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Rupshu Valley Trek

18 Days | Trekking 10 Days

This trek is a great mix of breathtaking scenery, challenging adventure and unique culture, as we cross some of the world's highest passes offering amazing views of the arid landscape, its high peaks, lush valleys and grasslands that bring us face to face with Changpas and their gripping lifestyle that is so adapted to these extreme locations.

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Tour Highlights

  • Experience the magnificence of Ladakh and its people.
  • Meet the Nomadic Changpas face to face.
  • Trek through awe inspiring landscapes.
  • Visit Buddhist temples and monasteries around Leh.
  • Flexible tailor-made booking options

Best Season

  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct

Tour Details

Rupshu is the western most extremity of Changthang plateau –Tibet’s 600 mile wide, 15000 feet high northern steppers famous for spectacular arid landscapes and its fascinating native inhabitants the Changpas, nomadic yak herders that have navigated the region for sanctuaries.

Following our exploration around Leh, we start our trek from Shang, treading our way across Kongmaru la (5200M) to the beautiful Nimaling plains in Markha valley. We continue our way through Rupshu valley to Takh – a road head on Leh- Manali highway.

The trek is a great mix of breathtaking scenery, challenging adventure and unique culture, as we cross some of the world’s highest passes offering amazing views of the arid landscape, its high peaks, lush valleys and grasslands that bring us face to face with the Changpas, their gripping lifestyle that is so adapted to these extreme locations.

View Itinerary

  • Flexibility Guaranteed

    Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.

  • DAY 01 - Delhi

    Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel for check-in, afternoon and evening free

    Arrive at the international airport of Delhi. After a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our KVT’s representative would assist you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel or can explore the nearby area.

    Overnight Hotel

  • DAY 02 - Leh

    Early morning fly to Leh, arrive and transfer to hotel. Afternoon rest and evening stroll around the local market area

    Early morning we will be transferred to the Airport to board the internal flight to Leh, which passes over the Himalayan Ranges with breathtaking views and it will brings us to a fertile valley just to the north of the mighty Indus River (this flight is subject to weather). After such a highly spectacular flight over the Himalayas, we arrive in Leh airport. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free for us to relax and acclimatize to the high altitude weather. Late afternoon there will be a gentle orientation walk of Leh and its local market.

    Overnight Hotel

  • DAY 03 - Leh

    Local exploration of Leh

    Today we do the local exploration, visiting the bazaar (local market) of Leh. Then, we visit Shanti Stupa which is a Buddhist white-domed stupa (chorten) on a hilltop in Chanspa, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. This was built by Japanese monks to promote world peace. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama himself. Later we visit Leh Palace, nine storey palace built in 1553. One can have the beautiful view of Leh city and surrounding mountains. Afterwards proceed to Shankar Gompa (‘Gompa’ means monastery) which is located at 3 kilometers distance from Leh, it is a subsidiary of Spituk Monastery and belongs to the Gelugpa Sect. The Gompa is also the residence of Kushok Bakul (Head of the Gelugpa Sect). We also visit Namgyal Tsemo Monastery perched on a hilltop from where we have a bird’s-eye view of the Leh city. The Gompa has a three-storey high solid gold statue of Matireya Buddha and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. It was built in 15th century by King Tashi Namgyal; after that we come back to hotel and relax.

    Overnight Hotel

  • DAY 04 - Leh

    Visit Spituk and Phyang Monasteries

    This morning after breakfast we drive towards Spituk and visit Spituk Monastery; it was founded in 11th century and located on a hilltop; river Indus flows behind the monastery. The Monastery belongs to Gelugpa sect (Yellow Hat sect). Then we head towards Phyang Monastery, located on a hilltop just like Likir Monastery and belong to the Drigungpa Order. The monastery also has a 900 year old museum which has a rich collection of Chinese, Tibetan and Mongolian artifacts. After the visit we drive back to our hotel and relax.

    Overnight Hotel

  • DAY 05 - Shanag Sumdo

    Drive to Shang Sumdo en-route visit Shey Palace, Thiksey and Hemis Monasteries

    Today we drive to Shang Sumdo (‘Sumdo’ means confluence) en-route we visit Shey Palace. It is noted for its giant gilded statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha, which is said to be the second largest such statue in Ladakh. Then we visit the famous Thiksey monastery located on top of the hill which holds the resemblance of Potala Palace in Lhasa (Tibet). The 12 storey monastery complex is the largest monasteries of Ladakh; the monastery contains stupas, statues, wall paintings, Thangkas and many other interesting things to watch. Later we head to Hemis monastery; it is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage. It holds the distinction of being the biggest as well as the wealthiest monastery of Ladakh. The annual Hemis festival honoring Padmasambhava is held here in early June of every year. Then we continue our drive towards Shang Sumdo, reach there (the starting point of our trek) where we will meet our local team (Cooking Staff and pony men). Rest of the day is free to relax or to explore the surrounding area. (3850m)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 06 - Chogdo

    Trek to Chogdo (Trek begins)

    This morning after breakfast we get ready for the beginning of our trek and the trail goes upwards alongside the river. We reach to our campsite where we camp for the night and relax. (Trek begins | 4600m | 5-6hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 07 - Nimaling

