Standing tall at 5450 meters, the highest point of the trek is Nyaulung La.The trail traverses the remote Changthang which is at Kunlun range, varied landscapes of Ladakh from the jagged barren mountains, the green grazing grounds of the Ladakhi livestock to the red sandstone formations of the region.
You get to see the changpa nomads and their lifestyle. The high passes are gradual and not demanding. The Picturesque lake of Tso moriri and the saltwater lake of TsoKar are the main attractions. The area is also famous for its wildlife like marmots, snow leopards, and kiangs. There are important concerns of acute mountain sickness (AMS), acclimatization, sudden changes in weather and long distances to be considered. It goes without saying that the trekker has to be physically and mentally fit, and also be able to make some judgments on the trek based on their previous experience.
Trek Months – May to October
Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Assemble at Leh (3524m)
- Arrive in Leh. Leh is situated at a whopping 3524m, has decreased oxygen levels and is a high starting point for a trek. Given that most of you will be flying into Leh, Western Mountains strongly recommends a rest day at Leh for altitude acclimatization. It is our strong recommendation that you did not head out to do any sightseeing on the day that you land in Leh.
- Altitude acclimatization is the body’s way of adjusting to the decreased oxygen levels at the higher elevation and preventing acute mountain sickness.
- Overnight stay in hotel/homestay.
- Meals: Tea & Snacks, Dinner
Day 2: Drive from Leh to Rumtse (4325m)- 6 hrs
- Post breakfast, drive past jagged barren mountains typical of the Leh landscape, and the Shey and Thicksey monasteries to get to Rumtse village.
- Acclimatize at Rumtse. Enjoy the beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains all around the plateau.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner
Day 3: Rumtse to Kyamar (4050m)- 12kms- 4 hrs
- Today would be the easy walk over a flat terrain and camp at kyamar campsite.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner
Day 4: Trek from Kymar to Tisaling(4200m) Via Kumur La(5115m), 15km.
- Today you climb up a high altitude pass – Kumur La at 5115m. The views are outstanding with peaks in all direction
- Descend steadily into the base of shingbuk La.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner
Day 5: Trek from Tisaling to Ponganagu(4500m) via Shingbuk La(5230m)-15kms-7hrs
- A short and steady climb takes you to the top of Shingbuk La.
- You are rewarded with the views of snow-capped peaks on one side and the Tsokar basin on the other
- It is approx. 4 hours walk to the Tsokar basin and camp at Ponganagu.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner
Day 6: Ponganagu to Nuruchan (4300m)-16kms-6hrs
- Easy day following the dusty jeep road towards Tsokar
- Leaving Tsokar, you carry on along the trail to the right, the walk is over barren landscapes until Nuruchan.
- Rest your tired muscles today, explore the surrounding areas, catch glimpses of the magnificent peaks around the campsite, share travel stories and rejuvenate.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner
Day 7: Nuruchan Via Kyamauru La (5410m) to Gyamar Barma(5150m)-18kms-8hrs.
- Starting early we cross Nuruchan before gradually ascending Horlam Kongka La(5000m).
- Continue walking towards Rajung Karu and towards Kyamayuru La.
- The pass would be a little challenging and the views make it well worth the strenuous effort. Gyamar Barma is located on the banks of the Gyamar Barma Nala.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner
Day 8: Gyamar Barma to Gyamar(5150m) Via Kartse La(5300m)-9kms-4hrs.
- It is a short day and you could spend your time enjoying the surroundings.
- Ascend leisurely to Kartse La and descend gradually down to the lush green valley of Gyamar to spend the night.
- Overnight stay at Tents.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner.
Day 9: Gyamar to Korzok(4572m) via Yalung Nyaulung La(5450m)-14kms-6hrs.
- Yalung Nyaulung La is the highest and final pass of the trek.
- You get the good views of Tsomoriri and we descend steeply for a couple of hours to Korzok Phu.
- The trek ends at the village of Korzok overlooking Tsomoriri
- Overnight stay at tents
Day 10: Drive back to Leh
- Drive to Leh and hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner.
Trek Facts
Grade: Medium.
Altitude: 5450m.
Temperature: Temperatures at the pass and at nights are cold. Days are pleasant during the season.
Trek Duration: 9 days.
Trek Season: May – September.
Starting Base Camp: Leh
How to reach Basecamp:
By Road: You can reach Leh from Manali or Srinagar by road either by a shared taxi or bus in a 2-3 day journey.
By Air: This is the most popular route to Leh – take a flight to Leh from Delhi or Srinagar.
Submit enquiry for cost
Cost Inclusions:
- Accommodation in dome tents (2/3 per tent).
- Accommodation in Leh on Day 1 and Day 9.
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary on a fixed menu/ buffet basis.
- Transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary.
- Camping Equipment: Tents, Sleeping bags, mats, gaiters.
- All charges for guides and permits.
Cost Exclusions:
- Travel to and fro Leh.
- Backpack offloading: Trekkers are expected to carry their own backpacks. If the trekker cannot carry his/her backpack due to physical inability and chooses to offload on mules/ porters, this will be on additional cost.
- Airfares, airport taxes and anything not mentioned in the inclusions and itinerary.
- Meals, tea, coffee, mineral water, tips, transfers not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Doctor, telephone, laundry and other personal expenses.
- Cost of personal emergency exit or expenses due to external factors such as climatic conditions.
Health & Fitness Requirements:
This trek does require you to have previous trekking or mountaineering experience. We do also highly recommend having an adventurous spirit and willingness to undergo the joys & hardships of outdoor camping, in addition to good physical and mental fitness, to completely enjoy the trek. If you suffer from severe muscular, chest, heart or bronchial ailments, we advise you against participating since most treks happen in remote areas with limited access to medical services & hospital facilities.
Our Trek Leaders are experienced mountaineers and we trust their judgments. If during the trek, the Trek Leader advises you against continuing on the trek, we request you to respect his/her judgment and follow his/her instructions.