Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek

The Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek is a popular trekking route located in the Ladakh region of northern India. This trek takes you through some of the most stunning and remote landscapes in the Indian Himalayas. The trek typically begins from the village of Rumtse, which is situated at an altitude of around 4,100 meters (13,450 feet). Rumtse is accessible by road from Leh, the capital of Ladakh. 

The Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek involves substantial altitude gain, reaching its highest point at Kyamar Pass, which stands at approximately 5,750 meters (18,860 feet) above sea level. This makes it essential to acclimatize properly before starting the trek in Ladakh.

The trek is considered challenging because it crosses six high passes and most of them are above 5,000 m, including Kyamari La (5,150 m), Kartse La (5,250 m), and Yalung Nyau La (5,440 m). Due to it acclimatization becomes very crucial for completing the trek. The entire journey typically spans 8 to 9 days, covering around 100 km.

En-route you will see diverse scenery such as barren landscapes, multicoloured mountains, high-altitude deserts, lush green alpine meadows where you can see the herds of pashmina goats and yaks grazing. Wildlife of the region is also one of the main highlights- kiangs (wild asses), marmots and various migratory birds may be spotted near the lakes. Tso Moriri Lake is also a Ramsar site and known for its rich biodiversity.

Geographical & Other Features of Tso Moriri Lake

Tso Moriri Lake is located in the Changthang Plateau, Ladakh. It is a high-altitude oligotrophic lake. Oligotrophic lakes are those lakes which are low in nutrients due to clear water and low algal growth however they're wealthy in biodiversity. It is mainly fed by springs and snowmelt from surrounding mountains. It is about 28 km long and 8 km wide.

In 2002, Tso Moriri was declared a Ramsar Site (a wetland of international importance) for being ecologically fragile despite rich biodiversity. Tso Moriri Lake region is home to many endangered species like:

• Black-necked Crane (sacred to Buddhists)
• Bar-headed Goose
• Brown-headed Gull 
• Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Kiang (Tibetan Wild Ass) and Marmots in nearby grasslands.

The surrounding wetlands of the lake provide shelter to many migratory birds and makes it a biodiversity hotspot in the Trans-Himalaya region. Though the area is almost devoid of vegetation, hardy grasses and a few medicinal plants grow here.

Ladakhi Buddhists and locals associate the lake with the guardian deities and call it the abode of the goddess (Tso-Mo-Ri-Ri), a spiritual guardian of the region.

Highlights of the Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek

• High Mountain Passes: During the Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek, you have to cross multiple high mountain passes above 5,000 m including Kyamari La, Kartse La and Yalung Nyau La. Each pass demands physical and mental strength but fills you with a sense of adventure and a feeling of wonder. And, finally the rewards you get to see after crossing them are- sweeping panoramas of Ladakh’s raw mountains, vast plateaus and shimmering valleys under the endless trans-Himalayan sky.
• Vibrant Nomadic Lifestyle: During the trek, you will meet Changpa nomads and get to see their deep-rooted Himalayan traditions. Their yak-hair tents, famous pashmina goat herds and Buddhist-Hindu rituals represent a deep understanding of sustainable living and cultural significance. Their resilience despite living in such extreme conditions gives you new perspectives to live life.
• Cultural and Village Life: The trek starts from Rumtse, where you witness authentic Ladakhi village lifestyle. From mud-brick houses, barley fields, monasteries to prayer flags fluttering, everything showcases the warmth and hospitality of locals, their simplicity and centuries-old traditions. This is a simple but rustic and charming experience of Ladakh’s timeless culture.
• Tso Moriri Lake: The main attraction is undoubtedly the famous Tso Moriri Lake for which you trek. Its crystal-clear water with a turquoise hue leaves you mesmerised. Tso Moriri is also a Ramsar site and biodiversity is found here in abundance. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks, it is one of those serene places from where you don't want to come back.
• Rich Birdlife (Fauna Highlight): Tso Moriri is a Ramsar site. Ramsar sites are protected wetlands of global importance for nature, wildlife and people as per Ramsar Convention 1971. Here you can spot rare species like Black-necked Crane, Bar-headed Goose, Brahminy Ducks and many more. It's a home to migratory birds. Watching these birds in a stark environment gives a feeling of wonder.

