Spangnak Ri (6390m) & Gyama Kangri (6260m)
The high-altitude area between Tso Kar and Tsomoriri Lakes in the Changthang regions of Ladakh offers magnificent trekking and tempting non-technical peaks. The Changthang region is tucked in the northeast corner of Ladakh India and geographically, the parts of the high Western Tibetan plateau. In this trekking tour, you will see Ladakh Urial locally known as Shapo, Blue sheep, Tibetan wolves, and Kyang (Tibetan wild ass). Also, you will meet Changpa herders with Cashmere goats. It is a remote peak in the Korzok mountain range namely Spangnak Ri, Gyama groups of peaks, Yalung Nong and Mentok Kangri. Let's explore, traverse, and ascend these colorful mountains with varied landscapes.
Before setting off from Leh, we took a couple of days to acclimate to hiking around to visit the Indus Valley and ancient colorful gompas. With proper acclimatization, we will set out to our starting point of wonderful trekking. From Leh, a journey of more than a hundred kilometers by road that connects Leh with Manali, once over the Taglang La to vast plains of More plains then we arrive at Tso Kar (White Lake) and from there to Riyul. We will set up camp at Nuruchan to start the trekking tour, en suite crossing the Horlam Kongka La at 4970 m and ascending the surrounding peaks up to 5200m. Continue trekking and crossing Kyamayuri La (5430m) to Gyama Barma we will set our base camp at 5300 of Spangnak Ri the next day our first real peak option is Spangnak Ri (6390m). We summited Spangnak Ri in July 2024, a truly non-technical peak.
with a magnificent view towards the South are Gyama (6250m) group of peaks, Yalung Nong South (6080m), Mentok Kangri group of peaks and Chamser (6622m), Lungser Kangri (6666m) and Chalung Peak (6546m) towards the east. We will set up a base camp at Gyama and trek up Gyama East (6100m) and our next real peak option is Gyama Pyramid peak (6300m) also known as Gyama North with multiple summits in the area, hopefully, we can find a non-technical way to the true summit. If needed, we will use crampons and ice axes and rope them up with safety gear.
Finally wrapping up at base camp, traverse the flat scree slopes on the right side of Yalung Nyau La without a trail reaching the pass and descend to Korzok. From Korzok along the shores of Lake Tsomoriri to Kiangdam, we will take the trail from Kiangdam to Pang in the broad valley where we meet the Changpa nomads with flocks of Cashmere goats. Over the Thelakongka La (5020m) pass with panoramic views into the tight canyons. We will finish the trek at Pang, by car back to Leh on the Manali – Leh highway. Pang has network connectivity to Jio's mobile phone. Our caravan-style trek is surprisingly comfortable with our fully self-contained horse caravan.
* Full moon camp at the Southern end of Tso Moriri *
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Leh 3500m.
Day 2: Leh.
2 days (Day 3 and Day 4) acclimatize trek from Zingchen to Stok.
Day 3: Leh to Zingchen by car, visit Spituk monastery on the way. Trek Zingchen (3400m) – Rumbak (3955m), 3 hrs, 7 km.
Day 4: Trek Rumbak (3955 m) – Stok La (4855m) – Stok (3600m), 7-8 hrs, 16.5 km, Stok to Leh by car.
Day 5: Leh – Taglang La (5328m) - Riyul (4550m) - Nuruchan (4650m).
14 days trek from Nuruchan to Pang.
Day 6: Nuruchan to Horlam Kongka La (4950m) – Rachungkaru (4930m).
Day 7: Rachungkaru to Kyamayuri-la (5430m) – Gyamar Barma (5195m).
Day 8: Gyama Barma to base of Spangnak Ri (5300m).
Day 9: Ascend Spangnak Ri (6390 m).
Day 10: Spangnak Ri base to the Gyama (5150m).
Day 11: Gyama to Gyama base (5550m)
Day 12: Rest day.
Day 13: Ascend Gyama Pyramid Kangri (6260m).
Day 14: Base to Yalung Nyau-la (5430m) – Korzok (4595m).
