Rupshu Trek

Day 1: Arrive at Leh
Day 2: Acclimatize and Sightseeing
Day 3: Drive to Rumtse
Day 4: Drive to Tsokar
Day 5: Trek to Nuruchan
Day 6: Trek from Nuruchan to Rajungkaru
Day 7: Trek from Rajungkaru to Gyama Burma
Day 8: Trek from Gyama Burma to Karzok Phu
Day 9: Trek from Karzok Phu to Karzok and drive back to leh

If you are planning your journey to the beautiful Rupshu valley then you are in the right spot! Trek with Himalaya Shelter and get the best services. We are here to tailor the best itinerary for Rupshu trek. The Changthang region is very well-known to our trek leaders and local guides. Our supporting staff will manage everything for you on the trek.

Himalaya Shelter offers the customized services for Rupshu Trek. You choose the dates and we will plan out the whole itinerary, especially curated for you. You can get customized dates, stays, and meals. We can also work on special requests related to treks. Our company deals with small groups to provide a personalized trekking experience.

Rupshu has a connection with the people of Changthang valley. Changpa people have been living in the valley for a long time. Most families of the Changpa nomads are shepherds. They adhere to the Buddhist faith and their cultural similarities with Tibet are very high. They have pashmina goats and yaks grazing in high pastures.

The trails of Rupshu trek are used as the trade routes between Tibet and Ladakh region. You can see many monasteries and other cultural centers that have roots in the Tibetan Empire. The Rupshu valley was very unknown to other regions till late 20th century. When Ladakh opened its way to international travelers, explorers got drawn to the beauty of Rupshu valley.

Changthang Plateau

The Rupshu Valley lies in the Changthang plateau. The endless land and clear skies look amazing. The crystal clear blue lakes aid the beauty of the trek. The night sky from the Rupshu valley is very mesmerizing. The big open meadows give the feeling of true freedom.

Untouched Trails

Rupshu Trek is located in a very remote area of Ladakh. It is the bordering region to Tibet. The trails of Rupshu Trek are untouched from the crowd. The terrain is different so not many people visit this region. The landscape of Rupshu trek still holds natural beauty.

Pure Adventure

The Rupshu Trek is a medium to difficult trek. The challenge posed by the trek is augmented by the number of hours of walking. The mean altitude of the trek is approximately 4500m. Walking on this much height for hours is not easy. But the views and landscapes of Rupshu Trek are worth every step on the trek.

Changpa Nomads

The Rupshu valley is home to Changpa Nomads who have long been occupying it. They are such fine folks and lead very simple lives. The Changpa families are mostly shepherds. They largely depend on the pashmina goat herding as their source of livelihood. An experience of the Changpa culture can be had first hand on the Rupshu trek.

High-Altitude

The average height of the Rupshu valley is 4500m. Walking on this much height for hours is not easy. Most people start getting AMS symptoms after crossing 4000m. Some regions of the Rupshu Trek are located at very high-altitude. Even a small step can feel very tiring sometimes.

Long walking hours

The walking hours in Ruphu trek are very long. You may walk for like 7-8 hours daily on the trek. Ladakh is a cold region but daytime can be very bright. The whole region is barren and dry. You won’t find trees or any shade on the trek. The sun may feel very strong.

Weather Conditions

The Ruphsu Trek is located in the rain shadow region. The chances of rain is less but the winds can be very strong. One can find the winds very cold along lakes and passing. It is hot in the daytime and cold at night. This area has a great deal of trouble with weather prediction.

Remote Area

The Rupshu Trek is located in a very remote region. The trek does not have tea houses and other amenities. All their food and sleeping equipment has to be carried by trekkers. Medical assistance and/or rescue of any sort is time consuming. Trekkers should be well prepared in all forms of situations.

Rupshu Trek In June And July

June is the early season to trek Rupshu valley. The snow in the valley starts melting. You may find little grass in the month of July. The days are pleasant and nights may be very cold. It is possible in June and July to hike to Rupshu valley with the full winter gear.

Rupshu Trek In August

August is the most active month for trekking to Rupshu valley. The weather conditions remain stable and the temperature also remains manageable. This is a good time to plan your Rupshu trek. You can also see nomad camps and their cattle in the valley.

Rupshu Trek In September

This is the late season for Rupshu trek. The weather is starting to get colder. The wind becomes crisp and you will have the best visibility. The autumn in Ladakh is very beautiful. The orange-golden hues look stunning. But you can get snowfall or heavy winds in higher altitude regions.

Delhi to Leh: Air is the most convenient means of getting to Leh in Delhi. Direct flights are available from Delhi. You can also opt for the road. Take Manali-Leh highway or Srinagar-Leh highway.
Leh To Rumtse: Rumtse is a distance of about 75km. There is a shared taxi or a local bus that can take you to Rumtse.
Rumtse To Tsokar: You may seek a common taxi or hire a cab to take Tsokar. It will take around 3-4 hours. You will drive through the Tanglang La Pass. Once you reach Tsokar, have some rest and start your trek the next day.

Explore High-Altitude Lakes

There are many high-altitude lakes in Rupshu Trek. You can walk near Tso Moriri lake and enjoy the raw beauty. The lakes have crystal clear blue water. You can see the reflection of the mountains in these lakes.

Visit Monestries

The monasteries are the gems of Rupshu Trek. You will see many small-big monasteries on the trek. These are like the cultural stop where you can learn more about Buddhism. You can meet and talk to the monks and can have some good conversations.

Experience Changpa Culture

You will see Changpa nomads on the trek. They have been living in the Rupshu Valley for centuries. You can talk to them and learn more about their livelihood. They are very simple people and mostly depend on pashmina goad rearing. They build portable homes and migrate from one place to another from time to time.

Cross High-Altitude Mountain Passes

You will cross high-altitude mountain passes on the Rupshu Trek. Some of these passes are over 5000m. Going through these high level passes is highly adventurous. You will experience the satisfaction of having some of the most scenic landscapes.

Rupshu is a high altitude trek and one can only trek here during the summer. It is a long walk hence you need to equip yourself well. Buy a 60-55L rucksack with an excellent rain cover. Start packing now with a top-bottom thermal layer. Bring a windcheater and an insulated jacket. Get some fast-dry t-shirts and hiking pants. Now put on thermal gloves and a warm hat. Get a wool sweater and buff. Bring with you a couple of trekking socks and woolen socks.

Next, shoes, comfortable and steady hiking shoes. A pair of sandals can also be packed to the homestays and camps. Buy a pair of sun glasses that are UV resistant. Now pack all your toiletries. You can carry some basic medicines. Always keep your government ID and cash handy.

Travel Tips & Safety Guidelines

Acclimate Properly

You should acclimate yourself properly for the trek. Spend 1-2 days in Leh for acclimatization. You can do some exercises and Yoga. Eat well and do not drink or smoke. You should stay hydrated to prevent any symptoms of AMS.

Weather Awareness

The Rupshu valley is located at a very good height. The weather at Changthang is very unpredictable. You should always have weather awareness on the trek. The temperature can drop anytime on the trek. You should be fully geared up for any kind of weather.

Follow Trekking Etiquette

You are walking through one of the prettiest locations in the country. Be a good trekker and trek responsibly. Do not disrespect nature and local culture. Treat others well and never take photos/ videos without asking them.

Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.

Inclusion

Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek )
On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek.
Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.

Exclusion

Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC.
Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 600 per bag per day.
Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
Anything apart from inclusions