Peaks of Ladakh Trek
Experience Overview
Journey among towering peaks to discover Tibetan culture and fantastic trekking routes, many off the beaten track. Ladakh is also the best place to conquer your first 6,000m (19,685ft) Himalayan peak – and if one summit isn’t enough, try two peaks and seven passes! After acclimatisation time in Leh, we begin trekking from Mankarmo. The trail ascends spectacular gorges and crosses mountain passes to reach a high-altitude plain at Nimaling. This is inhabited by Ladakhi shepherds and their huge flocks. Vatseri Peak is a good warm up before summiting our highest peak, Dzo Jongo East, which offers breath-taking views over the Karakorum and Indian Himalaya. This optional climb is tough but technically easy and a much quieter summit than Stok Kangri. We trek out to the roadhead via a remote pass and beautiful valley with fantastic rock formations.
The 9 August 2025 departure is led by Valerie Parkinson, winner of Best Tour Leader in the prestigious Wanderlust World Guide Awards in 2021.
Profile
— Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels), 9 Simple nights (full-service camping) — 10 days of point-to-point walking — Altitude maximum: 20,305ft (6,189m); average: 14,765ft (4,500m) — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and staff. Minimum age: 18 — Golden Triangle extension available — 9 August 2025 departure led by Valerie Parkinson winner of Wanderlust World Guide Awards 2021
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels), 9 Simple nights (full-service camping) — 10 days of point-to-point walking — Altitude maximum: 20,305ft (6,189m); average: 14,765ft (4,500m) — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and staff. Minimum age: 18 — Golden Triangle extension available — 9 August 2025 departure led by Valerie Parkinson winner of Wanderlust World Guide Awards 2021
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 7 (Tough). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This is a demanding full-service wild camping trek involving 10 days of point-to-point walking at high altitudes. The maximum altitude on the trek is 17,455ft (5,320m), average 14,765ft (4,500m). The optional peaks are Vatseri (18,505ft/5,640m) and Dzo Jongo (20,305ft/6,189m). Most days involve five to eight hours of walking, although there are a few longer days. There are five passes over 16,075ft (4,900m). The two peaks are entirely optional – there are alternative treks offered to those not wishing to climb them. Vatseri Peak is a straightforward, easy-angled walk up a slope requiring no technical skills. The highest peak is Dzo Jongo East (20,305ft/6,189m) and anyone wishing to make the ascent should have experience of using ice axe and crampons, which are sometimes required if snow is encountered. Roping up is not usually necessary but a rope is carried in case of need. Dzo Jongo East is approached via a broad ridge at a comfortable angle; the summit day is about a 12-/14-hour day (waking up around 12:30am and starting the trek at 01:30am) and is made tough by the altitude. The climb is suitable for experienced walkers who are comfortable scrambling on loose rock on a ridge.
Most of the trekking trails are well made on sandy paths. There are a few river crossings. Daytime temperatures can be very hot, especially in the middle of the day as the sun is very strong at these altitudes. Nights are cooler and cold at base camp. This trek is for those who are willing to put in the necessary fitness preparation and are confident of their physical fitness. It is not a beginner’s trek and we recommend you have trekked at high altitude before. This is a fully supported camping trek with full porterage (mules and ponies) throughout; you need only carry your backpack.
The transfers at the start and end of the trek are both very short (less than a two-hour drive).
As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes. We spend three days in Leh (11,485ft/3,500m) to allow you to acclimatise before starting the trek.
Walking distances and hours are given as approximates only. Timings stated include rest and photo stops but not a longer lunch break and vary depending on the group’s pace.
Why trek with Exodus?
More than 30 years’ experience organising treks in Ladakh.‘Ask an expert’ – talk to Exodus office staff who have done the treks themselves.Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid and trained in recognising and dealing with altitude sickness.All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage.Carefully planned ascent rates and itineraries with built-in acclimatisation and contingency days.Staff carry oxygen and first-aid kit.Self-assessment AMS cards used to monitor every client at altitude.
Group Description
This trip is led by an experienced local English-speaking leader. The leader is supported by local guides, cook crew and ponymen plus as many helpers as the group size dictates. All Exodus leaders are highly experienced, complete Exodus leader training courses, and are trained in wilderness first aid.
