Rumtse to Tso Moriri Lake Trek Itinerary
Overview:
This high-altitude trans-Himalayan trek takes you from Rumtse on the Leh–Manali highway across several 5,000m+ passes, through isolated nomadic settlements, and past stunning alpine lakes like Tso Kar and Tso Moriri. One of the most spectacular treks in Ladakh, it offers a unique blend of challenging terrain, vast landscapes, and glimpses into the Changpa nomadic lifestyle.
Duration: 8 Days
Highest Point: Kyamayuri La (5,430m)
Route: Rumtse – Kyamar – Tisaling – Ponganagu – Nuruchan – Rachungkaru – Gyama Barma – Karzok (Tso Moriri)
Day 1: Drive from Leh to Rumtse and trek to Kyamar (4,050m)
- Drive from Leh to Rumtse village (approx. 2 hours)
- Begin trek with a gentle ascent to Kyamar
- Overnight in campsite at Kyamar
Day 2: Kyamar to Tisaling (4,800m) via Kyamayuri La (5,430m)
- Cross Kyamayuri La, offering panoramic mountain views
- Gradual descent to the green campsite at Tisaling
- Overnight in tents
Day 3: Tisaling to Ponganagu (4,600m) via Shibuk La (5,200m)
- Cross Shibuk La with views of the Tso Kar basin
- Descend to the shores of Tso Kar lake
- Camp near Ponganagu
Day 4: Ponganagu to Nuruchan (4,630m)
- Walk along the salty shores of Tso Kar
- Flat and easy terrain with occasional streams
- Camp near the pasturelands of Nuruchan
Day 5: Nuruchan to Rachungkaru (4,900m) via Horlam Kongka La (4,900m)
- Cross the Horlam Kongka La
- Enter nomadic regions with yaks and pashmina goats
- Overnight in Rachungkaru camp
Day 6: Rachungkaru to Gyama Barma (5,000m) via Kyun Tso and Kyun Tso II
- Trek past twin high-altitude lakes
- Remote and surreal landscapes
- Camp at Gyama Barma
Day 7: Gyama Barma to Karzok (Tso Moriri, 4,530m) via Yalung Nyau La (5,430m)
- Final high pass of the trek with spectacular views of Tso Moriri
- Long descent to the lakeshore village of Karzok
- Overnight in campsite
Day 8: Drive back to Leh (approx. 220 km)
- Scenic drive along the Indus River
- Cross Mahe Bridge and travel via Chumathang
- Arrival in Leh by evening
All the itineraries can be customized to suit your own special interests, preferences and abilities. Please contact us for more information.
Pricing Details:
Camping-Based Treks:
- 2 Persons: As per mentioned package price
- 3+ Persons: Reduced per-person cost (contact for group rates)
Note: Larger groups benefit from lower per-person pricing due to shared costs
Homestay-Based Treks:
- Solo Trekker: ₹20,000 per person
- 2 Trekkers: ₹16,000 per person (₹32,000 total)
Note: Larger groups benefit from lower per-person pricing due to shared costs
What included and not included:
CAMPING-BASED TREKS
What’s Included:
Accommodation & Camping
- Twin-sharing tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses
- Kitchen, dining, and toilet tents
Meals
- All meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening tea/snacks
- Safe drinking water throughout trek
Transportation
- Pick-up and drop between Leh and trek start/end points (Non-AC vehicle)
Support Staff & Logistics
- Experienced trek guide, cook, and helpers (1 per 6 trekkers)
- Horses/mules for camping equipment and personal luggage (max 12-15 kg/person)
Permits & Safety
- All trekking permits and entry fees
- First-aid kit
- Trekking completion certificate
What’s NOT Included:
- Flights/transport to reach Leh
- Meals in Leh (except if mentioned in itinerary)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Porter for personal daypack during trek
- Travel insurance and medical/evacuation expenses
- Costs due to weather delays, roadblocks, or natural calamities
HOMESTAY-BASED TREKS
What’s Included:
Accommodation
- Homestay in local Ladakhi houses (twin/triple sharing with basic bedding)
Meals
- All meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (traditional Ladakhi cuisine)
