Backpacking India's Ladakh Highlands - Alumni

Photo by: Punit Mehta

On this alumni trip, you will explore the high mountain Himalayan region of Ladakh in Northern India. Traveling with mules, you will hike through beautiful valleys, up mountains, and over passes, immersing yourself deep in  the culture of this ancient Buddhist region. Along the way, you will visit temples and monasteries that have held their roots in Tibetan Buddhism since the second century and people who can trace their ancestry back even further.

Photo by: Jody Girard

You will start in Leh, the former capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Ladakh. Leh is situated at 11,500 ft  so the group will spend two days acclimatizing and exploring local sites, including monasteries and a peace pagoda, before taking to the trail for the next eight days.

Photo by: Arman Deganian

After leaving Leh, the group will drive to our trailhead and meet the rest of our team for the next eight days of the expedition. For this trip, NOLS instructors team up with local Indian support to transport most of your gear by mule and have meals prepared in traditional fashion. While you will carry daypacks and help with meals, the bulk of the work will be handled by our support team.

Photo by: Arman Deganian

During  the next eight  days, you will hike 4-6 hours a day through the villages, farms, and pastures that sprawl across this incredible landscape. You will spend time stopping and talking to locals about their lives, and the culture of the region. The route follows old shepherd trails that were once part of the trade routes connecting Central Asia with other parts of the continent. Though there are some exposed parts of the trail, it is well graded for mules and hikers alike.

Photo by: Punit Mehta

Ladakh is known for its high altitude desert climate. The greater Himalaya creates a barrier that keeps most of the precipitation on the other side of the mountains. In the summer, Ladakh is known to be fairly dry with pleasant temperatures during the day and cold nights.

Photo by: Punit Mehta

While you will be at high elevation (11-14,000 ft), you will only be carrying daypacks with extra clothes and lunch while you hike. After a good day on the trail, we will eat a hearty dinner and set up camp for the night.

Photo by: Arman Deganian

This is a challenging trip and you should expect various types of terrain: river crossings, rocky, and sometimes loose dirt and rocks. You’ll need sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction to feel comfortable on the varying terrain. The high elevation (the high point is just over 16,000 feet) and tent camping contribute to the rigor of this trip. The effort exerted in “The Land of High Passes” is rewarded with views of dramatic mountains and striking valleys, as well as rich cultural experiences.

Photo by: Arman Deganian

Overall Difficulty*:

*This trip starts at 11,500 ft, even with pack animal assistance, the backpacking is hard work.