The 09 August 2025 departure is led by Valerie Parkinson, who has been leading treks and climbs in Ladakh and the rest of the Himalaya for the last 38 years. Her experience in this area is second to none. She recced this trek and has led it many times. She was the first British women to summit Manaslu (26,781ft/8,163m) without the use of supplementary oxygen. Valerie won Best Tour Leader in the prestigious Wanderlust World Guide Awards in 2021.
Places on her treks are snapped up quickly, so we advise booking early if you would like to trek with her.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, nine lunches and nine dinners are included.
India is famous for food and there is ample chance to try various Ladakhi favourites, which are often influenced by the cuisines of Tibet and China thanks to the passing Silk Road traders of yesteryear. Momos (filled dumplings) and yaks cheese are popular. Other favourites (but there are plenty more) are: thukpa, a clear vegetable soup with noodles and often mutton, chicken or yak meat; tingmo (pronounced tee-mo), a steamed bread eaten with dal; and chutagi, a thick soup of local vegetables with bow tie-shaped pieces of dough cooked in broth (also served with meat).
Allow at least 1,000-2,000 rupees (US$20-US$25) per day for lunch and dinner, where it is not included. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A large bottle of beer is approximately 300 rupees (US$4).
While camping, staff bring a hot drink (usually tea) to your tent each morning. When you reach camp in the afternoon, tea and biscuits are served. At breakfast, dinner and in the afternoons, there is a choice of hot drinks. Breakfasts typically include cereal, toast and jam, eggs and porridge. Lunch on trek is usually served as a picnic en route (except on shorter days when it is in camp). Lunch and dinner typically include soup to start, followed by a variety of hot dishes (both local and Western) such as potatoes, vegetables, curry, pasta, rice, dal and paneer (cottage cheese). At dinner, a dessert such as tinned fruit and custard, fritters or cake is also served.
Please note, although some meals include meat, it is not as readily available while camping.
Drinking water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 100 floz to 135 floz (3-4 litres) per day. We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Ladakh. In Leh, there is a shop called Dzomsa which sells safe drinking water. Your leader will show you where this is on your first day in Leh. During the trek, the cooks collect and boil drinking water from the mountain streams and fill up your water bottles for you, but you may need to collect water during the day and may wish to use your own water purification treatment too.
Transportation
For transfers in Delhi, we use either taxis or private buses (during busy times, such as morning rush hour, taxis are preferable to negotiate the busy narrow streets). For transfers and sightseeing around Leh, we use taxis, jeeps or private minibus.
The flights to and from Leh are on one of the internal airlines operating in India. Please note, flights to and from Leh operate subject to weather. Flights can be cancelled and you should be aware of this.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Deventure, Bp -11, Opposite Metro Pillar No 221, New Delhi 110002, India
Phone: +91 99961 17770
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately.
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Leh flight delays
Leh Airport can sometimes experience adverse weather conditions and fog, which can occasionally cause flights to be delayed or cancelled. If booking your own flights, we advise you to book your international flight home from Delhi departing no sooner than mid‐ afternoon/evening on the last day of the itinerary. Please also be aware that, should you miss your international flight as a result of delays from Leh, your insurance may not cover you for any additional expenses incurred.
Weather Information
Generally, the weather is good in Ladakh during summer, with warm to very hot sunny days (temperatures can reach up to 35C/95F or more), and cool to cold nights depending on the altitude (it can be just below freezing at the highest camps in late August). There is, however, always the possibility of rain and snow at higher altitudes. Please note, the sun is very strong at these altitudes and it can be very hot in the daytime. For the climb of Dzo Jongo, we set off before dawn and it can be very cold that day and snow may be encountered.
Ladakh, though technically part of the Tibetan plateau and classified as a high-altitude desert, occasionally experiences the effects of the Indian monsoon. Although the departures are timed to coincide with when the weather is normally good, the weather is never wholly predictable in any mountain area and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
Delhi in summer is very hot and humid.
