Ladakh Backpackers

The enduring story of the Gujjar nomadic tribe.
For generations, the Gujjars of Naranag in Kashmir have harmonized their way of life with nature, creating a unique socio-cultural tapestry. As the tribe's summer settlement, Naranag showcases their seasonal migrations and traditional practices.
With ancient temples and ruins, Naranag reflects the region's historical interplay of cultures. This destination offers more than stunning views; it's a dive into Kashmir's rich heritage. Amidst breathtaking beauty, the Gujjar community's warmth welcomes visitors to explore a world where history, culture, and nature intertwine seamlessly.
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🥇 Thrilled and honored to announce Ladakh Backpackers as the winner of the prestigious Traveler's Choice Award 2023!

Thank you for securing our ranking as the Number-1 travel company in Ladakh, and making us the number one choice for unforgettable adventures in Ladakh. This remarkable achievement is a testament to our team's dedication and the trust of our incredible travelers.

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TRAVEL STORIES FROM LADAKH
Belated Mother’s Day Post: An Unbreakable Connection
“In the heartfelt memoirs of my childhood, I revisit the enchanting moments spent with my extraordinary mother. Meet the woman who carried the wisdom of 70 nomadic years upon her shoulders. A portrait of strength, resilience, and love. Transporting myself back to the vast landscapes of Chushul, I recall the humble abode that was our sanctuary. The simplicity of our nomadic life fostered a deep connection with nature, and I was blessed to witness the magic unfold. One of my dearest memories involves helping my mother with the daily nomadic tasks. As the sun gently rose, me and my sisters would gather around the herds of cattles, patiently watching our mother milking the precious liquid of sustenance. Our shared laughter and synchronized movements created a bond that words cannot express. Reflecting on those cherished days, I am in awe of the strength and resilience my mother exhibited. Her tireless dedication to our nomadic way of life, her unwavering spirit, and her unconditional love shaped me into the person I am today. Forever grateful for the lessons she taught me. As I embark on my own journey, I carry the essence of my nomadic upbringing within my heart. It is a part of me, a compass that guides me through life's challenges. To my remarkable mother, thank you for instilling in me a love for nature, a thirst for adventure, and the courage to embrace the unknown”
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TRAVEL STORIES FROM LADAKH
"This photograph captures an elder from Skyurbuchan village, Ladakh, using traditional methods to extract apricot oil. Despite the rise of modern technology, some villages in Ladakh still preserve these age-old practices. However, this expertise is slowly fading away as more convenient and efficient machinery takes over. The quality of the oil extracted manually is unparalleled, and the skill and knowledge of the locals is invaluable. As we look towards the future, let's not forget to honor and preserve the wisdom of our ancestors, and the beauty of traditional craftsmanship. Let us cherish and protect these age-old practices, so that they may be passed on to future generations and continue to inspire awe and wonder”
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Attention all documentary film enthusiasts! Are you looking for an unforgettable and immersive experience that will take your filmmaking skills to the next level? Join us for the 2023 edition of our "Hands on Documentary Film Workshop in Ladakh"!

Over the course of 40 days, you'll have the unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking wilderness of Ladakh and its surrounding areas.

Based out of old town of Leh, with sites of exploration extending to Skurbuchan, Photoksar in western Ladakh, Ensa and Turtuk in Nubra Valley, and Puga in Changthang, participants will have the chance to capture stunning footage and tell compelling stories in some of the most stunning locations on earth.
Led by experienced documentary filmmakers, this workshop will provide you with hands-on training in all aspects of the filmmaking process, from pre-production to post-production. You'll learn how to develop and refine your vision, how to work with a team, and how to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your skills and explore one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

Participants having diverse professional backgrounds and interests including: anthropology and other social sciences, film, art, architecture and design are welcome!!

Apply now for the 2023 edition of our "Hands on Documentary Film Workshop in Ladakh"!

Experience Ladakh with one of the best rated travel company in Ladakh. Early bird offers for 2023

For info checkout our website (link in bio) or DM us.

