10 Unheard Treks of Ladakh For The Adventurer Who Has Done It All

You might have dreamed of going to Ladakh and in all probability even gone there. But there is an insurmountable undiscovered expanse, where some passionate adventurers go, only to come back and document the tale.

The Himalayas, may be the youngest mountain range in the world, but for us it is truly the most fascinating. Here are 10 trekkable routes and mountain passes that you can dream about.

1. Parang La

The high pass connects Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir through their Himalayan desert regions. The trek is quite difficult because of scarce availability of water and steep ascents.

Source: Moran Mountain

Route: Kaza- Dhumle- Thaltak- Base of Parang La- Karsha Gonma- Umna- Rachu Lamo- Chhumik Shirde- Kyangdom- Tso Moriri- Korzok- Leh

Altitude: Goes upto 20,000 ft

Duration: Around 14 days

Best time: July to September

2. Junglam Hemis to Padum Trek

A walk through the heart of Ladakh valley's culture, this beautiful treks goes through various isolated monasteries. Do check out the Hemis Monastery

Source: Peak Adventure

Route: Leh – Shey – Thiksey - Hemis- Shang Sumdo- Base of Kongmaru La- Langthang Chu River- Zalung Karpo La- Tilat Sumdo- Zangla – Padum- Zanskar- Kargil- Leh

Altitude: Goes upto 17,056 ft

Duration: 15 days

Best time: September

3. Saser La

Attempt at your own cost. This is a really tough trek even for a seasoned trekker, this is a tryst with fate and a climb of a lifetime.

Source: Himalayan Camping

Route: Leh- Sasoma- Camp I- Tut Yailak- Saser La- Chongtash- Kalon Chumik- Shyok River- Sasoma- Leh

Altitude: 17,775 ft at Saser La

Duration: 10 days

Best time: August to October

4. Kang Yatse and Dzo Jongo Trek

Kang Yatse and Dzo Jongo are two towering peaks in the Markha Valley. They are non technical peaks, but be sure have enough experience in your pocket before confronting these mountains.

Source: Mr Frost Bite

Route: Spituk- Hankar- Base camp- Summit- Nimaling- Shang Sumdo Via Gongmarula

Altitude: 20,990 ft at summit

Duration: 15 days

Best time: September

5. Phirtse La (and Shingo La)

Source: Panoramio

Route: Baralacha la– Kelang Serai- Debni- Chumik Marpo- Phirtse la– Zingchen- Tanze- Purne- Phuktal- Kargyak- Lakhong- Shingo La -Ramjak- Palamo - Darcha– Keylong (3100m) -Manali

Altitude: 15, 228 ft at Phirtse La

Duration: 14 days

Best time: July to mid September

6. Stok Kangri Trek

One of the most challenging peaks to summit in the Himalayas, Stok Kangri, like all on the list is meant for seasoned trekkers.

Source: Trek the Himalayas

Route: Leh- Chang Ma- Stok Village- Mankorma- Base camp- Stok Kangri- Leh

Altitude: 20,080 ft at summit

Duration: 10 days

Best time: July to September

7. Remote Zanskar Trek

An opportunity to explore the remote Zanskar Valley has to come with hostile environment. The trek takes through some of the most stunning monasteries of Zanskar.

Source: Potala Himalayas

Route: Mulbek- Rangdum- Padum- Zangla- Sumdo Village- Tilat Sumdo- Base of Rubang La- Markha Valley- Thochuntse- Nimaling- Sumdo- Leh

Altitude: 16,465 ft at Rubang La

Duration: 15 days

Best time: July to September

8. Rupshu Valley Trek

Rooted in the history of Indian caravan trade, Rupshu takes through some scenic and oldest paths of Himalayas.

Source: Shanti Tours

Route: Hemis - Shang Sumdo- Latza Kongmaru- Kongmaru La- Langtang Chu- Kang Yatze- Yakrupal- Zalung Karpo La- Sorra - Dat- Lungmo Che- Lun -Marang La - Takh- Manali

Altitude: 17,390 ft

Duration: 15 days

Best time: July to September

9. Karakoram Pass

Better known as the Skeleton Trail, this dangerous silk road route is not for the faint hearted. For centuries caravans have walked on these shifty high altitude mountains. But for us to attempt this, which is already in politically conflicted territory, we need a lot of experience backing us up. The pass leads on to the Aksai Chin and barely any people of modern India have even attempted the trek. You will be needing a permit to even go past Khardung La to Sasoma. If you know someone high-up in the ranks, then only can this possibility be a reality for you.

Source: Himalayan Camping

Route: Sasoma- Tulumputi la- Jhingmoche- Skyangpoche- Tut-yailak- Saser La- Chongtash Nala- Kalon Chumik- Morgo Gorge- Burtse Nala- Despang Nala-Track Junction- Chip Chap River- Depsang Pass- Old Polu- Karakoram Pass.

Altitude: 18,715 ft at KK Pass

Duration: 20 days

Best time: If you do manage the permit, then July to September

10. Korzok to Kibber Trek

The trek passes through previously mentioned Parang La. Trekkers also do the same route from Spiti Valley but the high ascends make it a little more difficult from Himachal side. Even from Korzok it's not a cake walk either, but the number of steep ascends are higher.