This demanding and Challenging Trek takes us to the land of Changpa nomads living on the vast high plateau of Changthang. It focuses mainly on the life of Nomadic people and wildlife in motion. After 2-3 days of well acclimatizing in Leh, we drive to Rumtse (85 km) at the foot of Tanglang la pass (5328 m). Beginning to trek from Rumtse we cross over passes of Kyamari la, Mandalachan la, and Shingbuk la before approaching Lake Tsokar. This tour is taking place in the Changthang region, which has an average altitude of 4000-5000m, higher than central Ladakh and Nubra Valley. In that case, a long acclimatization is a must before starting the trek.
The first stage of the area is relatively uninhabited, while the second phase after Tsokar up to the Tsomoriri Lake area is vastly dwelt by Changpa nomads. We visit several yurts along our trail and carefully witness nomadic daily life. Crossing over 3 high passes of Kyamayuri la, Kartse la, and Yarlung Nyau la we arrive at Karzok phu. One of the largest nomadic settlements in the region. Occasionally chances to see wildlife such as Kyang, black naked crane, Tibetan Antelope, Himalayan Marmot, and Blue Sheep. Finishing trek at Karzok we drive back to Leh via Chumathang.
Highlights
- Trek through the stunning high-altitude landscapes of Changthang, the Western Tibetan plateau in the land of nomads.
- Spectacular views of Tso Moriri Lake
- 6 high passes over 5000 m.
- Meeting with Changpa nomads and their Cashmere goats.
- Experience a homestay in the picturesque village of Rumbak
Itinerary
2 days acclimatize trek from Zingchen to Stok
Day 1: Leh to Zingchen by car, visit Spituk monastery on the way.
Trek Zingchen (3400m) – Rumbak (3955m)
3 hrs, 7 km, | Homestay | meals: L, D
Day 2: Trek Rumbak (3955 m) – Stok La (4855m) – Stok (3600m)
7-8 hrs, 16.5 km, | meals: B, L
1-day tour
Day 3: Leh - visit Shey - Thiksey – Stakna – Hemis monasteries, Drive to Rumtse (4150m)
80 km by car, 4-5 hours | Camping | meals: L, D
7-days trek from Rumtse to Tso Moriri
Day 4: Trek Rumtse (4150m) to Kyamar (4540m)
11 km, 4 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Trek Kyamar (4540m) to Kyamar La (5070m) – Mandalchan La (5200m) – Tisaling (5010m)
14 km, 6-7 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Trek Tisaling (5010m) to Shibuk La (5275m) - Pongunagu (4580m)- Riyul Doksa (4550m)
14 km, 6-7 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Trek Riyul (4550m) to Nuruchan (4650m)
16 km, 5-6 hours, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Trek Nuruchan (4650m) to Kyamayuri La (5430m) - Gyamar Barma (5195m)
19 km, 7-8 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Trek Gyamar Barma (5195m) to Kartse La (5380m) – Gyamar (5160m)
6 km, 3-4 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Trek Gyamar (5160m) to Yalung Nyau La (5430m) – Korzok (4595m)
16 km (6-7 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
1- day drive back to Leh
Day 11: Visit Korzok monastery in the morning & explore Tsomoriri Lake, drive back to Leh
meals: B
What's included
ü All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary. Leh to Zingchen, Stok to Leh, Leh to Rumtse & Korzok to Leh.
ü Homestay in Rumbak for 1 night.
ü 8x nights camp with all camping facilities. 3 men spacious 4 season tents for 2, sleeping bags, foam mattresses, kitchen tent, dining tent, trekking poles & safety gear.
ü All meals during the trek - bed tea to breakfast, lunch, 3-course dinner, tea /coffee, and snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese to continental cuisine. 9 breakfasts, 10 packed lunches, 8 post-trek snacks & 9 dinners - veg. & non-veg.
ü Support staff: Qualified English-speaking trekking guide, assistant guide, cook & camp crew.