Day 15: Korzok to Kyangdom (4540 m).
Day 16: Kyangdam to Lato (4680m).
Day 17: Lato to Manechan (4700 m) – Manechan La (4790 m) – Thargang (4750 m).
Day 18: Thargang to Lanyar (4840 m) - Zozogong (4930 m).
Day 19: Zozogong to Thelakong La (5030 m) - Shayama (4730 m) – Numa (4600 m).
Day 20: Numa to Pang (4510 m), trek 2-3 hours, Drive to Leh. 180 km 5 to 6 hrs, end of trek.
Day 21: Depart Leh.
* Sunrise moving towards the summit *
Price on request
What is included
- All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary?
- Leh airport transfer.
- 4 nights bed of hotel accommodation in Leh at CP plan.
- 1 night homestay.
- 4-season sleeping tent, sleeping bags/liners, foam mattresses, kitchen, dining tent, stool, chairs, toilet tent.
- Climbing gear: climbing boots, crampons, harnesses, ice axes, gaiters, rope, carabineers, trekking poles & other accessories.
- All meals during the trek - breakfast, packed lunches, dinner, tea /coffee, and snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese to continental cuisine.
- Support staff: Qualified English-speaking climbing guide, cook & camp crew.
- Trekking mules/horses for porterage of your luggage and trekking gear.
- Camping fee.
- An Inner line permit.
- GST (Goods and services tax) as applicable.
- First aid medical kit.
What is not included
× Domestic flight Delhi - Leh,
× Travel insurance.
× Soft or hard drinks.
× Entrance fee at monasteries
× Personal tipping to staff: Guide, cook, helper, horseman, driver.
× Any unforeseen cost arises from natural hazards rain, snow, or roadblocks which cost extra lodging & boarding beyond the trip Schedule.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Leh 3500m.
We meet you at Leh Airport (code IXL) and check into a hotel where you can relax.
Day 2: Leh.
Hike to Leh Palace, Tsemo Gompa, and Shanti Stupa.
2 days (Day 3 and Day 4) acclimatize trek from Zingchen to Stok.
Day 3: Leh to Zingchen by car, visit Spituk monastery on the way. Trek Zingchen (3400m) – Rumbak (3955m), 3 hrs, 7 km.
Leh to Zingchen by car, visit Spituk monastery on the way. Trek Zingchen (3400m) – Rumbak (3955m)
Day 4: Trek Rumbak (3955 m) – Stok La (4855m) – Stok (3600m), 7-8 hrs, 16.5 km, Stok to Leh by car.
Leaving Rumbak we cross the Stok La (4,900m). At first, we trek on a beautiful, gently sloping trail, but then the path becomes steeper and steeper as it zigzags up to the top of the pass. Rock flutes rise all around us, home to the elusive snow leopard. From the top the views are even more spectacular; layer upon layer of multicolored rock cathedrals are spread before us in every direction. The descent is very steep at first and then we contour around two valleys to the junction with the river coming down from Stok Kangri. Follow the left bank of this river as far as the village Stok. Here you can visit the Stok Palace. It was the home of the king of Ladakh. The museum has a unique display of rare ornaments from the royal family, plus tangkas, traditional clothing, and jewelry. At Stok visit to Royal Palace built during 1825 AD and palace has great collections of antiquity. We drive back to Leh which is situated opposite of Stok at a distance of 14 km, crossing the bridge over Indus at Choglamsar.
Day 5: Leh – Taglang La (5328m) - Riyul (4550m) - Nuruchan (4650m). 160 km, 5 hrs.
Leaving Leh, we drive on Leh – Manali highway until the Debring intersection point and take the Tsokar road to Pongunagu and a rough route to Nuruchan campsite. Arriving at Nuruchan camp, we will meet with the rest of the team horseman, cook, and camp boys. 
14 days trek from Nuruchan to Pang.
Day 6: Nuruchan to Horlam Kongka La (4950m) – Rachungkaru (4930m) 9.5 km, 4-5 hour trek.
