, between April-Mid October.
camel safari
You can’t go to a desert and not ride a camel. But what makes the camel safari of Ladakh extra special is that you get to ride Bactrian Camels at Nubra Valley. At other places in Ladakh, the ordinary camels still provide quite a thrill as they take you over the moonland or scraggy mountains. There is also the added advantage of reaching areas where cars can’t take you and thereby, covering the remotest nooks and crannies of the desert. The ride sure will be ‘bumpy’, but definitely worth it!
rafting
When we think of the mountains, one of the most exciting activities that we think of is river rafting. Ladakh, with its mighty Indus and Zanskar rivers offers great opportunities for rafting. With rapids ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 4, there is something for people of all skill levels. Add to that the beautiful snow capped mountains, the monasteries perched atop hills, the breathtaking valleys and your adventure moves to the next level.
paragliding
Can you imagine the sheer joy of cruising through the air amidst the most surreal mountains and lush valleys? Sights of flowing rivers, imposing peaks and you floating through the air. If your reaction to the above is excitement and not shaky legs, then definitely go paragliding in Ladakh. The feeling of being airborne is itself too great a feeling to describe but to do it in Ladakh is even better!
Please note that all these activities could require a chunk of your time and it is important to factor it in while making your itinerary. We provide completely customized itineraries based on what YOU want to do on your trip and not just on the most popular options.
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Friends from SriLanka
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Clifford Chance, Delhi
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KPMG, Bangalore
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Symbiosis Law School, Mumbai
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Singapore
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Assistant Director, Jurong Town Corporation, Singapore
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Barclays Bank, Bangalore
