Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek
A demanding 11-day expedition across the Changthang plateau, crossing six passes over 5000m to reach the vast Tso Moriri lake.
The trek from Rumtse to Tso Moriri is one of Ladakh’s most visually profound and physically demanding routes. It moves entirely through the Changthang — a high-altitude desert plateau that feels closer to Tibet than to the rest of India. This is the land of the Changpa nomads, their pashmina goats, yaks, and vast, empty skies. This is an exceptional trek, but it is not forgiving. You will spend seven consecutive trekking days above 4,500m, crossing no fewer than six mountain passes that exceed 5,000m. The route culminates at Tso Moriri, the largest high-altitude lake entirely within the Indian Himalayas. To ensure safety on such a high route, the expedition includes a mandatory two-day acclimatisation trek from Zingchen to Stok (staying in Rumbak) and a cultural day in the Indus Valley before driving to the Rumtse trailhead. This itinerary respects the altitude and the landscape.
- Duration
- 11 Days | 10 Nights
- Location
- Changthang Plateau, Ladakh
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Season
- Summer (June to September)
- Group
- Solo traveller to 7 travellers
Journey highlights
- Trek through the raw, nomadic landscapes of the Changthang plateau.
- Cross six separate mountain passes over 5,000m.
- Stay with a local family in a homestay in Rumbak during the acclimatisation phase.
- Experience the massive saltwater expanse of Tso Kar and Tso Moriri lakes.
- Encounter Changpa nomads and high-altitude wildlife.
- Fully supported expedition with Ladakhi guides, cooks, and pack horses.
Full itinerary
Acclimatisation Trek: Zingchen to Rumbak
The expedition begins with an acclimatisation trek. Drive from Leh to Zingchen, visiting Spituk Monastery en route. Begin a gentle 2-3 hour walk into Hemis National Park to reach the picturesque village of Rumbak for a homestay night. This prevents altitude shock later in the trip.
Stay: Hotel Grand Willow Leh or similar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Rumbak to Stok via Stok La
A challenging acclimatisation day. Climb from Rumbak to the Stok La pass (4,855m), forcing your body to adapt to the thin air. Descend to the village of Stok, where vehicles wait to take you back to Leh for a proper rest.
Stay: Hotel Grand Willow Leh or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Indus Valley Tour & Drive to Rumtse
Take a final day for the body to recover. Visit the major monasteries of the Indus valley — Shey, Thiksey, Stakna, and Hemis. In the afternoon, drive to the trailhead at Rumtse (4,240m) and set up the first expedition camp.
Stay: Rumbak Homestay / Trek Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Rumtse to Kyamar (Trek Day 1)
The real trek begins. The trail moves gently up a valley, passing nomadic settlements and wide grazing lands. It is a moderate 4-hour walk designed to ease you into the sustained high altitude. Camp at Kyamar (4,538m).
Stay: Stok Village Homestay / Trek Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kyamar to Tisaling via Two Passes
A tough day crossing two 5,000m+ passes. Climb to Kyamar La (5,071m) and descend slightly before pushing up the second pass, Mandalchan La (5,206m). The reward is a beautiful descent to the high grazing area of Tisaling (4,940m).
Stay: Kyamar Trek Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tisaling to Ponganagu (Tso Kar) via Shibuk La
Ascend Shibuk La (5,275m) first thing in the morning. From the summit, the vast basin of Tso Kar (the 'White Lake') comes into view, its shores crusted with salt. A long descent brings you to Ponganagu camp (4,651m) near the lake.
Stay: Tisaling Trek Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ponganagu to Nuruchan
A relatively flat and welcome day. Walk along the edge of Tso Kar, observing kiang (wild Tibetan asses) and migratory birds. The trail is dusty and exposed but allows the legs to recover before the next passes. Camp at Nuruchan (4,679m).
Stay: Pangunagu Trek Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nuruchan to Gyamar Barma via Kyamayuri La
The longest and hardest day. Climb Kyamayuri La (5,416m), cross a wide plateau, and continue to another minor pass before reaching the high, cold camp at Gyamar Barma (5,195m) — the highest sleeping altitude of the trip.
Stay: Nuruchan Trek Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gyamar Barma to Gyamar via Kartse La
A short relief day. Cross the Kartse La (5,384m) in the morning. The descent brings you into the Gyamar valley, a sheltered area often used by nomads. Camp at 5,157m.
Stay: Gyamar Barma Trek Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gyamar to Tso Moriri via Yalung Nyau La
The final trekking push. Ascend Yalung Nyau La, the highest pass of the trek at 5,435m. From the top, the massive, deep blue expanse of Tso Moriri appears. Descend down to the lake shore and walk to the nomadic settlement of Korzok (4,552m) to celebrate the end of the expedition.
Stay: Korzok Lake View Guest House or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Korzok to Leh
In the morning, visit the Korzok monastery sitting above the lake. Spend a quiet hour by the water before boarding the vehicles for the long, scenic drive back to Leh, leaving the Changthang plateau behind.
Stay: Departure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Pricing and planning
₹1,40,000
- Indian private.: ₹1,10,000. Per person + 5% GST, based on 2 travellers unless final quote says otherwise.
- International private.: USD 2,550. Per person. Final quote depends on nationality, permits, season and crew plan.
- Premium private.: ₹1,50,000 / USD 3,450. Per person estimate; final pricing is confirmed after dates and rooming.
- Luxury / expedition.: On request. Custom quoted for premium hotels, upgraded camp comfort and private support.
Inclusions
- Private departure planning with route briefing, altitude pacing and permit guidance.
- Experienced English-speaking mountain guide and local trek crew.
- Town hotel nights, trek camps and village homestays as mentioned in the day-wise stay plan.
- Meals on trekking days, plus breakfast and dinner in town stays unless noted otherwise.
- Pack animals or porter support for common camping equipment and one soft duffel per guest.
- Trailhead transfers and route support as per the confirmed private itinerary.
Exclusions
- Flights, train tickets or long-distance arrival travel unless specifically included.
- Lunches in town areas, beverages, snacks and personal expenses.
- Personal trekking gear, sleeping bags, down jackets and trekking poles.
- Travel insurance, medical evacuation cover and any rescue costs.
- Tips for guide, cook, porters, drivers and local support staff.
- GST or government fee changes unless mentioned in the final quote.
Questions before you book
Why is the acclimatisation trek mandatory?
The Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek spends an entire week above 4,500m. If you enter the Changthang without proper acclimatisation, the risk of severe altitude sickness is extremely high. The Rumbak/Stok La primer forces your body to adapt safely near Leh before you commit to the remote plateau.
Is this suitable for first-time trekkers?
Only for very fit first-time trekkers with strong acclimatisation. The route spends many days above 4,500m and crosses multiple 5,000m passes.
Are camps and Korzok stay flexible?
Yes. Camp locations and the Korzok/Tso Moriri stay are finalized after checking weather, local permissions and road access.