Difficulty Level of Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek 

Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek is a challenging and difficult trek due to its high-altitude, remoteness and high passes. Starting from Rumtse village (4,100 m) trek gradually crosses multiple high mountain passes above 5,000 m including Kyamur La (5,170 m), Mandalchan La (5,230 m), Shibuk La (5,300 m) and Yalung Nyau La (5,440 m). Then it descends to the breathtaking Tso Moriri Lake at 4,522 m.

Trek is not ideal for absolute beginners as it involves constant challenges due to high-altitude, harsh weather and risky terrain. It requires prior trekking experience and a physically and mentally strong body.

Trekkers have to walk 6 to 8 hours per day over a duration of 8 to 10 days. It covers long distances without permanent settlements in between.

The trail from Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek is highly diverse. It passes through barren lands, alpine meadows, river crossings, high mountain passes and offers both rough and soft sides of nature.

One of the biggest challenges is acclimatization. Since the entire trek remains above 4,000 m, the chances of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) are high. Proper acclimatization is usually recommended earlier than beginning the trek.

The weather conditions can also be extreme. Days may be fairly bloodless however solar also can be robust at better altitudes, particularly above 5,000 m. Nights are commonly freezing bloodless and surprising snow storms can happen.

Though technical mountaineering is not required, trekkers must be prepared to handle harsh and odd conditions. Pack animals (horses, mules or yaks) are usually used to carry loads. A support team or professional guide is highly recommended due to the remoteness and absence of villages or tea houses.

Best Time to Visit the Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek

The best time for the Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek expedition is from mid-June to September. During this time, weather conditions are favourable for climbing the high-altitude mountain peaks.

• Mid June-July: 

During this time, snow on lower altitudes starts melting. The mountain comes alive with open trails and blooming meadows. Daytime temperatures range between 12°C to 18°C and nights are generally cold, dropping to -2°C to 3°C. Sudden snowfall and strong winds are common on high-altitudes. Sunlight can cause sunburn at higher altitudes; sunscreen is essential. 

• August-September:

August-September brings more stable windows with clearer skies. Daytime temperatures range 10°C to 15°C while at night, it can plummet to –3°C to 2°C near summit camp. Weather shifts remain unpredictable and sudden snowfall can happen anytime. 

Note: Overall, July and August are considered the best months because the passes are snow-free, temperatures are warmest among all months and the landscapes are lush with nomadic life visible across the Changthang plateau.

How to Reach the Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek

The Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek starts from Rumtse village, which lies on the Leh–Manali highway. To begin this trek, you first need to reach Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Leh is well connected by air with regular flights from Delhi, Chandigarh and other major cities. The flight itself is scenic as it flies over the Himalayan ranges.

If you prefer a road journey, you can also reach Leh by road from Manali or Srinagar. The Manali–Leh route takes about 2 days with a night halt at Keylong or Jispa, while the Srinagar–Leh route usually takes 2 days with a stop at Kargil. Both roads remain open only between mid-May and October, depending on snow conditions.

From Leh, Rumtse village is about 76 km away and can be reached in around 2 hours by taxi or bus along the Leh–Manali highway. Rumtse is a small settlement and serves as the starting point of the trek. Since the trek goes through very high passes above 5,000 m, it is strongly recommended that you spend at least 2–3 days in Leh for proper acclimatization before heading out.

The trek itself ends at Tso Moriri Lake near Korzok village in the Changthang region. To return from Tso Moriri, taxis are available from Korzok to Leh, which is around 220 km and takes about 7–8 hrs by road. There are no direct buses on this route, so pre-arranging a taxi or contacting local travel operators is advisable.