Ladakh, the “Land of High Passes,” transforms into a surreal winter wonderland when the temperatures drop and snow blankets its rugged terrain. For adventure enthusiasts, this high-altitude desert offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most breathtaking winter treks in Ladakh. From traversing frozen rivers to crossing snow-clad mountain passes, winter trekking in Ladakh is an experience like no other.

The stark beauty of Ladakh’s winter landscape is mesmerizing—snow-draped peaks, frozen lakes, and vast expanses of pristine white create a setting that feels almost otherworldly. These treks not only challenge your endurance but also immerse you in Ladakh’s unique culture. Along the way, you’ll encounter warm-hearted locals, ancient monasteries perched on cliffs, and quaint villages that seem untouched by time.

Whether you’re walking on the icy trail of the famous Chadar Trek or navigating through the serene valleys of Sham or Markha, each trek offers a distinct blend of adventure and tranquility. Winter treks in Ladakh are more than just physical journeys—they’re a chance to connect deeply with nature and yourself.

In this guide, we’ll uncover the top 10 winter treks in Ladakh, each promising unforgettable memories and awe-inspiring vistas. Prepare to lace up your boots and step into a frozen paradise!

1. Sham Valley Trek

The Sham Valley Trek, also known as the “Baby Trek,” is perfect for beginners and families. This easy trek takes you through charming villages, apricot orchards, and ancient monasteries. The trek offers a glimpse into the rural life of Ladakh and is an excellent introduction to trekking in the region.

Sham Valley is located about 50 to 70 km from Leh, depending on your starting point and the route you take. The valley is located on the way to the famous Indus Valley, with some stunning sights along the way. You will pass through several beautiful places, such as the village of Ridzong.

The trek is suitable for beginners and those short on time. It’s also great for acclimatization before undertaking longer treks in Ladakh. The route includes camping and homestays.

Duration: 4-6 days

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Highest Point: Likir La (3,600 meters / 11,811 feet)

Starting Point: Leh

End Point: Nimoo or Leh

What Makes It Special:

• Gentler Terrain: This trek is less strenuous compared to others, making it ideal for beginners who still want to experience Ladakh in its winter glory. Scenic views of the Indus River valley
• Cultural Significance: Visit some of Ladakh’s oldest monasteries like Likir, Hemis, and Alchi, and explore the unique Ladakhi culture. Exploring the remote Sham Valley villages
• Peaceful Escape: The calm, less-traveled paths allow for a peaceful and reflective journey through the valley.

Best Time to Visit: November to March

The best time for the Sham Valley Trek ordinarily is from April to October but for winter experience you can choose a window between November to March. The weather is mild during April to October months, making it suitable for trekkers of all ages and experience levels.

2. Markha Valley Trek

The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most popular treks in Ladakh, offering a mix of stunning landscapes and cultural experiences. The trail passes through picturesque villages, high-altitude pastures, and ancient monasteries. Trekkers can enjoy views of the Kang Yatse and Stok Kangri peaks.

The Markha Valley Trek in winter is challenging due to freezing temperatures, snow-covered trails, and limited facilities. It offers stunning, quiet landscapes and is one of the most popular winter treks in Ladakh, requiring strong preparation and fitness.

Duration: 8-12 days

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Highest Point: Stok La Pass at 4,880 meters (16,009 feet)

Starting Point: Leh

End Point: Nimoo or Leh

What Makes It Special:

• Picturesque Views: The valley is surrounded by towering peaks, and you’ll trek through forests of juniper and willows, all covered in snow.
• Cultural Exploration: The trek passes through traditional Ladakhi villages, where you can experience the local culture and visit monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey.
• Challenging Yet Rewarding: While the trek is challenging in winter due to the cold and icy paths, the beautiful scenery and sense of accomplishment are well worth the effort. Crossing high-altitude passes like Ganda La (4,800 meters)

Best Time to Visit: November to February

The ideal time for the Markha Valley Trek is from mid-June to mid-September. During this period, the weather is relatively mild, and the trails are accessible. This trek is suitable for trekkers of all levels, including beginners.

3. Stok Kangri Trek

Stok Kangri is the highest trekking peak in Ladakh, standing at 6,153 meters. This trek is challenging and requires a good level of fitness. The journey to the summit offers stunning views of the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges. The final ascent involves crossing glaciers and navigating steep slopes.

