Travel Inspiration Top 5 Must Do Peaks in India 4th October, 2023

For those looking for a Himalayan adventure far from the normal tourist trails, the lesser visited Indian Himalaya is the perfect destination and in India, it doesn’t get any better than Ladakh. In our opinion, trekking in northern India is the single best way to experience the enormity of the landscapes and get up close and personal with the culture, religion and traditions of the region.

We’ve put together a list of our favourite trekking peaks in India that you absolutely MUST consider if you are an experienced trekker when travelling in India.

The trek up Kang Yatse II typically begins in the region’s capital Leh, Ladakh, and weaves through the Markha valley, passing through traditional villages along the way. The trek is 100% worth the effort as the summit boasts breathtaking views of the Zanskar, Stock and Karakoram massifs and in clear conditions it is even possible to see the K2 and Nanga Parbat peaks in the far distance.

Despite requiring no technical mountaineering skills, this trek is challenging enough to leave you feeling accomplished. It is a fairly tough challenge and is only recommended to experienced trekkers as you must be both mentally and physically prepared for it. Summit day will be the most technically challenging as most of the day is spent on snow, which requires the use of ropes and an expert guide.

Starting in Leh, this trek takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh. The summit of Mount Dzo Jongo remains hidden until you reach basecamp, making you wonder whether the peak actually exists, but what awaits you at the top is well worth it. Once at the summit, you will be rewarded with views of the Kang Yatse peaks, Changthang Valley mountains and Karakoram Range.

As a peak above 6,000m, it is hard to believe that not many people are aware of this hidden gem. Mount Dzo Jongo is the perfect offbeat trekking destination in the Markha Valley. It is mighty enough to prove a challenge for adventure lovers yet requires no technical mountaineering skills, meaning it is a great alternative to the Kang Yatse peaks.

The trek to Mentok Kangri takes walkers through isolated valleys, traditional villages and hilltop monasteries while offering exceptional views of the surrounding landscape. The trek is a mix of walking up icy slopes and crossing boulder fields dependent on the time of year. At the summit, Mentok Kangri offers magical views of Chamser Kangri and Lungser Kangri across the lake.

While the Mentok Kangri trek is easier that other expeditions in the region, you will need to be an experienced trekker to take on the challenge. The high altitudes during the trek mean that this trek will prove a challenge to even the fittest trekkers. Tso Moriri and Mentok Kangri, Ladakh is an exciting trekking destination and perfect way to view this remote landscape and special part of the world.

The journey to Chamser and Lungser Kangri typically begins in Leh, Ladakh, and guides trekkers through the spectacular Markha Valley. The trek takes you through traditional villages, isolated monasteries and across grazing pasture lands while offering remarkable views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains.

Both Chamser Kangri and Lungser Kangri are not technical peaks, but the high altitude may prove a challenge to even the most seasoned trekkers, making them must-do peaks for adventurers visiting the Ladakh region in India. Walking and trekking expeditions to these peaks typically incorporate rest breaks to allow hikers to acclimatise as best as possible.

At 6,153m, Stok Kangri is the highest mountain in the Stok Range of the Zaskar Mountains in the Ladakh region of Northern India. The peak is clearly visible from Leh, the ancient capital of Ladakh and is considered a relatively easy 6,000m+ peak in the Indian Himalaya, making it ideal practice and training for higher mountains.

The Stok Kangri trek takes you through high altitude desert and deep valleys, typical of the Ladakh region and the summit offers wonderous views over the Karakoram and Zanskar ranges. The trek does not require specialist mountaineering skills, although this is not to say Stok Kangri is for beginners and prior mountain knowledge and experience would be very helpful.