Explore Top 6 Adventure Sports in Ladakh To Try Now
Ladakh is famously considered as heaven on earth by thousands of tourists that visit this gorgeous land every year. Ladakh has plenty to offer as far as sightseeing is concerned. You will find many beautiful lakes, villages, monasteries, and panoramic views of gorgeous mountains and valleys.
The majestic expanse of its landscape is simply breathtaking. The rugged uncorrupted beauty of its mountains makes Ladakh a land full of mysteries and folklore. You will find some of the world’s highest roads and villages in Ladakh and its surrounding areas. The two main mountain ranges that surround Ladakh are the Himalayan range and the Karakoram mountain range.
Ladakh is part of Jammu & Kashmir territory and it is further divided into two main districts of Kargil and Leh. The very land of Ladakh calls for adventure and it attracts adventure seekers from all over the world.
Most regular tourists visiting Ladakh through their Leh-Ladakh sightseeing package from their travel agent will also find themselves looking for some adventure to experience. You will easily find many motorcyclists who ride to Ladakh from long distances to quench their thirst for adventure. After all, it is one of the top adventure activities in Leh Ladakh.
Ladakh as an Adventure destination
As far as adventure sports are concerned, you can immerse yourself in various adventure sports in Ladakh while enjoying the scenic beauty of this land. The high altitude and the rugged landscape provide a perfect setting for experiencing several adventure sports.
We have compiled a list of the best adventure sports in Ladakh that will provide a perfect dose of the adrenaline rush that you seek. If you are a thrill-seeker then the majesty of Ladakh will further enhance your experience of adventure. The following are some of the adventurous sports in Ladakh that you can experience.
1. Mountain Biking
Mountain bike in Ladakh, India (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
This adventure sport is slowly gaining popularity among domestic tourists as well as the local Ladakhi people. For the adrenaline seekers, mountain biking is one of the favorite adventure sports among the tourists visiting Ladakh.
Biking through the rocky landscape and steep rugged terrains with the backdrop of vast beautiful mountains is an experience that you will cherish for years to come. Ladakh attracts hundreds of motorcycling enthusiasts to Pangong Lake, Zinchem, Spituk, Thiksey, and Diskit. These are some of the best biking destinations in Ladakh.
If you have already booked your Leh-Ladakh trip package make sure to try cycling through the vast landscape of Ladakh. The best time to experience this sport is during the summer months from June until September. You can find many places where you can rent a mountain bike and cycle through the biking trails of Ladakh.
Khardunla La road is one of the popular mountain biking trails to experience adventure in Ladakh. You can ride your bicycle one way and also avail the operator who can drive you back to your starting point.
Best cycling trails: Khardung La Road, Marhi to Manali trail, Jispa to Gondla road, Leh to Hemis trail, Leh to Alchi
2. River Rafting
River rafting in Zanskar, Ladakh, India (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
It is one of the top adventure activities in Leh Ladakh. Rafting through the crystal clear waters with the beautiful mountains in your view makes Ladakh a perfect destination to experience adventure.
The Zanskar River and the Indus River are great places to experience the sport of river rafting. You can find different spots to raft according to your skill level.
The best time to experience the adventure of river rafting is from June until October. Both beginners and advanced people can enjoy this sport in Ladakh. There are also professional events that are held every year where people compete against each other.
Best places for River rafting: Spituk, Nimu on the Indus river. Padum and Nimu in Zanskar (for experts). Also, the stretches of Chilling to Nimoo, Kharu-Spituk, Phey to Saspol, and Phey to Nimoo are great as well.
3. Ice Skating/Ice Hockey
Ice Hockey in Ladakh, India (image source: Flickr.com)
Both Ice Hockey and Ice Skating are some of the interesting adventure activities in Leh Ladakh. For domestic tourists, Ice-Skating and Ice Hockey are still quite new sports.
