Tsomoriri Lake Trekking

Recently opened to foreigners due to the proximity of the Chinese boarder, the Changthang is a land of wilderness and magnificent landscapes. This region is characterized by high arid plains, remote villages, snow-capped peaks and beautiful high altitude azure-blue lakes, the largest being Tsomoriri at 4,500 m. Truly remote, this area is only accessible for a few months every summer and is inhabited by Changpas - nomadic yak and pashmina goat herders of Tibetan origin, who wander this area crossing over high altitude mountain passes. Our trek will take us across these passes to their summer settlements to witness a unique human culture, far away from the reaches of the modern world. The itinerary then goes south towards Spiti, following the western bank of the lake. The scenery is wild and vast with snow-capped peaks lining the far horizon. The trek ends at Tabo, famous for its monastery.

• High Passes, Monasteries, Palaces, Confluences, Snow clapped Mountains and many more.
• Low altitude trek with breath taking gorges, spacious views, rough mountains, Dazzling variation in scenery
• Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Wild Ass, Marmot, Yak and birds
• Rare glimpses of an ancient culture of Ladakhis people.
• Nights in Hotel, Guest House, Cave and Home stays

You may also be interested in :

• Southern Zankar Trek
• Markha Valley & Stok Kangri Trek
• In Search of Snow Leopard
• Trans Zanskar Trek
• Frozen River Trek

Area : Ladakh
Season : Mid July to Mid October
Duration : 21 Days
Grade : Moderate to tough
Altitude : 5500 mts/18040 ft

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and then transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02 : Delhi - Leh (3500 mts/11480 ft)

Early morning transfer to airport to catch flight for Leh. On arrival at Leh transfer to hotel for relax and acclimatisation. This is necessary at Leh. Overnight stay at hotel.

Leh : Leh is the fascinating capital of the Autonomous Hill Council of Ladakh, also known as Little Tibet. The important monasteries to visit in and around Leh are Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, Spituk, Shakar as well as the Shanti Stupa, Stok Palace and main Bazaar. The Leh palace dominating the town was the former home of the Namgyal Dynasty. The monastic festivals are very popular and Hemis, Phyang and Lamayuru festivals in summer are visited by lot of tourists who throng to see the Cham Dances.

Day 03 : Leh

Full day sight seeing at Leh covering Hemis, Shey and Thiksey Monastery.

Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17’Th century AD. Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Dresthang Gompa.

Thiksey Gompa, close to Shey is about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order.

Hemis, about 45 kms south of Leh it is one of the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh. It belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17’Th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls. Overnight stay at the guest house.

Day 04 : Leh – Khardung La - Leh

In the morning drive for the Khardung - La Pass. This is the ultimate challenge of the trip. It is the highest motorable road in the world taking you to a dizzy 5,600m! The view from the top is spectacular, stretching from the Indus valley in the South over the endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range to the giants of the Sesser Massif in the North. You can feel proud of a true achievement as you finish the trip with your final satisfying descent. Evening back to Leh for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 05 : Leh - Rumtse (4000 mts/13120 ft)

Trek to Kyamar (4420 m) in 4 h. We stop at Hemis to visit its monastery, one of the largest and most important of Ladakh. Later, we will continue to Rumtse, where the trek starts. We enter a magnificent and vast area, where the Changpas - nomadic herders take their yak to pasture. We follow the ancient salt along the green Kyamar valley.

Day 06 : Kyamar - Kumur La (4770 mts/14990 ft) - Tisaling (4805 mts/15760 ft) 5 -6 hrs

We start through beautiful color gorge towards Chorten Sumda. Easy walk for one hour then ascend towards Kumur La. From the top one can see the beautiful view of the chain of Kangyatse and the chain of Indus valley.

Day 07 : Tisaling - Shibuk La (4875 mts/15990 ft) - Pangunagu (4800 mts/15744 ft) 5 hrs

From the pass we get a panoramic view of the Tsokar Lake (4400 mts/14432 ft) and the Rupshu valley. Then descend towards the lake, from witch the nomads collect some salt. We will camp near the winter camp of nomad people of Changthang.

