The Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek is a unique and challenging adventure that takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in India’s Ladakh region. The Rumtse to Tso Moriri trekking trail offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, lush green valleys, and barren deserts. Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to experience the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the local Ladakhi people, who rely on their livestock for survival. The trail takes you through several remote villages where you can interact with the Changpas, the Ladakhi Nomads, a rare chance to learn about their lifestyle, who move from one valley to another with their herds and Rebo Tents, a unique tent made of yak wool. Changpas are an endangeredethnic group since the roads enter the vast nomadic valleys, and youngsters are attracted to modern cities such as Leh. The Nomads are now disappearing from the Himalayas, Including Tibet, Mongolia, and many parts of the World. We may encounter the groups of Changpas in their social gatherings and grazing animals and enjoy listeningto their songs, which are full of sweetness as they sing songs, even if we don’t understand them and rhythmically twirl with them. The most famous dance is Jabro, often performed with a typical musical instrument shaped like a sitar. Pashmina goats, Yaks, Sheep, and Horses are other attractions in this barren Himalayan Highland.
As you begin the trek from Rumtse, you will be greeted by the stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The trail takes you through several high-altitude passes, including the Kyamayuri La Pass and the Mandalchan La Pass, offering grand panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trail also takes you through several small villages, where you can interact with the locals and learn about their unique culture and way of life.
One of the natural highlights of the trek is the beautiful Tso Kar Lake, a saltwater lake home to various migratory birds. Barren mountains surround the lake, which is a popular spot for birdwatching. The trail then continues towards Tso Moriri, a stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The lake is a paradise for nature lovers and offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
The beauty of the Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek is not just limited to the scenic landscapes and nomadic life but also the unique flora and fauna you will encounter. The trail is home to several rare species of plants and animals, including the elusive snow leopard, Tibetan wild ass, and Himalayan blue sheep.
Overall, the Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek is a perfect adventure for experienced trekkers looking for a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor challenges you will never forget.
A scenic flight from Delhi floating over the monsoon clouds puts you at Leh Airport. As you walk through the dramatic runway just below Leh town, you will receive a warm welcome from our local representatives at Leh, who are mainly Buddhist. The journey to your lodge is 5 kilometres and takes 20 minutes—no activity for the rest of the day. Take rest and acclimatize. But who can stop to experience the beauty of the newly arrived town? A colourful market just beneath the old Royal Palace is a not-to-miss place for a walk before initiating a trek.
Leh is Ladakh’s largest town and capital, at 3,500 meters above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and adventure tourism opportunities. It is also a popular destination for trekkers, mountaineers, backpackers, and Buddhist pilgrims. The town has many ancient monasteries and palaces that showcase the region’s unique architecture and history. The people of Leh are warm and friendly, and the city has a laid-back vibe that makes it a perfect place for a peaceful getaway.
Today, you will visit some ancient monasteries in this region, for which you need to drive about 90 kilometres. Shey Palace is located about 15 km from Leh. Shey Palace is a historic Buddhist monastery in Ladakh’s Leh district. The Shey Palace was founded at the beginning of the 17th century AD by Deldan Namgyal and was once the summer capital of the Ladakh kingdom. It is renowned for its beautiful architecture that showcases a blend of Tibetan and Indian styles. The palace (inside the Dresthang Gompa) also houses a 12-meter-high statue of Shakyamuni Buddha made of gilded copper, considered the largest in the region. There are lots of Stupas and Gonpas built around the palace. The Shey Palace monastery is a popular tourist destination that attracts all kinds of visitors who come here to experience its stunning beauty and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh.
Thiksey Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery near Shey Palace, about 17 km from Leh. The monastery is on top of a hill and offers stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains. It is one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh and is home to a community of monks who follow the Gelugpa tradition of Buddhism. The monastery complex houses several temples, prayer halls, and other buildings, including a nunnery. The monastery’s main prayer hall contains a 15-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, the giant statue in Ladakh. The monastery also hosts an annual festival called the Gustor Festival, celebrated with great pomp and show. The festival involves the performance of sacred dances by the monks and attracts many tourists worldwide.
Hemis Monastery, located about 45 km south of Leh, is a Himalayan Buddhist monastery in the Hemis region of Ladakh. The Hemis Monastery is founded in a lovely mountain valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls. It was established in the 11th century and is considered Ladakh’s largest and wealthiest monastery. The monastery is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful frescoes, and rich collection of ancient relics, including thangkas, murals, and statues. Being a Drukpa-order Buddhist monastery, Hemis Monastery is also famous for its annual Hemis Festival, celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival is a colourful and vibrant event that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the World. Overnight at Leh.
