Rupshu Trek

To the south east of Leh lies a region that is still less frequented by tourists. The area borders the Grat Changtang Plateau of Tibet. Amidst a barren landscape live small groups of nomadic Chang tribesmen leading a harsh existence. Tucked away in a remote area of this region at an altitude of 14432 ft. is one of nature’s wonders - the lake of Tso Moriri. The 15-by-5 mile lake is a breeding ground to birds like the bar-necked geese and the brahminy duck. The surrounding area is home to some rare wild life such as the Kyang (wild ass), blue sheep, marmots and the snow leopard.

The starting point of Tso Moriri Trek is Rumtse (4100m) which is approximately 70 kms. from Leh. The route traverses across a number of high passes and while the scenery is spectacular the entire route is through high altitude and requires good acclimatization. Rumtse Trek is definately one of the most enjoyable treks.

Day -1 : Travel from Delhi to Leh by air. The early morning flight from Delhi gets to Leh in less than two hours. From the airport guests would be transferred to a three star city hotel where they would be housed on full board. Leh is at an altitude of 3500 mts. And all guests are advised to rest for the entire day. A successful trek in Ladakh requires you to acclimatize well.

Day -2 : This day is meant to provide an opportunity to get a feel of the place. Guests will be driven to the Leh Palace, which houses old relics that belong to the sixteenth century ruler of Ladak. Later in the day a trip to the monasteries at Shey, Thiksey and Hemis will also be arranged.

Day -3 : Drive from Leh to Rumtse (70 kms.; 2 hrs. ) : Rumtse is a small village located near the Leh-Manali highway just before the Tanglang La Pass. The drive to Rumtse has wonderful landscape especially the colourful mountains around Gya Village. Our campsite is off the road, and we have a full day to acclimatize well before setting out on our trek.

Day -4 : Rumtse to Kyamar (4/5 hrs. ) : Kyamar (4383m) is a shepherds village. The trail leads through a valley from Rumtse after crossing two rivers. We camp here for the night.

Day -5 : Kyamar to Tisaling (6/7 hrs. ) : Today is a tough day. There are two passes to be crossed - Kyamar La (4870m) and Mandalchan La (4996m). From the top of Mandalchan La the campsite at Tisaling is visible. There is a stream nearby the campsite.

Day -6 : Tisaling to Pangunagu (5/6 hrs. ) : Today’s destination gets us near Tsokar Lake. To get to Pangunagu (4398m) we have to cross the Shibuk La (5016m). The ascent is not difficult and from the top of the pass the entire lake is visible. The campsite at Pangunagu has spring water.

Day -7 : Pangunagu to Nuruchan (4/5 hrs. ) : Walking from Pangunagu to Nuruchan (4500m) is easy along the periphery of the Lake. Nuruchan is on the eastern part of the Lake. The place is quite green, has some flowering plants and the water of the lake is crystal clear. We camp here for the night.

Day -8 : Nuruchan to Rachung Karu (4/5 hrs. ) : At the starting point of the day’s walk is a beautiful Mani Wall covered with nicely engraved mantras of “OM Mani Padme Hum”, symbolizing the Buddhist prayer of compassion. The trail leads up to Horlamkongka La (4900m) and the ascent to the pass takes around an hour and a half. The descent is easy and we have to get to our campsite at Rachung Karu (4668m).

Day -9 : Rachung Karu to Gyama Lhoma (7/8 hrs. ) : Today is a long day. We begin by ascending the Kyamayur La (5125m) which takes around two hours. From the top of the pass the trail goes north east and there is a stream to be crossed. The trail starts ascending again and leads up to another small pass called Gyamai La (5100m). Once we descend from this pass we get to Gyama Lhoma.

Day -10 : Gyamalhoma to Korzok (Tso Moriri Lake) (6/7 hrs. ) : To get to our final destination we must ascend to Yalangyugu La (5100m). The ascent is easy but quite long to reach. The view from the top of the pass of Tso Moriri lake is amazing. The descend to Korzok village is steep and strenuous. The campsite is adjacent to the village.

Day -11: We shall spend the entire day today exploring the surrounding area of Tso Moriri.

Day -12: There will be a jeep to take us back to Leh ( 7 hrs.) where we shall spend the night

Day -13: Depart for Delhi by the morning flight. For the more adventurous a drive to either Manali or Srinagar can also be arranged on request. The road journey is covered in two days with an overnight halt at either Sarchu, which lies on the Leh-Manali highway, or Kargil, which lies on the Leh-Srinagar highway.