ü Trekking mules/horses for porterage of your luggage and trekking gear.
ü Camping fee, wildlife fee, entrance fee at monasteries (Spituk, Shey, Thiksey, Stakna, Hemis & Korzok)
ü Goods and services tax.
ü First aid medical kit.
ü Innerline permit for Tso Moriri.
What's not included
× Domestic flight Delhi - Leh
× Hotel in Leh
× Meals staying at the hotel in Leh.
× Travel insurance.
× Soft or hard drinks.
× 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 Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Leh to Zingchen by car, visit Spituk monastery on the way. Trek Zingchen (3400m) – Rumbak (3955m)
Leh to Zingchen by car, visit Spituk monastery on the way. Trek Zingchen (3400m) – Rumbak (3955m)
2.3 hrs, 7 km, | Homestay | meals: L, D
Day 2: Trek Rumbak (3955 m) – Stok La (4855m) – Stok (3600m)
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.
7-8 hrs, 16.5 km, | meals: B, L
Day 3: Leh - visit Shey - Thiksey – Stakna – Hemis monasteries, Drive to Rumtse (4150m)
After breakfast, drive to Rumtse, 80 Km from Leh, on the Leh-Manali highway. En route, visit Shey, Thiksey, Stakna, and Hemis monasteries. Overnight stay in a camp at Rumtse.
80 km by car, 4-5 hours | Camping | meals: L, D
Day 4: Trek Rumtse (4150m) to Kyamar (4540m)
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.
11 km, 4 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Trek Kyamar (4540m) to Kyamar-la (5070m) – Mandalchan-la (5200m) – Tisaling (5010m)
After a few minutes’ walk 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.
14 km, 6-7 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Trek Tisaling (5010m) to Shibuk-la (5275m) - Pongunagu (4580m)- Riyul (4550m)
A gradual and easy ascend will lead you to Shibuk La. There are many wild Asses (skyang) around this area. Pangunagu has also a nice camping site but due to lack of water, we camp at Riyul, which is situated short after Pongunagu. Overnight camp.
14 km, 6-7 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Trek Riyul (4550m) to Nuruchan (4650m)
Walking along Tso Kar for much of the time on the trail. Today we have an easy trek along with the lake. 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. Overnight at camp.
16 km, 5-6 hours, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Trek Nuruchan (4650m) to Kyamayuri La (5430m) - Gyamar Barma (5195m)
Continue on the trail from Nuruchan to Kyamayuru La to Gyamar Barma campsite. Here the nomadic 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.
19 km, 7-8 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Trek Gyamar Barma (5195m) to Kartse-la (5380m) – Gyamar (5160m)
A short trail today. From camp, we have a nice walk through the nomadic pasture land. From a nomadic area, stick ascend to pass. From the pass, we can see the beautiful landscape of the Korzok area. Easy descent to the summer pasture of Tibetan refugee camp.Overnight camp in Gyamar.
6 km, 3-4 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Trek Gyamar (5160m) to Yalung Nyau-la (5430m) – Korzok (4595m)
Today, we will have the last pass to cross. We will trek to Korzok from the camp by crossing Yalung Nyau la Pass. On the way to Korzok, one can see plenty of marmots. Today, we have a beautiful turquoise-colored Lake Tsomoriri to see. This lake is situated at an altitude of 4600m. Korzok village is situated near the lake, and you can see the Korzok monastery. Overnight at camp.
16 km (6-7 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L
Day 11: Visit Korzok monastery in the morning & explore Tsomoriri Lake, drive back to Leh
Visit Korzok monastery in the morning & explore Tsomoriri Lake, drive back to Leh
Leh
to Zingchen by car, visit Spituk monastery on the way. Trek Zingchen (3400m) – Rumbak (3955m)
2.3
hrs, 7 km, | Homestay | meals: L, D
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.