Spending Money
Bring most of your money in cash (US dollars or British pounds) as you can’t change travellers cheques in India. You can change your money on arrival at Delhi airport but the rates tend to be very poor at the airport so we recommend changing cash either in the hotel in Delhi or at the money change kiosks in Leh.
Apart from the extra food, allow 500 rupees (US$7) a day for drinks and incidentals, more if you enjoy a few beers, which are comparatively expensive in India. Most monasteries in Ladakh charge a small entrance fee that goes towards the upkeep of the building. These may add up to about 800 rupees (approximately US$10) in total.
On trek, there is not much to spend your money on, but in Leh and Delhi there is a wealth of souvenirs, trinkets etc.
India has very good shopping opportunities, especially for locally made goods, and local guides in Delhi may offer to take you to emporiums and workshops where these goods are made. Many people find this a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts, silk, jewellery and carpets. Guides often assume visitors want to go shopping, it is very much part of the culture; however, if you do not wish to go, please make this clear to your local guide at the time.
Optional excursion
The half-day trip to the Khardung La costs about 2,500 rupees (US$30) per person with four people sharing a jeep. Please note, the Indian government no longer issues the Khardung La permit to the following passport holders: Chinese, Korean or Taiwanese.
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion, but is customary in India. Tipping can be an awkward affair especially when you are not familiar with the country. Your leader will help with tipping and provide a list of suggested tips. This includes tips for drivers, hotel porters and other hotel staff, local sightseeing guides, and includes camp staff such as guide, assistants, cooks and ponymen. Sometimes your leader will collect a kitty during the trip and sometimes they will collect the tips towards the end of the trip (occasionally for very small groups the leader may need to collect a little more than the suggested amount). We suggest you allow 7,500 rupees (approximately US$90) total per person for this trip.
Tipping of leaders is not included in the kitty and is at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation, a tip of around 2,500-3,500 rupees (US$30-US$40) per person would be appreciated. By definition, gratuities are not something that can be included in the tour price.
Please try to tip in local currency.
Highlights
— Embark on an off-the-beaten-track Himalaya adventure visiting remote villages — Discover colourful Buddhist monasteries — Climb Dzo Jongo East
Trip Details
Product Code: 4233
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: of this.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: TGV
Starts: Delhi, India
Finishes: Delhi, India
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Demanding
Includes
— All accommodation — All breakfasts, nine lunches, nine dinners — All listed transport — Tour leader throughout — Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone (in Delhi)Accommodation
Hotels and full-service campingWe spend six nights in hotels and have nine nights of full-service camping during the trek. In Delhi, we use a hotel with air-conditioned rooms. In Leh, we stay in a hotel close to the local market and town centre. There is wifi available in Leh; however, there is no mobile coverage for international phones in Ladakh. The trek itself is on a full-service camping basis, meaning our camp staff put up and dismantle the tents, cook, and do all the camp chores. You need only carry your backpack. Most of the camping is wild camping. We stay in two-person tents, which have enough room inside for your kitbags. We also have a dining tent with table and folding chairs, and at least one toilet tent (usually two) for use during the evenings. No running water is available while camping. We camp close to a river or stream and the camp staff provide bowls of warm water (to wash with) while trekking. There are recharging facilities at all the hotels in Delhi and Leh. In Leh, the electricity supply is not 100 percent reliable but it is usually only off for short periods of time. On trek, there are no charging facilities and you need to bring spare batteries, a solar charger or power bank if you wish to recharge anything. Single rooms and tents can be requested for a supplement (subject to availability). Please enquire at the time of booking.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,750 ($297 /day)
Itinerary
The tour starts at our hotel in Delhi – rooms are usually available from noon. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from the flight or you can get out and explore this buzzing city. Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)
We start very early for the flight to Leh. We often have to leave the hotel around 2am and drive to the airport for the very early morning (but highly spectacular) flight over the Himalaya to Leh. If the weather is good and the flight goes on time, we should be in Leh early. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude (11,485ft/3,500m). In the morning, we rest and catch up on sleep; in the afternoon, we have a gentle orientation walk around Leh and its bazaars. Accommodation: Glacier View Hotel (or similar)
