Yak Safari in Ladakh 2025 Guide + Must-Try Food Stop at Gesmo Restaurant

Explore Ladakh on the Back of a Legend

In a land as wild and high as Ladakh, adventure isn't just optional — it's part of the journey. From towering mountains and glacial rivers to ancient monasteries and high-altitude lakes, Ladakh awakens the wanderer in you.

While biking through mountain passes or trekking to alpine lakes is common, there's one experience that truly immerses you in Ladakh's traditional rhythm — the Yak Safari in Ladakh. It's unique, slow, scenic, and deeply rooted in the region's culture.

Whether you're a first-timer or a return traveler planning your trip to Ladakh, adding a yak safari to your itinerary will give you an unforgettable glimpse into nomadic life, unmatched Himalayan views, and a ride you'll never forget.

What is a Yak Safari and Why Try It in Ladakh?

Yaks are not just animals in Ladakh — they're lifelines. Used by locals for centuries for transportation, farming, wool, and milk, these sturdy creatures are built for high altitudes and rough terrain.

A Yak Safari in Ladakh involves riding these gentle giants through open valleys, narrow trails, and even near shimmering lakes. It's slow-paced, peaceful, and allows you to connect with nature in a very intimate way.

Where Can You Do Yak Safaris in Ladakh?

1. Nubra Valley

This cold desert with sand dunes, double-humped camels, and lush villages is also one of the best places to experience a yak ride.

• Best spots: Hunder, Diskit

• Why here? Beautiful contrast of desert and snow mountains

2. Pangong Tso Area

Imagine riding a yak while the crystal-blue Pangong Lake glistens beside you.

• Best spots: Spangmik Village

• Why here? Serenity + surreal views = perfect safari backdrop

3. Tso Moriri Region

Less crowded and more raw, this region offers yaks in their most natural habitat.

• Best spots: Korzok Village

• Why here? High altitude, migratory bird sightings, nomadic camps

4. Changthang Plateau

One of the remotest places in Ladakh, the Changthang Plateau is home to the nomadic Changpa tribes who raise yaks. You can often ride yaks while staying at their camps.

What to Expect During a Yak Safari

• Slow travel: Don't expect speed — it's more of a meditative glide than a ride

• Tribal interactions: Learn about nomadic culture, yak herding, and survival in Ladakh

• Photo ops: Traditional attire + stunning backdrop = Insta gold

• Camp-style setups: In some places, yak safaris include overnight camping near lakes or mountains

Cost of a Yak Safari in Ladakh

Rates may vary based on the season and whether you're booking through a local guide or homestay.

Best Time for Yak Safari in Ladakh

• May to September is the ideal season

• Weather is clear, mountain passes are open, and locals bring their yaks to graze

• Avoid winter months — routes close and yaks are kept in shelters

What to Wear and Carry

• Layered warm clothing (mornings and evenings are cold)

• Sunglasses and sunscreen — high UV levels

• Good camera/phone — trust us, you'll want to capture this

• Small water bottle and snacks

• Optional: Wear local attire for fun, especially in Nubra or Pangong

Tips to Make the Most of Your Safari

• Talk to the yak owner/guide — They'll share interesting stories about yak life

• Go in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and weather

• Don't treat it like a touristy ride — Use this as a time to slow down and reflect

• If you have back issues, let the guide know — they can help you sit better or opt for a shorter ride

After the Ride: Refuel at Gesmo Restaurant in Ladakh

Once you're done riding yaks, climbing passes, and ticking off bucket list items, it's time to eat — and eat well.

Enter Gesmo Restaurant in Ladakh, a beloved eatery in Leh that's gained cult status among travelers and locals alike.

Why Gesmo Restaurant is a Must-Try

1. Soulful Tibetan & Ladakhi Cuisine

You can try everything from Tingmo (steamed bread) and Thukpa to Momos, Yak Cheese Pizza, and Apricot Cake. The flavors are local, earthy, and unforgettable.

2. Farm Fresh & Locally Sourced

They use locally grown produce and are known for sustainable, simple food that comforts you after an intense day of travel.

3. Cozy Ambience

With wooden interiors, prayer flags, friendly staff, and a window view of Leh's mountains, this place is perfect for relaxing and reflecting.

4. Budget-Friendly Yet Filling

Meal for two: ₹400–₹700

Don't miss their yak cheese sandwich and lemon ginger honey tea!

Location & Timing

• Location: Fort Road, Leh (easy to find, walkable from main market)

• Open: 9 AM – 10 PM (Best time: brunch or early dinner)

How to Add This to Your Trip to Ladakh Itinerary

Here's how you can integrate it all into one perfect day:

• Morning: Ride a yak in Hunder or near Pangong

• Afternoon: Head back to Leh

• Evening: Walk to Gesmo Restaurant in Ladakh for a hot meal and warm chai

• Night: Stargaze in Leh or journal your day's adventure

Other Fun Offbeat Things to Pair with Yak Safari

• Camel Safari in Nubra (with Bactrian camels)

• Cooking class in a Ladakhi home

• Try traditional butter tea at a monastery

• Visit local hot springs like Chumathang

• Watch a prayer ritual or mask dance at Hemis Monastery

Safety Note for First-Timers

• Yaks are well-trained and safe, but always follow your guide's instructions

• Don't tug or poke the animal — they're calm but large and strong

• If you feel uneasy or dizzy due to altitude, pause the ride

• Travel insurance covering adventure activities is recommended

Final Thoughts: Travel Slow, Travel Deeper

In a region that's all about adrenaline — biking, trekking, rafting — the Yak Safari in Ladakh offers a different kind of thrill. It connects you to nature, culture, and a simpler way of life. It teaches you to slow down and breathe — something we all need.

And when you wrap up that experience with a comforting local meal at Gesmo Restaurant in Ladakh, you're not just feeding your body — you're feeding your soul.

Because in Ladakh, every journey is a memory, and every stop — even for tea or a yak ride — tells a story worth remembering.