Overview
Duration
7 Days 6 NightTour Type
Holiday TourLocation
Leh, LadakhRumtse to Tso Moriri Trek
The Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek is a spectacular high-altitude adventure through the remote landscapes of Ladakh's Changthang region. Beginning from the small village of Rumtse, the trail leads through vast barren valleys, colourful mountain formations, high-altitude grasslands and remote nomadic settlements before culminating at the magnificent Tso Moriri Lake.
This is a demanding trek that combines challenging climbs with a series of high mountain pass crossings. The route traverses seven passes, involves numerous stream and river crossings, and includes camps at elevations above 16,000 ft. The highest point is Yarlung Nyau La at approximately 17,840 ft, making acclimatization and physical preparation particularly important.
One of the unique aspects of the trek is the dramatic contrast in landscapes. The trail moves from the greener grazing grounds around Kyamar and Tisaling into the stark, colourful terrain of the Changthang Plateau. Along the way, trekkers encounter the striking Tso Kar Lake, traditional Changpa settlements and expansive high-altitude pastures.
The final approach to Tso Moriri is one of the defining moments of the trek. From the top of Yarlung Nyau La, the first sweeping view of the deep-blue lake unfolds against the surrounding mountains. The route then descends towards Karzok, a settlement on the shores of Tso Moriri.
For experienced trekkers looking for a demanding and remote Himalayan adventure, the Rumtse to Tso Moriri route offers a remarkable combination of high mountain passes, alpine lakes, remote valleys, wildlife and Ladakhi landscapes.
Highlights - Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek 7D/6N
- Trek through the remote and dramatic landscapes of Ladakh's Changthang Plateau.
- Experience a challenging route featuring seven high mountain pass crossings.
- Cross Yarlung Nyau La, the highest pass on the route at approximately 17,840 ft.
- Visit the stunning high-altitude lakes of Tso Kar and Tso Moriri.
- Walk through the scenic Kyamar and Tisaling valleys.
- Experience the vast, colourful and barren mountain landscapes characteristic of Ladakh.
- Camp in beautiful high-altitude pastures such as Tisaling, Kyamar and Rachungkharu.
- Meet or observe Changpa nomadic communities around their traditional summer settlements.
- Explore the remote landscapes around Nuruchen and Rachungkharu.
- Enjoy opportunities to spot wildlife such as kiang, blue sheep, Himalayan ibex and marmots, along with high-altitude birdlife.
- Experience spectacular views of the surrounding Mentok and other Himalayan ranges.
- Witness the first dramatic panorama of Tso Moriri from Yarlung Nyau La.
- Finish the trek at Karzok, a settlement near the shores of Tso Moriri.
- Experience one of Ladakh's more remote and physically demanding trekking routes.
Itinerary
Depart from Bangalore
- Trek Kick-Off: Begin the Rumtse to Tso Moriri adventure from Rumtse and set out towards the remote landscapes of Changthang.
- Along the Historic Route: Follow the ancient salt trail that was once used to transport salt from the Tso Kar region towards the Indus Valley and Leh.
- Changing Ladakhi Landscapes: Walk through a fascinating mix of open valleys, rolling terrain and high-altitude wilderness, offering a different perspective of Ladakh beyond its familiar rocky scenery.
- Panoramic Surroundings: Enjoy expansive views of broad valleys, undulating hills and untouched landscapes stretching across the horizon.
- Gradual Trek: Cover the 10 km trail at a comfortable pace, taking time to appreciate the solitude and vastness of the region.
- Arrival at Kyamar: Reach Kyamar after approximately four hours of trekking and settle into the campsite.
- Evening in the Wilderness: Relax at camp and enjoy the peaceful surroundings as the vast Ladakhi sky comes alive with stars.
- Overnight Stay: Spend the night camping at Kyamar and recharge for the high-altitude trail ahead.
Trek from Rumtse to Kyamar – 10 km | 4 hours
- Morning Ascent: Start the day's trek from Kyamar and gradually climb towards Kyamar La, taking in expansive views across the Changthang landscape.
- Kyamar La Crossing: Reach the pass and pause for a short break while enjoying the sweeping panorama of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
- Descent to Tiri Doksa: Descend from Kyamar La towards Tiri Doksa, a temporary seasonal shelter traditionally used by local shepherds.
- Across Rugged Terrain: Continue through the stark yet beautiful high-altitude landscape before beginning the climb towards the next mountain pass.
- Mandalchan La Ascent: Gradually make your way up to Mandalchan La, with increasingly expansive views appearing as you gain elevation.
- Panoramic Pass Views: Spend a few moments at the top of Mandalchan La and admire the vast, untouched landscapes stretching across Ladakh.
- Descent Towards Tisaling: Begin the descent towards Tisaling, completing the day's 13 km journey through remote valleys and open mountain terrain.
- Arrival at Tisaling: Reach the campsite after approximately 6–7 hours of trekking and settle in for the evening.
- Overnight Stay: Rest at Tisaling and recharge for the challenging high-altitude sections ahead.
