Tsokar Tsomoriri Trek

Arrive at Leh (3500m) by flight. The flight to Ladakh is an amazing experience as one flies over the imposing Himalayan range offering breathtaking views. KVT representative will meet you at the airport and will transfer you to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free for acclimatization and in the evening stroll around in the market area.

Today we will do the local exploration, visiting Leh Palace and nine storied palace (built in 1553). One can have a beautiful view of Leh city and surrounding mountains. Then, we visit Shanti Stupa which is a Buddhist white-domed stupa (chorten) on a hilltop in Chanspa. 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. Afterward, proceed to Shankar Gompa – it is a subsidiary of Spituk Monastery and belongs to 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. Later we visit the bazaar (local market) of Leh. After that come back to the hotel and relax. (Meals: Breakfast)

This morning we head towards Rumtse village en-route visiting Shey Palace – a monastery known for its giant copper with gilded gold statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha. It is said to be the second largest such statue in Ladakh. Then we visit the famous Thiksey Monastery – located on top of a hill. This monastery resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Thiksey monastery houses a large statue of Buddha and this is one of the most frequently visited monasteries in Ladakh. Later we head to Hemis Monastery – a Tibetan Buddhist monastery (gompa) of the Drukpa Lineage. The monastery holds the distinction of being the biggest as well as the wealthiest monastery of Ladakh. Then we continue our drive towards Rumtse, the starting point of the trek where we will meet our local trekking team. (Driving Time: 2 – 3 hrs) (Meals: Breakfast and Dinner)

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. We cross it and continue our walk on the left side of the stream. We cross the stream again as our walk goes through the valley which widens and narrows. Later we enter to the Kyamar valley and reach the green pasture land where Changpa Nomads camp during summer time along with their animals. Continue our trek for some time till we reach our campsite Kyamar. (Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hrs) (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

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, 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. We 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.(Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs) (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

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 (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. Later we can explore Tsokar Lake and get an opportunity to watch different species of birds and the most spotted mammal Kiang – Tibetan wild ass. (Trekking Time: 5 – 6 hrs) (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

After breakfast we leave Tsokar and trek to Rajun Karu. 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 Rajun Karu where we get a chance to see Pashmina Goats, Sheep and flocks of Yaks. (Trekking Time: 7 – 8 hrs) (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

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 crossing the pass we descend all the way to Gyama Chu where we camp for the night. (Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hrs) (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

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. (Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hrs) (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Today the trail goes to the highest pass of the trek Lanyar La (5860m). To reach the pass we cross a small glacier and 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. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs) (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

This day we leave Lanyar and follow the trail that descends 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. (Trekking Time: 7 – 8 hrs) (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

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 Tsomoriri Lake (4595m). The lake water appears crystal clear and blue surrounding by mountains. Reach Kyangdom where we camp for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs) (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

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. Reach Karzok village and relax in the tents or can walk along the lake to enjoy the beauty of Tsomoriri. (Trek ends / Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs) (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Morning after breakfast 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. (Driving Time: 6 – 7 hrs) (Meals: Breakfast)

Morning we will be transferred to the airport for flight to Delhi. Upon arrival connect international flight back to home country.