To the east of Ladakh lay the Rupsho plateaus with bare mountain ranges and green valleys that are home to some of the rarest species of animals and birds. As the sun beats down on the gleaming glaciers on the mountain peaks, melting snow begins to stream down to form small rivulets only to later join the Indus River. This is also the water source of some of the beautiful blue lakes among these mountain valleys. The meadows of these high altitude plateaus are the homeland of the nomadic herdsmen who traverse the length and breadth of these vast plateaus taking their cattle where they may find green grass to feed on. A trek through these colourful mountain ranges and boundless green valleys brimming with motley host of flowers, bejeweled with beautiful turquoise lakes is necessarily a unique experience. Camping close to nomadic families with their yaks, horses and sheep, among the wild mountains sharing their culture and tradition, untouched by the modern world is another highlight of this trek. Certain camps are so peaceful that one can only hear the sound of the gurgling mountain streams, the tune of drifting wind and the jingling sound of the horse bells. And some areas are so wild that the chill harsh wind blowing through out, day and night, may bring heavy rain or snowfall. Ascending up the high mountain passes, making your way down the winding trails and crossing rivers are all an appealing part of this long trek. At the top of Shingbuk La (5230m) you will see the beautiful Tsokar lake (4200m). Because of its salty nature, the lake looks white in color. It is a sanctuary for some of the endangered bird species of the Himalayas as well as for some migratory birds. Several Tibetan and Ladakhi nomadic families also camp around the lake. Moving further ahead and crossing several mountain passes and much before the long trek comes to an end, you will arrive at the magnificent sight of Tsomoriri Lake from the highest pass of the trek - Gyama la (5440m). Tsomoriri is a serene blue lake, surrounded by high lotus-white mountain peaks. The descent will walk you across desert plains and bring you to the Korzok village just above the lake, home to a dozen families and hotels, above which mightily stands the Korzok monastery. Here’s an opportunity for an adventurous hiker to summit Metok Kangri (6250m).
Grade: Tough due to high altitude
Number of days: Maximum 14 days and minimum 13 days.
Best Period: une to October
Highest elevation: 5410 m
itinerary
Day 1Leh to Tsokar
An easy day, you will be driven along the Indus River to the village of Pangong after an early breakfast. You will have the day to take in the beauty and calm of the lake and its surroundings. You will observe the shifting colors of the lake as the sun does its journey across the sky until it sleeps. Your first night will be spent in the vicinity of the serene Tsokar Lake under a bright starry night.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 2Tsokar (Panganagu) - Nuruchen (Trek time 5/6 hrs)
The day starts with a delicious breakfast and a nice, easy walk along the side of the lake. After a while you will be greeted with a view of tilled fields and your campsite by the river. You may rest, relax and enjoy the nature at an altitude of 4650 m.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 3Nuruchen-Rajunkaru via Horlam kongka la (4712m) (Trek time 4/5 hrs)
You will start the trek after breakfast, walking for about 1-2 hrs. It is an easy climb up to the top of Kyamar La (4538 m) and the view is breathtaking. Your campsite will be located across the river at the base of the Kyamar La pass.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 4Rajunkaru – Gyamabarma (Trek time 6 – 7 hrs)
On this day you will climb up the Kyamayur La pass (5410 m). The last leg of the climb is tiring but rewarding. From there you will cross another small pass, Kartsela (5100 m), with stunning views of high mountain peaks. After that you will start to descend crossing streams and rivers before reaching your camp at the base of Korzak Pass.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 5Gyambarma- Korzok (Tsomoriri lake) (Trek time 3/4 hrs)
You will start your trek after breakfast and cross the last and highest pass of the trip, Yalung Nyaulu (5440m). It takes around 2 hrs to reach the top. This time you will greeted by an incredible view of the Tsomoriri Lake in its splendor. A small wonder why the Great Himalayas attract people from all corners of the world.
A steep incline will take you down to the Korzok village. Here you will share the land with the Nomads at Korzok phu in the Changthang region. Korzok is famous for the production of the finest Pashmina in Ladakh.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 6Rest day
There’s just so much one can carry home. Here’s an opportunity for you to explore the Tsomoriri Lake and redeem your efforts at being here in the proximity of so much beauty. The Tsomoriri lake (4520 m) takes the shape of a pearl with large mineral deposits. 28 km long and 8 km wide, the water is of sparking turquoise blue. High isolated mountains with snow-covered peaks encircle the lake. It is famous not only for its beauty but also for the Korzok Monastery and the Nomads (changpas) that inhabit the lake area.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 7Tsomoriri – Kyangdam (Trek time 4 – 5 hrs)
This day’s trek is an easy walk along the bank of the lake towards the southeast. You will camp at the board of lake. (4595 m.)
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 8Kyangdam – Skitpodangsa (Trek time 4-5 hrs)
Your trek will start with the crossing of the river followed by hiking towards the east. In a couple of hours you will come across a magnificent spring - Chumik sharte. Here’s where you will camp for the night (4563 m).
