Chilling, Leh, Ladakh
A classic high-desert traverse through Hemis National Park — river crossings, homestay villages and the Kongmaru La pass.
Distance
65 km
Duration
6-7 days
Elevation gain
2600 m
Max altitude
5260 m
Trail type
Point to point
Best season
Mid-June to early October
Six long days above 3,500 m with cold river crossings and a 5,200 m pass. Altitude, not technique, is the hard part.
Fitness needed
High — 6-7 hours daily with a daypack, prior altitude experience
Technical exposure
Moderate — narrow gorge sections and knee-deep river fords
Terrain
River gorge, high desert, scree pass
Recommended start: Leave each homestay by 7:00 am to cross rivers at low flow
Government and forest sources take priority for permits, closures and legal access. Recent hiker reports supplement them with on-ground conditions.
Verified trailhead
Official Government SourceChilling bridge, 60 km from Leh
Ladakh Tourism Department·Government·Checked 2026-08-15Source
Current status
Official Government SourceSeasonal — Route open mid-June to early October. River fords dangerous during July snowmelt peak.
Hemis National Park Authority·Government·Checked 2026-08-30Source
Permits & fees
Official Government SourceHemis National Park entry ₹100/day; Inner Line Permit not required for Indian nationals
Ladakh Wildlife Department·Government·Checked 2026-08-15Source
Guide requirement
Verified Local GuideRegistered guide mandatory for foreign nationals; strongly advised for all
All Ladakh Tour Operators Association·Guide·Checked 2026-08-10Source
Driving
Leh to Chilling, 60 km, 2.5 hours; exit taxi from Shang Sumdo
Public transport
Limited shared taxis from Leh to Chilling, mornings only
Parking
Leave vehicles in Leh — this is a point-to-point route
Mobile coverage
None after Chilling until Shang Sumdo
Water
Village taps; treat all stream water
Food
Homestay dal-rice and thukpa in Skiu, Markha, Hankar
Toilets
Homestay compost toilets
Family suitability
Not for children
Pets
Pets not allowed
No condition reports yet. Be the first to file one.
Visited 2026-07-02 · Hot days, freezing nights · finished in 6 days
River crossings above the knee before Skiu. We roped the group. Homestays in Markha were excellent.
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