The local people in Ladakh call Ice hockey ‘Pond Hockey’. In recent years, Ice hockey has become very popular among the locals. Recently, several tour operators and camping site owners have included Ice Skating and Ice Hockey facilities for their guests.
Among the numerous adventure sports in Ladakh, Ice Hockey and Ice Skating are quite interesting. The best time to experience these adventure sports are from the months of November until January when the winter season is at its peak.
There is also an India Ice Hockey team that plays with the international teams. Every year, there are several Ice hockey tournaments that are held in Ladakh. Make sure to check out these events on your next trip to Ladakh.
Best places for Ice Skating & Ice Hockey: Leh, Shargole, Chiktan, Nimmo, Mulbekh, Dras, and Jammu.
4. Ladakh Marathon
Ladakh Marathon, Ladakh, India (image source: www.ladakhmarathon.com)
Marathon is a great adventure activity that is very beneficial for human health. Running with the panoramic views of experiencing the clean air in your lungs is a great way to experience adventure.
The Ladakh Marathon has become one of the most popular adventure sports in Ladakh. Every year, hundreds of people from all over the country take part in the marathon. The marathon takes place at the maximum altitude of more than 17,000 feet with a total running distance of around 72 kilometers.
It is certainly a unique experience as it allows you to run with the locals giving you a taste of their lifestyle and culture.
Destination for Ladakh Marathon: Ladakh Marathon Club.
5. Rock Climbing
Peak Climbing, Ladakh, India (image source: www.tourmyindia.com)
It is a very challenging adventure sport and is probably not everyone’s cup of tea. However, those who have taken part in this challenge have experienced a perfect mind-body exercise. Rock climbing is one of the best adventure sports in Ladakh that is quite popular among young people.
You can find certified professionals with high-quality equipment and gear that will help you in completing your challenge. Both indoors and outdoor mountain climbing experiences are available. Many camping tour operators sell rock climbing as an adventure activity along with their Leh-Ladakh trip package.
The land of Ladakh is a destination for rock climbers. Since there is no shortage of mountains in Ladakh, Rock climbing has become a new favorite adventure sport among the locals. You can get beginner-level lessons taught by professionals. Every year the famous Suru Boulder Fest in the Suru Valley attracts thousands of tourists from all around the country.
Best peaks for Rock Climbing (for professionals): Matho, Kantak, Stok, and Gulap.
6. Archery
Archery during a festival, Ladakh, India (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
It is a traditional sport in Ladakh. It is a popular adventure activity for the Ladakhi people. For tourists visiting Ladakh, Archery is one of the most interesting adventure activities in Leh Ladakh that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
The National Archery Stadium in Ladakh is a perfect place to witness this interesting sport. This stadium has played a great role in preserving and promoting this ancient traditional sport. Every summer, there are several competitions and tournaments held in the stadium.
Archery is called ‘Dartses’ by the local people and is practiced professionally as well as casually by the local people. As a tourist, the best time to witness Archery in its full cultural glory during the summer festivals of Skyanos and Gogsum Festival.
Best places to witness Archery: National Archery Stadium and Ladakh Haat.
Apart from the Adventure sports which are promoted through competitions and tournaments, there are many adventure activities that regular tourists can enjoy with their friends and family.
Following are some of the adventure activities that you might not find in the popular Leh-Ladakh sightseeing packages.
- Quad Biking
- Trekking
- Camping
- Jeep Safari
- Camel Safari
Conclusion
With the increasing number of startups in the travel industry more and more adventure-related activities are being introduced every year. Many tour operators have dedicated themselves to promoting a single activity in various places around the country. On the other hand, travel agencies promote many different packages based on the interest of the tourists.
Due to these developments, there are numerous adventure sports and adventure activities that tourists can enjoy. Ranging from professional tournaments to local cultural festivals, these adventure activities are now easily accessible to all tourists.
The most popular adventure sports in Ladakh got more popular because of the social media marketing and promotions of the tournaments. In the coming years, the tourism industry of India is expected to become more stable with more tourist activities getting introduced as travel packages.
