TRIP INTRODUCTION
Located at the western shore of turquoise Lake Tso Moriri, Mentok Kangri is an exciting new trekking and climbing holiday for those looking for first Himalayan 6000m. The area is close to the westernmost part of Tibet, known as Changthang plateau. This trek takes us to the stunning landscape in remote Tibetan plateau. It focuses mainly on the life of Changpa herdsman.
After 2 -3 days of well acclimatizing and while acclimatizing at the same time doing some sightseeing tour around Leh, we set off into the foot of Tanglang La. Rumtse is located below Tanglang La and on the Leh - Manali highway. Setting off from this village we gradually and cross three high passes before reaching Pongunagu near Tsokar. "Tso Kar" in Ladakhi, Tso means Lake & Kar means White (White in Tibetan is Kar po). So literally "White Lake". Tsokar is a shallow lake without a drain. The entire area is inhabited during the summer by nomadic herders and by rare animals such as Blue sheep, Tibetan Antelope, wolf, and kiang (wild ass) roam year-round. After Tso Kar and crossing another high pass of Yalung Nau La from where we get our first views of the 20-kilometer long Tso Morari. Crossing Yalung Nau la we descent to Korzok Phu, one of the largest nomadic settlements in the region, Not far from the village of Karzok, we establish a base camp above the lake at an elevation of 5300 meters and from here set out to climb the highest points in the Mentok Massif, Mentok 1 (6262m), making limited use of fixed ropes on the snow slopes we encounter. Technically undemanding, this peak presents an excellent challenge to fit and adventurous trekkers. Mentok means in Tibetan " Flower" and Kangri for "mountain - so literally "Flower Mountain"A super trek and climb combination in a special part of the world.
Trekking over the Changthang plateau, nomads country, the ascent of Mentok Kangri 1 (6260m) and 2 (6210 m) some of the highest inhabited villages on Earth plus turquoise Lake of Tsomoriri
HIGHLIGHTS
Stunning campsites under the vast open sky, Deeper looks insight the life of Changpa nomads and meet their families. Daily walks above 4500-5400 m, Spectacular views from Mentok Kangri across the Lake Tsomoriri into Tibet. A real trekking climbing expedition in Ladakh, Challenging but technically demanding climb.
MENTOK KANGRI
Day 01: Arrive in New Delhi. Airport pickup and check into the hotel.
Day 02: Fly Delhi to Leh, Arrive Leh.
Day 03: Acclimatize & visit in around Leh
Day 04: Acclimatize & visit in around Leh
Day 05: Drive Leh - Shey - Thiksey - Hemis - Rumtse (4150m)
Day 06: Trek Kyamar (4390m)
Day 07: Trek Kyamar La (5180m) - Mandalchan La (5170m) - Tisaling (5000m)
Day 08: Trek Shingbuk La (5230m) - Pongunagu (4580m)
Day 09: Trek Nuruchan (4650m)
Day 10: Trek Horlam Kongka La (4960m) - Rachungkaru (4940m)
Day 11: Trek Kyamayuri La (5430m) - Kortse La (5380m) - Gyama (5170m)
Day 12: Trek Yalung Nyau La (5440m) - Korzok Phu (4600m)
Day 13: Trek Base camp (5300m)
Day 14: A day for preparation and rest
Day 15: Ascent Mentok Kangri (6260m) - Base camp
Day 16: Reserve day / Contingency day
Day 17: Descent to Korzok
Day 18: Drive to Leh
Day 19: Leh - Delhi flight. Explore Delhi.
Day 20: Airport transfer, flight back to home.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
- All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary.
- New Delhi and Leh airport transfer.
- Sight-seeing in around Leh one full day
- 4 nights bed & breakfast hotel accommodation in Leh at 2-star hotel double bed or single.
- Accommodation on twin share in 3 men 4 season tents, sleeping bags/liners, foam mattresses, mess tent, stool, chairs, toilet tent. Single tent available on request.
- Climbing gear: climbing boots, crampons, harnesses, ice axe, gaiters, rope, carabineers, trekking poles & other accessories.
- All meal during trek - starts with bed tea to breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea /coffee, snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, 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, climbing permits.
- GST (Goods and services tax) as applicable.
- First aid medical kit.
MENTOK KANGRI - 14 Days Leh to Leh
Day 01: Drive Leh - Shey - Thiksey - Hemis - Rumtse (4150m)
Day 02: Trek Kyamar (4390m)
Day 03: Trek Kyamar La (5180m) - Mandalchan La (5170m) - Tisaling (5000m)
Day 04: Trek Shingbuk La (5230m) - Pongunagu (4580m)
Day 05: Trek Nuruchan (4650m)
Day 06: Trek Horlam Kongka La (4960m) - Rachungkaru (4940m)
Day 07: Trek Kyamayuri La (5430m) - Kortse La (5380m) - Gyama (5170m)
Day 08: Trek Yalung Nyau La (5440m) - Korzok Phu (4600m)
Day 09: Trek Base camp (5300m)
Day 10: A day for preparation and rest
Day 11: Ascent Mentok Kangri (6260m) - Base camp
Day 12: Reserve day / Contingency day
Day 13: Descent to Korzok
Day 14: Drive to Leh
Yalung Nong 6050m
MENTOK KANGRI (6250M) - DETAILED TRIP DOSSIER
Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi. Airport pickup and check into the hotel.