Today there is a sightseeing tour to two of the major gompas (Tibetan Buddhist temples) in the area. We first drive to Shey, a former royal palace of the Ladakh kings. Inside is a small temple containing a 350-year-old Buddha statue made of copper and gold. From Shey, we walk across fields to Tikse (about 1hr 30min), where we visit a hilltop monastery whose red and white buildings can be seen for miles. A recently built temple contains a magnificent image of the Future Buddha. We have lunch at Tikse and return to Leh. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore. There is a full trek briefing and gear check today. Accommodation: Glacier View Hotel (or similar)
Today we have an acclimatisation walk round the Leh Valley. Set above Leh on the Namgyal Hill are the ruins of the Old Royal Palace. From here, a winding path takes us to Tsemo Monastery, where we can see the whole of Leh and the surrounding villages. We continue the walk via Sankar to the recently built Japanese Peace Pagoda. This huge stupa (Buddhist shrine) overlooks Leh and we can see the Stok mountain range across the valley. Today there is an optional jeep safari to the Khardung Pass; at 18,379ft (5,602m), one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The trip to the top and back takes roughly four to five hours and can be booked and paid for locally. Your leader will have details. If you do the jeep safari, this will be in the morning and you can do a walk in the afternoon. Accommodation: Glacier View Hotel (or similar)
We leave Leh this morning and drive to the start point of our trek. The road follows the Indus River for a short while through Choglamsar before crossing the river and then climbing on a side road to Stok. We start trekking at the end of Stok village, taking an easy trail that winds up a spectacular valley. We follow the Stok River most of the way (and may have to cross it once or twice), with multi-coloured rocks towering above us as we ascend. The walking is easy and not steep; it takes five to six hours to reach our first camp at Mankarmo. Look for herds of blue sheep that graze on the hillsides here. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 13,780ft/4,200m)
We cross our first pass today. The trail takes us gradually to the top of the pass, the Matho La, at 16,275ft (4,960m). The ascent is long but not too steep and, as we ascend, the views become more and more spectacular with the magnificent rock formations of the Ladakh mountains surrounding us. The dramatic mountains in various shades of purples, greens and browns can be seen for miles in every direction. From the pass, we descend easily to our campsite at Gangpoche, which is located by some shepherd huts, with views up to the Matho mountains. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 13,780ft/4,400m)
We leave camp and have a long climb to our second pass, the Shang La (16,240ft/4,950m). The trail climbs out of camp to a low ridge and then contours round and down into the next valley, from where we have a long but gentle climb to the pass. From the top, we are greeted with more fantastic views of the Matho range to the north. We then descend into the valley below and camp near shepherd houses at Shang Phu. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 14,347ft/4,373m)
Another day, another pass! This morning, we turn into a side valley to the right and climb through barren landscape to the Gyuncho La (15,479ft/4,718m). Descending a short way, we cross a stream and then climb up again to a second col at 15,397ft (4,693m). We now descend on a rocky trail into a large barren valley that brings us down to Chokdo village, which is on the Markha Valley trek. We arrive in a spectacular gorge with wonderful, purple-coloured rocks. From Chokdo we turn up the valley towards to Gongmaru La and camp at Chuslurmo at the entrance of the gorge. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 13,780ft/4,200m)
We have a tough day as we cross our highest pass yet. The trail follows a small stream as we climb, tracking the riverbed and sometimes climbing above it. Wonderful multi-coloured mountains surround us as we head to the pass. The final ascent zig zags steeply up a barren slope and we finally reach the string of prayer flags that marks the top of the Gongmaru La (17,178ft/5,236m). From the pass, we are rewarded with views down to Nimaling and across to the Indian Himalaya and the Ladakh range. The most prominent peak is Kang Yangtse (20,997ft/6,400m), the highest in the Ladakh mountains, and we can pick out Dzo Jongo across the valley if it’s clear. It’s an easy descent to our camp at Nimaling. During summer, shepherds bring their sheep, goats and dzos to graze on the high-altitude pasture. The shepherds stay in stone shelters close to the grazing area for the whole summer and we can often buy yoghurt or local cheese from them. In the evenings, the animals are brought down from the hills and it is quite usual to have a lot of them wandering through the campsite. Look after your food! Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 15,925ft/4,854m)
