Brief Description
Grade:Difficult
Location:
Ladakh
Altitude:5440 m
Duration:11 Days
The legendary Rumtse to Tso Moiriri Lake Trek takes you through the highly untouched and supremely beautiful Changthang Valley of Ladakh. With a jaw-dropping length of 100 km and 6 staggering 5000M+ mountain passes and three high altitude oligotrophic lakes, the Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek is unlike any other trek in Ladakh, the land of high passes and mountains. Rightly dubbed as a 4 season trek, meaning, you get to see all 4 seasons during the length of your trek, from snow-capped peaks within arm's length, meandering rivers, green-carpeted campsites, and barren desolate landscapes, this trek will test your endurance to the core. With lengthy walks, steep ascents and descents over passes, the Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek demands high physical fitness and one must be able to acclimatize properly to the high altitudes of Ladakh. The landscapes change shape from time to time with a cascade of colors that make them look like rainbow mountains. The area also hosts some of the rarest wildlife like Wild Asses, Blue Sheep, and Marmots which run around freely along with rare Snow Leopard spotting if one is lucky. The incomprehensibly massive valleys and unusual terrain of the Changthang valley of Ladakh are what makes the Rumtse to Tso Moiriri trek special. This region is known for the Changthang nomads with then Pashmina goats and Yaks. Stay on this page for more information on the trek - Itinerary, FAQs, Route, Temperature and Precipitation charts, Reviews and Pictures.
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Leh
The most convenient way to reach Leh is by Air. But this has to be followed by at least 2 days of acclimatization in Leh before you head out for a trek like Rumtse to Tso Moriri Lake. You can also reach Leh by road but this option requires at least 2-3 days of travel on the road. You will receive the detail of accommodation in Leh through an email from us. After reaching Leh check into the Guest House/Hotel. Have some rest and acclimatize as Leh is at the height of 11500 ft. above sea level. The evening can be utilized to explore the Leh market.
Day 2
Acclimatization in Leh
Explore the cultural and natural beauty of Leh. This will make you familiar with the town and also help in acclimatize to the weather. Leh is the center point of Ladakh and also a major town from where all treks and expeditions begin. It is also a culturally rich place. There are dozens of monasteries and ancient temples that you can go around. They are located in and around the town. Enjoy the local cuisines which are a major attraction for travelers.
Day 3
Leh (11,500 ft) to Rumtse (13,667 ft) - 76km Drive. Rumtse to Kyamar (14,714 ft) - 13 km, 6 hrs Trek.
Today we drive from Leh to the pretty village of Rumtse located on the Leh-Manali Highway. The scenic drive is along the Indus River. We start our trek from Rumtse as the trail deviates away from the highway across with a stream crossing over to the other side which is when the valley opens up. With an initial flat walk for a few kilometers you get to witness the beauty of the starting point of the Changthang Valley famous for its unique landscapes. The trail takes you right beside a winding river with frequent patches of green studded with colorful flowers over a dry rugged terrain typical to Ladakh. The first day of the trek is an easy and flat one with a gradual ascend to reach the campsite of Kyamar which is open with stunning visuals of Ladakhi landscape arranged like waves. Overnight in tents.
Day 4
Kyamar (14,714 ft) to Tisaling (16,378 ft) via Kyamar La (16,700 ft) and Mandalchan La (16,976 ft) - 15 km, 8-9 hours
Today's trek is a tough one with a significant height gain along with traversing two high passes but it is going to be a worthy experience. The trail enters a different valley with a gradual incline to Kyamar La pass. The initial part of the trail is through a desert-like landscape leading to the pass that is marked by flags. The south of the pass is presented with spectacular views of Kang Yatse massif along with many other snow capped peaks tucked far away in the distance. The Kyamar La Pass is where the terrain starts to show an array of colors making it look like a rainbow mountain. The trail from the pass takes you on a gradual descend to present to you the first jawdropping view of the Changthang Valley's unique topography. Further crossing over a stream takes you on a more than gradual ascend over the second pass of the day and of the trek, Mandalchan La. A descend proceeding the pass takes you to the massive campsite of Tisaling where you get to see wild asses and blue sheep running around. Overnight in tents.
Day 5
Tisaling (16,378 ft) to Ponganagu/Tso Kar Campsite (14,922 ft) via Shibuk La (17,248 ft) - 15 km, 6-7 hours.
