Ladakh is the land of mystery and adventure and not for the fainthearted. With its harsh climate and terrain, Ladakh has become the hub of adventure in India and attracts adventure seekers from far and wide, whether it be whitewater rafting in the Indus and its tributaries, mountaineering, skiing, bike and jeep safaris or for trekking.

Trekking: Trekking possibilities in Ladakh range from short, daylong hikes over the mountain slopes or across a ridge to long, trans-mountain range treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness. For example, the trek from Lamayuru in the Indus Valley to Darcha in Lahaul across the Zanskar takes nearly three weeks. Most of the established routes traverse the Zanskar range which separates the Indus Valley from Zanskar. The 10-day Markha Valley trek, the 11-day Lamayuru - Padum traverse and the Stok-Khangri round trek are the more popular ones among the numerous options available in this lunar landscape. In recent years, parts of the Ladakh range between the Indus and Shayok valleys have also become available fro trekking. The typical trekking season extends from early June to mid-October. But localized treks within the Indus Valley can undertaken even in May or even after September. On the other hand, some routes are suitable only for late autumn as during the summer, the bed of narrow valleys through which the tracks lie become turbulent streams, as in the case of the 13-day Hemis-Markha-Padum trek. The winter access to the Zanskar Valley is actually along the frozen surface of the Zanskar river. This route, also known as Chaddar, calls for elaborate arrangements, but it is perhaps the most exciting trek in the world. 

River rafting: A range of rafting options is available on the Indus and its major tributaries. The best stretch for professionally guided runs in white water is on the Indus between Spituk and Saspol. Beyond Saspol, the river becomes difficult and funning it requires technically skilled participants and careful organization. Upward of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up to Karu, ideal for basic training and for day-return "scenic floating" for amateurs. In recent years, running the Indus has become an attractive alternative to trekking and features on the itinerary of most visitors. Several agencies in Leh offer attractive rafting packages. Ask for details at the Tourist Office at Leh. They will also be able to provide some rafts on hire. The most difficult but exciting option for river running is on the Zanskar along its spectacular course through the gorge in the Zanskar mountains, between Padum and Nimo. This is suitable only for well organized white-water expedition, prepared for several days of river running and camping in absolute wilderness. Participants are required to be trained rafters themselves while the arrangements should be assigned to a dependable professional agency. Adequate arrangements for rescue coverage is an essential pre-requisite for embarking upon a white -water expedition on river like the Zanskar.

Mountaineering: The area most frequented by foreign climbers is the Nun-Kun Massif in the Great Himalayan Range. Its easy accessibility from the Kargil-Pudum road and the shortest possible approach march to the base camps makes this massif the most attractive climbing destination in the Great Himalaya, necessitating advance booking years ahead. Among its six known peaks accessible from the Suru Valley, Nun (7,135m) and Kun (7,077m ) are the highest summits.

The area nearest to Leh is Stok-khangri Massif in the Zanskar mountains, south of Leh. The base camp for the various peaks of this massif is about two days trek from the village of Stok. Among its known peaks, Stok-khangri (6,150 m) is the highest ; it offers a spectacular perspective to the central expanse of the Indus valley which it dominates. Other peaks in the area include Gulap Khangri (5,900 m), Matho West (5,950m) and Kantak (5,275 m). The much higher Konglacha peak (6,700m) lies south-west of Leh and is reached via Rubak on the first leg of the Markha Valley trek from Stok. Many unnamed peaks in the altitude range of 5,500 metres and 6,400 metres are also available for climbing in the same region. This entire area falls well outside the Inner Line, or restricted area.

North of Leh, across the Ladakh Range and the Nubra Valley, lies the Karokoram range. It soars to a number of known peaks which are, however, within the restricted area and so not freely accessible to foreign climbers except with special permission from the Government of India. The most prominent summits in this range which are accessible from various parts of the Nubra Valley include, Saser-I (7,415 m), Saser -II (7,513m ) and Saser III (7,495 m).

The climbing season extends from mid - May to mid -October, the ideal period being from June to September because during this time only Ladakh remains unaffected by the monsoon which holds sway over most of the Himalaya. Foreign climbing expeditions are required to obtain permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for climbing all listed peaks. A booking fee, based on the height and popularity of the allotted peak, is charged and a Liaison Officer is assigned to every climbing team. The minimum period required for processing applications is six months. Every authorized expedition is provided with adequate rescue coverage in the events of accidents and illness.

Jeep Safaris: The jeep safari through Ladakh is an excellent way to explore the remote regions. The picture-post-card-pretty landscapes in and around Leh beckon nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Each day of the Ladakh itinerary offers an opportunity to explore the barren wilderness of Ladakh. The culturally diverse people add to the charm of the jeep safaris in Ladakh. The desolate mountains of this high altitude desert and deep ravines reveal the natural beauty of Ladakh. One of the most exciting jeep safaris in the Himalayas is through Ladakh. The Tso Moriri, Nubra and Dah Hanu offer the toughest and most terrific Jeep safari in the Himalayas. Crossing the Khardung la pass, considered to be one of the highest motor able roads in the world is an experience in itself.

The jeeps are the fastest, easiest, and most comfortable means of local transport in Ladakh. Several jeep safaris are conducted at any given time. The scheduled jeep safaris take the tourists to the places of their interest. Arrangements for the meals, accommodation, guides and porters during the jeep safaris are meticulously planned and executed. Dehydrated foods, potable water, juices, tents and other camping gear, spares for the jeep, first-aid kit, and fuel are the other details that must be looked into. Acclimatization and obtaining the Inner Line Permits for Ladakh are the other issues to be considered while planning a jeep safari. The driving experience on the rough roads of Ladakh adds the tinge of adventure.