Today we ascend our warm-up peak. Vatseri (18,503ft / 5,640m) requires no technical skills and it’s an easily graded trail to the summit. The altitude makes it a tough walk but the views from the top make it all worthwhile. On a clear day, we can see Dzo Jongo East and West across the valley plus many other peaks. The trail is indistinct today and we descend on a rocky trail towards our base camp, home for the next three nights. Please note, Vatseri Peak is optional and we have several choices of hikes depending on weather and ability. Your leader will assess the conditions and discuss with you the best options on the day. The trekking crew walk directly to base camp from Nimaling, which is 1.9mi (3km) and takes two hours. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 16,735ft/5,100m)
After the exertions of yesterday, we have a day of acclimatisation at base camp. In the morning, we can have a short walk up the valley to see tomorrow’s trail and admire the scenery or we can walk to a glacial lake at the end of the valley. In the afternoon, we get the climbing gear out, check everything and prepare our backpacks for tomorrow. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 16,735ft/5,100m)
Today is summit day and starts with a very early wake-up (around 12:30am). After a quick breakfast, we set off with our headtorches (head lamps). We walk a short way up the main valley before turning into a steep gully to the right. We climb very steeply up the gully, passing a glacier on our right, and emerge onto an easy-angled slope, which leads us to a fine ridge that we follow to the top. Sometimes there is snow and, depending on conditions, we may need to use our ice axe and crampons. We should not have to rope up, but we carry a rope just in case. The summit ridge is long but technically easy. It is rocky; good balance and a head for heights are needed. There is no path and you need to have experience of scrambling on rough rocks. A small group of prayer flags marks the top with views of the Zanskar mountains and north to the Karakorum and the mountains in Tibet. We then descend slowly to base camp for a celebration. The climb is entirely optional. There is a great alternative walk further up the valley to a small glacial lake for anyone not wanting to attempt it. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 16,735ft/5,100m)
We leave base camp this morning and head towards the Manali to Leh highway through a remote valley, where we are unlikely to meet other trekkers. The trail climbs away from the base camp to the Lalung La (17,455ft/5,320m), where we get wonderful views looking back to Dzo Jongo and Kang Yangste peaks. From the top we contour round the valley to the Chaksang La (17,060ft/ 5,200m). Descending from the pass the path contours gently round and down the valley before turning right into a side valley where we soon reach our camp at Riyal Sumdo. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 14,765ft/4,500m)
The last two hours of our trek take us further down this beautiful valley with a few river crossings, before we emerge at the green fields of Lato village and the main Manali to Leh road. We say goodbye to our ponymen and camp crew before driving back to Leh. The drive follows the Kyamur River until it meets the Indus River at Upshi. We follow the main road back into Leh and the comforts of a hot shower at our hotel. We should get to Leh for lunch and the rest of the day is free for last-minute sightseeing or shopping in the bazaars. Accommodation: Glacier View Hotel/Hotel Chubi (or similar)
We fly from Leh to Delhi and check into our hotel. The rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing and your leader can advise on what to do. Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)
The tour ends after breakfast today and we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively, if you’d like a little more adventure, consider joining our five-day Golden Triangle extension. Encompassing Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, the trip is a whirlwind of culture, taking in the Taj Mahal, Red Fort of Akbar and much more.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Jon Treharne - Traveled, August 2023
Valerie - An exceptional leader in Ladakh An excellent trip led by an excellent and extremely knowledgeable leader. In country guides and staff were all excellent. Some good challenging trekking at altitude making this a great trip if you wish to extend your achievements at altitude. Most Inspirational Moment Summiting Dzo Jungo with Valerie Parkinson and the guide and horsemen who accompanied the group Thoughts on Group Leader Outstanding - no words are powerful enough to compliment her leadership, knowledge and compassion. I would highly recommend this trip led by this truly exceptional mountaineering leader. Advice for Potential Travellers Take the right kit - as itemised on the kit list. Prepare well, in terms of fitness and strength work and take the advice given by the Leader and guide Suggestions Ladakh is a truly exceptional area of India. Treat it and the people with respect. Invest into the expedition and you will reap the rewards. Vatseri Peak and Dzo Jungo are well worth striving for.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2023