Setting off from Nuruchan, a small stream will need to be crossed and the trail leads directly towards the pass for 2 hours. Gradual descent to the brook and on the other side of the trail slowly ascends again. A Changpa herder tent can be seen.
Day 7: Rachungkaru to Kyamayuri-la (5430m) – Gyamar Barma (5195m), 11 km, 5 to 6 hours trek
Today leaving Rachungkaru first the ascent to the Kyamayuri La at a distance of 4 km and will take about 2-3 hours. The spacious view from the pass and snow-covered mountains furthers in the background the Gyama group of peaks. Now the trail goes in the plain valley floor and front of the view of Yalung Nong. Kyamayuri La to Gyama Barma is about 2 hours.
Day 8: Gyama Barma to base of Spangnak Ri (5300m).
Ascend for 3-4 hours to the base camp of Spangnak Ri 5300m, we will establish a base camp here. 
Base camp Spangnak Ri
Day 9: Ascend Spangnak Ri (6390 m).
An early start at 3:00 am to the Spangnak Ri 6390m, at first on gravel rocks and continue to the summit. The view from the Summit towards the south groups of Gyama peaks, Mentok Kangri, Chamser, Lungser and Chalung group of peaks. Descend to base camp.
Day 10: Spangnak Ri to Gyama (5150m).
Today a short trail along the Yan Nala first to Gyama camp at the foot of Yalung Nong peak.
Day 11: Gyama to Gyama base (5550m)
From Gyama camp gradually ascend along the Loma Nala and towards the right side of Yalung Nyau La (5450m) and to the base of Gyama peaks at 5550m.
Day 12: Rest day.
A rest day to restore the energy for the next day's ascend.
Day 13: Ascend Gyama Pyramid Kangri (6260m).
An early start at 3:00 am to the Gyama Pyramid Kangri (6260m), at first on gravel rocks and continue to the summit, the final summit on the snow terrain, where we may rope up to the summit using crampons, and ice axe. Arriving at the top The view from the Summit towards the south Kharpa, Monto, Gya and towards East Chamser Kangri, Lungser Kangri, Chalung group of peaks, towards North Yalung Nong, Spangnak Ri, and finally towards South East Mentok group of peaks. Descend to base camp.
Day 14: Base to Yalung Nyau-la (5430m) – Korzok (4595m).
From base camp, we traversed the flat scree slopes on the right side of the stream towards Yalung Nyau La and reached the pass. Gradual descent to the Korzok Sumdo which is inhabited by Changpa herders with Cashmere goats, an hour to Korzok village from here, we establish camp here.
Day 15: Korzok to Kyangdom (4540 m).
A long day along the shore of Tso Moriri to Kyangdam camp, or ride on a jeep to Kyangdam camp.
Day 16: Kyangdam to Lato (4680m).
Today from camp, we enter the Phirse Phu Valley, taking the valley to the right by first entering in narrow valley which later opens up to a wide valley. Camp at Lato.
Day 17: Lato to Manechan (4700 m) – Manechan La (4790 m) – Thargang (4750 m).
We cross Manechan La to the Thargang campsite in the vast open valley. This entire valley is dwell by Changpa herders with flocks of Cashmere goat. From Manechan the Mentok Kangri base camp can be set on the southern slopes of Mentok Kangri.
Changpa herder
Day 18: Thargang to Lanyar (4840 m) - Zozogong (4930 m).
Today leaving the camp along the small stream with vast open meadows to the campsite of Zozogong. Above on the right side are the peaks of the Gyama groups, we are in the Southern valley of Gyama.
Day 19: Zozogong to Thelakong La (5030 m) - Shayama (4730 m) – Numa (4600 m), 6-7 hours trek.
A short ascend to Thelakong La 5020 m, our last pass of the trek, and following the dry stream towards the Shayama and Numa camp. The trail to the right goes to Kyama Sharma La at 5800 m pass, which later joins at Gyama Barma.
Day 20: Numa to Pang (4510 m), trek 2-3 hours, Drive to Leh. 180 km 5 to 6 hrs, end of trek.
