Ladakh Sky Trail GHT in India Traveller Reviews

The Ladakh Sky Trail was an epic hiking adventure – remote, varied, and far less travelled than many other Himalayan routes. Over the course of the itinerary we effectively completed four hikes of increasing duration (short walks in Leh, half day, 4 days, and 12 days), linked by some spectacular drives through the region. The landscapes were far more diverse than I had expected, even having visited Ladakh before: green pastures, dramatic rock formations, narrow gorges, distant glaciers, high passes, and around 30–40 river crossings. We saw very few other hikers, adding to the sense of wilderness and discovery. Monasteries along the way provided fascinating cultural encounters. The crew was excellent – professional, friendly, and attentive. Food was consistently good, and the spacious tents made camping comfortable. Campsites were always positioned by streams, which meant the bonus of being able to wash most days (though the water was cold!). Weather in August was more variable than anticipated, with some very hot days as well as cooler, cloudy, and wetter spells. Compared with trekking seasons in Nepal or Bhutan, however, August brought welcome longer daylight hours and generally warmer conditions. The itinerary worked smoothly for acclimatisation, and no one in our group experienced altitude issues. One important point: there are three days with extended sections of high exposure on narrow, loose trails. These are among the most spectacular parts of the route, winding through gorges and canyons, but hikers need to be comfortable with this type of terrain. Hiking in Ladakh feels quite different from treks in Nepal or Bhutan, and this trip will appeal to those looking for a fresh Himalayan challenge in a truly unique setting.

This was my third long trek with The Mountain Company (TMC), and once again I found them excellent to deal with. Their organisation and communication are consistently first-rate. A new addition since my last trip was the use of WhatsApp groups before departure, which worked brilliantly for asking questions and getting timely, helpful responses from both TMC owner Roland and our trip leader Almas. The high level of care and professionalism throughout reinforced why I keep coming back to TMC for my big treks.

On 8 August I arrived in Leh, the capital of Ladakh in the extreme NW of India, (often referred to as Little Tibet). This was the start of a 24 day visit to this little visited area for a remote 17 day trek in rocky but stunningly beautiful mountain scenery intercepted by deep green river gorges. We camped in some amazing locations accessible only to trekkers where we were looked after so well by our guides and crew.

This was my fourth high altitude trek with the Mountain Company. I recommend them 100 per cent to anyone wanting to trek in the Himalayas. As a specialist company they have detailed knowledge of the different treks available and their MD, Roland Hunter, is readily available with advice (generally based on personal experience). Once booked the pre trip information is detailed and the care on the trek itself is so well planned that one travels with complete confidence.

Had an absolutely fantastic time in Ladakh. It feels like I have just returned from a different planet: amazing mountain landscapes, plants, wildlife & culture. Almas was a superb guide; being both Indian & Australian he well understood the needs & desires of both our local team, and us clients. The local guides, cooks & horsemen were brilliant: physically tough, resilient, hard-working and good-natured - we were extremely well looked after and the food was fantastic. It all makes me wonder why I have waited so long to undertake my first Himalayan trek.

Because it was my first trek, I had oodles of basic questions to ask prior to leaving home, all of which both Roland and Almas answered both promptly and very informatively. I 100% recommend The Mountain Company.

The Ladakh Sky Trail was an amazing and very recommendable experience. The scenery was extraordinary and must be a dream for geologists. The trails are mostly on rocky or sandy underground, and nice to walk. One section of the trek goes through a remote gorge with more than 250 river crossings. This is definitely a highlight of the trek. This trek is a perfect choice if you like remoteness and dramatic scenery.

Our guide Almas and the local crew were very competent and a fun team to be with. We always felt in safe hands and enjoyed the time with them very much. The organisation was flawless. Also the pre-trip information provided everything we needed. This was my second trip with The Mountain Company. Both times everything was really perfect.

The Ladahk Skytrail is a tough trek in a very interesting area. The trip starts in Leh and takes you through a high altitude desert with very interesting geological features. A part of the trek took place in a remote gorge with lots of river crossings. The gorge was used earlier as part of a salt route. The trip is well worth the effort! It's worth noting that the trek starts quite high as Leh is around 3500 meters above the sea. This can make the first week or so a bit challenging for people who, like us, live at sea level.

This was our second trip with the Mountain Company and as before the guide (Almas Khan) and the local crew were excellent. The pre-trip contact with the owner, Roland, as well as the pre-trip information provided is equally good and made us feel well-prepared.

The Ladakh trek was extraordinary. The guide was very professional and competent and the whole team provided us wonderful trek experience.

Very good information and communication before the trip.

This was a trekking holiday in the Indian Himalaya visiting three of the main trekking areas of Ladakh, each with its own unique character and with only a short portage portion by van between the 2nd and 3rd area ie mostly trekking. We crossed 5 passes of around 5000m elevation and the scenery in each area was spectacular. The crew were extremely experienced and professional with the guide having trekked in the area for 30 years. Highly recommended.

The Mountain Company has run this trek for over nine years and their experience showed in the level of knowledge about the area, the equipment provided was above standard and the meals some of the best I have had in 24 treks in the Himalayas over 30 years of trekking.

A well-guided trek with excellent food and equipment and a friendly and helpful crew.

The pre-trek information is excellent. Roland Hunter is always available to provide helpful advice. For a previous trek, my Indian Visa had been delayed, so Roland kindly collected it from the embassy and brought it to the airport!

A challenging trek where we crossed four x 5,000m passes and slept out in tents one night at an altitude of over 5,200m. Our guides had extensive local knowledge of the region and took us to villages not normally visited by Western Trekkers. We visited several Buddhist Monasteries and were lucky to learn so much about the local religion and culture

The Mountain Company are small enough to provide a personal service to customers that is second to none and experienced enough provide a varied number of treks in remote places. Detailed planning and experienced leaders ensure the safety of trekkers and guides alike.

This was an adventurous 23 trek through 3 different areas in the ladach region. Three days in Leh before that to acclimatise, A drive to lamayara then over the first pass. A trip organised and run by Almas who everyone new of from previous treks. Little rain in this mountain desert just wonderful rock features and a little dust. The second phase of the canyons on the old spice route added some real excitement followed by the high grazing country (over 5000 mtrs) of rolling country. Goats by the thousands and yaks. A pleasant finish by the lake and a wee drive back to Leh the next day.

The Mountain Company has a good reputation on these harder treks and seem to be able to deliver what they promise. Their guide Almas on this trip would have to be one of the best.