The Best Season for Trekking : From early June to
mid-October.
Location for Trekking :
Lamayuru to Padum
traverse, Stok-Khangri round trek, Zanskar ranges, Ladakh range between the
Indus and Shayok valleys
Required
Equipment : Tow-man tents, insulated ground sheets, sleeping bags,
insulated jackets, trekking shoes and rucksacks
The Trekking Season
Traditional the trekking seasons extends from early June to mid-October.
But localised treks within the Indus Valley can be arranged even in the
month of May. Some of the routes are suitable only for late autumn, as
during the summer, the bed of narrow valleys through which the tracks ly
become swirling streams, for example - 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", is perhaps
the most exciting trek in the world.
Depending on the time and budget you can afford, you can ask the Tourist
Offices at Leh, Kargil or Padum to organise a trekking program for you.
The
easiest and trouble-free way to go on a trekking is through a travel
organisation, which will take care of all requirements including camping
gear, provisions, porterage, staff, etc. But, if one determined to make
one's own arrangements, it is recommended to carry as much provisions and
fuel from Leh or Kargil as possible. Don't forget, that Ladakh is a harsh
and difficult land where most villagers can't part with their reserved food.
In some villages along the trek, fresh yoghurt and some Tsampa can be
purchased, but one can't rely on these supplies. Cooking fuels like -
Kerosene or gas for cooking stoves must be carried in sufficient quantity to
last the duration of the trek as fuel is scarcely available along most of
the routes.
Trekking In Ladakh
Trekking in Ladakh is truly a rewarding experience, you must be physically
fit to
Trekking In Ladakh.
There are considerable variation 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
extra clothing.
It is, therefore, recommended to keep a pullover and an anorak handy. A
sturdy pair of trekking shoes with strong rubber or synthetic soles for firm
grip, thick cotton socks (woollen for autumn trek or glacier walks) and a
good sleeping bag accompanied with an insulated ground pad are necessary
gear for going on a trek.
Even if you are going to pass through the inhabited areas
with the possibility of accommodation in the village homes or monasteries,
you are advised to carry all the prerequisites required for the trekking. In
case of stretched out treks across mountain passes or trans-mountain
traverses, a water-proof tent should be carried besides other provisions and
cooking facilities.
Some other additional requirements could include a Balclava, woolen
undergarments, wind Parkas, etc. for a comfortable stay at Ladakh. Other
requirements include - toiletries and first-aid kits with Lipsalve,
moisturisers and suncream, water purifying tablets, medicines for high
altitude sickness, etc. A good quality water container to carry the drinking
water is essential during high altitude trekking in arid conditions. Also
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.
The Required Trekking Equipments
The J&K Tourism Department arranges trekking equipment, which you can
hire from the state tourism shops in its Srinagar, Leh and Kargil Offices.
Items like tow-man tents, insulated ground sheets, sleeping bags, insulated
jackets, trekking shoes and rucksacks are made available at these shops at
reasonable prices fixed by the Government. Some private organisations and
trekking agencies in Leh also provide similar trekking gear on hire.
Keeping The Environment Clean
The Ladakh environment is ecologically delicate. The survival of the
natives wholly depends upon the land, despite its obvious barrenness. As
such, it is justly crucial that visitors & trekkers keep the routes and
campsites clean and stay away from disturbing the region's ethereal
environment. Before starting camp, trekkers and travel agents should make
certain that no garbage or filth is left carelessly at the campsites.
Plastic containers and polythene wrappers must be flamed, while other types
of garbage should be properly buried.
