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Trekker at Tso Moriri lake, Ladakh
Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek, Kyamar area, Ladakh

Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek (Rupshu)

Duration: 7 days
Difficulty: level 4
Distance: 98 km
Max elevation: 5435m
Elevation gain / loss: +3002m / -2690m

The trek from Rumtse to Tso Moriri is one of the most beautiful treks in Ladakh. It takes you through the Changthang region, a high-altitude plateau that has unique landscapes and stunning lakes like Tso Kar and Tso Moriri. This region is home to the Changpa nomads with their pashmina goats and yaks. It’s an exceptional trek, but demanding because of the crossing of numerous high passes above 5000m.

If you would like to join a group, check our Fixed Departure Treks.

Rumtse to Tso Moriri lake trek map Rumtse to Tso Moriri lake trek elevation profile, altitude gain loss
Rumtse to Tso Moriri lake trek in Ladakh

Itinerary

Day 1: Rumtse - Kyamar

Time: 4 hrs
Distance: 10.9 km
Elevation gain / loss: +298m / -0m

-follow the trail to Kyamar which was once known as the salt road. Through this valley, the salt from Tso Kar was transported to Leh and the Indus valley
-the sceneries and landscapes are different from the rest of Ladakh
Rumtse - Kyamar

Day 2: Kyamar - Kyamar La - Mandalchan La - Tisaling

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 13.5 km
Elevation gain / loss: +786m / -384m

-move upwards gradually towards the Kyamar La and enjoy the fantastic view of the Changthang region from the pass
-climb down towards Tiri Doksa, a temporary shelter for the shepherds
-keep to the trail and climb the Mandalchan La and then climb down to Tisaling
Kyamar - Kyamar La - Mandalchan La - Tisaling

Day 3: Tisaling - Shibuk La - Ponganagu

Time: 6 hrs
Distance: 14.3 km
Elevation gain / loss: +377m / -666m

-follow the trail as it slowly begins to gain elevation towards the Shibuk La
-enjoy the spectacular view of Tso Kar lake from the pass
-walk down to Ponganagu near Tso Kar lake
-this area is well known to observe wildlife such as migratory birds, kiang (wild asses), marmots and ibex
Tisaling - Shibuk La - Ponganagu

Day 4: Ponganagu - Nuruchan

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 17.8 km
Elevation gain / loss: +173m / -145m

-continue your trek walking along the west side of Tso Kar lake where you might be able to spot black necked cranes and brahmini ducks. Tso Kar is also called "white lake" because of the salt that get deposited on its banks
-walk to Nuruchan
Ponganagu - Nuruchan

Day 5: Nuruchan - Kyamayuri La - Gyamar Barma

Time: 7-8 hrs
Distance: 19.3 km
Elevation gain / loss: +855m / -339m

-you will be crossing two passes today (Horlam Kongka La and Kyamayuri La) to reach Gyamar Barma
-on the way, you will meet several nomad families with their yaks, sheep and goats
Nuruchan - Kyamayuri La - Gyamar Barma

Day 6: Gyamar Barma - Kartse La - Gyamar

Time: 3 hrs
Distance: 5.7 km
Elevation gain / loss: +213m / -251m

-after crossing the Kartse La, go down towards the Gyamar valley at the foot of Yalung Nong
Gyamar Barma - Kartse La - Gyamar

Day 7: Gyamar - Yalung Nyau La - Korzok

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 16.3 km
Elevation gain / loss: +300m / -905m

-cross the Yalung Nyau La, the highest pass of the trek and have a great view of Tso Moriri lake from the top
-walk down to Korzok village, on the bank of Tso Moriri
Gyamar - Yalung Nyau La - Korzok

Getting to / from the trek

-it takes 2 hours to drive from Leh to Rumtse (80 km)
-it takes 7 hours to drive from Korzok to Leh (215 km)

It is worth taking some extra time to stop and visit the highlights in the area, check the Indus valley tour to Hemis for more details.

All the itineraries can be customized to suit your own special interests, preferences and abilities. Please contact us for more information.