Leaving behind the campsite of Tisaling we proceed to climb over the Shibuk La pass which is the third pass of our trek. With a decently steep but gradual climb over the pass, we enter the stunning Rupshu Plateau and make our way to the campsite of Tso Kar along a long walk to Ponganagu. The initial part of the trail is a gradual descent followed by a flat walk and a decent ascent to get the first view of the Tso Kar Lake which is also known as the White Lake because of its high salt content. The initial trial is green with a carpet of grass and shrubs accompanying you and it suddenly changes to desert-like terrain which is an insanely wide and open landscape which shows the magnitude of this Ruphsu and the Changthang Valley. We end our day at the Tso Kar campsite and retire for the night. Overnight in tents.
Day 6
Ponganagu (14,922 ft) to Nuruchan (15,254 ft) - 16 km, 5-6 hours.
Today's trek is an easy but long one taking you along the lakes of Tso Kar and Startsapuk Tso to the campsite of Nuruchan. The trail is mostly flat with a few small ascents and descents along the way. The Tso Kar lake appears white due to its high salt content. You get glimpses of a few nomadic settlements on the way. The trail opens up widely to acres of land from right to left too massive to comprehend, with some towering snow-capped peaks of the region revealing themselves slowly. Carry ample amount of water due to lack of water source on the trail. After a long walk, we cross an ice-cold river to reach the campsite of Nuruchan where we retire for the night. Overnight in tents.
Day 7
Nuruchan (15,254 ft) to Gyamar Barma (17,074 ft) via Kyamayuri La (17,713 ft) - 18 km, 7-8 hours.
Today we start our trek towards the Nomadic settlement of Rajun Karu with a gradual ascend crisscrossing streams along the way. The trail is along a meandering river with snowy mountains on either side. The Changthang valley unveils its extravagant scenery from this point onwards. Prepare for abrupt weather conditions and be equipped with rainproof jackets and covers for your bag. After a steady but steep incline followed by a descent to Rajun Karu you get to witness many camps of the Changthang nomads with Yaks and Pashmina Goats grazing on the pastures. The trail from Rajun Karu takes you across the fourth and taxing pass of Kyamayuri La followed by a long gradual descent to the campsite of Gyamar Barma which is possibly the most beautiful campsite of the trek with fantastic peaks surrounding you. Keep in mind that this is the windiest campsite of the trek. You can spend time here interacting with the Changthang Nomads and meet the "Cowboys" of Changthang with their horses. Overnight in tents.
Day 8
Gyamar Barma (17,074 ft) to Gyamar (16,787 ft) via Kartse La (17,614 ft) - 8 km, 3-4 hours.
Today's trek is the shortest one among all the days. The trail from the campsite is across the river cutting through the campsite of Gyamar Barma and takes you over the steepest pass of the trek and the fifth pass, Kartse La. Halfway through the climb you get to see the Gyamar Barma campsite with its full glory with the meandering river, towering snowcapped peaks, Yaks and Pashmina goats grazing on the pastures, wild asses and marmots running around and the nomads with their horses. The steep climb takes you over the pass followed by a gradual descend to the campsite of Gyamar which is loaded with rivers and streams. Overnight in tents.
Day 9
Gyamar (16,787 ft) to Karzok (14,890 ft) via Yalung Nyau La (17,760 ft) - 20 km, 8-9 hours.
Today is the longest and hardest part of the trek. The trail from Gyamar starts straight away taking you to the sixth pass of the trek, Yalung Nyau. The climb is a gradual but a long ascent along a river in the midst of sharply jagged mountains. After crisscrossing the river at several sections, a sudden turn takes you to the pass over a decently steep ascent. The first view when you reach the pass is the blue waters of Tso Moriri Lake, unlike anything you have seen and a sight for sore eyes. But this is not it, now starts a steep descend over a rugged landscape with the latter half of the trail flattening out to reach the endpoint of the trek, Karzok. The enchanting freshwater lake of Tso Moriri stands elegantly with stunning mountains surrounding it. Take a walk along the shores and enjoy the tranquility this place has to offer. Overnight in homestay.
Day 10
Karzok to Leh - 215 km, 8-9 hours drive.
Our vehicles will take you to Leh starting at 7am starting from your homestay in Karzok. The drive will take approx 8-9 hours. Expect to reach Leh by evening. Overnight in hotel/guesthouse in Leh.
Day 11
Departure from Leh
You will be required to check out from the Hotel at 10:00 AM.