Tsokar Tsomoriri Trek
19 Days | Trekking 11 Days
Suitable for families with young children
Lanyar La (5860 Meters)
Highest point/ Max altitude
Fitness Grade
Hard
Combination of moderate and strenuous 6-8 hours of activity per day with very steep uphill and downhill sections, often at high altitudes. Some physical preparation recommended.
This exhilarating trek allows you to experience the wilds of Ladakh as you cross from the Rupshu valley to the Changthang plateau, with its spectacular high-altitude lakes at Tsokar and Tsomoriri. Visiting monasteries and villages en route brings you into contact with the fascinating Buddhist culture of this remote mountain land.
Share this page
Gallery
Tour Highlights
- Trek through the magnificent wilderness landscape of the Changthang plateau, with snow capped peaks
- Witness unique and ancient culture of Changpas
- Spectacular Tsokar and Tsomoriri lakes
- Beautiful Lanyar valley and its high mountain pastures
- Lanyar La (5,860 metres), the highest point of the trek
- Flexible tailor-made booking options
Best Season
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
Tour Details
After acclimatization and local exploration in Leh we drive to Rumtse village in the Rupshu valley - sandwiched between Ladakh in the north, Tibet in the east and Zanskar in the west - the starting point of our 11-day trek. This region, inhabited by the Changpa, nomadic yak and pashmina goat herders of Tibetan origin, is accessible for only a few months each year.
The Changthang plateau is characterized by high arid plains, remote villages, towering snow-capped peaks and high-altitude azure lakes, the largest being the 27km-long Tsomoriri at 4595m.
The trek offers a unique glimpse of their ancient culture and lifestyle protected over centuries in these high-altitude corridors as we camp alongside their settlements and panoramic natural backdrops of the Tibetan landscape. This part of India is also home to some rare Himalayan wildlife like Kiang (Tibetan wild ass), blue sheep, ibex and the elusive Himalayan snow leopard.
-
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 bring 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
Sightseeing tour of Leh
Today we do the local exploration, visiting Shanti Stupa which is a Buddhist white-domed stupa (chorten) situated on a hilltop in Chanspa. This is 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. Then we visit Sankar Gompa (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). Later we visit Leh Palace, nine storey palace built in 1553. One can have the beautiful view of Leh city and surrounding mountains. (3500m)
Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 04 - Leh
Visit Alchi and Likir Monasteries
This morning after breakfast we drive towards Alchi en-route visit Likir Monastery. It is located at a distance of 62km to the west of Leh and it was founded in the year 1065 AD. Likir Monastery has a 25-foot-tall (7.6m) gold-covered Buddha statue and belongs to the Gelugpa Sect. After that we continue our drive towards Alchi, which is a village and has a famous monastery. Alchi Monastery is one of the oldest and famous monasteries of Ladakh. Alchi Monastery is located to the west of Leh on the bank of Indus River; it was built by Rinchen Zangpo in the year 1000 AD. After the tour of Alchi monastery we drive back to Leh. (3500m)
Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 05 - Rumtse
Drive to Rumtse en-route visit Shey Palace, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries
This morning we leave Leh and head towards Rumtse village en-route 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 Rumtse village, reach village (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. (4190m | Distance: 80km | 2-3hrs drive)
Overnight Camp
-
DAY 06 - Kyamar
Trek from Rumtse to Kyamar (Trek begins)
This morning we begin our trek from Rumtse to Kyamar; we start trekking up in the valley and follow the trail that leads us to the stream which we cross then we continue our walk on the left side of the stream. We keep on walking and cross the stream again as our walk goes through the valley which widens and narrows. Later we enter to the Kyamar valley and reach to the green pasture land where Changpa Nomads camp during summer time along with their animals so that their animals can graze here. Continue our trek for some time and we reach our campsite; Kyamar is also known as a shepherd’s village. Rest of the day is free to relax. (4570m | 4-5hrs trek | Trek begins)
Overnight Camp
-
DAY 07 - Kyamar
Rest day for acclimatization at Kyamar
Today we relax at Kyamar campsite for acclimatization and explore the surrounding area. (4570m)
Overnight Camp
-
DAY 08 - Tisaling
Trek to Tisaling en-route cross Kyamar La (5120m) and Mandachalan La (5230m)
Early morning we have breakfast and then start walking on the trail that ascent towards the pass of Kyamar La (5120m) today we have to cover a very long distance to reach the top of the pass. After reaching the base of Kyamar La (“La” means Pass in Tibetan) the trail is a steep ascent all the way towards the pass. We reach pass from where we have magnificent views of Zanskar mountain range (Mt. Kang Yatse-6400m) and the beautiful Indus valley; cross the pass and descent towards the river basin from where we ascent to another pass, Mandachalan La (5230m). After climbing up on the trail we reach to the top of Mandachalan La and would be blessed again with breathtaking views of some snow-capped peaks and mountain range. Then we descend to the beautiful campsite known as Tisaling where we camp for the night. (5020m | 6-7hrs trek)
