Lamayuru to Rupsho-Tsokar Lake Trek – 17 days
Day 01.
Embark on a thrilling adventure as you begin your journey from Leh to Lamayuru, via taxi. Along the way, you'll follow the majestic river Indus and enter the breathtaking Sham Valley. After exploring the Lamayuru monastery, get ready for day one of your adventure! Start by following a peaceful stream and then climb up to the Prinkti La pass, which stands at a height of 3,700 meters. You'll then trek through the picturesque Shilla village, before reaching Wanla, situated at 3,250 meters, where the campsite is located. Take time to explore the area, soak up the sun, and visit the nearest monastery.
Day 02.
On day two, you'll embark on a dusty road that will lead you to the Phenjilla village, located at around 3,400 meters, and parts of the Ursi village. From here, you'll trek through a small gorge to reach an out-of-this-world building, a flourmill known as Rangthak in traditional language. You'll then enter the Hinju village, situated at a height of 3,700 meters, which is around 2 km below the campsite.
Day 03.
Continue your adventure on day three, as you leave the encampment to climb the ridge at the foot of the Kongskil La, which stands at a height of 4,900 meters. Be sure to keep an eye out for local wildlife as you enjoy the spectacular views of the high Stok and Karakoram ranges. The trail will then take you on a steep descent, featuring loose soil that can be challenging to navigate. From there, head towards a stunning hut owned by yak herders, located at a height of 4,500 meters. This hut is close to the campsite and is inhabited by the people of the Sumda Chenmo village.
Day 04.
Embark on a short walk in the early morning, crossing streams several times before reaching the main part of Sumda Chenmo village. From there, head left into the valley for a breathtaking view of the village.
As you trek through the valley, you'll encounter a dense growth of wild roses before reaching the next river crossing, which originates in the snow-covered Photoksar, towering at 5,680 meters high. You'll also come across a wild growth of Edelweiss and many other species of wildflowers.
Upon reaching the campsite, enjoy amazing views of Konskila, making for a perfect spot to rest for the night.
Day 05.
The fifth day of the Lamayuru and Rupsho tour begins with an ascent for the Dungdun Chan La, which reaches heights of 4,800 meters. Once you reach the pass, you'll get down the ridge and enter the valley before coming to the Chilling village.
From the pass, you'll catch a glimpse of the Stok Range to the east, and to the south, the Zanskar Range. Upon arriving at Chilling village, take a rest and explore the local lifestyle. This is the sole Ladakhi village where metalwork is carried out around copper, iron, silver, tin and bronze.
Day 06.
Take a break from the trekking and spend the day resting in the village of Chilling. You can walk around and get a glimpse of the local lifestyle, and spend the night here as well.
Day 07.
After enjoying breakfast in Chilling, begin your climb for Skiu. The two-hour trek will provide you with amazing views of the Stok and Zanskar mountain ranges. When crossing the Zanskar River on a trolley, take the opportunity to explore the valley and the local wildlife, including Marmots and Blue Sheep.
After a brief rest, continue the day's hike into the beautiful gorge before setting up camp in Skiu. Explore the ancient monastery in this beautiful village and the old, ruined castle where the royal family used to stop during their journey to Srinagar.
Day 08.
Embark on an exhilarating hike along the Markha River, exploring the beautiful valley that lies ahead.
Along the way, you'll cross the river multiple times and pass through the winter settlement of Lhatos and Mani walls.
During the peak tourist season, you'll find a plethora of tea houses open, offering a variety of refreshments to keep you energized.
After crossing the river once again, you'll arrive at Markha, the largest village in the valley boasting over two dozen houses, a broken-down fort, and an ancient monastery.
Day 09.
Continue your trek through the Markha valley to the stunning Techa monastery, perched atop a picturesque cliff that overlooks the valley.
As you traverse the pathway, you'll cross the river multiple times and pass through charming villages like Umlung and Hangkar.
Don't forget to take in the breathtaking sight of Kang Yatse, a snow-covered peak that stands at a staggering 6,400 meters high.
After enjoying lunch in Hangkar, the last village in the valley, you'll set up camp in Thachungste, surrounded by lush green pastures.
Day 10.
Take on the Langthang valley, a lesser-known territory that remains largely untouched by trekkers.
In fact, only the Markha villagers graze their cattle here, making for a unique and tranquil experience.
As you make your way through Thachungtse, you'll follow the valley to the left, passing by the Langthang Chu River and glimpsing the path down into Markha.
However, be mindful that the Langthang River tends to rise during the day due to melting snow, making it challenging to cross in the afternoon.
Make an early start to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.
Finally, reach Yakrupal where you can relax and take in the picturesque scenery while enjoying a sumptuous meal and watching the horses graze in the verdant green pastures.
Day 11:
On the eighth day of your journey, you would head towards the Zalung Karpo La pass. As you reach the top, you would be greeted by a breathtaking view of the Zanskar range on one side and the Chang Tang Plateau, the world's highest plateau that extends into Tibet, on the other. After descending steeply and crossing many rivers, you would arrive at the beautiful and lush green campsite in Khar, where you would spend the night. Khar, also known as the Black Castle in the local language, is located atop a hill and had a palace in the past that was the residence of Khar's king. You can explore the ruins of this kingdom, while according to local legend, it is haunted.
Day 12:
The twelfth day of your journey is more relaxed, and you would walk through lush green and wide valleys. The valley would divide at Tangtse Sumdo, with the left opening taking you to Dat and the right one into Zanskar. The second trek passes through Zhunglam, and as it offers more than 80 crossings across the river, you are bound to get wet up to your knees. You would come across many nomadic camps before coming to the Dat village. Here, there are many stone hut settlements, and it is also the winter home of the Kharnak nomads. The Kharnak nomads are colorful people who move along with their pashmina goats and yaks. Dat has a monastery, and the Dats come back here every couple of days to light the candle.
Day 13:
On the thirteenth day of your journey, you would enter the wider landscape of the plateau of Changthang and take to the wide and long valley before moving into another side valley of Yar La. During the spring season, the nomadic locals would take all the animals into Zara. You would be amazed to see more than 30 families taking their yaks along in caravans. This side valley gives an easy access into the pass. Here, you would be able to reach the Lungmo Che pastures after a short walk. This is where you would be resting for the night amid the beautiful and cold snow-capped ranges, colored sky, and yaks.
Day 14:
Today, get ready to explore the lush hills of Yagang. This picturesque settlement is home to many stone huts belonging to the Kharnak nomads. In the summer months, the nomads move to their summer camp at Zara, and a jeep road leads in that direction from Yagang. Don't forget to take a break and savor some delicious cups of butter tea while taking in the scenic views of the area. If you're lucky, the friendly nomads may invite you to their traditional black tents. Spend the night at Spang Chenmo.
Day 15:
Crossing the Leh Manali highway road, you'll trek for a few hours until you reach the stunning Tsokar Lake. This shimmering salt lake is a sight to behold, and you'll be surrounded by the rugged mountains and the serene landscape that Ladakh is known for.
Day 16:
Today, you'll have the opportunity to explore the area around the Tsokar Lake. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic Black-necked crane and wild asses, which are native to this region. You'll have plenty of time to hike around and take in the awe-inspiring scenery.
Day 17:
On the final day of your trek, you'll be driven back to Leh by car. Along the way, you'll cross the Puga region, where you can soak in the natural hot springs and enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of the mineral-rich water. This marks the end of your adventure in Ladakh, and you'll leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
