Ladakh High Trails
16 Days Starting in Delhi and ending in Delhi, India
Visiting: Delhi, Leh, Matho, Ladakh, Himalayas, Nimaling, Zalung La
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LHT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
An innovative exploration across the high trails of Ladakh. We trek from Matho in the Indus valley to the high and wild region of Rupshu on the borderlands of Tibet. We traverse several high pass’s including the Gongmaru La and the Zalung La where we gain unrivalled views of the soaring Ladakh and Zanskar ranges while we encounter remote encampments many days from the nearest roadhead.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
On arrival in Delhi you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore Delhi and sightseeing tours can be arranged. Due to the differing times of arrival of group members and the early morning departure to Leh the following morning the initial briefing will be on ‘a need to know basis’ such as what to pack, ordering a packed breakfast, what time for departure from the hotel, arrangements for leaving gear in Delhi etc. Your World Expeditions kit bag will also be distributed after the briefing. Note: The main briefing will be on arrival in Leh and sleeping bags, liners, insulated mattress and down jackets will be distributed. Note: As an alternative to arriving in Delhi on a late night flight, you may wish to consider arriving the day before the trip commences. Please talk to your World Expeditions reservations consultant or your travel agent for pre-tour accommodation options.
Overnight: The Lalit Hotel or similar
Day 2 : Fly To Leh (3500M)
Location: Leh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We board the early morning flight from Delhi to Leh where you will be rewarded with spectacular views across the Great Himalaya and Zanskar ranges. On arrival in Leh it is essential to rest and start the all-important acclimatization process. Our schedule today is flexible. We include a walk to the main bazaar and adjacent alleyways as well as a visit to the King’s Palace to gain a sense of Leh’s rich historic past.
Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar
Day 3 : In Leh (3500M)
Location: Leh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We include visits to Shey Palace – the capital of upper Ladakh until the Royal family moved to Leh in the 17th century. We also visit the nearby Tikse monastery perched on a sugarloaf mountain overlooking the Indus Valley. The monastery reflects an important link in Ladakh’s Tibetan Buddhist history as evidenced in the main Assembly hall as well as the multi denominational temple built in the 1980’s and proof of the continuing vitality of Buddhism in Ladakh. Later that day we can wander to the Shanti Stupa to gain a further perspective of the upper Indus Valley.
Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar
Day 4 : Transfer To Matho (3600M) (1 Hr) Walk To Matho Phu (4120M) (Approx. 3 To 4 Hrs)
Location: Matho
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We drive to the Matho village and after visiting the ancient monastery before we commence our trek ascending a well-defined trail to the campsite at Matho Phu.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 5 : At Matho Phu (4120M)
Location: Matho
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We spend a day at Matho Phu ascending the trail towards the La to acclimatise and prepare for the more demanding stages that lie ahead.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 6 : Traverse Shang La (4940M) To Shang Phu (4120M) (Walk Approx. 6 To 7 Hrs)
Location: Ladakh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Matho Phu we slowly ascend towards the Shang La. The trail is not unduly steep and affords grand views that extend across the Indus Valley to the snow-capped ridges and peaks of the Ladakh Range. From the pass the trail winds down to comfortable campsite and fresh water spring at Shang Phu.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 7 : Traverse The Gyuncho La (4590M) To Chuskyumo (4050M) (Walk Approx 6 Hrs)
Location: Ladakh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From camp we ascend across high ridges leading directly to the Gyuncho La. En route there are stunning views north to the Ladakh Range before a long and in places tiring descent to Chogdo. After a welcome break on the outskirts of the village we complete the short ascent to Chuskyumo.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 8 : Trek To Basecamp Gongmaru La (4600M) (Walk Approx. 4 To 5 Hrs)
Location: Himalayas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We slowly ascend an impressive gorge leading to the base camp below the Gongmaru La. That afternoon we may ascend further towards the pass to gain panoramic views of the Indus Valley as well as acclimatising for the next stage. From the camp we may also see marmots (Himalayan hyrax) and possibly blue sheep while birds of prey hover in the thermals in search of prey.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 9 : Traverse Gongmaru La (5260M) To Nimaling (4740M) (Walk Approx. 5 Hrs)
Location: Nimaling
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An exhilarating stage. From camp it will take less than two hours to ascend the trail that zig zags to the pass which is clearly identified with colourful prayer flags offering homage to the gods that guard the pass. From the pass there are panoramic views that extend across the many 6000m peaks that extend as far as the eye can see – including Kang Yatse. We descend to the vast Nimaling plains where villagers from Hanker – the highest village in the Markha valley graze their yaks throughout the summer months before we establish our camp.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 10 : Traverse To Intermediary Camp (Approx. 4250M) (Walk Approx 6 Hrs)
Location: Himalayas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Nimaling we cross a remote pass that skirts the lower flanks of Kang Yatse before descending to the valley leading to the Zalung La.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 11 : Trek To Base Of Zalung La (Approx. 4400M) (Walk Approx 3 To 4 Hrs)
Location: Zalung La
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From camp we gradually ascend across the scant pastures to our camp at the base of the Zalung La. En route there are several swift flowing stream crossings that may necessitate a change of footwear.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 12 : Traverse Zalung La (5190M) To Tsorka (4200 M) (Walk Approx 6 To 7 Hrs)
Location: Zalung La
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From camp we enter a narrow gorge where snow leopard scats are regularly sited as we ascend steeply in places to the colourful prayer flags that define the Zalung Karpo La. From the pass views stretch across the vast Rupshu region with distant peaks that extend to the borderlands of Tibet. From the pass the trail descends steeply to the valley floor before a longer and more gradual ascent across mixed terrain to a delightful grassy camp at an abandoned camp at Tsorka.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 13 : Trek To Lagto Kamlung (4200M) (Walk Approx. 5 Hrs)
Location: Ladakh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After the vigour’s of crossing the pass this is a delightful stage where we enter a narrow gorge to reach a small river flowing from the settlement at Dat. The walk gradually ascends across grazing grounds amid impressive side gorges to the camp at Lagto Kamlung where the remains of impressive mani walls reflect a bygone era when nomads grazed their animals in this remote outpost of Ladakh.