7-8
hrs, 16.5 km, | meals: B, L
After
breakfast, drive to Rumtse, 80 Km from Leh, on the Leh-Manali highway. En route, visit Shey, Thiksey, Stakna and Hemis monasteries. Overnight stay in a camp at Rumtse.
80 km by car, 4-5 hours | Camping | meals: L, D
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.
11 km, 4 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
After
few minutes’ walk 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.
14 km, 6-7 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
A
gradual and easy ascend will lead you to Shibuk La. There are many wild Asses
(skyang) around this area. Pangunagu has also nice camping site but due to lack
of water, we camp at Riyul, which is situated short after Pongunagu. Overnight
camp.
14 km, 6-7 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
Walking
along Tso Kar for much of the time on the trail. Today we have easy trek along
with the lake. 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. Overnight at camp.
16 km, 5-6 hours, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
Continue
on the trail from Nuruchan to Kyamayuru La to Gyamar Barma campsite. 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.
19 km, 7-8 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
A
short trail today. From the camp we have nice walk through the nomadic pasture
land. From nomadic area stick ascend to pass. From the pass we can see
beautiful landscape of Korzok area. Easy descent to the summer pasture of
Tibetan refugee camp.Overnight camp in Gyamar.
6 km, 3-4 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L, D
Today, we will have the last pass to cross. We will trek to Korzok from the camp by crossing Yalung Nyau la Pass. On the way to Korzok, one can see plenty of marmots. Today, we have a beautiful turquoise-colored Lake Tsomoriri to see. This lake is situated at an altitude of 4600m. Korzok village is situated near the lake, and you can
see the Korzok monastery. Overnight at camp.
16 km (6-7 hrs, | Camping | meals: B, L
Visit
Korzok monastery in the morning & explore Tsomoriri Lake, drive back to Leh
ü All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary. Leh to Zingchen, Stok to Leh, Leh to Rumtse & Korzok to Leh.
ü Homestay in Rumbak for 1 night.
ü 8x nights camp with all camping facilities. 3 men spacious 4 season tents for 2, sleeping bags, foam mattresses, kitchen tent, dining tent, trekking poles & safety gear.
ü All meals during the trek - bed tea to breakfast, lunch, 3-course dinner, tea /coffee, and snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese to continental cuisine. 9 breakfasts, 10 packed lunches, 8 post-trek snacks & 9 dinners - veg. & non-veg.
ü Support staff: Qualified English-speaking trekking guide, assistant guide, cook & camp crew.
ü Trekking mules/horses for porterage of your luggage and trekking gear.
ü Camping fee, wildlife fee, entrance fee at monasteries (Spituk, Shey, Thiksey, Stakna, Hemis & Korzok)
ü Goods and services tax.
ü First aid medical kit.
ü Innerline permit for Tso Moriri.
× Domestic flight Delhi - Leh
× Hotel in Leh, Delhi.
× Travel insurance.
× Soft or hard drinks.
× 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 trip Schedule.
"Hi Mr Prem, It was really a wonderful trip to Ladakh. The trekking was sometimes a bit hard because of the altitude, but the team every time very friendly and helpfully. I enjoyed the complete journey very much. Your service was perfect, the hotels in Leh wonderful. Thank you.""Namaste Friends - Thank you so much for organizing our outstanding journey. It works all so perfectly and the boys did ...
More info
Activity - Trekking & hiking
Region: Ladakh - Union Territory of India
Difficulty level - Strenuous
Highest point - 5430m, Yalung Nyau La Pass
Highest sleeping night - 5195m, Gyamar Barma
Lowest trek altitude - 4150m, Rumtse
Trip Length - 11 days ( 2-days acclimatize trek + 1 day tour by car + 7-day treks + 1 day drive back to Leh)
Trekking days: 9
Camp: 8 nights
Best time - Mid-June to mid-Oct
Cost
Price on request
Pics
Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trail 1
Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trail 2
Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trail 3
Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trail 4
