I was 24 years old when I undertook my first serious trek, in August 1977, in Zanskar, Ladakh (from Padum-Darcha, in Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh). I was trekking with a small group of people from France. It was actually a recce to find out the trekking route as defined on the map - this route later became one of the most prominent trekking trails in Ladakh for western travellers, a status it still enjoys.
My most memorable trek? Difficult to choose but I remember doing a trek with a couple of friends, in August 1985, from Batal (Sonamarg) to the cave in Amarnath. We took the shortest route to the cave, which is a trek of about 5-6 hours, but we returned via the normal route, reaching Pahalgam via Sheshnag and Panchtarni, in 14 hours of non-stop trekking, with just a two-hour break at the cave for 'darshan'. Normally, it takes a minimum of three days to complete this circular trek, so to do so in such a short span of time was unheard of!
My favourite trekking trail in Ladakh is the Sham Trek, which is not very demanding and provides an opportunity to experience the typical village life in the interiors of Ladakh, and also to visit the beautiful Buddhist monasteries - Lamayuru, Alchi Gompa, Rizong and Phyang - en route. It truly is an amazing experience .