An early start today to Pang along the Phirtse Lungpa, arriving at Pang, we will say goodbye to our horseman and finally go by car to Leh.
Day 21: Airport transfer and depart Leh - Delhi flight.
Ladakh Peaks & Passes – 16 Days 15 Nights
Day 1: Arrival in Leh 3500m.
Day 2: Leh.
2 days (Day 3 and Day 4) acclimatize trek from Zingchen to Stok.
Day 3: Leh to Zingchen by car, visit Spituk monastery on the way. Trek Zingchen (3400m) – Rumbak (3955m), 3 hrs, 7 km.
Day 4: Trek Rumbak (3955 m) – Stok La (4855m) – Stok (3600m), 7-8 hrs, 16.5 km, Stok to Leh by car.
Day 5: Leh – Taglang La (5328m) - Riyul (4550m) - Nuruchan (4650m).
10 days trek from Nuruchan to Tso Moriri.
Day 6: Nuruchan to Horlam Kongka La (4950m) – Rachungkaru (4930m).
Day 7: Rachungkaru to Kyamayuri-la (5430m) – Gyamar Barma (5195m).
Day 8: Gyama Barma to base of Spangnak Ri (5300m).
Day 9: Ascend Spangnak Ri (6390 m).
Day 10: Spangnak Ri base to the Gyama (5150m).
Day 11: Gyama to Gyama base (5550m)
Day 12: Rest day.
Day 13: Ascend Gyama Pyramid Kangri (6260m).
Day 14: Base to Yalung Nyau-la (5430m) – Korzok (4595m).
Day 15: Korzok to Leh
Day 16: Depart Leh.
We meet you at Leh Airport (code IXL) and check into a hotel where you can relax.
Hike to Leh
Palace, Tsemo Gompa, and Shanti Stupa.
Leh
to Zingchen by car, visit Spituk monastery on the way. Trek Zingchen (3400m) –
Rumbak (3955m), 3 hrs, 7 km.
Leaving Rumbak we cross the Stok La (4,900m). At first, we trek on a beautiful, gently sloping trail, but then the path becomes steeper and steeper as it zigzags up to the top of the pass. Rock flutes rise all around us, home to the elusive snow leopard. From the top the views are even more spectacular; layer upon layer of multicolored rock cathedrals are spread before us in every direction. The descent is very steep at first and then we contour around two valleys to the junction with the river coming down from Stok Kangri. Follow the left bank of this river as far as the village Stok. Here you can visit the Stok Palace. It was the home of the king of Ladakh. The museum has a unique display of rare ornaments from the royal family, plus tangkas, traditional clothing, and jewelry. At Stok visit to Royal Palace built during 1825 AD and palace has great collections of antiquity. We drive back to Leh which is situated opposite of Stok at a distance of 14 km, crossing the bridge over Indus at Choglamsar.
Leaving
Leh, we drive on Leh – Manali highway until Debring intersection point and take
the Tsokar road to Pongunagu and a rough route to Nuruchan campsite. Arriving
at Nuruchan camp, we will meet with the rest of the team horseman, cook, and
camp boys.
Setting
off from Nuruchan, a small stream will need to be crossed and the trail leads
directly towards the pass for 2 hours. Gradual descent to the brook and on the
other side of the trail slowly ascends again. A Changpa herder tent can be
seen.
Today
leaving Rachungkaru first the ascent to the Kyamayuri La at a distance of 4 km
and will take about 2-3 hours. The spacious view from the pass and snow-covered
mountains furthers in the background the Gyama group of peaks. Now the trail
goes in the plain valley floor and front of the view of Yalung Nong. Kyamayuri
La to Gyama Barma is about 2 hours.
Ascend for 3-4 hours to the base camp of Spangnak Ri 5300m, we will establish a base camp here.
An
early start at 3:00 am to the Spangnak Ri 6390m, at first on gravel rocks and
continue to the summit. The view from the Summit towards the south groups of
Gyama peaks, Mentok Kangri, Chamser, Lungser and Chalung group of peaks.
