Trekking & Hiking
One of Ladakh's most beautiful treks: 98 km over 7 days across the Changthang plateau of Rupshu, following the old salt road past Tso Kar to the turquoise shores of Tso Moriri. The route crosses numerous passes above 5,000m, topping out at the 5,435m Yalung Nyau La, and passes the camps of Changpa nomads with their pashmina goats and yaks. Exceptional, but demanding.
| Waypoint | Distance | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Rumtse | 0.0 km | 4,218 m |
| Kyamar (camp) | 10.9 km | 4,516 m |
| Kyamar La (pass) | 15.4 km | 5,116 m |
| Tiri Doksa (camp) | 18.4 km | 4,866 m |
| Mandalchan La (pass) | 20.9 km | 5,052 m |
| Tisaling (camp) | 24.4 km | 4,918 m |
| Shibuk La (pass) | 29.4 km | 5,295 m |
| Ponganagu (camp) | 38.7 km | 4,629 m |
| Nuruchan (camp) | 56.5 km | 4,657 m |
| Horlam Kongka La (pass) | 62.5 km | 4,957 m |
| Kyamayuri La (pass) | 71.5 km | 5,362 m |
| Gyamar Barma (camp) | 75.8 km | 5,173 m |
| Kartse La (pass) | 78.3 km | 5,386 m |
| Gyamar (camp) | 81.5 km | 5,135 m |
| Yalung Nyau La (pass) | 86.5 km | 5,435 m |
| Korzok | 97.8 km | 4,530 m |
10.9 km4 hrs+298 m / −0 m
Drive 80 km (about 2 hrs) from Leh to Rumtse. Follow the trail to Kyamar along what was once the salt road, used to carry salt from Tso Kar to Leh and the Indus valley. The landscapes are unlike the rest of Ladakh. Overnight in camp.
13.5 km6–7 hrs+786 m / −384 m
Climb gradually to the Kyamar La for a fantastic view over Changthang, descend to the shepherds' shelter at Tiri Doksa, then cross the Mandalchan La and drop down to Tisaling. Overnight in camp.
14.3 km6 hrs+377 m / −666 m
The trail slowly gains height to the Shibuk La, with a spectacular view of Tso Kar from the top. Walk down to Ponganagu near the lake, an area known for migratory birds, kiang (wild asses), marmots and ibex. Overnight in camp.
17.8 km5–6 hrs+173 m / −145 m
Walk along the west side of Tso Kar, the "white lake" named for the salt deposited on its banks, watching for black-necked cranes and brahminy ducks, and continue to Nuruchan. Overnight in camp.
19.3 km7–8 hrs+855 m / −339 m
Cross two passes, the Horlam Kongka La and the Kyamayuri La, meeting nomad families with their yaks, sheep and goats along the way. Overnight in camp at Gyamar Barma.
5.7 km3 hrs+213 m / −251 m
A short day: cross the Kartse La and descend into the Gyamar valley at the foot of Yalung Nong. Overnight in camp.
16.3 km5–6 hrs+300 m / −905 m
Cross the Yalung Nyau La, the highest pass of the trek, with a great view of Tso Moriri from the top, then walk down to Korzok village on the lake shore.
Drive 215 km (about 7 hrs) from Korzok back to Leh.
More trekking & hiking
EasyKnown as the "Baby Trek," this gentle 3-day, 32 km route crosses four low passes through the Sham region, Ladakh's lower Indus valley, linking the monastery villages of Likir, Yangthang, Hemis Shukpachen and Temisgam. Nights are spent in village homestays, it tops out at just 3,874m and can be walked almost year-round, making it ideal for beginners and families. Extend it to 4–5 days via Rizong monastery or onwards from Temisgam to Khaltse.
ChallengingA 5-day, 63 km trek from the "Moonland" monastery of Lamayuru through rural villages of green barley fields and apricot trees to Chilling on the Zanskar river. It crosses three passes, topping out at the 4,948m Kongskil La, with sweeping views of the Stok and Karakoram ranges. Homestays in Wanla and Hinju, then camping in the high country.
ModerateLadakh's most popular trek, in a shorter and easier 6-day, 78 km version starting at Chilling. The trail follows the Markha river through villages tucked into a deep valley in Hemis National Park, home of the snow leopard, up to the high pastures of Nimaling and over the 5,260m Kongmaru La, with spectacular views of the Kang Yatse peaks. Homestays most nights.
Tell us your dates and interests — we'll reply with a tailored itinerary.
