Ladakh Trekking Expedition

Trip Report – Ladakh Trekking Expedition with Mr. Hanine EI Ouali, Mr. Alexey Vladimirovich, Alexey Pechnikov, and Philip Pechnikova
Dates: 9th – 19th July 2025
Guided by: Deepak Kumar 


This time, with the guests of Swed-Asia Travels, I had the privilege of completing a remarkable Ladakh Trekking Tour. The journey began in Delhi and took us all the way to the high-altitude trekking routes of Leh, blending history, culture, spirituality, and adventure into one unforgettable experience.

Delhi – The First Impressions

For our guests, it was their first time in India, and Delhi turned out to be a completely new world for them. After a comfortable rest at Taj Palace, we began our exploration of Delhi with visits to India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, and the Mahatma Gandhi Museum. Later, the bustling streets of Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk left them both amazed and astonished. The chaos of rickshaws, cows calmly sitting by the roadside, and the sheer volume of people moving shoulder to shoulder was unlike anything they had seen before. For them, it was not just sightseeing, but a true cultural shock that quickly turned into excitement and fascination.

Arrival in Leh – Acclimatization

The next morning, we boarded our flight to Leh, landing at an altitude of 11,500 feet. Acclimatization was crucial, and so the first day was kept for complete rest. The following day, we explored the heritage of Leh Palace and the serene Shanti Stupa, from which the panoramic view of the entire Leh city took everyone’s breath away.

Monasteries & Culture

Our third day in Ladakh was devoted to the monasteries. We visited Alchi, Likir, and Rizdong Monasteries, where ancient Buddhist art, murals, and the spiritual calm of prayer halls offered an unforgettable experience. To make it even more special, we enjoyed a picnic lunch amidst the peaceful surroundings of the valley.

The Trek Begins – Into the

Heart of Ladakh (14th–19th July) High up in Ladakh, the real journey began when we set out on our trekking adventure. The air was thin, the sky an endless blue, and the barren mountains around us seemed to whisper their ancient secrets.

Shang Village

The day started with visits to Thiksey and Hemis monasteries, their prayer wheels turning slowly, their walls echoing with chants. It felt as if the mountains themselves were blessing our journey. By evening, we reached Shang village, where we pitched our first camp. Surrounded by green fields and welcomed by the warm smiles of the locals, the village gave us a sense of comfort—our first home in the mountains.

Shang to Shangphu

The trail today wound through lush barley fields and passed by ancient monasteries standing quietly against the mountains. Occasionally, a small stream crossed our path, its music blending with the mountain breeze. Every step felt like we were walking back in time, experiencing a Ladakh that had stood still for centuries.

Over the Shang La (4,900m)

This was a testing day. Climbing the Shang La Pass (4,900m) pushed both our stamina and determination. But the reward at the top was breathtaking—snow-clad peaks in every direction and vast valleys stretching endlessly below us. All fatigue melted into joy as everyone stood smiling at the summit, proud of what we had achieved. We camped for the night in the quiet of Matho Phu.

Matho La Pass to Mankarmo

The journey took us across Matho La (4,450m). The rocky trails challenged us, but the Himalayan sun breaking through clouds gave us strength. By evening, our camp at Mankarmo offered a sky so clear that counting stars became impossible. Sitting under that blanket of starlight was an experience words can barely capture.

The Stok La Challenge

This was the day everyone had been waiting for. Stok La Pass was tough, steep, and demanding, but when we reached the top, the view was nothing short of magical. In front of us unfolded the mighty Karakoram and Zanskar ranges—snow peaks glowing under the sun, clouds weaving shadows across the ridges, and silence so pure that it felt eternal. That moment was the true reward of the trek. We camped at Rumbak, where an evening by the campfire turned into a celebration of stories and laughter.

When the Mountains Speak

Our plan was to trek from Rumbak to Kandala Base, but the mountains had their own decision. Heavy rains came in, trails were washed out, and we had to turn back to Leh. At first, there was disappointment, but soon everyone realized—this is the beauty of the mountains. They remind us that nature is always in control, and sometimes, surrendering to it is the most humbling experience.

And so our Ladakh trek came to an end—a journey that taught us that beauty lies hidden within challenges. The tired feet, the breathless climbs, the laughter at camp, and the unforgettable views of Ladakh will remain etched in our hearts forever.

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