Things to do in Ladakh

Ladakh has been welcoming visitors for over 50 years, evolving from a trekking paradise into a destination for more diverse forms of tourism. While the early adventurers came to explore its rugged trails, today, many visitors opt for classic tours by vehicle, visiting iconic spots like Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, thanks to an expanded road network.

At Himalayan Ecotourism, we offer these classic Ladakh tours, but we also invite you to dive deeper into the region’s rich culture and traditions. By choosing our rural experiences, you move beyond the role of a mere tourist snapping photos—you become a true traveler, gaining insight and learning from the local communities.

Explore the activities on this page to discover how you can transform your journey into an enriching, unforgettable adventure.

There are endless possibilities for trekking in Ladakh.

The treks ranges from two to fifteen days in duration.
The easier treks involve a few hours of walking per day at an average altitude of 3300 to 4000 metres. You can spend your night in homestay which will allow you to enjoy the hospitality of the Ladakhi.

However, the most challenging treks require walking 7 to 8 hours per day and climbing above 5000 m to cross high passes. You will then need to sleep under tents with our support team.

See some of the treks we operate here.

The people of Ladakh warmly invite you to stay with their families in their village, offering you an unforgettable experience. This immersive journey allows you to step away from the routines of your everyday life and fully engage with a completely different social and natural environment.

In Ladakh, where the locals have mastered the art of surviving in a high-altitude desert for centuries without reliance on the outside world, you’ll not only awaken to new perspectives but also play a role in preserving their way of life. Your stay provides them with a valuable source of income, and your genuine interest in their culture boosts their sense of pride and self-respect.

Wondering what to do while in the village? There’s plenty to explore:

• Cultural Programs : Enjoy traditional music and dance performances, with locals dressed in vibrant costumes that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh.
• Cooking Classes : Learn to prepare Ladakhi delicacies like momos and skew, gaining hands-on experience in local culinary traditions.
• Meet with an Amchi : Discover the secrets of traditional Tibetan medicine by meeting with an Amchi, a practitioner of this ancient healing art.
• Day hikes : Around the village, to explore the magic of the mountains of Ladakh in the company of the local experts.

These activities offer a deeper connection to the community and allow you to truly experience the essence of Ladakhi life.

Despite its very arid environement and its harsh winter conditions Ladakh does have very interesting wildlife.
A true lover of nature may come here not just to seek themselves, but also for the pleasure it gives them when witnessing a rare and beautiful species. With Himalayan Ecotourism, you get a chance to go wildlife spotting with one of our best guides that will help you at every step of the way.

As far as the mammals are concerned, the most noteworthy are the Blue Sheep, The Ibex, the Wild Yak, the Kiang (Wild Ass), the Brown Bear, the Ladak Pika, the Himalaya Stoat, Wolfs, Lynx, the Snow Leopard and the Tibetan Argali. The two last are listed on the IUCN Red list as their population has been decreasing drastically due to poaching and decrease of their habitat, among others causes.
Please note that the best season to observe the Snow Leopard is in winter !

The list of birds in Ladakh is much longer of course as 225 species of birds have been identified. The birdwatchers will enjoy spotting beautiful birds near the high altitude lakes or on the banks of the Indus river. The most interesting birds are the Black-Necked Crane, the Tibetan Sandgrouse, the Black-winged Snowfinch, the Robin Accentor, the Bar Headed Goose, the Yellow Wagtail and the Snow Partridge.

Travelling to Ladakh is a unique opportunity for those who want to discover and learn many different aspects of the Tibetan spirituality.
Ladakh is the only Tibetan region that was spared from the Chinese invasion. Hence, the culture and spirituality are still vivid.

We can organize customized spiritual tour for groups. In the tour, we can include the following activities :

• Introduction to meditation with our experienced Yogi.
• Introduction to Tibetan Shamanism by meeting a Lhamo and having spiritual experiences in a magical environment.
• Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism in a monastery or in a teaching center.
• Discovering and learning about the traditional Tibetan medicine by a local Amchi (Tibetan healer).
• Visiting places of a high spiritual value.

Learn more about Spiritual tours in Ladakh.

In the late sixties many Hippies travelled from Europe to India and Nepal. Besides hitchhiking and cheap public transportation their favourite mode of transport was riding the legendary Royal Enfield.

The English have stopped the production of the Royal Enfield but the Indian factories continued the production and are still producing today.
The legend is alive !
Throughout the Himalayas bikers continue to pace up and down the mountain roads. And Ladakh is one of the favourite destination.

We can organize your bike tour to Ladakh starting from Manali. You can come back to Manali on your motorcycle or you can even leave your bike in Leh and get back to the plain by air.

As travelling on a motorcycle increase your carbon footprint, we recommend you to compensate your emissions by supporting our tree plantation project in the Himalayas.
More info about carbon offset here.

Enquire now for your bike tour to Ladakh

In the mystical land of Ladakh, festivity takes on a whole new meaning, as its people infuse their celebrations with a unique blend of tradition and cultural richness. As in any other region, Ladakh’s festivals are a testament to their distinct way of life. From the joyous Tibetan New Year to the exuberant onset of harvest season and the breathtaking flowering period, Ladakhis revel in these occasions with unparalleled zeal and fervor.

One cannot help but be captivated by the vibrant tapestry of Ladakh’s culture and heritage, which finds its most splendid expression in the monastic festivals held within the serene confines of Buddhist monasteries scattered throughout the region. These festivals are not mere events; they are grand showcases of Ladakh’s deep-rooted traditions, complete with colorful processions, mesmerizing masked dances, and melodious chants. As you immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats of the traditional drums and the intricate performances of the masked Lamas, you’ll feel the very essence of Ladakh coming to life.

These celebrations are not just about rituals; they are a vibrant affirmation of life itself in the heart of this majestic valley. Ladakh’s festivals, much like its landscapes, are a treasure trove waiting to be explored and experienced. So, if you’re seeking an authentic Ladakhi experience, make sure to time your visit to coincide with one of these magnificent celebrations that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Read more about festivals of Ladakh

Our dedicated volunteers have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the breathtaking region of Ladakh through their involvement in various crucial projects. Ladakh, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, faces several challenges related to water management, education, and women’s empowerment, and your contribution can truly make a difference.

In Ladakh, education is a vital area where volunteers can have a lasting impact. Ladakh faces unique educational challenges due to its remote location and harsh climate. As a volunteer, you can assist in setting up educational programs, improving school infrastructure, and offering valuable educational support to local students. By doing so, you empower these young minds with knowledge and skills, opening doors to brighter futures.

Furthermore, our commitment to women’s empowerment in Ladakh is unwavering. Volunteers have the opportunity to collaborate with local women’s groups, providing training and resources that enable women to become self-reliant and active participants in their communities. Through skill-building workshops, entrepreneurship programs, and advocacy efforts, you can contribute to advancing gender equality and empowering women in Ladakh.

To explore the current volunteer opportunities in Ladakh and join us in these impactful projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your involvement can play a crucial role in addressing these pressing issues and bringing positive change to the stunning landscapes and resilient communities of Ladakh. Together, we can make a lasting difference
Enquire with us to know more about volunteering opportunities