- Safe drinking water
Transportation
- Pick-up and drop between Leh and trek points (Non-AC vehicle)
Support & Logistics
- English-speaking trek guide
Permits & Safety
- All trekking permits and entry fees
- First-aid kit and emergency support
- Trekking completion certificate
What’s NOT Included:
- Flights/transport to reach Leh
- Meals in Leh before/after trek
- Sleeping bag
- Personal trekking gear, clothing, and daypack
- No horses/potter to carry personal luggage
- Travel insurance and medical expenses
- Costs due to weather delays or emergencies
Important Notes:
- Travel insurance with evacuation coverage strongly recommended
- Single accommodation subject to availability
Packing List
Documents (Mandatory)
- Valid photo ID (Aadhar/Passport/Driving License – original)
- 2 passport-size photographs for permits
Trekking Gear
- Trekking shoes/boots (waterproof, ankle support, well broken-in)
- Daypack/backpack (30-40L for daily essentials)
- Trekking poles (recommended for knee support)
- Sleeping bag (mandatory for homestay treks – rent in Leh ₹300-500/day)
- Headlamp/flashlight with spare batteries
Clothing (Layering System)
- Base layer: Thermal innerwear (2 sets – top & bottom)
- Mid layer: Fleece jacket or down jacket
- Outer layer: Waterproof windproof jacket
- Trekking pants (2-3 quick-dry, comfortable pairs)
- T-shirts/full-sleeve shirts (3-4 sets)
- Warm woolen cap and sun hat/cap
- Gloves (waterproof recommended)
- Woolen socks (4-5 pairs) and liner socks
- Undergarments (quick-dry fabric)
- Down jacket for high-altitude camps
Rain & Sun Protection
- Raincoat or rain poncho
- UV protection sunglasses (Category 3 or 4)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm with SPF
- Moisturizer for dry weather
Personal Essentials
- Reusable water bottle (1-liter minimum)
- Personal toiletries (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes)
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Personal medications and prescriptions
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox – consult doctor)
- Basic first-aid: Pain relievers, band-aids, antiseptic cream
- Anti-diarrheal medication and ORS packets
Electronics & Accessories
- Pre-On-Post Airtel/Jio SIM (limited connectivity in mountains)
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh)
- Camera with spare batteries and memory cards
- Charging cables
Optional but Useful
- Energy bars, dry fruits, chocolates (trail snacks)
- Small towel (quick-dry)
- Ziplock bags (keeping things dry and organized)
- Multi-tool or Swiss knife
- Notebook and pen
What NOT to Bring
- Hard suitcases (use soft duffel bags only)
- Excessive clothing (laundry not available during trek)
- Valuables and jewelry
- Cotton clothing (takes long to dry)
- Heavy books or unnecessary items
Luggage Guidelines:
- Maximum 12-15 kg in duffel bag (goes on horses/mules)
- Carry 4-5 kg daypack yourself with: water bottle, snacks, camera, warm layer, rain gear, sunscreen, personal medications
Tip: Pack light and smart. Layering is key for Himalayan weather!
Cancellation Policy
Payment Schedule:
- Booking deposit: ₹15,000 per person to confirm reservation
- Balance payment: Due 15 days before trek start date
Cancellation Charges:
- 15 + days before trek: 25% of total cost
- 10-14 days before trek: 50% of total cost
- Less than 9 days before departure: 100% (no refund)
- After trek starts: No refund for early exit or unused services
Important Terms:
- Refunds processed within 14 business days
- Cancellations must be in writing via email
- Permit fees non-refundable once processed
- Company not liable for trek cancellations due to weather, landslides, roadblocks, or force majeure events
- In case of such events, option to reschedule
- Travel insurance covering trekking activities strongly recommended