Overview

Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek – Ladakh’s Ultimate High-Altitude Wilderness Trek

The Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek is one of the most spectacular and remote trekking routes in Ladakh, taking you across vast high-altitude plateaus, colorful mountain landscapes, nomadic Changpa settlements, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and some of the highest trekking passes in the Indian Himalayas. Often described as the most beautiful trek in Ladakh, this journey offers an unmatched experience of the region's raw wilderness and dramatic scenery.

Starting from the village of Rumtse near Leh and ending at the breathtaking Tso Moriri Lake in Korzok, the trek traverses the remote Changthang Plateau, a unique high-altitude ecosystem inhabited by wildlife such as kiang (Tibetan wild ass), marmots, blue sheep, and migratory birds.

Trek Grade: Challenging

The Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek is considered a challenging high-altitude trek due to its extreme elevations, multiple mountain passes above 5,000 metres, and long walking days. The highest point of the trek reaches over 5,400 metres, making proper acclimatization and good physical fitness essential. Although the trail does not require technical climbing skills, trekkers should be prepared for demanding conditions, unpredictable weather, and basic camping throughout the journey.

Who Should Do This Trek?

This trek is ideal for experienced trekkers, adventure seekers, photographers, and nature lovers looking to explore one of the most remote and untouched regions of Ladakh. It is perfect for those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences and wish to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes and nomadic culture of the Changthang region.

Trek Highlights

  • Cross several high mountain passes above 5,000 metres
  • Experience the vast landscapes of the Changthang Plateau
  • Camp beside pristine alpine lakes and remote valleys
  • Encounter Changpa nomads and their traditional lifestyle
  • Spot wildlife including Kiang, Marmots, Blue Sheep, and Himalayan birds
  • Witness the stunning turquoise waters of Tso Moriri Lake
  • Explore one of the most remote trekking routes in Ladakh
  • Spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, colourful mountains, and endless high-altitude plains

The Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek is a true Himalayan expedition that combines adventure, solitude, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery, making it one of the finest trekking experiences in Ladakh.

Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek – Ladakh’s Ultimate High-Altitude Wilderness Trek

The Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek is one of the most spectacular and remote trekking routes in Ladakh, taking you across vast high-altitude plateaus, colorful mountain landscapes, nomadic Changpa settlements, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and some of the highest trekking passes in the Indian Himalayas. Often described as the most beautiful trek in Ladakh, this journey offers an unmatched experience of the region's raw wilderness and dramatic scenery.

Starting from the village of Rumtse near Leh and ending at the breathtaking Tso Moriri Lake in Korzok, the trek traverses the remote Changthang Plateau, a unique high-altitude ecosystem inhabited by wildlife such as kiang (Tibetan wild ass), marmots, blue sheep, and migratory birds.

Trek Grade: Challenging

The Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek is considered a challenging high-altitude trek due to its extreme elevations, multiple mountain passes above 5,000 metres, and long walking days. The highest point of the trek reaches over 5,400 metres, making proper acclimatization and good physical fitness essential. Although the trail does not require technical climbing skills, trekkers should be prepared for demanding conditions, unpredictable weather, and basic camping throughout the journey.

Who Should Do This Trek?

This trek is ideal for experienced trekkers, adventure seekers, photographers, and nature lovers looking to explore one of the most remote and untouched regions of Ladakh. It is perfect for those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences and wish to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes and nomadic culture of the Changthang region.

Trek Highlights

  • Cross several high mountain passes above 5,000 metres
  • Experience the vast landscapes of the Changthang Plateau
  • Camp beside pristine alpine lakes and remote valleys
  • Encounter Changpa nomads and their traditional lifestyle
  • Spot wildlife including Kiang, Marmots, Blue Sheep, and Himalayan birds
  • Witness the stunning turquoise waters of Tso Moriri Lake
  • Explore one of the most remote trekking routes in Ladakh
  • Spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, colourful mountains, and endless high-altitude plains

The Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek is a true Himalayan expedition that combines adventure, solitude, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery, making it one of the finest trekking experiences in Ladakh.

 

11 Nights 12 Days Available on request
Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • Accommodation in Leh as per itinerary (hotel/guesthouse on twin sharing basis with breakfast).

  • Accommodation during the trek in alpine tents (twin sharing) at designated campsites.

  • Sightseeing in Leh & Indus Valley as mentioned in the itinerary with transport and entry fees.

  • Meals: All meals on trek (breakfast, lunch, evening tea, dinner) – hygienically cooked vegetarian & non-vegetarian options.

  • Camping equipment: Dome tents, mattresses, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent.

  • Transport: All transfers, sightseeing, and trek pick-up/drop in Ladakh by non-disposal vehicle (as per itinerary). Airport pick up & drop included.

  • Support staff: Experienced trekking guide, cook, kitchen helpers, and porters/pony/mules for baggage & equipment.

  • Permits & fees: Inner Line Permits, camping fees, wildlife/environment fees.

  • Safety gear: First aid kit, oxygen cylinder, oximeter.

  • Mules/Porters to carry camping gear and group luggage (usually 10–12 kg personal luggage allowed per trekker).

  • Monastery/Monument entry fees as per itinerary.

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Airfare to/from Leh.

  • Meals in Leh (lunch & dinner not included unless specified).

