Ladakh is a true haven for the adventurous minded! While a ride to this mesmerizing valley is one of the prime attractions of a trip to Ladakh, there are many adventure scopes waiting once you reach this cold desert! Ladakh presents a world of opportunities for the adrenaline junkies – from hiking up those rugged terrains, to rafting on those wild waters adventure scopes present themselves in every corner of Ladakh. So, if you want to plan a trip to Ladakh that is high on the adventure quotient, then here are some activities you would love.
How to Reach?
The best way to explore the ragged terrains and beautiful scenery of Ladakh is to take on a road trip. Ideally, road trips from Manali serve the purpose ideally.
HIRE CABS TO LEH
The Chadar Trek
Hiking in the craggy terrains of Ladakh is every adventure lovers fantasy. The beauty of the place inspires you to explore more and leaves you with a rush you wouldn’t have experienced ever before. Escape into the solitude, tete-a-tete with the raw nature around. The ‘Chadar trek’ on the frozen Zanskar river is considered to be the most daring trek in the valley. During winters the Zanskar river freezes, putting on a thick blanket of ice, which seduces the trekkers to continue their odysseys over her. Along the trek you would pass through quaint little villages and mesmerizing natural beauty, all around.
- Trekking Distance: 75 KM
- Difficulty Levels: High
- Other Treks: Lamayuru to Alchi, Lamayuru to Darcha and Stok Kangri Trek.
Mountain Biking down the highest motorable road
Riding on your bicycle, through the rising and falling roads of Ladakh, would give you rush of adrenaline for sure! This ride is definitely not for those on the look out for a pleasant countryside ride over even terrains. The most popular route for mountain biking is to the Khardungla Pass (at 5606m), which is the highest motorable road in the world. Your route will take you through rocky terrains, serene villages, to high altitude mountain passes amidst freezing temperatures. You might also get a chance to race with the Kyangs (Wild Ass) or bike along the beautiful shores of the Zanskar or Indus River and halt at ancient Buddhist monasteries.
- Difficulty Levels: Challenging
- Other Popular Routes: Ride to Stok-Stakna-Thicksey Monasteries, Biking along Pangong Lake, Leh to Hemis, Leh to Alchi, Trip to Nubra Valley
White Water Rafting in Zanskar River
Zanskar is the ultimate summer paradise for every adventure enthusiast. With the wild waters splashing over your face toppled with high acceleration on the raft, the valley looks like a different place altogether from this point. Rafting in Zanskar is one of the must do activities when in Ladakh. The stretch of rafting is over 155 KM long which extends from Remala to the confluence of the river with Indus, near Nimmoo. After you’re done with it, you could also set up a camp on the banks of the rafting site and slumber away under the star-lit sky.
- Cost: Rs. 1000-2000 (for each person)
- Class: Grade 3 and 4
- Popular Routes: Phey to Nimo, Upshi to Kharu, Phey to Saspol, Kharu to Spituk
Bactrian Camel Safari at Nubra Valley
For many centuries camels have served as a major transportation mode in Ladakh. And Nubra Valley especially is known for its double humped Bactrian camels. You can ride on the back of these elusive animals by visiting the town of Hunder (which is the home for such camels). Along the trip you can experience the diversity of Ladakh’s landscapes – from the apricot, apple and orange orchards to the sand dunes and snow-capped peaks nearby.
- Cost: Rs 150-200 (for each person)
- Popular Route: Hunder to Diskit
- Duration: 15-20 minutes.
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