Duration: 8-10 days

Difficulty: Difficult (requires high-altitude experience)

Highest Point: Stok Kangri Summit at 6,153 meters (20,187 feet)

Starting Point: Leh

End Point: Stok Village

What Makes It Special:

• High Altitude Adventure: If you’re an experienced climber, this trek will test your physical endurance as you reach the summit of Stok Kangri.
• Stunning Views: The panoramic views from the summit of Stok Kangri are unparalleled, offering a 360-degree view of the Ladakh Range and surrounding peaks. Unique barren desert landscapes of Ladakh
• Winter Challenge: The trek in winter conditions is physically demanding, with the harsh cold and challenging terrain, but it’s an incredibly rewarding experience for seasoned trekkers. High-altitude experience with a glacier approach

Best Time to Attempt in Winters: Late December to February

The best time to attempt the Stok Kangri Trek is from June to September. During these months, the weather is favorable, and the chances of summit success are higher. Proper acclimatization is crucial for this high-altitude trek. The optimal time to tackle the peak is in the months following the monsoon season. For winters December to Feb is best time.

Key Considerations:

• The trek is physically demanding due to the high altitude and the steep ascent.
• Proper acclimatization is essential before attempting the summit.
• Climbers should be prepared for cold temperatures and potential altitude sickness.

The Stok Kangri Trek is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking an adventurous challenge in the majestic Himalayas.

Note: Stok Kangri has remained closed for trekking since 2020. There is still no official update on its reopening in 2025.

 

4. Nubra Valley Winter Trek

The Nubra Valley Trek offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. This trek takes you through the Hunder Sand Dunes, ancient monasteries, and lush green villages. The Nubra Valley is known for its unique landscapes, including the confluence of the Shyok and Nubra rivers.

Duration: 7-9 days

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (due to cold, snow, and high altitude)

Highest Point: Khardung La Pass (5,359 meters / 17,582 feet)

Starting Point: Leh

End Point: Nubra Valley (Diskit or Hunder)

What Makes It Special:

• Desert Meets Snow: The contrast of snow-covered dunes and high-altitude peaks makes this trek visually unique. Snow-covered valleys, frozen rivers, and serene, peaceful surroundings.
• Remote Villages: You’ll pass through villages like Tegar, Sumur, and Panamik, where the hospitality of locals will warm you amidst the winter cold.
• Buddhist Monasteries: The trek offers visits to ancient monasteries such as Diskit and Hemis, providing insight into Ladakh’s rich spiritual heritage.

Key Considerations:

• The winter conditions can be harsh with temperatures plunging below -20°C, so proper clothing and gear are essential.
• Acclimatization to the high altitude is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
• Limited facilities and infrastructure in winter, so preparation and a local guide are recommended.

The Nubra Valley Winter Trek is ideal for trekkers looking for a serene, remote, and adventurous winter trek experience in Ladakh.

Best Time to Visit: December to February

The best time to trek in Nubra Valley is from June to September but if you want to do this in winter then December to February is the best window. This period offers pleasant weather and clear skies, making it ideal for trekking and sightseeing.

The Chadar Trek is one of the most unique treks in Ladakh, taking you across the frozen Zanskar River. This winter trek is famous for its challenging conditions and breathtaking scenery. Trekkers walk on a sheet of ice, or “chadar,” experiencing temperatures that can drop to -30°C. This trek is perfect for those looking for an extreme adventure.

Duration: 9-12 days

Difficulty: Challenging (due to extreme cold and rough terrain)

Highest Point: Shingra Koma (3,300 meters / 10,827 feet)

Starting Point: Leh

End Point: Zanskar Valley (Purne or Padum)

What Makes It Special:

• Unique Landscape: Walk on the thick ice sheet of the river, which becomes a natural “Chadar” (blanket) in winter. Trekking on the frozen river, with its dramatic frozen waterfalls and ice caves, is an otherworldly experience.
• Cultural Experience: Along the trek, you’ll visit remote Zanskari villages, where you’ll get to know the local way of life and their traditions. Visit isolated villages like Tibb, Nerak, and Purne, which are cut off from the rest of the world during winter.
• Challenging Terrain: The trek is physically demanding, with freezing temperatures and tricky terrain, making it ideal for experienced trekkers.
• Monasteries: Visit remote Buddhist monasteries, such as Zangla Monastery, along the route.

Key Considerations:

• Cold weather: Temperatures can drop as low as -25°C (-13°F), so proper gear (thermal clothing, sleeping bags, etc.) is essential.
• Physical fitness: The trek involves walking on icy terrain and in extreme conditions, so a good level of fitness is necessary.
• Altitude: The trek reaches altitudes of 3,000 meters (9,843 feet), so acclimatization is crucial.

The Chadar Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion in one of the most remote parts of Ladakh.

Best Time to Visit: Mid-January to February (Peak Winter)

The best time to undertake the Chadar Trek is between January and February when the river is completely frozen. It’s essential to be well-prepared for the cold and to acclimatize properly before starting the trek.

6. Lamayuru to Alchi Trek

The Lamayuru to Alchi Trek is a cultural trek that connects two of Ladakh’s oldest and most famous monasteries. The trek takes you through remote villages, high mountain passes, and lush green valleys. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of Ladakh.