    Trek to Nimaling en-route cross Kongmaru La (5200m)

    Today we follow the trail that goes to the village of Chukirmo and after passing through the village we enter into a gorge; after the gorge we walk along a stream. Then we start a steep ascent that goes up to the pass of Kongmaru La (5200m); cross the pass and descent through a zigzag path that goes to Nimaling our next campsite for the night. (4800m | 6-7hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 08 - Lathang Chu

    Trek to Lathang Chu

    This morning after breakfast we start our day by following the trail that goes to our campsite Lathang Chu; on the way one can have the spectacular views of Kang Yatze peak (6400m), the highest peak in the valley. We pass through a small lake and then the trail descent along the stream; then we enter to the Hemis National Park which has wild animals like Ibex, Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Ladakh Urial, marmots etc. Reach Lathang Chu and relax in the tents. (4250m | 4-5hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 09 - Yakrupal

    Trek to Yakrupal

    Morning after breakfast the trail goes up to the large valley which later goes along a stream; we cross the stream and keep on walking along the wall of moraine. We reach to the campsite Yakrupal and relax in the tents. (4700m | 4-5hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 10 - Sorra

    Trek to Sorra en-route cross Zalung Karpo La (5150m)

    Today we start trekking by following the trail that goes ups and downs; then we start ascending to reach the top of the pass Zalung Karpo La (5150m). From the top one can have breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and then we descent to the valley floor and reach our campsite Sorra where we camp for the night. (4200m | 5-6hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 11 - Dat

    Sorra to Dat by trek

    This day we have breakfast and then start our trek that begins with crossing woody gorges; on the way we cross Sorra Chu (‘Chu’ means River) and cross several Chortens (Stupas) and Manis (Stone carved with hyms); then we walk through the valley and reach to our campsite Dat. (4200m | 5-6hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 12 - Lungmo Che

    Dat to Lungmo Che by trek en-route cross Yar La (4950m)

    Morning we follow the trail that leads us to our campsite Lungmo Che; as we start walking towards the plateau of Rupshu and Changthang and the trail to reach the pass of Yar La (4950m) is not hard and not so tiring. Once we reach the top of the pass we will be delighted by the prayer flags, Mani stone and then a gradual descent will bring us to the pasture land of the Lungmo Che where we camp for the night. (4010m | 6-7hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 13 - Lun

    Trek to Lun

    This morning we begin walking and reach to the village of Sangth en-route we have chance to meet some Tibetan Nomads. After crossing the village we follow the trail that goes along the stream and we reach our campsite Lun where camp for the night. (4100m | 5-6hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 14 - Takh

    Trek to Takh en-route cross Morang La (5300m)

    Today after breakfast we leave Lun and head towards the pass of Morang La (5300m); we walk through the plateau and then start a steep ascent towards the pass of Morang La (5300m), reach at the top and blessed with magnificent views of the surrounding mountain range. Afterwards we descent from the pass towards our campsite Takh where we will be camping for the night. (4600m | 6-7hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 15 - Manali

    Trek to Sarchu (Trek ends) and drive to Manali en-route cross Baralacha La (4890m) and Rohtang La (3979m)

    This morning we have breakfast and start trekking towards Sarchu (the road head); we start a short trek and cross the bridge; finally reach Sarchu here our trek ends and we meet our vehicles and say final goodbye to our ponies and porters. We board the vehicle for the long way drive towards Manali (Distance: 250km approx.), on the way we cross the mighty Passes of Baralacha La (4890m) and Rohtang La (3979m); Manali, at the northern end of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, is a hill station situated at a height of 2050m in the Himalayas; reach Manali by late evening and check-in to the hotel. (Trek ends | 3-4hrs trek)

    Overnight Hotel

  • DAY 16 - Manali

    Local exploration of Manali

    Today we proceed for the sightseeing tour of Manali; we start with Hidimba Temple; it is an ancient cave temple which is surrounded by a beautiful cedar forest. It is a famous temple in Manali and visited by many tourists every year. Then we drive towards Naggar which used to be the capital of Kullu; we reach there and visit Naggar Castle which runs as a heritage hotel, it was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu. Here we also visit Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery who was the reputed Russian artist and the gallery houses his rare paintings. Later after the visit we drive back towards Manali and stroll around the Mall road. (2050m | distance: 55km)

    Overnight Hotel

  • DAY 17 - Delhi

    Drive to Kullu airport and fly to Delhi; reach and transfer to hotel for check-in

    This morning we will be transferred to Kullu airport to board the flight for Delhi. Reach Delhi and will be transferred to the hotel for check-in; rest of the day is free for us to relax at the hotel or can explore the surrounding area by own.

    Overnight Hotel

  • DAY 18 - Delhi

    Departure to the International airport of Delhi

    Now today you will be assisted by our KVT’s representative while checking out at the hotel then you will be transferred to the International Airport of Delhi to board the flight for back home.

Tour Map (Only key areas marked)

Send an enquiry

Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.

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Flexibility Guaranteed

Enjoy complete flexibility in planning and booking our tours for a truly personalised India holiday that is in your budget and personal style.

  • Flexible travel dates and duration
  • Flexible itinerary (places, activities)
  • Budget to premium hotel options

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