Rumptse – Tsomoriri Lake Trekking

Recently opened to foreigners due to the proximity of the Chinese border, the Changthang is a land of wilderness and magnificent landscapes. This region is characterized by high arid plains, remote villages, snow-capped peaks and beautiful high altitude azure-blue lakes, the largest being Tsomoriri at 4,500 m. Truly remote, this area is only accessible for a few months every summer and is inhabited by Changspa – nomadic yak and Pashmina goat herders of Tibetan origin, who wander this area crossing over high altitude mountain passes. Our trek will take us across these passes to their summer settlements to witness a unique human culture, far away from the reaches of the modern world. The itinerary then goes south towards Spiti, following the western bank of the lake. The scenery is wild and vast with snow-capped peaks lining the far horizon. The trek ends at Tabo, famous for its monastery.

Day 01: Arrive Leh (Complete Rest in Leh for acclimatisation)

On arrival at Leh, meet our executive and transfer to hotel & check in. Relax the whole day. This is necessary for getting acclimatised. Overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 02: Leh – Shey – Thiksey

On this day you will go a sightseeing trip to some ancient monasteries in this area. Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17’Th century AD. Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Dresthang Gompa. Thiksey Gompa, close to Shey is about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order.

Day 03: Leh – Rumptse (4000 mts/13120 ft)

In the morning after breakfast Trek to Kyamar (4420 m) in 4 h. We stop at Hemis to visit its monastery, one of the largest and most important of Ladakh. Later, we will continue to Rumptse, where the trek starts. We enter a magnificent and vast area, where the Changspa – nomadic herders take their yak to pasture. We follow the ancient salt along the green Kyamar valley.

Day 04: Kyamar – Kumur La (4770 mts/14990 ft) – Tisaling (4805 mts/15760 ft) 5 -6 hrs

We start through beautiful color gorge towards Chorten Sumda. Easy walk for one hour then ascend towards Kumur La. From the top one can see the beautiful view of the chain of Kangyatse and the chain of Indus valley.

Day 05: Tisaling – Shibuk La (4875 mts/15990 ft) – Pangunagu (4800 mts/15744 ft) 5 hrs

From the pass we get a panoramic view of the Tsokar Lake (4400 mts/14432 ft) and the Rupshu valley. Then descend towards the lake, from which the nomads collect some salt. We will camp near the winter camp of nomad people of Changthang.

Day 06: Pangunagu – Nuruchan (4630 mts/15187 ft) 5 hrs

Today we have an easy trek along the lake. On the way one can see many birds and Wild ass (Kyang) of Ladakh and Tibet plateau. At the end of the lake the trail goes right and enter the Nuruchan village.

Day 07: Nuruchan – Horlam Kongka La (4900 mts/16072 ft) – Kyamayuri La (5 410 mts/17745 ft) – Gyamabarma (4950 mts/16236 ft) 6 hrs

This is a high altitude route and we will cross two passes around 4900 m.

Day 08: Gyamabarma – Yalung Nyau La (5440 mts/17844 ft) – Karzok (4550 mts/14925 ft) 6 hrs

Trek over the Yalung Nyau La to Karzok, on the north western shore of Tso Moriri, the “Mountain Lake”. We visit the Karzok monastery. Camp by the lake.

Day 09: Tsomoriri Lake – Tsokar Lake – Tanglang La Pass – Leh

In the morning, we drive to reach Tsokar via Puga by covering 75 km in 3-4 hours. Tsokhar Lake (4485 m) is also called White Lake because of salt deposits around it. It is approx 45 km northwest of the Tsomoriri Lake. Tsokhar is so salty that salt extracted from its margins are still sold all over Ladakh. We continue to drive and reach Manali-Leh highway and drive down towards Leh via Tanglang la (5415 m) the 2nd highest motorable road in Ladakh. Enroute, drive passes beautiful villages of Rumptse, Gya, Miru and Lato. Arrive Leh and check into hotel for overnight stay

Day 10: Leh Depart

In the morning after breakfast checkout from hotel.

Trip & Services Ends Here