Day 08 : Pangunagu - Nuruchan (4630 mts/15187 ft) 5 hrs

Today we have an easy trek along the lake. On the way one can see many birds and Wild ass (Kyang) of Ladakh and Tibet plateau. At the end of the lake the trail goes right and enters the Nuruchan village.

Day 09 : Nuruchan - Horlam Kongka La (4900 mts/16072 ft) - Kyamayuri La (5 410 mts/17745 ft) - Gyamabarma (4950 mts/16236 ft) 6 hrs

This is a high altitude route and we will cross two passes around 4900 m.

Day 10 : Gyamabarma - Yalung Nyau La (5440 mts/17844 ft) - Karzok (4550 mts/14925 ft) 6 hrs

Trek over the Yalung Nyau La to Karzok, on the northwestern shore of Tso Moriri, the "Mountain Lake". We visit the Karzok monastery. Camp by the lake.

Day 11 : Karzok - Kyangdam (4550 mts/14924 ft) in 6 h 30.

Walk along the western shore of Tsomoriri to Kyangdam, an expansive grassland on the southern shore.

Day 12 : Kyangdam - Narbu Sumdo (4450 mts/14924 ft) 6 h.

After crossing the river, the trail climbs up for a while and enter the Parang Chu valley.

Day 13 : Narbu Sumdo - Parang Chu 1 (4850 mts/15910 ft) 5 hrs

We gradually ascend the Prang Chu valley, on the right bank of the river.

Day 14 : Parang Chu 1 - Parang Chu 2 (5000 mts/16400 ft) 5-6 hrs

The trail passes through a narrow gorge involving many ascents and descents to the side valleys and streams

Day 15 : Parang Chu 2 - Parang La (5500 mts/18040 ft) - Jugstok (4800 mts/15744 ft) 7 hrs

After the frontal moraine of the Parang glacier, the trail continues on the opposite bank, thorough a mass of fallen rocks. After making our way over a few patches of snow, we climb gradually up to Parang La. The top of this Pass presents spectacular viewpoints of the peaks and ranges of Lahaul and Ladakh. The Parang Chu, whose source is on the southern slopes of Parang La, can be seen below.

Day 16 : Jugstok - Kibber (4205 mts/) 7 hrs

Steep descend towards the Sampa Lungpa valley. After crossing a little pass, the Thaltak La (4600 m), one can see towards Parilungbi in the Lingti Valley and Shilla. We soon reach the little hamlet of Dumla, a tiny green oasis, then Kibber, which is the highest village in the world.

Day 17 : Kibber - Tabo (3050 mts/)

Transfer by taxi, along the Spiti River (60 Km - 4 h). We reach Key in less than 3 hours and have all afternoon to explore this fascinating village and the jumble of the white buildings that is the Gompa, perched high on a rocky hill above the village. Afterwards, we visit the Tabo monastery, one of the most important Gompas, not just in Spiti but in the whole Tibetan Buddhist world. There is also a modern Gompa and a painting school founded by the Dalai Lama.

Day 17 : Tabo - Kyato. Transfer by taxi.

From Tabo we will take a jeep to reach Kyato village. Overnight stay in camp/guest house.

Day 19 : Kyato - Kunzum La (4590 mts/15056 ft) - Rohtang La (3980 mts/13055 ft) - Manali

Transfer by taxi. This is quite long drive, about 8 to 9 hours. We will cross two passes split by the Chandra valley. On arrival transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 20 : Manali - Delhi

After breakfast visit old Manali, Hadimba temple and Vashisht village. In the evening drive to Delhi by AC Volvo coach. Overnight journey.

Day 21 : Delhi

Arrival at Delhi by morning and from here drive to hotel for relax. In the evening transfer to airport to catch onwards flight.

