TSO MORIRI - CHANGTHANG Trek – LADAKH

🏜️ TSO MORIRI / CHANGTHANG TREK – LADAKH

Region: Rumtse → Kyamar → Tisaling → Ponganagu (Tso Kar) → Nuruchan → Rachungkaru → Tso Moriri

Difficulty: Difficult

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Max Altitude: ~4,900m

Price From: ₹20,000

⭐ Short Overview

The Tso Moriri / Changthang Trek is one of Ladakh’s grandest high-altitude expeditions. It crosses multiple 5,000m passes, traverses the remote Changthang plateau, and ends at the spectacular high-altitude lake Tso Moriri (4,522m).

Expect wide-open desert valleys, herds of Kiang (wild asses), nomadic Changpa settlements, ancient trade routes, and deep silence across one of Earth’s most isolated landscapes.

This trek is meant for experienced, well-acclimatized trekkers only.

1. Difficulty Breakdown

Overall Difficulty: Difficult

Because of long days, high altitude, and multiple pass crossings.

Major Challenges

• Consistent altitude above 4,500m

• Several passes near / above 4,900m

• Harsh sun + cold desert winds

• Very remote terrain — no exit points

Trail Type

• Sandy plateau

• High mountain passes

• Salt lake region (Tso Kar)

• Meadow valleys

Daily Distance

• 10–16 km/day

Fitness Requirements

• Strong cardiovascular endurance

• Ability to trek 6–8 hrs/day

• Prior high-altitude trek necessary

2. Day-Wise Full Itinerary

DAY 1 — Leh Acclimatization

• Essential rest at 3,500m

• Light walking only

• Optional visits: Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace

DAY 2 — Leh → Rumtse (Drive) → Kyamar (Trek)

• Drive along Manali highway to Rumtse

• Trek through open valley to Kyamar campsite

• Trek: 3–4 hrs

DAY 3 — Kyamar → Kyamar La → Mandalchan La → Tisaling

• Two pass crossings on Day 3

• Spectacular multi-colored mountains

• Trek: 6–7 hrs

DAY 4 — Tisaling → Shibuk La (~4,900m) → Ponganagu

• Steep ascent to Shibuk La

• Descend into the Tso Kar basin

• Salt flats + migratory birds

• Trek: 6–7 hrs

DAY 5 — Ponganagu → Nuruchan

• Easy walk along Tso Kar lake

• Wildlife zone: Kiang, foxes, cranes

• Trek: 4–5 hrs

DAY 6 — Nuruchan → Horlam La → Rachungkaru

• Enter nomadic Changpa territory

• Cross Horlam La

• Camp near yak pastures

• Trek: 5–6 hrs

DAY 7 — Rachungkaru → Kyamayuri La → Gyama → Tso Moriri

• Final pass of the trek

• Gradual descent into Korzok village near Tso Moriri

• Trek: 7–8 hrs

DAY 8 — Tso Moriri → Leh (Drive)

• Scenic drive back to Leh

• Trek ends

3. Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Tents / homestay stays

• All meals during trek

• Guide + kitchen + mule team

• Wildlife / national park permits

Exclusions

• Flights to/from Leh

• Transport outside itinerary

• Gear rental

• Porter/mule upgrade

• Anything not mentioned

4. How to Reach

Base Hub: Leh

Fly to Leh from:

• Delhi

• Mumbai

• Chandigarh

• Srinagar

5. Stay & Food

Stay

• Kyamar, Tisaling, Ponganagu, Nuruchan, Rachungkaru: Tented

Food

• Hot Ladakhi + Indian meals

• Tea/soup at all camps

• Packed lunch on long days

6. Weather & Safety

Weather

• June–July: Best conditions

• August: Warmer, chance of cloud

• September: Clear skies, cold nights

Safety

• Must acclimatize before trek

• UV protection mandatory

• Very remote — evacuation takes time

7. Best Time

• June to September

8. Packing List

Mandatory

• Trekking shoes

• Down jacket + multiple warm layers

• UV sunglasses

• Sunscreen SPF 50+

• Water bottles + electrolytes

• Headlamp

Optional

• Trekking poles

• Power bank

• Balaclava

9. FAQs

Q. Can beginners attempt this trek?
No — requires high-altitude experience.

Q. Is it the highest plateau in India?
Yes — Changthang sits above 4,400m on average.

Q. Wildlife sightings?
Kiang, foxes, pikas, migratory birds.

Q. Mobile network?
None after Rumtse.

Ready to experience Ladakh’s untouched high-altitude plateau and Tso Moriri’s turquoise beauty?