  • Personal clothing & equipment: Trekking shoes, walking sticks, jackets, gloves, etc.

  • Sleeping bag (not included by default; can be arranged on request at extra charge).

  • Travel insurance, evacuation costs, medical expenses.

  • Additional hotel stays before/after the trek not mentioned in itinerary.

  • Tips/Gratuities for guide, cook, porters, drivers.

  • Extra charges for horses/porters in case of landslides, roadblocks, or personal baggage over the limit.

  • Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances (flight cancellations, landslides, roadblocks, weather conditions, political disturbances).

  • Anything not specifically mentioned under “Inclusions.”

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Leh

Travel Mode: Arrival by flight

Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,500 ft

Drive Distance: 5 km

Time Taken: 15–20 minutes

Arrive in Leh and transfer to your hotel. Take complete rest to acclimatize to the high altitude. Stay hydrated, eat light, and enjoy the views of the mountains from your guesthouse.

Day 2: Acclimatization Tour Around Leh

Drive Distance: ~80 km round trip

Altitude: Shey – 3,500 m | Thiksey – 3,600 m | Hemis – 3,650 m

Time Taken: 4–5 hours

Go on a relaxed sightseeing tour to Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Hemis Monastery. These excursions help in gentle acclimatization without exhausting the body.

Day 3: Explore Leh Town & Preparation Day

Altitude: Leh – 3,500 m

Time Taken: 3–4 hours (easy walking/sightseeing)

Visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, or wander around Leh Market. This extra day helps ensure your body is fully prepared for the altitude gains in the coming days. Final gear checks and permit arrangements can be done today.

Day 4: Drive from Leh to Rumtse – Trek to Kyamar

Drive Distance: ~70 km (2–3 hrs)

Trek Distance: ~8 km

Time Taken: 3–4 hours

Camping Altitude: Kyamar – 4,550 m

After breakfast, drive to Rumtse, a small village on the Leh-Manali highway. Begin your trek from here, gradually ascending through open grasslands and nomadic settlements. Camp at Kyamar, a wide meadow surrounded by hills.

Day 5: Kyamar to Tisaling via Kyamayuri La

Trek Distance: ~14 km

Time Taken: 6–7 hours

Altitude: Kyamayuri La – 5,150 m | Tisaling – 4,800 m

Start early to cross your first high pass, Kyamayuri La. The climb is steep but rewarding, with wide views of the Changthang plateau. Descend gently to reach Tisaling, a broad campsite nestled between hills.

Day 6: Tisaling to Ponganabu via Shibuk La

Trek Distance: ~13 km

Time Taken: 5–6 hours

Altitude: Shibuk La – 5,200 m | Ponganabu – 4,700 m

Another beautiful day of walking over Shibuk La, with views of the snow-clad mountains and wildflower-covered valleys. Descend to Ponganabu, a peaceful grazing land beside a small stream.

Day 7: Ponganabu to Nuruchan

Trek Distance: ~13 km

Time Taken: 5–6 hours

Camping Altitude: Nuruchan – 4,600 m

Today's walk is relatively easier, following a gentle trail through vast grasslands. You’ll pass Tso Kyagar, a small saline lake with a backdrop of mountains, before reaching the small village of Nuruchan.

Day 8: Nuruchan to Rachungkaru via Horlam Kongka La

Trek Distance: ~16 km

Time Taken: 6–7 hours

Altitude: Horlam Kongka La – 4,900 m | Rachungkaru – 4,950 m

Cross Horlam Kongka La, a less steep but long pass, and enter the land of the Changpa nomads. You’ll likely see yak herders and their black yak-hair tents. Camp near the nomadic summer settlement of Rachungkaru.

Day 9: Rachungkaru to Gyama via Kyamayuri La & Gyama La

Trek Distance: ~17 km

Time Taken: 7–8 hours

Altitude: Kyamayuri La – 5,300 m | Gyama La – 5,230 m | Gyama – 4,800 m

A tough but spectacular day, crossing two high passes. The terrain is rocky and open, but the views from the top — of high snow peaks and wide valleys — make the effort worthwhile. Camp at Gyama, a peaceful and open campsite.

Day 10: Gyama to Korzok (Tso Moriri Lake)

Trek Distance: ~18 km

Time Taken: 6–7 hours

Altitude: Korzok – 4,522 m

Your final day’s trek is long but rewarding. The landscape opens up gradually and eventually reveals the stunning Tso Moriri Lake in the distance. Walk alongside its turquoise shores before reaching Korzok, the lakeside village. End the trek with a well-earned rest near one of Ladakh’s most scenic lakes.

Day 11: Drive Back to Leh

Drive Distance: ~220 km

Time Taken: 8–9 hours

Drive back to Leh via Mahe Bridge and Chumathang hot springs, or choose to extend your trip toward Hanle or Tso Kar depending on your travel goals.

Day 12: Airport Transfer – Goodbye, Ladakh

After breakfast, we’ll drop you off at Leh Airport for your flight home. As you leave the mountains behind, carry with you the memories of snow peaks, starry skies, and the warmth of Ladakhi hospitality.

 

Important Notes:

Always keep a buffer day in your travel plan, in case of bad weather or to explore more of Leh.

Carry both original and photocopies of your ID proof.

Distances, altitudes, and trekking durations are approximate — they may vary depending on pace and weather.

If arriving by air, try to come a day early to acclimatize better.