TRAVEL STORIES FROM LADAKH
"The FIFA World Cup fever. A young boy emulates his soccer heros as he weaves a line through his neighbourhood in the shadow of Leh Gompa, Ladakh.”
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TRAVEL STORIES FROM LADAKH
"Will you be my friend? While rubbing
soap on her face, she asked me.... Ufff the innocence Ambi asked me I just kept smiling and watching her sprinkling cold water. It does not happen often, we ask people their names, here it was the opposite.... Ambi not only asked my name but also proposed to be friends with me, ... Will you come to meet me at ten o'clock, I will meet you with my friends, his face was no less than a magic show. This is what innocence is... No worries, no other mention, just innocent.”
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TRAVEL STORIES FROM LADAKH
"The sound of threshing machine got me hike up to the topmost village of Suru Valley where I met Haji Ali and his family. That whole afternoon was spent documenting the process of harvest and listening to their stories. Next year when I visited the family to give this photo, Haji Ali was no more.
Sometimes we end up capturing moments which
can be so precious to others and lets them keep the
memories alive..”
Courtesy .biswas

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TRAVEL STORIES FROM LADAKH
"Before we started off with our Day 1 itinerary, a sumptuous breakfast platter with Khambir (Ladakhi bread), omelette, tea and dollops of butter savoured our tastebuds.”
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TRAVEL STORIES FROM LADAKH
"Just trying to have a good day's meal. Pretty sure she was pi**ed off at the photographers visiting one after the other and their never-ending clicks but can you really blame them when you're too cute to handle?”
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TRAVEL STORIES FROM LADAKH

"After a day of riding in rains through off-roads, stretches of loose gravel, water crossings and rough terrain, we finally reached Merak - a small and beautiful village lying on the banks of the picturesque Pangong Lake.
The stay at Merak was probably the homestay with the most beautiful view I have ever been too. We watch the beautiful Pangong lake change its shades and colors throughout the day right from the window of our rooms.”
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TRAVEL STORIES FROM LADAKH

"Planting season finds
farmers up at the crack of dawn to beat the days
harsh sun in the high altitude area of Zanskar Valley.
Family members and neighbors work together to sow
the seeds that will bring forth food for their table in
months ahead.
Farmers often sing to their yaks to keep them in step
and also give a calming sense of encouragement.
With each new planting season sacrifice , hard work,
and patience are required. There is always the
unwavering hope and optimism that the land will
reap great rewards”
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Team gearing up for the Gyamtsa-Nubra Valley Trek!
The trek breaks open to a beautiful topography that was once was a part of a trade route between India, Tibet and Central Asia. It was an important platform for caravans following the Silk Road used for swapping their mules for the famous double-hump Bactrian camels. The river Nubra following in the region is a major tributary of the Shyok river that flows parallel to the Indus on the northern side of the Ladakh range. A rich variety of vegetation and orchids can be witnessed along Nubra River which results in adding colour to the valley. Reach out to us for some unique trekking experiences in Ladakh

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TRAVEL STORIES FROM LADAKH

"Riding towards Kargil we made a
breakfast stop in a small village right on the highway.
While some omelette and hot chai was being
prepared I took out my camera and started scouting
the area. In a small lane right next to our home
restaurant i saw this beautiful lawn and the dadi,
indulged in chanting and counting her way on beads.
She made my notice and i asked in sign language,
pointing the camera towards her, if i can take a
photo. To my luck, a smile and a nod was shared €3
The sun came out at a perfect time but i think it
quickly got too hot for her, so she changed places
and it just provided me more perspectives to play
with. What a morning it was”

Courtesy *tmundra

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TRAVEL STORIES FROM LADAKH

"Innocence is a language that is
expressed through the eyes"
Clicked this picture in Dah village in Ladakh, she said
so confidently
"Though future seems blurry now,
I will make it happen somehow!"
A visit to Dah village in Ladhakh is an experience in
time travel.

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Travel Stories from Ladakh
"THE PHYSIOLOGICAL
PROBLEM OF HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITIONS
The amount of oxygen in air decreases linearly with
ascent and very approximately there is about half of
sea level oxygen present at 5500m. This falls to
roughly one third at the summit of Everest. It is
important to appreciate that the partial pressure of
oxygen at the summit of Everest is very close to the
limits at which human beings can survive at all.
Permanent human habitation ceases - due to lack of
oxygen, not terrain - above 5400m. Whilst
acclimatised man can survive for several weeks or
months at 6000m, deterioration is taking place
steadily, by the apparent reversal of the very process
of acclimatisation that has enabled ascent possible
to these altitudes.
CLIMB HIGH. SLEEP LOW
When climbing it is good to adopt the adage of
climbing high and sleeping low whenever possible.
At lower elevations, our bodies can recuperate from
previous days of work with sleep and food. However,
there is little advantage in sleeping above 21,000' to
acclimatise, since it is now accepted that above
21,000' there is no acclimatisation, only debilitation.
In a prolonged oxygen-deprived atmosphere,
working to capacity, lactic acid and other waste
products build up in the muscles, which produce
weakness and fatigue”
📷Courtesy .thesoul_traveller