Duration: 5-7 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Highest Point: Ponyala Pass (3,500 meters / 11,480 feet)

Starting Point: Lamayuru Monastery

End Point: Alchi Monastery

What Makes It Special:

• Monasteries: Visit Lamayuru, one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Ladakh, as well as the Alchi Monastery (UNESCO-listed site), renowned for its unique architecture.
• Snow-Capped Peaks: The trek passes through valleys and plateaus with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and frozen rivers.
• Ponyala Pass: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
• Cultural Richness: The trek allows you to interact with the locals and experience their unique way of life in winter. Pass through traditional Ladakhi villages like Wanla, Phenji, and Honkong, offering a glimpse into the local way of life.

Key Considerations:

• Moderate difficulty: The trek is relatively easy to moderate, with some steep ascents and descents.
• Altitude: While not as high as some other treks in Ladakh, altitude sickness can still be a concern, so acclimatization is essential.

The Lamayuru to Alchi Trek is perfect for trekkers looking for a combination of scenic beauty, cultural exploration, and moderate difficulty in the stunning landscapes of Ladakh.

Best Time to Visit: December to February

The ideal time for this trek is from June to September. The weather during this period is favorable for trekking, and the trails are accessible.

 

7. Zanskar Trek

The Zanskar Trek is one of the most remote and challenging treks in Ladakh. It takes you through the heart of the Zanskar region, known for its rugged landscapes and isolated villages. The trek involves crossing several high passes and offers spectacular views of the Himalayas.

Duration: 10-15 days (depending on the route)

Difficulty: Challenging (due to altitude, terrain, and remoteness)

Highest Point: Shingo La Pass (5,090 meters / 16,700 feet)

Starting Point: Leh

End Point: Padum (Zanskar Valley)

What Makes It Special:

• Unexplored Terrain: Zanskar is one of the least-visited regions in Ladakh, making this trek a true off-the-beaten-path adventure. Visit villages like Zangla, Rangdum, and Purne, which offer a glimpse into traditional Ladakhi and Zanskari culture.
• Frozen Waterfalls and Ice Caves: Along the trek, you’ll encounter stunning frozen waterfalls and ice caves, making it feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
• Cultural Encounters: Visit isolated monasteries and villages, where the locals live in harsh winter conditions, offering a unique cultural experience. Visit isolated Buddhist monasteries like Karsha Monastery and Sani Monastery along the route.

Key Considerations:

• Altitude: The trek involves high-altitude trekking, so acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
• Physical endurance: It is a challenging trek, requiring a good level of fitness, as it involves long days of walking on rugged terrain.
• Remote area: The trek takes you through a very isolated region, so proper preparation and a local guide are essential.
• Camping: The trek is primarily camping-based, as the area lacks infrastructure, and trekkers need to be self-sufficient.

Best Time to Visit: December to February

The best time for the Zanskar Trek is from July to September. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, and the high passes are free of snow.

 

8. Rupshu Valley Trek

The Rupshu Valley Trek is a high-altitude trek that takes you through the remote and sparsely populated region of Rupshu. The trek offers stunning views of the Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes, as well as the chance to see wildlife such as the Tibetan wild ass and the Himalayan blue sheep.

The Rupshu Valley Trek in winter is possible but challenging due to extreme cold, snow, and limited facilities. It offers a serene landscape and is a popular winter trek in Ladakh, requiring strong preparation and experience.

Duration: 9-12 days

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Highest Point: Parang La Pass (5,480 meters / 17,976 feet)

Starting Point: Chumathang (or Leh)

End Point: Spiti Valley (or Tso Moriri)

What Makes It Special:

• Remote Beauty: The Rupshu Valley offers an untouched landscape, where trekkers can enjoy solitude and an intimate connection with nature. The trek takes you across this vast, barren Rupshu Plateau, home to nomadic Changpa herders and their yaks and sheep.
• Parang La Pass: A high-altitude pass offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
• High-Altitude Desert: With the cold, snowy weather, the valley looks like a true winter wonderland, with frozen rivers and snow-covered meadows.
• Unique Wildlife: The region is home to unique wildlife like snow leopards, wild asses (Kiangs), and various bird species.

Key Considerations:

• Altitude: The trek involves high-altitude terrain, so acclimatization is necessary to avoid altitude sickness.
• Remote region: The trek takes you through an isolated area with limited facilities, so preparation is key.
• Physical challenge: The trek involves long days, high passes, and rough terrain, requiring good physical fitness and mental resilience.

Best Time to Visit: December to February

The best time to trek in the Rupshu Valley is from June to September. The weather is favorable during these months, and the region’s unique landscapes are at their most beautiful.

 

9. Phyang to Hunder Trek

The Phyang to Hunder Trek is a relatively new trek that offers a unique experience of crossing the Lasermo La Pass at 5,400 meters. The trek provides panoramic views of the Karakoram range and takes you through diverse landscapes, from high-altitude deserts to green valleys.