Trek from Kyamar to Tisaling via Kyamar La & Mandalchan La – 13 km | 6–7 hours
- Morning Ascent: Leave Tisaling after breakfast and begin the steady climb towards Shibuk La, gradually gaining altitude through the open Changthang terrain.
- Approaching the Pass: Continue along the ascending trail, surrounded by vast valleys and rugged high-altitude landscapes.
- Shibuk La Crossing: Reach the top of Shibuk La and take a well-earned pause to admire the spectacular panorama of Tso Kar Lake.
- Descent to Ponganagu: Begin descending from the pass towards Ponganagu, moving closer to the shores of the striking high-altitude saltwater lake.
- Wildlife Encounters: Keep an eye on the surrounding terrain for Himalayan wildlife such as ibex, marmots and kiangs that inhabit this region.
- Changthang Wilderness: Walk through the changing landscapes of Ladakh, where wide-open spaces and barren mountain formations create a dramatic backdrop.
- Arrival at Ponganagu: Complete the 14 km trek and reach the Ponganagu campsite after approximately 6–7 hours on the trail.
- Evening at Camp: Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings near Tso Kar while taking in the raw beauty of the Changthang wilderness.
- Overnight Stay: Spend the night at Ponganagu and prepare for the next high-altitude section of the trek.
Trek from Tisaling to Ponganagu via Shibuk La – 14 km | 6–7 hours
- Morning Departure: Leave Ponganagu and begin the day's trek along the western shores of the spectacular Tso Kar Lake.
- Lakeside Trail: Follow the open trail beside the lake, taking in the striking contrast between the deep waters, salt-encrusted banks and surrounding barren mountains.
- Birdwatching Opportunity: Keep an eye out for Himalayan and high-altitude birdlife, including Brahminy ducks and black-necked cranes, which may be seen around the lake depending on the season.
- Salt-Covered Shores: Notice the distinctive white salt deposits along the lake's edges, a feature associated with Tso Kar and its traditional description as the “White Lake.”
- Vast Changthang Landscapes: Continue across the expansive terrain, experiencing the solitude and raw beauty of Ladakh's high-altitude wilderness.
- Long Trekking Day: Cover approximately 17.8 km over 5–6 hours, maintaining a steady pace across the open landscape.
- Arrival at Nuruchan: Reach Nuruchan after completing the day's trek and settle into the campsite.
- Evening at Camp: Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings after the long lakeside walk.
- Overnight Stay: Spend the night at Nuruchan and prepare for the next stage of the high-altitude adventure.
Trek from Ponganagu to Nuruchan – 17.8 km | 5–6 hours
- Early Start: Begin the day from Nuruchan after breakfast, preparing for one of the more demanding trekking sections of the journey.
- Into the High Passes: Gradually gain altitude as the trail leads towards Horlam Kongka La, surrounded by vast and rugged Ladakhi terrain.
- Crossing Horlam Kongka La: Reach the pass and take a brief pause to appreciate the dramatic views across the high-altitude landscape.
- Kyamayuri La Ascent: Continue towards Kyamayuri La, tackling the challenging trail while moving through increasingly barren and rocky surroundings.
- Changpa Encounters: Along the route, you may encounter Changpa nomadic communities travelling with their goats, sheep and yaks across the high-altitude grazing grounds.
- Changing Landscapes: Experience the contrast between wide-open grasslands and rugged mountain passes as the trail progresses.
- A Challenging Trek: Cover approximately 19 km in 7–8 hours, making this a demanding but rewarding day at high altitude.
- Arrival at Gyamar Barma: Reach the campsite at Gyamar Barma after completing the day's trek and settle in for the evening.
- Overnight Stay: Rest at camp and recover after the long mountain crossing, preparing for the next stage of the Rumtse to Tso Moriri adventure.
Trek from Nuruchan to Gyamar Barma via Horlam Kongka La & Kyamayuri La – 19 km | 7–8 hours
- Short Morning Trek: Start from Gyamar Barma after breakfast and prepare for a shorter but rewarding day on the trail.
- Climb Towards Kartse La: Begin the gradual ascent through the rugged high-altitude terrain, with the landscape becoming increasingly open and dramatic.
- Kartse La Crossing: Reach Kartse La and pause to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges.
- Ladakh’s Remote Wilderness: Continue across the stark and beautiful terrain, experiencing the solitude that defines this high-altitude region.
- Descent Towards Gyamar: After crossing the pass, gradually descend towards the scenic Gyamar Valley, following the changing contours of the landscape.
- An Easier Trekking Day: Cover approximately 5.7 km in around 3 hours, allowing plenty of time to relax and recover.
- Arrival at Camp: Reach the Gyamar campsite and settle in after completing the day's trek.
- Evening at Gyamar: Enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings and take time to rest after the previous day's longer trek.
- Overnight Stay: Spend the night at Gyamar and recharge for the upcoming section of the Rumtse to Tso Moriri journey.
