A Trekking Paradise - Ladakh

[Sara Hasan]

Trekking is not an easy fun-loving, adventurous activity. One needs to be physically as well as mentally fit to face the challenges of nature. One can only enjoy trekking if he/she has enough time, adequate knowledge and thirst for adventure. When people think about trekking in North India, first place they think about is Ladakh as the beauty of Ladakh is not hidden from the rest of the world.

Every-body knows that Ladakh is surrounded by the two great fascinating mountains, the Great Himalayas and Karakoram and these mountains does not need any introduction. Ladakh is not an old land as per geology. It becomes the prime destination of tourists from the month of April till October because of the heat in the rest of India. However, months from June to October, are considered best for trekking. One can feel like touching the sky or can even find self in the lap of the clouds.

Trekking is really a fun here and nobody likes to miss it on every visit. One can go for trekking for even more then 3-4 weeks and if anybody is short of time, trekking can be done even for a day as well. In a day, one can trek short snow-fill mountains and explore small villages as well. An example of the 13 - day Hemis-Markha-Padum trek is the best suited as it is considered to be amongst the most excited trek routes in the world. One can easily find tourist offices and get professional help like mapping of routes, staff, trekking gears etc. Trans mountain trek takes weeks as there is a lot to explore. One can enjoy trekking and camping because the several mountains covered with snow have got a lot of fascinating spots of interests. If one takes the route from Lamayuru, which is in Indus Valley, to Darcha, which is in Lahoul, will enjoy extensive trekking of nearly 3 weeks. In winters, access to the Zanskar River’s frozen surface, is mesmerizing. For such long treks, it is advised that one should have enough food, fuel, medicines etc along-with as you may not find any place to buy these. The people in villages will be helpless as they may not share a part of their stock with you as they store for worse times. Another important thing to be kept in mind is that no garbage is left behind at the scene of camping while you trek.

On your trek, one will be mesmerized by the beauty of loving animals like Yak, Urial, Nyan etc. one can even get a sight of the rare birds in the chilling cold mountains. On your trek, you will be enthralled by the rhythmic enchants by the Buddhist Monks at the ancient monasteries.

It is very important for trekkers to stay in touch with people on ground. We suggest that a trekker should have a good quality UV protected sunglasses, a hat, woolen undergarments, moisturizers, sun-screen creams, medicines and correct knowledge about them and water purifying tablets as you may not find these things easily while trekking. We also suggest that everything that you take along, should be on a waterproof backpack. You should also have insulated jackets, ground sheets, 2 pairs of good trekking shoes and a sleeping bag to get ready for the next day for a fresh start.

Sara has deep interest in writing informative articles on Travel and Tourism in India. Also given her words to a portal for India Tours where one can find info on India Tour Packages, Ladakh Trekking Tours and other destinations of India. Explore- http://www.india-tours.net