Have you heard of a trek in the Himalayas that takes you through seven passes all higher than 4500 m ? Embark on this trek with us, as an excellent route that not only does it offer a serene escape with fewer fellow trekkers, but it also presents a more breathtaking and demanding adventure. 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.
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
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
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, kyang (wild asses), marmots and ibex.
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
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
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
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
All the itineraries can be customised to suit your own special interests, preferences and abilities.