Trip & Services Ends Here

Cost Include

• Accommodation : At Delhi, Leh & Manali: Hotel with bed & breakfast basis
• While on trek dome/alpine tent, carry mat, kitchen tent, dining tent, camping stool, table etc will be provided.
• Transport : All road transfer according to itinerary.
• Meals : At Delhi, Manali & Leh – Only breakfast will serve. While on trek all meals will be freshly prepared and will be a mix of Indian, Chinese & Continental.
• Mules/Porters : For carrying camping equipment, rations, vegetables and some amount of personal gear of the clients (one bag not weighing more than 15 kgs).
• Professional trekking guide & cook would accompany you.
• Trekking & camping fees

Cost does not includes :

• Air fare
• Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
• Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
• Entrée fee if any
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
• Any meals/services not mentioned above
• Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
• Travel insurance

Visa

You Need to have Indian Visa for entry to India on your holiday. To apply for Indian Visa you have to contact your nearest Indian consulate or you can call on 09057570045 or visit http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/ for more information.

Indian Embassy in London

Address : Indian Embassy
India House, Aldwych,
London WC2B 4NA.
Tel: 020 7836 8484
Site URL : http://www.hcilondon.net/

Money

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.

Banks

Banks are open in the major cities & the nearest towns of the sanctuaries for transaction from 10.00 to 14.00 hrs on all days except Sunday.

Best time to visit

High season: October to April - Monsoon.

Travel wear

Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc. Some woolen clothes require, during winter.

Credit cards

Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centers honor major credit cards.

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Drugs

Heavy punishments including imprisonment are imposed for possession of narcotic drugs.

Food

All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian & local.

Water

It is always better to drink bottled drinking water or drinking water from restaurants. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Mineral water is available in sealed bottles.

Trekking Equipment List:

• Trekking boots - well broken in and waterproofed
• Down jacket or equivalent with hood
• One heavy wool shirt or sweater, Two cotton shirts
• One pair cotton trousers or shorts, One pair woolen trousers
• One pair shorts or calf-length skirt for women
• Three pairs of regular underwear, Long underwear - thermal or wool
• Wind- and rain-gear with hood, Sun hat with brim
• Woolen hat or balaclava, Woolen gloves
• Woolen socks to wear with boots, Cotton socks
• Personal first-aid kit including medication for common ailments
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Sunglasses or snow goggles (an extra pair is recommended)
• Water bottle, preferably wide mouthed, with at least one liter capacity
• Pocket knife, Note book with pens and pencils
• Plastic bags - small size for books, film etc., larger bags for clothes, sleeping bags
• Well fitting strong shoes with a couple of woolen socks. The shoes should be used before treks to avoid blisters.
• First aid set for minor accidents and sickness.
• A raincoat is necessary to meet uncertainties of weather.
• Chocolates, lozenges, candies, glucose and dry fruits provide extra pep and energy.
• It is advisable not to exhaust energy by walking fast, as otherwise the trek will be not enjoyable.

Private Departures

Did you know that we can also arrange private departures on the vast majority of our small group tours? So if you can’t find a date to suit you or if you want to have your very own adventure just with your friends or family then we can help you.

Private departures will follow the same itineraries as our usual group tours, but on a date to suit you, with no minimum numbers.

Customised Private Groups

For a group of 6 or more people we can organise a customised private group tour where we design the itinerary and activities especially for you, according to your requirements.

To enquire about booking a private departure of this tour or about organising your own private group tour, please fill in the form below and our Private Tours Team will be in touch shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

May i ask for tailormade itinerary ?

What is Indian Time zone ?

Can I use British pound there in India ?

What type of plug sockets use in India ?

Who will Meet us at the Airport ?

Does monument fees included in the cost ?

Can I join a group trek ?

Is previous hiking experience necessary to go on a trek ?

What equipment should I bring ?

Is a Trekking permit required ?

What happens if I get sick ?

What is the maximum weight allowed on domestic flights ?

Is communication to home possible while on trek ?

What is the weather & temperature like ?