This section provides a detailed itinerary for the Hemis to Tso Moriri trek, ensuring that trekkers are well-prepared for each day's journey.
Day 1: Hemis to Shang Sumdo
- Trek Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 10.7 km
Start your journey with a visit to the historic Hemis Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh.
The trek begins through the quaint village of Martselang, eventually reaching the serene camp at Shang Sumdo.
Optional: You can take a jeep ride from Hemis to Shang Sumdo if you want to conserve energy for the tougher days ahead.
Day 2: Shang Sumdo to Lartse
- Trek Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 11.0 km
The second day involves trekking through picturesque valleys, crossing small streams, and passing villages like Chogdo.
After a steady ascent, you’ll reach Lartse, where the landscape starts to open up, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 3: Lartse to Tachungtse via Kongmaru La Pass
- Trek Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 11.9 km
Climbing up to Kongmaru La Pass (5260m) will be one of the trek’s highlights, with panoramic views of Kang Yatse and the Karakoram Range.
After the steep descent from the pass, you’ll reach the grasslands of Nimaling before continuing on to the campsite at Tachungtse.
Day 4: Tachungtse to Yakrupal
- Trek Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 15.5 km
Today’s trek takes you through the secluded Langthang Valley, where you’ll be surrounded by untouched wilderness and silence,
eventually reaching the remote campsite at Yakrupal.
Day 5: Yakrupal to Khar via Zalung Karpo La Pass
- Trek Time: 7-8 hours
- Distance: 19.2 km
Crossing the majestic Zalung Karpo La Pass offers unparalleled views of the Zanskar Range and the Changthang Plateau.
After a challenging descent and several river crossings, you’ll arrive in the small village of Khar.
Day 6: Khar to Dat
- Trek Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 13.6 km
A more relaxed day compared to the previous one, you’ll trek through wide, open valleys as you head toward Dat,
a small settlement known for its traditional Ladakhi homes and peaceful atmosphere.
Day 7: Dat to Lungmo Che via Yar La Pass
- Trek Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 19.5 km
Ascend gently to the Yar La Pass (4900m) before descending into the expansive valley of Lungmo Che.
The area is known for its rolling hills and nomadic campsites.
Day 8: Lungmo Che to Zara
- Trek Time: 6 hours
- Distance: 20.9 km
Passing through Yagang, a settlement of Kharnak nomads, the trail continues through valleys lined with grazing lands until you reach Zara.
Day 9: Zara to Ponganagu
- Trek Time: 5 hours
- Distance: 16.8 km
Today’s route crosses the Manali-Leh Highway before leading you to Ponganagu, close to Tso Kar Lake, a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
Keep an eye out for migratory birds, wild asses, and more.
Day 10: Ponganagu to Nuruchan
- Trek Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 17.8 km
Follow the shore of the salt-encrusted Tso Kar Lake and enjoy views of the surrounding highland desert as you make your way to Nuruchan,
a grazing area for nomadic herders.
Day 11: Nuruchan to Gyamar Barma via Kyamayuri La Pass
- Trek Time: 7-8 hours
- Distance: 19.3 km
Climbing over the Horlam Kongka La and Kyamayuri La Passes will bring you to the high-altitude valley of Gyamar Barma,
a remote and serene area that offers magnificent stargazing opportunities.
Day 12: Gyamar Barma to Gyamar via Kartse La Pass
- Trek Time: 3 hours
- Distance: 5.7 km
A short but steep climb over Kartse La Pass (5380m) leads to the valley of Gyamar.
Although this day is shorter, the altitude makes it equally challenging.
Day 13: Gyamar to Korzok via Yalung Nyau La Pass
- Trek Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 16.3 km
The final day of the trek involves a gradual ascent to the Yalung Nyau La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5435 meters.
From the pass, you’ll get an unforgettable view of Tso Moriri Lake, before descending to the village of Korzok, located on the lake's shores.