Trek from Gyamar Barma to Gyamar via Kartse La – 5.7 km | 3 hours
- Final Trekking Day: Begin the final and most anticipated trekking section from Gyamar, preparing for the ascent towards Yalung Nyau La, the highest pass of the trek.
- Climb to Yalung Nyau La: Gradually make your way uphill through the stark Trans-Himalayan terrain, with the trail becoming more demanding as you approach the pass.
- Summit Views: Reach the top of Yalung Nyau La and take in the magnificent high-altitude panorama. On a clear day, the striking blue waters of Tso Moriri come into view from the pass.
- The Legend of Chomoriri: The lake is associated with a local Buddhist legend about Chomoriri, said to have been named after a Buddhist nun who drowned while riding a yak in the lake.
- Across the Trans-Himalaya: Continue through spectacular landscapes framed by the Greater Himalayas and Trans-Himalayan ranges, marking the final major stretch of the trek.
- Descent Towards Karzok: Begin the long descent towards Karzok (Korzok), following the trail towards the shores of Tso Moriri and the remote Changthang settlement.
- Changpa Culture: Arrive at Karzok, traditionally associated with the Changpa nomadic community, and experience the unique culture and lifestyle of this high-altitude region.
- Visit Karzok Monastery: Explore Karzok Monastery, an important spiritual landmark overlooking Tso Moriri and traditionally associated with the ancient trade routes of the region.
- Trek Completion: Complete approximately 16 km in 5–6 hours, marking the successful finish of the Rumtse to Tso Moriri trekking section.
- Evening by Tso Moriri: Relax near the pristine lake, reflect on the journey and celebrate completing this challenging high-altitude Himalayan adventure.
Trek from Gyamar to Karzok via Yalung Nyau La – 16 km | 5–6 hours
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Inclusions - Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek 7D/6N
Guide
Sightseeing
Forest Entry
Trekking
FOOD
Accommodation ( tents or dormitories )
Exclusions - Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek 7D/6N
Medical Expenses
Any Kind Of Insurance
Things not mentioned in "INCLUSIONS"
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Pick up location - Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek 7D/6N
Things To Carry - Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek 7D/6N
Clothing
- Thermal innerwear – top & bottom
- Warm fleece jacket / woollen sweater
- Waterproof & windproof jacket
- Comfortable trekkinag pants
- Quick-dry T-shirts
- Warm gloves & extra socks
- Woollen cap + sun cap
Footwear
- Sturdy, waterproof trekking shoes with good grip
- Comfortable sandals/slippers
- Extra pair of socks
Trek Essentials
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sunscreen & SPF lip balm
- Trekking poles
- 50–55L backpack with rain cover
- Raincoat/poncho
- Headlamp/torch with spare batteries
Personal Essentials
- Basic toiletries & quick-dry towel
- Personal medicines & basic first-aid
- Water bottle/hydration pack
- Energy snacks, nuts & energy bars
Other Must-Haves
- Mobile phone + power bank
- Camera + extra batteries
- Lightweight sleeping bag (optional)
- Small plastic/waterproof bags for wet clothes & waste
Policies
Terms And Conditions - Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek 7D/6N
- To organize a trip we need at least 10/12 participants.
- If the minimum number of bookings is not met, we will offer an alternate trip or no refund.
- We have designated pick-up and drop points, make your own arrangements of transport to the desired pick-up point accordingly.
- Namma Trip is not responsible if any injuries or accidents occur during the event.
- Any client consuming alcohol, misbehaving, or causing delay during the event will be terminated from the event without any prior warning and no refund will be given. Such clients should arrange their own transport on the way back, Nammatrip does not hold the responsibility of terminated clients.
- Littering, smoking & consumption of alcohol are banned outdoors or anytime during the trek. We will provide you with a time and place to enjoy your drinks.
- In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain activities may be cancelled and, in such cases, we will try to provide an alternate feasible activity. However, no refund will be provided for the same.
- If we cancel the event, we offer a full refund to all the participants.
- Our facilities are neat and basic, not luxurious
- Tickets once booked cannot be exchanged or refunded.
- We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the venue.
Cancellation Policy - Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek 7D/6N
- 0–15 days prior: No refund; 100% of the cost will be charged.
- 15–30 days prior: 50% refund of the trek cost.
- Refunds will be processed within 5–7 working days.
- No refunds for cancellations due to unforeseen conditions or government restrictions
Important Notes - Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek 7D/6N
Once your booking is confirmed and the minimum number of slots has filled [i.e, 10-12 people] for the trek, we will add you to a WhatsApp group on the departure date around 6-8 PM, where we will share all necessary updates and information related to the trek.
Vehicle will be arranged based on number of pax-
• 10–11 people: 12-seater Tempo Traveller
• 20 people: 22-seater Mini Bus
• 30 people: 30-seater Bus
FAQ's
The trek is located in Ladakh, traversing the high-altitude landscapes between Rumtse and Karzok near Tso Moriri. Much of the route passes through the remote Changthang region.
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