Overnight: Tented camp
Day 14 : Trek To Dat (4300M) (Walk Approx. 3 Hours), Transfer To Leh (6 To 7 Hrs Drive)
Location: Leh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A full on day to complete the trek to abandoned settlement at Dat where we say bid farewell to our crew and mule attendants and commence our drive to Leh. It will take the best part of 2 hours to reach the Manali to Leh highway before we ascend to the Tanglang La (5350m) with birds eye views of the Indus valley the best part of 2000 metres below. It’s then a steep descent to the Indus valley and the final 1.5 hours to reach Leh.
Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar
Day 15 : In Leh (3500M)
Location: Leh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An opportunity to rest and wind down and complete your sightseeing and shopping and preparing for your early morning flight to Delhi.
Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar
Day 16 : Fly To Delhi, Trip Concludes
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
An early morning flight to Delhi will afford more impressive views across the mountain ranges you explored the previous week. Trip concludes in Delhi. However, we recommend booking your international flights the next day in case of inclement weather causing your flight from Leh to be cancelled. Please contact us for accommodation options in Delhi or other arrangements you may have.
What's Included
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15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners
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3 hearty meals per day on trek prepared by our cooks
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Airport transfers on Day 1
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Expert bilingual guide
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Group medical kit
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Good quality accommodation in Delhi & Leh
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The use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
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Private transportation
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All park entrance fees and trekking permits
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Mules to carry all personal and group baggage
What's Not Included
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Aerated and alcoholic drinks on trek
Aerated and alcoholic drinks on the trek are not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included in the tour package.
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Tips
Tips are not included and are at your discretion.
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Airport and departure taxes
Airport and departure taxes are not included.
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Visas
Visas are not included and must be arranged separately.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged independently.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Porters and mules carry all group gear and your trek pack.
Grading
To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking terrain, the altitude, the number of pass crossings and the length of the trek.
The Ladakh High Trails trek is graded moderate. This is primarily due to the altitude as we commence the trek from 3500 metres. While the stages are not unduly demanding the trail is ill defined in places and both pass crossing – the Gongmaru La (5260 metres) and the Zalung La (5190 metres) will test your resolve – for even in July they may be under snow.
In order to complete a moderate trek we advise that you undertake regular exercise – one hour of swimming, cycling, jogging, three or four times a week and extended periods of exercise during the weekend will accustom you to regular exercise for at least three months prior to your departure.
These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. The majority of our moderately graded treks involve the carrying of a day pack only, though some may involve carrying a full pack. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions.
* Suggested preparation: one hour of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are provided during the trek?
During the trek, you will enjoy three hearty meals per day prepared by experienced cooks. The tour includes 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, and 14 dinners.
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What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour offers a blend of comfort and adventure with quality accommodation in Delhi and Leh, and remote campsites during the trek, allowing you to stay amidst the stunning landscapes of Ladakh.
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How is luggage managed during the trek?
Mules are provided to carry all personal and group baggage during the trek, so you only need to carry a daypack with essentials.
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What is the level of difficulty for this trek?
The Ladakh High Trails trek is graded as moderate. This is primarily due to the altitude, as the trek starts from 3500 meters and includes pass crossings that may be under snow even in July.
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Are there any specific preparations recommended for this trek?
It is advised to undertake regular exercise, such as one hour of swimming, cycling, or jogging three to four times a week, and extended periods of exercise during the weekend for at least three months prior to departure. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes private transportation throughout, including airport transfers and flights between Delhi and Leh.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, an expert bilingual guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.