Arrive at Delhi airport based on your flight arrival. Airport pickup and drive to your hotel in Delhi.
Day 2: Fly Delhi to Leh, Arrive Leh.
Pickup again from your hotel in Delhi and drop at Delhi airport. Flight to Leh. Leh airport pick up and transfer to the hotel. Rest and relax. Evening visit Leh bazaar.
Day 3: Leh acclimatize - sightseeing in around Leh
Today visit Leh Palace, Tsemo Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Shanti Stupa, Spituk Gompa, Stok palace & Matho. All these places are not so far from each location, thus you will explore the most places around Leh. Explore the colorful local market in the evening. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 4: Leh acclimatize: Visit Likir - Alchi
Today after breakfast at Leh, we drive to Alchi monastery, situated at a distance of 68 km from Leh. Its monastery built on lowlands rather than on a hilltop as others are, in order to protect from enemies. The Chortens around Alchi gompa contains numerous wall murals of Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo, who has built this monastery. Alchi monastery has vast collections of wall paintings and wood sculptures.
Day 5: Drive Leh - Shey - Thiksey - Hemis - Rumtse (4150m)
After breakfast, drive to visit Stok via Choklamsar. We cross a bridge on the Indus River. In Stok, we visit the Royal Palace of present king and queen which was constructed by the kind Tsepal Tondup Namgyal in 1825. Inside the palace, you” ll find a great collection of ancient royal ornament. After visiting Stok Palace, drive to Shey - Thiksey and visit Hemis monastery which is 45 km far from Leh and it takes a 90-minute drive. The great Mahasiddha Staktsang Raspa along with great ancestor Singey Namgyal builds this biggest monastery in the 16th century. After visiting this monastery, drive back to Thiksey monastery, which is 27 km from Hemis. This monastery is the oldest monastery of Gelugpa School in Ladakh. The great Lama Palden Sherap built it in the 14th century. Here you can see the big statue of the Future Buddha. Finally at the campsite of Rumtse.
Day 6: Trek Rumtse to Kyamar (4390m), 4-5 hrs.
After spending 3 days in Leh we set off our trek from Rumtse. Walk along the road till you reach a Govt. tourist bungalow. From there take the right-side trail into the valley passing through some abandoned army huts.
Day 7: Trek Kyamar to Kyamar La (5180m) - Mandalchan La (5170m) - Tisaling (5000m), 6 hrs
Today leaving camp a few minutes after walking the trail divides into two; one going to the left leading towards Tsokar lake and one on the right takes you to a stream, crossing which another pass to climb is there. Overnight in a Tented Camp.
Day 8: Trek Tisaling to Shingbuk La (5230m) - Pongunagu (4580m), 6-7 hrs
Leaving camp a gradual and easy ascend will lead you to Shibuk La. There are many wild Asses (skyang) around this area. Pongunagu has also a nice camping site. Overnight camp.
Day 9: Trek Pongunagu to Nuruchan (4650m), 7 hrs
Walking along Tso Kar for much of the time on the trail. Today we have easy trek along with the lake and its short trek of four to five hours. On the way, one can see many birds and Wild ass (Skyang) of Ladakh and Tibet plateau. After finishing the lake we turn to the right side and enter the Nuruchan. The campsite is set next to a beautiful stream. Overnight camp at Nuruchan.
* Nuruchan campsite *
Day 10: Trek Nuruchan to Horlam Kongka La (4960m) - Rachungkaru (4940m)
Today we have small pass Horlam Kongka La (4960m) to cross. It will take two hours to reach the pass from camp. After crossing the pass gradual descent the stream and the trail slowly ascend again. Soon you will see nomad tents. Arriving at Rachungkaru. Here the nomadic are Tibetan refugees live in summer. Here we can see the lifestyle of nomad people in Tibet. In this area, they have plenty of Yaks, Sheep and Pashmina Goats. Overnight camp at Rachungkaru.
Day 11: Trek Rachungkaru to Kyamayuri La (5430m) - Kortse La (5380m) - Gyama Yogma (5170m)
Today is a long day ahead of us, so early start from camp is recommended. You will have early breakfast and early departure from camp. It will take seven to eight hours of hiking today. From camp gradual trail to the Kyamayuri la, takes about 2 1/2 hours. A view from the pass is breathtaking. You will have sight of Yalung nong. It is not so far our next pass of Kortse La, takes an hour. From the pass, one can see Gyama peaks, Mentok group of peaks. Descent to Kyama Sharma chu. The tonight campsite is not so far from here, it will take less than an hour to reach Gyama yogma.
