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The Yak Trek

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The Yak Trek

Ladakh

Number of days

5 days

Season

April to September

Max altitude

4200 m

Difficulty Level

Easy

The Yak Trek in Ladakh

Looking for a trek that’s more than just mountains? Join us on the Yak Trek through the heart of Ladakh. Starting at 4,206 meters (13,800 feet) in the remote village of Kargyam, this journey offers breathtaking views, cultural encounters, and the thrill of trekking alongside Yaks. From the vibrant streets of Leh to the serene, high-altitude deserts, each day brings new wonders. Perfect for adventurers craving both challenge and tranquility, the Yak Trek is an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
Don’t just trek; embark on a journey that connects you to the landscape and the people.

What makes it unique ?

You’ll have the opportunity to visit a remote village where skilled artisans turn pashmina wool into a fascinating handicraft. You’ll witness the nomadic lifestyle of the Changpas, who wander the high plains with their flocks of pashmina goats. You will be trekking alongside Yaks and the Changpa shepherds.

This isn’t just a trip; it’s an experience. You will live with the nomadic tribe and engage in experiences like churning milk to make butter.

Yak Trek – An Immersive Experience

Ladakh Landscape

The landscape that you will witness on the trek is going to be very unique. Of course, it does resemble the landscape of the rugged mountains and the snow-clad peaks as seen in the other regions of Ladakh. What makes the experience more enriching is the undisturbed terrain, free from crowds as opposed to other popular trekking routes in Ladakh. Picture yourself walking alongside this shepherd who is overjoyed to guide you. As you immerse in the traditional lifestyle to take back beautiful memories with you, you are also providing the shepherd community great satisfaction by helping them acknowledge that their lifestyle is an experience for many.

Changpa Nomads

In the remotest corners of Ladakh, at altitudes well above ten thousand feet, where the roads are nothing more than patches of tire marks in the grass, where telephone lines are unheard of and electricity is a dull flicker of tungsten bulbs powered by tiny solar panels, a community of Changpa nomads has thrived for over a millennium.

These nomadic Changpas inhabit the vast and rugged Changthang plateau, rearing their livestock—yaks, sheep, and cows—and living with minimal resources. Despite the harsh conditions, the Changpa have maintained a deep connection to their land, preserving their traditional way of life. To gain a deeper understanding of the life of the Changpa nomads, a Jeep Safari through this remote region offers an immersive experience.

The Yak Trek allows you to witness their daily routines, from herding animals across the expansive plateau to engaging in traditional practices that have sustained their community for generations. This unique adventure not only provides insight into their resilient lifestyle but also offers an opportunity to experience the breathtaking, untamed beauty of Ladakh firsthand.

Ladakh Yak Trek features

Duration of your trek

Day-min : The minimum number of days required for the trek (from Leh to Leh)
Day-max : The maximum number of days you can spend on this trek. Prolonged itinerary can be discussed with our team.
AWTD : Average walking time per day (<3 : easy, 3 to 5 : moderate, >5 : strenuous

Altitudes of your trek

Min : Minimum altitude of your trek.
Max : Maximum altitude of your trek.
Ascent : The total ascent throughout the trek.
Descent : The total descent throughout on the trek.

Difficulty of your trek

Stamina : The physical effort involved during your trek. Rated from 0 (easiest) to 100 (most strenuous). If you have an average fitness you can consider all the treks up to 50. See here for more details
Technical : Difficulty of your trek in terms of exposure to danger and required experience.
0 to 20 : No difficulties,
20 to 40 : Walking on good mountain trails,
40 to 60 : Some walking on difficult mountain trails (steep slopes, rocks, etc.),
60 to 80: You are exposed to some dangers (void, snow, falling rocks, etc.),
80 to 100 : Experience required (please inquire).
Overall : Average between Stamina and Technical rating.