Dave Farmer - Traveled, August 2019
A Proper Adventure This was a remote trek in a tough mountain environment south west of Leh. After three days acclimatising in Leh, we spent around 10 days climbing high passes, crossing rivers in full flood and seeing few people outside our own little group. Every day was challenging. We experienced a range of weather from blizzard to heat wave, rain to frost and always a cold breeze at the top of every pass. And every day I would lie back in my tent after dinner and know I’d pushed myself and feel really good about it. We experienced unseasonable weather which forced changes to the itinerary, which our crew and leader were more than capable of dealing with. Heavy snow on the mountain prevented us from summiting Dzo Jongo but we reached the top of Konga Ri in brilliant sunshine and pristine white snow. Such was the nature of the trek that I was not left feeling disappointed at not getting the big mountain, as the whole experience was a proper adventure. Most Inspirational Moment The most inspirational moment of the trek for me was the realisation that I had got to the top of Konga Ri. I’d had a few days of self doubt and I’d found the climb in deep snow tough. But when I got to the top of the mountain, dropped my pack and just took in the incredible panorama of Beautiful snow capped mountains, none of that mattered. I think the slice of cherry cake Tamchos, our guide, gave me at that point may have helped as well. Thoughts on Group Leader Valerie, our group leader, was more than a match for anything the mountains could throw at us. She was able to adjust the route and camp sites to deal with the delays caused by weather and still keep us on track. Her knowledge and experience came across in her confidence, which in turn gave us the confidence that we would complete the trek. Our group provided her with some challenges of her own, but they were all dealt with professionally and without fuss or drama. I certainly benefited from her advice and encouragement. And she has some great after dinner stories that made our experiences pale into insignificance! Advice for Potential Travellers The internal flight and trek weight limits mean you have to be ruthless with your packing. If I was going back this time next year I wouldn’t take a heavy down jacket (which I didn’t use) but instead I’d use a midweight one and several fleece and base layers. The river crossings are inevitable and cold and you need to wear some kind of protection for your feet as the riverbed can be sharp and uneven. I took cheap crocs but as there was walking between crossings and it wasn’t practical to keep changing back and forth, I would take a cheap pair of walking sandals next time (as did most of the rest of my group). I ended up walking in my light fabric boots, which was fine, but they took a full day of sunshine to dry out. If, like me, your previous treks have been the likes of Everest Base Camp and/or Kilimanjaro, know that this is physically and mentally much more challenging. I found it hard to accept that although we were climbing passes between 4800m and 5300m most mornings, we would descend again to camp much lower, losing the hard gained altitude. It’s the nature of the terrain and its good acclimatisation but it might sap mental stamina as well as energy. A good group dynamic helped me. Suggestions This is a fantastic adventure, full of hard challenges and amazing rewards. Leh and its surroundings offer an amazing cultural centre worth exploring. Once in the mountains, for every icy river crossing, there was a Lammergeier Vulture or Golden Eagle. For every muddy path there was a stunning landscape of rugged mountains and for every rainy day there was laughter in the mess tent. If you have doubts after reading my review, perhaps it’s not for you. But if it has fired you up, then sign up. I might see you in the next group!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2019
Paul Rayner - Traveled, July 2019
Be prepared for the unexpected It wasn’t as expected! I have trekked in Ladakh before and had reviewed my previous photos before this trip. None of us, including Valerie, were expecting to have to face a blizzard, and heavy overnight snow on a couple of nights! The result was that rivers were swollen and crossings became more difficult, and the ascent of Dzo Jongo East was not possible. It was also a remote trek – we only saw other people or groups occasionally, and the sudden return to civilisation was a bit of a shock. Personally I also found that altitude acclimatisation this time took much longer than expected; I am used to high altitude but I think old age is catching up! But overall a great experience, and conditions, particularly the blizzard, led to a close group bonding developing. Most Inspirational Moment Two of them. One was the developing attraction of the mountains. Last time in Ladakh I found myself comparing the Indian Himalaya unfavourably with the Everest region. This time, the terrain seemed more varied and attractive, perhaps in part due to the fresh snowfall. It made me feel I wanted to go back again and see more. The other was, with hindsight, the climb up the river gorge from Chuskurmo and up over the Gongmaru La into the Nimaling valley. The