* Kortse La *
* Gyama Barma *
Yalung Nong 6050m
Day 12: Trek Gyama to Yalungnyau La (5440m) - Korzok Phu (4600m)
Leaving camp today we cross our last pass probably the highest and final pass on our trek. It will be less an hour to reach the pass. Crossing the pass and you will see the valley starts to open and with a view in front of Korzok and Tsomoriri. Long descent to Korzok Phu, where you will find large settlements of nomad and their robos. Overnight camp at Korzok Phu.
Day 13: Trek Korzok Phu to Base camp (5300m)
Leaving camp, we make our way up to the base for Mentok Kangri. The ascent to base camp leads through an open valley with some moraine walking. It will take six hours to reach base camp from Korzok Phu. We get close to the Mentok Kangri as much as possible, which will reduce the average taking time to summit day. Overnight camp at a base.
Day 14: A day for preparation and rest
Today some work to do, with your guide you will do some preparation and training with climbing gear. Post lunch take rest for tomorrows early move.
Day 15: Ascent of Mentok Kangri (6260m) - Base camp
Today you start very early after breakfast, start ascending to the foot of snow slopes through boulders for 2 hours. At some sections rocks are loose. Finally crossing the snow slopes that lead to the col between Mentok I and II. Traverse the ridge to the summit of Mentok 1 (6260m) & continue to Mentok 2 (6210 m), You will have fantastic views of Tsomoriri lake and across the lake to the peaks of Chamser and Lungser Kangri (6666)m, to south Kharpa and at the horizon Gya peak. Overnight at base camp.
Day 16: Reserve day / Contingency day
This day is a reserve in case of bad weather. If all goes well you will use this day at Korzok village.
Day 17: Descent to Korzok (4500m)
We begin our walk-out with a relatively easy descent to the village of Karzok, which is one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements on Earth. It is scenically located beside Tso Morari at an elevation of over 4500 meters. The afternoon is free to walk by the lakeshore, meet the local people and check out the village and its ancient monastery.
* Korzok *
* Chamser & Lungser Kangri *
Day 18: Drive to Leh
It is between 7 to 8 hours of drive to Leh back. We will take Mahe route back to Leh.
Day 19: Leh - Delhi flight. Explore Delhi.
Pickup at hotel and drive to the airport and flight back to Delhi.
Day 20: Flight back home.
Arrive New Delhi. Airport pickup and check into hotel.
Flight to Leh. Leh airport pickup and Transfer to hotel. Rest and relax. Evening visit Leh bazarDay 3: Leh acclimatize
Today visit Leh Palace, Tsemo Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Shanti Stupa, Spituk Gompa, Stok palace & Matho. All these places are not so far from each location, thus you will explore the most places around Leh. Explore the colorful local market in the evening. Overnight in Hotel.
Today after breakfast at Leh, we drive to Alchi monastery, situated at a distance of 68 km from Leh. Its monastery built on lowlands rather than on a hilltop as others are, in order to protect from enemies. The Chortens around Alchi gompa contains numerous wall murals of Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo, who has built this monastery. Alchi monastery has vast collections of wall paintings and wood sculptures.
After breakfast, drive to visit Stok via Choklamsar. We cross a bridge on Indus River. In Stok we visit the Royal Palace of present kind and queen which was constructed by the kind Tsepal Tondup Namgyal in 1825. Inside the palace, you”ll find great collection of ancient royal ornament. After visitng Stok Palace, drive to Shey - Thiksey and visit Hemis monastery which is 45 km far from Leh and it takes 90 minute drive. The great Mahasiddha Staktsang Raspa along with great ancestor Singey Namgyal builds this biggest monastery in 16th century. After visiting this monastery, drive back to Thiksey monastery, which is 27 km from Hemis. This monastery is the oldest monastery of Gelugpa School in Ladakh. The great Lama Paldan Shesrap built it in 14th century. Here you can see the big statue of the Future Buddha. Finally at campsite of Rumtse.
After spending 3 days in Leh we set off our trek from Rumtse. Walk along the road till you reach a Govt. tourist bungalow. From there take the right side trail into the alley passing through some abandoned army huts.
Today leaving camp few minutes after walking the trail divides into two; one going to the left leading towards Tsokar lake and one on the right takes you to a stream, crossing which another pass to climb is there. Overnight in a tented Camp.
Leaving camp a gradual and easy ascend will lead you to Shibuk La. There are many wild Asses (skyang) around this area. Pongunagu has also nice camping site. Overnight camp.