Have breakfast and take a scenic two-hour drive to Rumste village, located on the Leh-Manali Highway, just after the Tanglangla Pass. This pretty village has several ancient stupas and small monasteries here and there. Your kitchen team and horsemen will welcome you to Rumste, the starting point of the trek. Leave the vehicle; your guide will introduce you to the rest of the staff and start trekking towards Kymar, a distance of 3 hours walk/11 kilometres. The trail leads through a beautiful pasture valley, where the Changpas (the Ladakhi Nomadas) let their goats and Yaks graze. In olden times, this route was used by the Changpas to trade the salt they obtained from Tsokar to the other regions of Ladakh. Tsokar is also known as Salt Lake. When you trek along this Salt Lake route, you will see mind-blowing landscapes that will make you more enthusiastic about this trip. Overnight in a tented camp.
Leisurely wake up, breakfast and start the trek. After walking for half an hour, you will arrive at the Kyamar la Pass at 5180 metres. Still, the ascent is easy. The Kyamar La Summit offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Ladakh Range, including the famed Mt. Kang Yatse. Descending from the pass, you will reach another pass called Mandalchan la at 4996 metres, and the trek ends in Tisaling for an overnight camp. The total distance is 14 kilometres, but it takes 6 hours to walk.
Breakfast and start trekking towards Pangunugu. The next attraction of the day is the Shibuk la Pass, which offers grand panoramic views, including Tsokar Lake. This lake was a salt reservoir in bygone days, but with modernization, the locals have started using iodined packaged salt. The Tsokar Lake lies near a small village inhabited by Changpas (nomads). In summer, the village gets empty as most people move around with their sheep and yaks, grazing from one meadow to another and completing a circuit back to this village at the start of the winter. The village contains a small monastery as well. Many migrating birds flock here, making it a lovely place to camp. Stay overnight in a tented camp. The distance is 15 kilometres, and it takes 6 hours to walk.
Breakfast and start the trek, which is comparatively longer, 18 kilometres, but easier and takes only 5 hours. Leisurely breakfast is followed by Sightseeing and bird-watching around the lovely Tsokar Lake. The trek goes along the lake, and when the trail ends, the trail forks right and arrives at the Nuruchan Valley. Stay overnight in a tented camp.
Breakfast and enjoy another smooth day trek. The distance is longer, 20 kilometres, but it takes only 5 hours to walk. Agradual climb for an hour and a half takes you to the Dundun La Pass, offering a wide array of wildflowers on the way up. From the pass, the trail descends equally beautifully along a stream to Rachung Karu.
Today, we cross two high Himalayan passes; the distance is 16 kilometres, but it takes 7 hours to cover. Breakfast and gradually climb towards the Kyamauri la at 5430 metres. Your effort gets rewarded with grand views of the Himalayan Range. After the pass, the trail crosses a couple of streams, reaches Gyama Barma La at 5190 metres, and continuously descends to Gyama. Stay overnight in a Tented Camp.
Another short distance and longer day trek; the distance is 16 kilometres and takes 7 hours! Breakfast and start the trek towards the Yalung Nayalu pass. The trail brings across some streams on and to the pass, offering stunning views of the western Tibetan Mountains. From the pass, the trail descends steeply to Korzok, on the bank of the beautiful Tsomoriri Lake. You will enjoy a lovely overnight in a guest house on the bank of Tso Moriri Lake. In the evening, visit the Korzok monastery and the village.
This morning is another special day, farewell to the team and horsemen. Have breakfast, and say bye to your Ladakhi friends who accompanied you for this trek as your trekking staff. The staff will load your kit bags in the vehicle, say bye, and drive for 225km back to Leh. On the way, stop for a look or a bath at the hot spring in Chumathang, one of the famous hot springs among the Ladakhis. The locals believe bathing in such springs to heal the joints and backaches. You will reach Leh by evening, and your guide will drop you off at your hotel.
A taxi will drop you at the airport according to your flight timings. Bid farewell.
A moderate trek of less than 2 weeks will take you to altitudes above 5400m. A routine day will have over 5-7 hours of walking with regular deals of ascending and descending on sparsely trodden trails. The terrain will vary on these treks, and expect walking on with a mix of wilderness, terrain, altitude, moraines, and small streams. Acclimatization is a concern, but the itinerary is carefully designed to allow proper acclimatization. This trek involves exposure to high-altitude Sun and cold temperatures, so participants require quality equipment and clothing.
Our mobile Cook prepares everyday meals and serves plentiful vegetarian meals, meat items, canned fish, and tofu. Tea, coffee, juice, cookies, and water are served whenever you can, especially during breakfast, before lunch and dinner, and after dinner.