Descend to base camp.
Today
a short trail along the Yan Nala first to Gyama camp at the foot of Yalung Nong
peak.
From
Gyama camp gradual ascending along the Loma nala and towards the right side of
Yalung Nyau La (5450m) and to the base of Gyama peaks at 5550m.
A
rest day to restore the energy for the next day's ascend.
An
early start at 3:00 am to the Gyama Pyramid Kangri (6260m), at first on gravel
rocks and continue to the summit, the final summit on the snow terrain, where
we may rope up to the summit using
crampons, ice axe. Arriving at top The view from the Summit towards the south Kharpa,
Monto, Gya and towards East Chamser Kangri, Lungser Kangri, Chalung group of
peaks, towards North Yalung Nong, Spangnak Ri and finally towards South East
Mentok group of peaks. Descend to base camp.
From
base camp, we traversed the flat scree slopes on the right side of the stream
towards Yalung Nyau La and reached the pass. Gradual descent to the Korzok
Sumdo which is inhabited by Changpa herders with Cashmere goats, an hour to
Korzok village from here, we establish camp here.
A
long day along the shore of Tso Moriri to Kyangdam camp, or ride on a jeep to
Kyangdam camp.
Today
from camp, we enter the Phirse Phu Valley, taking the valley to the right by
first entering in narrow valley which later opens up to a wide valley. Camp at
Lato.
We
cross Manechan La to the Thargang campsite in the vast open valley. This entire
valley is dwell by Changpa herders with flocks of Cashmere goat. From Manechan
the Mentok Kangri base camp can be set on the southern slopes of Mentok Kangri.
Today
leaving the camp along the small stream with vast open meadows to the campsite
of Zozogong. Above on the right side are the peaks of the Gyama groups, we are
in the Southern valley of Gyama.
A
short ascend to Thelakong La 5020 m, our last pass of the trek, and following
the dry stream towards the Shayama and Numa camp. The trail to the right goes
to Kyama Sharma La at 5800 m pass, which later joins at Gyama Barma.
An
early start today to Pang along the Phirtse Lungpa, arriving at Pang, we will
say goodbye to our horseman and finally go by car to Leh.
Leh airport transfer and flight to Delhi. Trip ends.
- All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary?
- Leh airport transfer.
- 5 nights bed of hotel accommodation in Leh at CP plan.
- 4 season sleeping tent, sleeping bags/liners, foam mattresses, mess tent, stool, chairs, toilet tent.
- Climbing gear: climbing boots, crampons, harnesses, ice axes, gaiters, rope, carabineers, trekking poles & other accessories.
- All meals during the trek - starts with bed tea to breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea /coffee, and snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese to continental cuisine.
- Support staff: Qualified English-speaking climbing guide, cook & camp crew.
- Trekking mules/horses for porterage of your luggage and trekking gear.
- Camping fee.
- An Inner line permit.
- GST (Goods and services tax) as applicable.
- First aid medical kit.
× Domestic flight Delhi - Leh,
× Travel insurance.
× Soft or hard drinks.
× Entrance fee at monasteries
× Personal tipping to staff: Guide, cook, helper, horseman, driver.
× Any unforeseen cost arises from natural hazards rain, snow, or roadblocks which cost extra lodging & boarding beyond the trip Schedule.
Trip info
Activity - Trekking & hiking
Region: Ladakh - Union Territory of India
Difficulty level - Strenuous
Highest point - 6390m, Spangnak Ri
Highest sleeping night – 5550m, Base Gyama
Lowest trek altitude - 4510m, Pang
Trip Length - 18 days Leh to Leh (2-day acclimatize trek + 1-day tour by car + 14-day trek + 1 day drive back to Leh)
Trekking days: 21 days from Delhi to Delhi.
Trekking days: 16
Camp: 14 nights
Hotel: 4 nights
Homestay: 1 night
Best time - Mid-June to Sept. End.
Kings Crown Rhodiola at base camp
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