Ladakh is a region administered by India as a union territory and constitutes an eastern portion of the larger Kashmir region that has been the subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947 and India and China since 1959. Ladakh is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region to the east, the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh to the south, both the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan to the west, and the southwest corner of Xinjiang across the Karakoram Pass in the far north. It extends from the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram range to the north to the main Great Himalayas to the south. The eastern end, consisting of the uninhabited Aksai Chin plains, is claimed by the Indian Government as part of Ladakh, but has been under Chinese control.
In the past, Ladakh gained importance from its strategic location at the crossroads of important trade routes, but as Chinese authorities closed the borders between Tibet Autonomous Region and Ladakh in the 1960s, international trade dwindled. Since 1974, the Government of India has successfully encouraged tourism in Ladakh. As Ladakh is strategically important, the Indian military maintains a strong presence in the region.
Leave early for the 4-5 hour drive to Srinagar Airport, where you’ll catch your flight home, carrying unforgettable memories of your journey through Drass and beyond. If you’d like to take it slower, you can also choose to stay an extra night in Srinagar before flying out.
Follow a trail along the valley floor adjesent to a stream - in the distance gain views of Tiger Hill
Discover Drass through a scenic trek suited to all fitness levels. The Mushkow Valley Trek follows the valley floor, revealing breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, our expert Naturalists will share insights into the region’s unique flora and fauna. Post lunch head for a bear safri to spot the brown bears with a scope and spotters.
Arrive and drive for 4-5 hours to Drass via Sonamarg. Cross the dramatic Zoji La Pass (3,600m), the high-altitude gateway to Ladakh, buried under nearly 50 feet of snow in winter and opening only by early May. Descend into Drass, one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth. If you prefer to break the journey, you may also choose to stay a night in Sonamarg.
The Brown Bear Trail in Drass Valley offers a rare opportunity to spot the endangered Himalayan brown bear in a remote, high-altitude landscape. Set amid rugged mountains and alpine meadows, this trail blends wildlife exploration with raw Ladakhi wilderness, ideal for serious nature and adventure enthusiasts.
Best suited for fit beginners to moderate trekkers who want a remote Himalayan experience with wildlife possibilities, dramatic landscapes, and fewer crowds.
Long walking days, cold temperatures, high altitude effects, river crossings, and rough mountain terrain. Limited facilities in remote sections.
You should be comfortable walking 6–7 hours daily. Prior cardio training, stair climbing, and endurance walks are strongly recommended.
Safety is non-negotiable at Juniper Outdoor. Every trip is led by a certified wilderness first responder (WFR) or trained mountain guide, equipped to handle altitude sickness, minor injuries, and emergencies. We carry comprehensive first aid kits, pulse oximeters, and oxygen cylinders on all high-altitude expeditions. Our campsites are chosen for safe terrain and proximity to evacuation routes when needed. For more remote trips, we have satellite communication devices and access to rescue services. We limit group sizes to ensure individual attention and regularly conduct risk assessments during the journey. Additionally, we brief all participants on mountain hygiene, hydration, and acclimatization best practices. Your pre-departure pack will also include a checklist of safety essentials you should carry personally. Our ethos is simple: the mountain will always be there - we don’t take unnecessary risks. Your health and well-being come before any summit.
As a company, we are deeply committed to the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. For us, this means minimizing our environmental impact in every way possible - ensuring that the natural places we visit remain undisturbed, preserved, and respected. Whether it’s through responsible waste management, choosing low-impact accommodations, or working with partners who share our values, we strive to leave the landscapes we explore as we found them - or better. This ethos guides our decisions and helps shape a more sustainable and mindful way of traveling. Many of our itineraries include community-led experiences that promote cultural exchange - with full respect to traditions and privacy. We brief every group on cultural etiquette, language tips, and local dos and don’ts.
Each Juniper Outdoor experience is tagged with a difficulty rating ranging from Easy to Advanced. These ratings account for altitude, terrain, duration and required endurance. On every trip page, we provide a “difficulty rating from 1 to 5” section that outlines the physical requirements. If you’re new to trekking or high-altitude travel, we recommend starting with a low-altitude journey or a short Himalayan escape that includes guided hikes with support staff. Intermediate trekkers can take on multi-day trails like those in Sikkim or Himachal that are rated 1-2 or 3. Advanced travellers can explore high passes, remote basecamps, or winter ascents that are rated 3-4 or 5. If you're unsure, reach out - we’ll evaluate your background and suggest trips that match your goals and experience. Some treks may require preparation or training, and we’re happy to support you with a personalised training plan. The goal is for you to feel confident and ready, no matter your level.
Once you’ve secured your place with a deposit, the real excitement begins! You’ll receive a Pre-Departure Kit via WhatApp with essential trip details: itinerary, gear checklist, fitness guide, weather info, and travel recommendations. Depending on the trip, we’ll also schedule a group orientation call or a one-on-one with our trip leader to walk you through expectations and address questions. For high-altitude or remote treks, we may ask for a basic fitness or medical declaration closer to departure. About two weeks before your trip, you’ll get a final checklist, contact sheet, and emergency protocols. If flights or permits are required, we’ll guide you on how and when to secure them. Our team stays connected with you throughout, ensuring you feel informed and supported. Whether it’s your first trek or your tenth, our goal is to make the lead-up smooth, fun, and empowering.
We provide a detailed packing list tailored to each region, season, and difficulty. Generally, you’ll need sturdy trekking shoes, a daypack, weatherproof outerwear (like a rain jacket or down jacket), layered clothing for cold and warm conditions, a headlamp, refillable water bottles, sun protection, and personal toiletries. For multi-day treks, we recommend moisture-wicking base layers, gloves, a warm hat, and trekking poles. Juniper provides all group camping gear - tents, sleeping bags, mats, and technical equipment (ice axes, crampons, if needed). We also help connect you with rental services if you’re missing something, especially for big-ticket items like jackets or sleeping bags. Packing light but smart is key. We’ll send you a downloadable checklist in your pre-departure kit, and our team is happy to review your packing plan with you before you arrive. Good gear means more comfort, confidence, and joy on the trail.
It varies based on the destination and route. On Himalayan treks, you’ll mostly stay in high-quality alpine tents, with warm sleeping bags and insulating mats provided by us. In base towns or en route, we partner with charming boutique guesthouses, homestays, and eco-lodges that reflect local character and comfort. On some trails, like in Bhutan or Nepal, we may use mountain lodges (tea houses) with basic but clean shared rooms and common facilities. In remote wilderness settings, our camps include a dining tent, toilet tents, and kitchen setups for full-service camping. For premium experiences, we offer glamping upgrades with large tents or hotels with heaters, or full bedding if you are only interested in luxury travel or a comfortable stay – look at your trip format tagged “Active Holidays”. Regardless of the setup, we prioritize hygiene, comfort, and views! All accommodations are handpicked and tested by our team to ensure they meet Juniper standards for safety, cleanliness, and atmosphere.
