Trekking in Ladakh

Radek Kucharski was born in Poland. After graduating in Geography he worked for a small GIS company for over 12 years, which he would periodically leave every few years for months-long trekking trips to Asia. He trekked in Nepal, Iran, Pakistan and India, getting to know the landscapes, the people, their cultures and himself. After his first visit in 2004, Ladakh instantly became his favourite destination, and he made a promise to himself to return with the task of collecting data for a guidebook. A few years later he began this work. Since that first visit to the Ladakh Range he has also changed profession. Now working as a tourist guide, which he has been doing since 2010, Radek lives in Warsaw and guides groups to India, Nepal and Scandinavia for one of Poland-s leading adventure travel agencies.

Map key
Ladakh and northern India
Overview map of the trekking routes
Preface

Introduction
Geology
Landscape
Climate
Plants and animals
History
Trade routes and tourism
Current population
Buddhism in Ladakh
Planning the trip and the trek
What to bring from home
Health and fitness
Visas and permits
Money, insurance and dealing with emergencies
Communication
Local language
Tips on travelling in India
What to take on trek
Using this guide
How to get there
Travelling and sightseeing in Ladakh
On the trek

1 Kharnak
2 Tsarab Chu
3 Darcha to Padum: the classic trek to Zanskar
4 Round Sultanlango
5 Padum to Lamayuru: the classic trek from Zanskar
6 Padum to Lamayuru via the Kanji La
7 Alchi: A circuit over five passes
8 Markha Valley


Appendix A Treks overview table
Appendix B Stage summaries
Appendix C Some Ladakhi language words and phrases
Appendix D Glossary
Appendix E Embassies and consulates
Appendix F Further reading

Index of maps
Index of place names