gorge and river crossings were a challenge following the overnight snowfall, I found getting to the top of the pass a real struggle, and we then had to get down to the camp site through a blizzard and sit in the mess tent for a couple of hours (sustained by black tea) while the lost sheep were found and the tents put up. I don't think anyone enjoyed it much at the time - it took me half an hour in a sleeping bag to stop shivering, though we all did the best to keep morale up. But the next day I felt an immense sense of achievement, and I hope others felt the same. Thoughts on Group Leader Brilliant as always. Her experience really showed through during the blizzard when she and some others got lost. She had a grip on everything, and a fair bit of illness to deal with, but always had time to chat, and encourage people where necessary. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you are fit and experienced enough for the trek; enjoy yourself; but be prepared for things not going according to plan. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. I think we shall dine out on some of the stories from this trek! Suggestions Overall and with hindsight, a great experience. But if I go over 5000m again, I shall make sure I have plenty of time for altitude acclimatisation! It was only on the final 5000m pass of the trip that I could trek up it easily.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2019
Antonios Angelopoulos - Traveled, August 2016
3 peaks of Ladakh A good opportunity to experience the raw and unspoilt beauty of the Himalayas. A challenging trip with only the basic amenities, taking you to less frequently travelled paths and up some less renowned but no less spellbinding peaks. Also, for those willing to listen and learn, it offers a good exposure to Tibetan Buddhism, its rituals and beliefs. Finally, a good chance to meet very interesting, widely travelled people who appreciate the challenge and don’t mind the monastic austerity of the trek. Most Inspirational Moment Without doubt it was the climbing of Jo Jongo, a 6,200m peak. A good, hard climb next to a glacier. We had to cross patches of hard ice and this gave us the opportunity to use our crampons. Obviously there were varying competences in the group but people become very supportive of each other in such circumstances. The feeling of elation at the top is magnificent. Thoughts on Group Leader Valerie was excellent. Very familiar with the terrain, cautious, prudent, offering advice but prepared to allow initiative. Advice for Potential Travellers Spending the evenings in cramped tents can be uncomfortable and you don't get a restful sleep. Maybe you have done a lot of that and you are used to it. In any case, you should be prepared for an amount of discomfort. You will be compensated by the wild beauty of the surroundings.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2016
Hugh Cass - Traveled, July 2016
three peaks of Ladakh The Queen of Kashmir does it again Most Inspirational Moment topping out on Dzo Jongo East now 6200 metres Thoughts on Group Leader Valerie met her thirty years ago and 4 years ago still top lady definitely in charge top girl Advice for Potential Travellers its a good tough trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/20/2016
Simon Gale - Traveled, June 2016
Three Paeks of Laddakh An excellent demanding trip which was well organised Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the highest peak after some 7 hours walking. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you are physically fit for this trek, it is very demanding ]
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2016
Jillian DAVIS - Traveled, August 2014
Three Peaks of Ladakh Very special trek in a remote area of Ladakh with challenging peaks and passes (very!) but worth every bit of effort. Most Inspirational Moment Climbing Dzo Jongo at over 6000m in a blizzard seeing nothing and the following day walking along the ridge across the valley with fantastic clear views of the mountain and the whole journey. Group dynamics - support, encouragement and fun. The amazing variety of landscape and views in every direction. Thoughts on Group Leader This is my second trek with Valerie who never fails to inspire, motivate and care. Her knowledge of the people and places are excellent: historically and now. We learned such a lot. The fact that she is deeply involved in environment and community improvement projects is inspirational and humbling. Valerie gets to know her group well, understands when anyone is not feeling 100% and quietly supports everyone's needs without fussing. Valerie also leads her local team very professionally, has high expectations and is highly respected: in addition she recognises talent and gives opportunities for the local team to progress when they can. Advice for Potential Travellers Not sure whether this particular trek will be repeated, but if you are passionate about mountains, go to the Himalayas, and the experience of walking with Valerie would always be a bonus. Suggestions Another excellent Exodus trip: thank you to all involved at the home base and on trek.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2014
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