Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek

Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization

• Arrive in Leh and spend a full day acclimatizing. 

Day 2: Drive from Leh to Rumtse

• Drive approx 79 km (3 hrs) to Rumtse (around 4,100 m). Spend the night here to help with altitude adjustment.

Day 3: Rumtse → Kyamar

• Trek 6–9 km in about 4–5 hrs, following stream valleys and passing tourism lodges to reach Kyamar (4,550 m).

Day 4: Kyamar → Tisaling (via two passes)

• Cross Kyamar La (4,900 m) and potentially Mandalchan La (4,996 m) before descending into the meadows of Tisaling (4,800 m or 5,150 m). 
• Duration: 5–9 hrs over 15 km.

Day 5: Tisaling → Pangunagu (via Shibuk La)

• Climb Shibuk La (5,016 m), then descend into the Tso Kar Lake region and camp at Pangunagu. 
• Trek time: 5–7 hrs (14–15 km).

Day 6: Pangunagu → Nuruchan

• Walk along Tso Kar's western shore, enjoying wildlife.
• Trek 16 km in 6–7 hrs to Nuruchan (4,600 m).

Day 7: Nuruchan → Rachungkaru (via Horlam Kongka La)

• Cross Horlam Kongka La (4,900 m) and descend into the Rachungkaru/Changpa nomad settlement (4,950 m). 
• Trek: 3–6 hrs depending on variant (9 km).

Day 8: Rachungkaru → Gyamalhoma (via two high passes)

• Cross Kyamayuri La (5,125 m) and Gyama La (5,050 m), descending to Gyamalhoma (4,895 m). 
• Trek distance 13 km in 6–8 hrs.

Day 9: Gyamalhoma → Korzok (Tso Moriri)

• Ascend to Yarlung Nyau La (highest pass) and descend to Korzok Village on the shore of Tso Moriri (4,522 m). Trek 12 km in 6–7 hrs.

In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek experience. Whether you're an avid mountaineer, an adventure seeker or a group of friends, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. This customized program will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, technical equipment and any other premium facilities you may need during the climb. 

Starting from Rumtse village near Leh, the trek passes through different landscapes and high mountain passes. The final trekking destination is Tso Moriri Lake which is famous for its rich biodiversity.

Himalaya Shelter ensures your journey is safe and memorable with experienced local guides, technical support and all necessary permits. You can even request offbeat routes or sunrise hikes for a more immersive Himalayan experience. Moreover, no other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized program will enable you to enjoy your journey without any hesitation.

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.

• 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.

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.

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

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

Clothing and Backpack

Get a good backpack (50 L) with a rain cover. Look for a bag that can provide you good back support. Pack 4 quick-dry t-shirts and 2 trekking pants. Get a pair of thermals (upper and lower) for night. Pack a fleece jacket or woolen sweater as a mid-layer. Get a waterproof wind breaker for sudden rain and chilly winds. For winter trekking, get a good down jacket. Now pack a woolen beanie and a balaclava. Get two pairs of gloves (woolen and waterproof). You should also pack a suncap for the daytime.

Footwear

You should look for good quality trekking shoes. Your shoes must be waterproof and provide good ankle support. Do not wear a new pair of shoes on the trek. Your feet must be familiar with the shoes. Now pack 4 pairs of trekking socks and 2 pairs of woolen socks. Pack a pair of comfortable slippers or sandals for the campsite.

Personal Care

For personal care items, start packing with your toiletries. Get a small zipper pouch and pack all the toiletries. Now look for a quick-dry towel and a toilet roll. You should also pack hand sanitizer and moisturizer. Pack a sunscreen that can protect your face from sunburn. You can also pack some snacks for the trek.

Physical Fitness Preparation for Trek:

To overcome the difficulty level of  trekking, it requires strong cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall physical fitness. Incorporate these exercises into your routine to increase strength, stability, and stamina, which will help you tackle difficult terrain sections of the trail at high altitudes.