Peaks of Ladakh Trek

• 10 days point-to-point walking
• Altitude maximum 6,189m, average 4,500m
• 6 nights hotels, all en suite, 9 nights full-service camping
• Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and staff. Min age 18 yrs
• Golden Triangle extension available
• 19 August 2023 & 13 July 2024 departures led by Valerie Parkinson winner of Wanderlust World Guide Awards 2021

All breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners are included. India is famous for its food and there is ample chance to try various Ladakhi favourites. With influences from Tibet and China leftover from the traders passing through on the Silk Road you will be hard pushed to miss the deliciously popular snacks - momos or yaks cheese. Some other must tries (but there are plenty more to choose from) are Thukpa, a classic clear vegetable soup with noodles and often mutton, chicken or yak meat, Tingmo (pronounced tee-mo) which is steamed bread eaten with dal and finally a favourite found in most restuarants, Chutagi, a thick soup made of local vegetables with bow-tie-shaped pieces of dough cooked in the broth (also served with meat). You should allow at least 1,00 - 2,000 rupees (approx. US$20 - US$25) per day for lunch and dinner (where 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 that service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large) bottle of beer is approximately 300 rupees (approx. US$4). Whilst camping, the staff will bring a hot drink (usually tea) to your tent each morning. When you reach camp in the afternoon tea and biscuits will be 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/chips, vegetables, curry, pasta, rice, dal and paneer (cottage cheese). At dinner time a dessert such as tinned fruit and custard, fritters or cake is also served. Please note that although some meals will include meat, it is not as readily available whilst 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 3-4 litres per person 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 will 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 as well.

The above weather chart for Leh shows average temperatures only. Please refer to the paragraph below for further details of the temperature range. Generally the weather is good in Ladakh during the summer time, with warm to very hot sunny days (temperatures can reach up to 35ºC 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 will be setting 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, can and does occasionally experience the effects of the Indian monsoon. Although the departures are timed to coincide with when the weather is normally good, in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.

Delhi in the summer months is very hot and humid.

This is a demanding full-service wild camping trek involving ten days point-to-point walking at high altitudes; maximum altitude on the trek is 5,320m, average 4,500m. The optional peaks are Vatseri Peak, which is 5,640m and Dzo Jongo Peak, which is 6,189m. As such the trek has been graded as ‘tough’ (activity level 7) and the climb is graded ‘tough+’ (activity level 9). Most days involve 5- 8 hours walking, although there are a few longer days. There are five passes over 4,900m. The two peaks are entirely optional - there will be alternative treks offered to those not wishing to climb them. Vatseri Peak (5,640m) is a straightforward, easy angled walk up a slope requiring no technical skills. The highest peak is Dzo Jongo East (6,189m) and anyone wishing to make the ascent should have previous 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 12/13 hour day (starting at approx. 3.30am) 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 at these altitudes the sun is very strong. Nights will be 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 day pack. You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference: https://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf

The transfer journeys at the start and end of the trek are both very short (less than a two hour’s drive).

As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes. We spend 3 days in Leh (3,500m) before the trek 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 will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Why Trek with Exodus?

• Over 30 years’ experience of 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.