Duration: 5-7 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Highest Point: Phyang La Pass (4,200 meters / 13,780 feet)

Starting Point: Phyang Monastery

End Point: Hunder, Nubra Valley

What Makes It Special:

• Monasteries and Villages: The trek offers a mix of cultural exploration with visits to monasteries like Phyang and Spituk, as well as interactions with locals in isolated villages.
• Sand Dunes and Camels: The trek ends at Hunder, where the snow-covered sand dunes create a surreal landscape, often with the famous two-humped Bactrian camels roaming. As you move through the region, you’ll pass through the stark contrast of arid terrain, green riverbanks, and local villages.
• Less Crowded: This route is less frequented by tourists, allowing for a more serene and immersive experience.

Key Considerations:

• Altitude: While not as high as some other treks in Ladakh, proper acclimatization is still recommended to avoid altitude sickness.
• Moderate Difficulty: The trek involves long days, some steep ascents and descents, and walking through diverse terrains, but is manageable for trekkers with a good level of fitness.
• Remote Region: The trek takes you through fairly remote villages, so proper planning, a guide, and adequate supplies are necessary.

Best Time to Visit: December to February

The best time to undertake this trek is from June to September. The weather is conducive for trekking, and the trails are in good condition.

 

10. Tsomoriri Lake Trek

The Tsomoriri Lake Trek takes you to one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in Ladakh. The trek offers stunning views of the lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The route passes through remote villages and high-altitude pastures, providing a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle of the region.

• Duration: 9-12 days
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Highest Point: Parang La Pass (5,480 meters / 17,976 feet)
• Starting Point: Chumathang or Korzok Village
• End Point: Tso Moriri Lake (and optionally, continue towards Spiti Valley or Leh)

What Makes It Special:

• Unique Landscape: Trekking on the frozen river, with its dramatic frozen waterfalls and ice caves, is an otherworldly experience.
• Cultural Experience: The trek passes through Changpa nomadic villages, giving trekkers a chance to observe the unique culture of these semi-nomadic herders who live in the region.
• Challenging Terrain: The trek is physically demanding, with freezing temperatures and tricky terrain, making it ideal for experienced trekkers.

Best Time to Visit: Mid-January to February (Peak Winter)

The ideal time for the Tsomoriri Lake Trek is from June to September. The weather is pleasant during these months, making the trek more enjoyable.

Why Choose Winter Treks in Ladakh?

Winter in Ladakh is like nothing you’ll experience anywhere else. The harsh cold and snow-covered landscapes create a surreal atmosphere that adds to the thrill of trekking. Here’s why you should consider a winter trek in Ladakh:

• Avoid Crowds: The winter season sees far fewer tourists, giving you the chance to experience the region in a peaceful, uncrowded way.
• Stunning Views: Snow-covered mountains, frozen rivers, and pristine landscapes offer views that you won’t find in the summer months.
• Unique Cultural Experience: Winter treks give you the opportunity to visit remote villages and monasteries in their most peaceful, untouched state.

Preparation and Essentials for Winter Treks in Ladakh

Embarking on a winter trek in Ladakh requires careful preparation to ensure safety and enjoyment. Here are the key essentials to focus on:

Physical Fitness and Acclimatization

• Train beforehand: Engage in cardio and strength exercises to build endurance.
• Acclimatize: Spend at least 2–3 days in Leh to adjust to high altitudes.

Layered Clothing

• Base layer: Moisture-wicking thermals.
• Middle layer: Insulating fleece or wool.
• Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof down jacket.

Essential Gear

• Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots with good grip.
• Backpack: Sturdy 40–50L backpack.
• Sleeping bag: Rated for sub-zero temperatures.

Accessories

• Gloves: Layered for warmth.
• Headgear: Thermal cap and balaclava.
• Sunglasses: UV-protected.

Nutrition and Hydration

• High-calorie snacks: Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

Safety Equipment

• Trekking poles: For stability.
• Microspikes or crampons: For traction on ice.
• First-aid kit: Include altitude sickness medication and essentials.

By focusing on these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for the adventure of a lifetime in Ladakh’s breathtaking winter landscapes! Also check on Ladakh administration website for any announcement to remain updated on any latest news.

Final Thoughts on Winter Treks in Ladakh

Ladakh’s winter treks offer some of the most incredible outdoor experiences in the world. Whether you’re challenging yourself on the Chadar Trek or seeking solitude by the Tsomoriri Lake, these treks will leave you with unforgettable memories. Before embarking on any of these treks, make sure you’re prepared for the extreme cold and high altitudes.

If you’re ready to experience Ladakh like never before, lace up your boots, pack your gear, and set off on a winter adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Last Updated on March 3, 2025 by Rohan