Walking along Tso Kar for much of the time on the trail. Today we have easy trek along with the lake and its short trek of four to five hours. On the way one can see many birds and Wild ass (Skyang) of Ladakh and Tibet plateau. After finishing the lake we turn to right side and enter the Nuruchan . Campsite is set next to a beautiful stream. Overnight camp at Nuruchan.
Today we have small pass Horlam Kongka la (4960m) to cross. It will take two hours to reach the pass from camp. After crossing the pass gradual descent the the stream and the trail slowly ascend again. Soon you will see nomad tents. Arriving at Rachungkaru. Here the nomadic are Tibetan refugees live in summer. Here we can see the life style of nomad people in Tibet. In this area they have plenty of Yaks, Sheep’s and Pashmina Goats. Overnight camp at Rachungkaru.
Today is a long day ahead of us, so early start from camp is recommended. You will have early breakfast and early departure from camp. It will take seven to eight hours of hiking today. From camp gradual trail to the Kyamayuri la, takes about 2 1/2 hours. A view from pass is breathtaking. You will have sight of Yalung nong. It is not so far the our next pass of Kortse la, takes an hour. From pass one can see Gyama peaks, Mentok group of peaks. Descent to Kyama Sharma chu. The tonight campsite is not so far from here, it will take less than an hour to reach Gyama yogma.
Leaving camp today we cross the our last pass probably the highest and final pass on our trek. It will be less an an hour to reach the pass. Crossing the pass and you will see the valley starts to open and with view in front of Korzok and Tsomoriri. Long descent to Korzok phu, where you will find large settlements of nomad and their robos. Overnight camp at Korzok phu.
Leaving camp, we make our way up to the base for Mentok Kangri. The ascent to base camp leads through an open valley with some moraine walking. It will take six hour to reach base camp from Korzok phu. We get close to the Mentok Kangri as much as possible, which will reduce the average taking time to summit day. Overnight camp at base.
Today some work to do, with your guide you will do some preparation and training with climbing gear. Post lunch take rest for tomorrows early move.
Today you start very early, after breakfast start ascending to the foot of snow slopes through boulders for 2 hours. At some sections rocks are loose. Finally crossing the snow slopes that lead to the col between Mentok I and II. Traverse the ridge to the summit of Mentok I (6260m) and continue to Mentok 2 (6210 m), You will have fantastic views of Tsomoriri lake and across the lake to the peaks of Chamser and Lungser Kangri (6666)m, to south Kharpa and at the horizon Gya peak. Overnight at base camp.
This day is reserve in case of bad weather. If all goes well you will use this day at Korzok village.
We begin our walk-out with a relatively easy descent to the village of Karzok, which is one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements on Earth. It is scenically located beside Tso Morari at an elevation of over 4500 metres. The afternoon is free to walk by the lakeshore, meet the local people and check out the village and its ancient monastery.
It is between 7 to 8 hours of drive to Leh back. We will take Mahe route back to Leh or Taglang la route based on situation.
Pickup at hotel and drive to airport and flight back to Delhi.
Flight back to home.
- All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary.
- New Delhi and Leh airport transfer.
- Sight-seeing in around Leh one full day
- 4 nights bed & breakfast hotel accommodation in Leh at 2-star hotel double bed or single.
- Accommodation on twin share in 3 men 4 season tents, sleeping bags/liners, foam mattresses, mess tent, stool, chairs, toilet tent. Single tent available on request.
- Climbing gear: climbing boots, crampons, harnesses, ice axe, gaiters, rope, carabineers, trekking poles & other accessories.
- All meals during the trek - start with bed tea to breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea /coffee, snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, 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, climbing permits.
- GST (Goods and services tax) as applicable.
- First aid medical kit.
× Domestic flight Delhi - Leh,
× Hotel in New Delhi, Rest of hotel in Leh and lunch, dinner while staying at the hotel in Leh & not trekking.
× Travel insurance.
× Soft or hard drinks.
× Entrance fee at monasteries
× Personal tipping to staff: Guide, cook, helper, horseman, driver.
× Any unforeseen cost arises by natural hazards rain, snow, roadblock which cost extra lodging & boarding beyond the trip Schedule.
"Hello Prem, I wanted to tell you also that all the trekking that the team has been fantastic, all.Also the hotel in Leh and Sonam and all their staff, great. As we told you, we were very happy traveling.I am speaking very well of you to Spanish mountain companies in case you are of help for future trips. Thank you. "
DATES
26 June - 15 July 2024
TRIP FACTS
Destination: Ladakh, India
Activity: Trekking + Mountaineering expedition
Duration: 21 days Delhi to Delhi and
14 days Leh to Leh.
12-day trek,
13 nights camp,
4 nights hotel.
Maximum altitude: 6250m,
Grade: Moderate to strenuous,
Best time: Mid June, July, Aug, Sept