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Travel Stories from Ladakh
“One of the prime ingredients
used by Ladakhis is barley. In fermented form, the
barley is used in the production of a homemade beer called "chang". Traditionally, it is a very common part of their life and everybody drinks it during Losar, Tibetan New Year. Additionally a local Ladakhi bread (khambir) is prepared. Nothing is lost, everything is transformed.”
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Travel Stories from Ladakh
“Couldn’t have though of a better way to bid farewell to Ladakh than a visit to Gyapthago Heritage House in Stok for a traditional lunch experience with on my last day in Leh. The lunch experience was followed by a tour to their old house and the in-house museum and a visit to their mustard field on the backyard. Being a agricultural researcher, I was fascinated how the locals here grow and harvest their fields using traditional and organic means. A happy me trying to capture some last memories of my Ladakh tour”
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We didn’t realise we were making memories, we just thought we were having fun!
📸Courtesy .kkp07

Ladakh Backpackers is now on WhatsApp.

Travel Stories from Ladakh
"The Coldest Morning of My life -

It was around 6:15 am, when Waleed asked me if we are going for the sunrise we had planned in our excitement, while sitting in the warmth of the local space heater last night.

The heater had gone off now. The cold had infiltrated the room and the clothes we slept with were no longer enough. Yet, in that moment - I decided that we must go.

We stepped outside the now cold house into what felt like a barrage of ice spikes disguised as the wind. And yet, when we saw the sunrise far from the lake, I took off my gloves to click a picture with my phone.

In less than 10 seconds, I felt my hands go numb. For the next few hours, they would hurt uncontrollably . And yet, I knew I had to reach the river banks. Because I knew that I was on the verge of seeing something that was probably never meant for any human to see.

It was around -35 Celsius that morning when we reached the river banks. And I saw the clouds meeting the face of the lake and witnessed beauty that I felt I was born to see. We stayed there for 2 hours to see the sun rise. We kept walking non stop to keep the blood flowing. We did whatever was needed to continue witnessing the magic that was happening
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Travel Stories from Ladakh
"If you ask me about your favourite location from my entire Ladakh trip, without a blink of an eye I would say Turtuk✨

You ask me why? Because it has many stories to tell and one such story I'm bringing soon. Until then enjoy these stills from Turtuk.

This plant bouquet was gifted to me by kids of Turtuk
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Travel Stories from Ladakh
"The last light of the day at the beautiful Diskit Monastery, Ladakh.

Built in the 14th century, this monastery is considered to be the largest monastery in entire Nubra Valley. Also known as Diskit Gompa.
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Heritage Ladakh Tour. 6 Nights & 7 Days of adventure, cultural exploration and solace🌸

We welcome you all to be part of our upcoming summer tours and unique experiences.

For info checkout our website (link in bio) or DM us.

Travel Stories from Ladakh
"Climbing The Kun Peak"

Only 70m to the summit from this point, but it asked for everything I got.

Just below this section we had to wait for almost an hour in cold and windy weather, because guides were fixing rope on this last stretch. Due to this long wait, I started feeling so tired and child. It took hell lot of effort to just get back into rhythm.

From here it took me 50 min to reach the summit, but those were the toughest 50 mins of the whole expedition.
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Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year.

-Chad Sugg

Travel Stories from Ladakh
Like Momo in Michael Ende novel, she would sit by herself in the middle of this remote valley, simply listen to great silence around her. We would spoke without words and I followed her... | On my way to Phugtal monastery
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Travel Stories from Ladakh
The Martian!

There are many corners of Zanskar valley, itself  is like this. And a major part of the valley gives the texture of the Mars. The picture is taken on the trail of Phugtar/Phukgal/Phuktal river, which is named after the beautiful monastery and the village, accessible by foot almost 4Km from Purney from the right bank of the river and 6km from Cha from the left of the bank, though most of the travellers access from Purney side. This is such an amazing valley corner of Zanskar valley, which in 2015 faced a major disaster due to climate change.

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