Duration

Day-min : 5 0
Day-max : 8 0
Average walking time : 5 hrs 0

Altitudes

Min : 3200 m 0
Max : 4900 m 0
Ascent : 4200 m 0
Descent : 3300 m 0

Difficulty

Stamina : 60 % 0
Technical : 35 % 0
Overall : 60 % 0

What to carry for the Yak Trek

  • Day Pack
  • Cash
  • Waterproof Jacket & Trousers
  • Warm Gloves
  • Wool hat [must cover ears]
  • Warm Socks
  • Water bottle
  • Water Purification Tablets
  • Waterproof Boots
  • Towel
  • Power bank
  • Change of clothes
  • Thermal underwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and a good moisturizer
  • Sleeping bag liner

How to handle Mountain Sickness

Mountain Sickness Prevention Tips :

  • Acclimatize : Spend at least a day in Leh before exploring further
  • Stay Hydrated : Drink 3 – 4 litres of water daily. Avoid alcohol and caffeine
  • Eat Light : Opt for easily digestible foods
  • Medication : Consult your doctor prior to the visit to high altitude region

During the Pashmina Trip :

  • Monitor symptoms : Reach out to your guide if you face any health issue
  • Take breaks : Stop frequently to rest and hydrate
  • Avoid Exertion : Limit physical activity, especially in the first few days
  • Stay Warm : Ensure proper layering to keep warm

Emergency Situations :

  • Immediate Descent : Incase of severe symptoms and health issues
  • Medical Help : Get medical assistance if symptoms persist

Best time to do the Yak Trek

The best time to experience the Yak Trek is from April to August

JAN

Avoid

FEB

Avoid

MAR

Avoid

APR

Avoid

MAY

You may go

JUN

Best time to go

JUL

Best time to go

AUG

Best time to go

SEP

Best time to go

OCT

You may go

NOV

Avoid

DEC

Avoid

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Itinerary

1

Day One : Arrival in Leh

FEATURES DESCRIPTION
Boutique Hotel/Homestay
On arrival in Leh, taxi will pick you up and transfer you to a boutique hotel or homestay. Relax and allow your body to acclimatize to the high altitude. Inclusions - Airport transfers, accommodation. Add on - Late afternoon/evening visit to Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa
2

Day Two : Explore Leh

FEATURES DESCRIPTION
Boutique Hotel/Homestay
Visit the monasteries and palaces, and take a stroll through the market. Inclusions - Internal transfers, Guide, breakfast, accommodation. Add on - Shamanism experience with Lhamo
3

Day Three : Leh to Kargyam (4445 m)

FEATURES DESCRIPTION
5 - 6 hours
4200m
Camping in tents
Drive to Kargyam through scenic mountain roads. Cross high altitude passes to reach your host for local interactions and immerse in learning about the culture of Ladakh. Inclusions - Transfers, guide, accommodation, all meals
4

Day Four : Chibra to Balmik

FEATURES DESCRIPTION
4 hours
4200m
Camping in tents
Begin trekking alongside the yaks from Chibra to Balmik. Imagine the tales of the nomad shepherds coming to life in the picturesque setting of the mighty Ladakh landscape Inclusions - Transfers, all 3 meals, accommodation, guide.
5

Day Five : Balmik to Likchey La

FEATURES DESCRIPTION
5 hours
4520m
Tent/Guesthouse
Continue to trek further into rugged terrain. Enjoy the opportunity of stargazing and beautiful landscapes at Liktse La Inclusions - Transfers, all 3 meals, accommodation, guide.
6

Day Six : Likchey La to Likchey village

FEATURES DESCRIPTION
4 hours
3300m
Camp/Homestay
Engage with the locals. Participate in pashmina wool combing, churning milk to make butter. Get an understanding of the pastoral economy and the revenue model Inclusions - All 3 meals, accommodation, guide.
7

Day Seven : Liktse to Leh

FEATURES DESCRIPTION
3-4 hours
Boutique Hotel/Homestay
Head back to Leh after breakfast In the afternoon, take a guided stroll through the market to explore traditional craftsmanship - Ladakhi jewellery, Pabu and utensils. Inclusions - Breakfast, transfers, accommodation, guide
8

Day Eight : Departure

FEATURES DESCRIPTION
Fly to Delhi/Home
Fly back to Delhi after breakfast. Inclusions - Breakfast and Transfer to Leh airport
   

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