Overnight Camp
-
DAY 09 - Tsokar Lake
Tisaling to Pongunagu (near Tsokar) trek en-route cross Shibuk La (5290m)
Early morning after breakfast we follow the trail that leads us to the pass of Shibuk La (5290m); it is a short and steady climb to reach the top of the pass and once we reach the pass we can have astonishing view of Tsokar (“Tso” means Lake in Tibetan) (4600m) and Tisaling campsite. We then descend to the beautiful campsite Pongunagu near Tsokar Lake where we camp for the night. Tsokar Lake is also known as ‘White Lake’ because of the salt deposits all over its shores and it is situated in Rupshu Valley. Later we can explore Tsokar Lake and also get an opportunity to watch different species of birds and the most spotted mammal here is Kiang (Tibetan wild ass). (4600m | 5-6hrs trek)
Overnight Camp
-
DAY 10 - Rachungkaru
Trek to Rachungkaru en-route cross Nuruchan La
After breakfast we leave Tsokar and trek to Rachungkaru; we trek through the trail which goes along the Tsokar from western side and the huge presence of salt at the bank of Tsokar appears like a moon. Then again we walk through a splendid valley and start climbing to the pass of Nuruchan La from the pass we will be blessed with a magnificent view of Tsokar. Afterwards we descend to the valley of Ponglong Chu and reach to the campsite Rachungkaru where we get a chance to see Pashmina Goats, Sheep and flocks of Yaks. (4920m | 7-8hrs trek)
Overnight Camp
-
DAY 11 - Gyama Chu
Trek to Gyama Chu en-route cross Kayaru La (5350m)
Today we have breakfast and start trekking towards our next campsite Gyama Chu (“Chu” means River in Tibetan); it is a short trek as the trail leads us towards the pass of Kayaru La (5350m) after passing Kayaru La we descend all the way to Gyama Chu where we camp for the night. (5000m | 4-5hrs trek)
Overnight Camp
-
DAY 12 - Lanyar La Base
Trek from Gyama Chu to Pangnating (Lanyar Base camp) en-route cross Barma La (5350m)
This morning we finish breakfast and start a steep ascent towards the pass of Barma La (5350m); from the pass we have breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks and surrounding valleys. We follow the trail that descends to Gyama Chu then we start a gentle climb towards our next campsite Pangnating situated at the base of mountains. Pangnating is the highest campsite during the whole trek. (5050m | 4-5hrs trek)
Overnight Camp
-
DAY 13 - Lanyal Pasture
Trek to Lanyar Valley en-route cross Lanyar La (5860m)
Today the trail goes to the highest pass of the trek Lanyar La (5860m); to reach the pass we cross a small glacier then continue our ascent towards the pass; the views of the surrounding area from top of the pass are awe-inspiring then we descend to the pastures of the Lanyar valley which is our campsite for the night. (4950m | 6-7hrs trek)
Overnight Camp
-
DAY 14 - Lato Gongma
Trek from Lanyar Valley to Lato Gongma
This day we leave Lanyar and follow the trail that descend to the valley surrounded by mountains; the landscape changes here from barren to green pastures land as we walk further towards our next campsite. Also we can get a good opportunity to watch the wildlife of this area; later we reach Lato Gongma which is our campsite for the night. (4700m | 7-8hrs trek)
Overnight Camp
-
DAY 15 - Kyangdom
Lato Gongma to Kyangdom trek
Today morning after breakfast we start descending along with Phirste Chu as we follow the trail which leads us to a beautiful valley. This valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and colourful barren mountains; we walk further through gorges and moraines and get closer to the beautiful Lake of Tsomoriri (4595m); the lake water appears crystal clear and blue surrounding by mountains. Reach Kyangdom where we camp for the night. (4500m | 6-7hrs trek)
Overnight Camp
-
DAY 16 - Karzok
Kyangdom to Karzok trek (Trek ends)
In the morning after having breakfast we walk along the trail that goes from the western shores of the lake; the lake is sacred for locals and it is advised by locals not to take bath in the lake. We start ascending along the northern side of lake and while walking towards the village of Karzok we get a chance to watch different types of migrants and resident birdlife. The village has Karzok monastery belongs to Drukpa Lineage and home to 70 monks; Tsomoriri is also known as Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. Reach Karzok village and relax in the tents or can walk along the lake to enjoy the beauty of Tsomoriri. (Trek ends | 4595m | 6-7hrs trek)
Overnight Camp
-
DAY 17 - Leh
Drive from Karzok to Leh
Morning after breakfast we say good bye to our horseman and to his mules. Then we board the vehicle and drive towards Leh; as we leave Tsomoriri on the way we pass Kyagar Tso and cross Namshang La. Then we continue our drive towards Leh; reach there and transfer to hotel for check-in. (3500m | Distance: 240km | 6-7hrs drive)
Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 18 - Delhi
Early morning fly to Delhi, reach and transfer to hotel; afternoon and evening free
Today early morning we will be transferred to the airport to catch the flight for Delhi; arrive Delhi airport and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon and evening will be free time for us to relax at the hotel or can go to market for last minute shopping of souvenirs etc.
Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 19 - Delhi
Departure to the International hotel 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.