About the Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek
A wild, high crossing of Ladakh's Changthang plateau
This is one of Ladakh's great high-altitude treks — a remote traverse from Rumtse, on the Leh–Manali road, across the vast Changthang plateau to the sacred blue expanse of Tso Moriri. You cross a string of passes above 5,000m, camp beside the salt lake of Tso Kar, and share the high pastures with Changpa nomads and their pashmina goats.
It's a fully supported camping trek — we carry the tents, do the cooking, and pack animals haul the main luggage, so you walk with just a daypack. Two days of acclimatisation in Leh come first, and our trek leader watches the group closely at altitude.
This is a challenging trek for fit, experienced walkers — the reward is some of the emptiest, most beautiful high country in India.
Trek Highlights
Why trekkers rate this route so highly
Finish at the stunning blue Tso Moriri lake
Cross five high passes, several above 5,000m
Camp beside the salt lake of Tso Kar
Meet the Changpa nomads of the high plateau
Spot kiang, marmots and rare birds on the Changthang
Full camping support, guide & permits handled
Trek Gallery
Glimpses of the Changthang high country
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Two days to acclimatise, then the crossing to Tso Moriri
- Arrive at Leh airport; transfer to your hotel and rest completely.
- Evening trek briefing — kit check, route overview and health advice.
- Dinner and overnight in Leh.
- A gentle day around Leh — Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace and a short acclimatisation walk on nearby slopes.
- Final gear checks and hire of any missing equipment.
- Dinner and overnight in Leh.
- Drive ~2 hours to Rumtse (~4,240m) on the Leh–Manali highway.
- Begin trekking on a gentle gradient along a stream to the meadows of Kyamar.
- Meet the crew, settle into camp; dinner and overnight in tents.
- A demanding day crossing two high passes — Kyamar La and Mandalchan La (both around 5,000m).
- Sweeping views over the Zanskar and far Karakoram ranges.
- Descend to camp at Tisaling; dinner and overnight in tents.
- Cross Shibuk La and descend towards the wide Tso Kar basin.
- Camp near the shimmering white shores of Tso Kar, the "white salt lake".
- Watch for kiang (wild ass) and grazing herds; dinner and overnight in tents.
- A gentler day walking the broad Changthang grasslands along a stream.
- Pass Changpa nomad encampments and their pashmina goat herds.
- Camp at Nuruchan; dinner and overnight in tents.
- Cross a couple of smaller passes and descend into the Gyama valley.
- Rich grazing country with big skies and distant snow peaks.
- Camp at Gyama; dinner and overnight in tents.
- The grand finale — cross Yalung Nyau La (~5,450m), the highest point of the trek.
- The first sight of Tso Moriri's deep blue below is unforgettable.
- Descend to Korzok village on the lakeshore; visit the old monastery. Dinner and overnight in tents.
- After breakfast by the lake, drive back to Leh along the Indus via Chumathang's hot springs (~7–8 hours).
- Arrive Leh by evening; the trek concludes here.
- We recommend keeping your onward flight for the next morning, not today.
What's Included
A fully supported camping trek
- Airport pick-up & drop in Leh
- 2 nights hotel in Leh (twin sharing)
- All camping nights on the trek — tents, sleeping bags & mattresses
- All meals on the trek + breakfast/dinner in Leh
- Trek leader, cook & support crew
- Pack animals (mules/horses) for main luggage
- All transfers (Leh–Rumtse & Tso Moriri–Leh) by vehicle
- Inner Line Permits, oxygen & first-aid kit
- Airfare / train fare to and from Leh
- Personal trekking gear (boots, jacket, poles)
- Lunches in Leh & personal expenses
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- 5% GST on package cost
- Any cost due to weather, evacuation or early trek exit
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Things to Carry
Proper trekking gear is essential at this altitude
Important Notes
Please read before booking
Fitness & Experience: This is a challenging high-altitude trek with several 5,000m passes and consecutive camping days. Good fitness and prior multi-day trekking experience are strongly recommended.
Altitude & Safety: You acclimatise in Leh first, and the guide monitors the group daily. We carry oxygen and first-aid, but anyone with heart or lung conditions should not attempt this trek without medical clearance.
Permits: Tso Moriri & Changthang require Inner Line Permits — we arrange them, but need your ID copy in advance.
Season: The trek runs roughly July to mid-September, when the passes are snow-free and weather is most stable.
No Connectivity: There is no mobile signal on the trek — you'll be fully off-grid for several days. Let family know in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book
It's a challenging high-altitude trek. You cross several passes above 5,000m and camp high for days, so good fitness and prior trekking experience are strongly recommended. The walking isn't technical, but the altitude makes it demanding.
You spend the first two days acclimatising in Leh before the trek begins, and the route ascends gradually. We carry oxygen and first-aid, our guide monitors the group daily, and we keep spare time for safety.
It's a fully supported camping trek — tents, sleeping bags and mattresses, all meals on the trail, a trek leader and crew, and pack animals to carry the main luggage. You only carry a light daypack.
In the short summer window, roughly July to mid-September, when the high passes are snow-free and the Changthang weather is most stable.
Yes. Tso Moriri and the Changthang region require Inner Line Permits, which Yatraved arranges and includes. We only need a copy of your photo ID in advance.