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 9Skitpodangsa – Getpabuzak (5 – 6 hrs trek time)
An easy walk along the Pare Chu River heading south, the trail is adorned with surreal landscape. You will camp at Getpabuzak village (4600 m).
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 10Getpabuzak – Tarang Yokma (Trek time 4 – 5 hrs)
You will continue walking in the same direction passing several hills and the views, ever mesmerizing. You will camp at the village of Tarang Yokma (4731 m).
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 11Tarang Yokma – Parang la base (Trek time 4 –5 hrs)
Again you will continue walking until you reach a massive rock. Then you will cross the river to the right. You will camp at the Parang La base (5089 m).
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 12Parangla base – Takkarzong (Trek time 4 –5)
This is the day you will cross Parang La (5490 m).With unparalleled view from the top Parang La is one of the highest passes in the western Himalayas. Your camp will be pitched near a huge rock with a water fall in its vicinity so that you may enjoy the serene gush of the water while you gaze at the open starry night camping on an age-old Ladakh-Spiti trail of the Himalayan Range of mountains. This is as rare as it is beautiful. You will be at Takkarzong at an altitude of 4850 m.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 13Takkarzong – Thangltak (Trek time 4 – 5)
You will walk down alongside the river towards the East through a narrow gorge. The camp site will be located on the Hill of Thaltak with fresh spring water running beside at an altitude of 4500 m.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B/L/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 14Thaltak – Kibber (Trek time 3 – 4 hrs)
You will continue walking towards the east heading towards the beautiful Kibber village, which is located just after a small pass across the river. Your trek ends at the village.
STAY THROUGHOUT IN PREMIUM HOMESTAYS AND CAMPSITES
MEALS
WELCOME & SOUVENIR KIT
ALL ACTIVITIES MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY
TRANSFERS IN TOYOTA INNOVA THROUGHOUT THE TRIP
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
TREKKING EQUIPMENT AND CAMPING GEAR
ACCOMPANYING LOCAL EXPERTS AND RESOURCE PERSONS THROUGHOUT THE TRIP
ALL PERMITS AND PASSES
DOCTOR ON CALL
EXCLUSIONS:
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
SLEEPING BAG
TRAVEL, LUGGAGE & MEDICAL INSURANCE
TOURIST VISA
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TAXES
TIPS
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
must read
CHANGES TO YOUR ITINERARY
For your best interest, sometimes it might have to make necessary alterations to your holiday itinerary. Where practical, we will advice you before you depart from your hometown, although occasionally we may be forced to make changes en route. We will keep you informed at all times.
MOUNTAIN FLIGHT DELAYS
Bad weather in mountainous regions can cause flight delays. These problems mainly happen in Ladakh region of India. If the delay is extended it may be necessary for us to re-route the trek and tour, perhaps to an area more readily accessed by road transport. We do not accept responsibility for charges incurred as result of flight delays and missing international flight connections. However, we will make every effort to assist you.
INHERENT RISKS OR DANGERS
You understand and accept that your proposed tour may expose you to levels of physical exertion to which you may not be accustomed to or be exposed to inherent dangers when traveling through remote areas which may be subject to, among other things, unfavorable political, physical, health or climatic conditions. By agreeing to use our services, you accept these dangers and unfavorable conditions.
INSURANCE
You must purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes a provision for helicopter rescue when you pay your deposit.
YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS
We strongly recommend that you visit your doctor and dentist before your holiday. You must ask your doctor about current inoculation requirements. Full details of pre-existing medical conditions must be forwarded to us when you book. Older clients or clients with pre-existing medical conditions may require a letter from your doctor clearing them for the trek and Beyond Himalayas Pvt. Ltd. reserve the right to check these documents prior to confirmation of tours and treks
PASSPORT
A valid passport is required for all tourists. The passports must be valid for minimum of six months from the start of journey, with at least two clean pages per country to be visited.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
A valid visa is required for the entire destination. You should always consult your doctor or nearest travel clinic for the latest information on recommended health precautions, both vaccination and malaria prophylaxis.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
GENERAL
Extensive medical kits are carried on all trips. In addition, medical oxygen and Portable Altitude Chambers are carried as a precaution on high altitude treks and climbing expeditions. All meals on trek are prepared specifically for your group to strict hygiene standards, and sterile washing facilities are provided.
HIGH ALTITUDE
Sickness from altitude can affect anyone. Serious problems are avoided by building in rest and acclimatization. For normal symptoms a drop in altitude, or time in portable acclimatization chamber, leads to quick recovery.
All trips are graded. There are Easy, Moderate, Challenging and Mountaineering categories.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance that includes helicopter evacuation is highly appreciated
AGE LIMITS
Client over sixty are required to complete a medical and personal travel history questionnaire. Persons under sixteen can join specified family departures and private groups.
