Kiber Tsomoriri and Rumtse Trek

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This trek is tough and challenging and at the same time it is beautiful and rewarding. This trek needs proper advanced preparation with regards to the participants physical condition as well as the team setup. This trek is also known in Himachal as the Parang la Trek as it crosses through the high pass of Parangla at an altitude of 5089 M which is the highest point in this trek. The average walk per day is about 6 hrs though variations are there on individual days.

Trek from the beautiful Spiti Valley in Himachal over high passes to the picturesque lake of Tso Moriri in Ladakh and then on to the rugged mountains of Rumtse. It is one of the most beautiful trails in the Western Himalayas going over Parang La with its grand view and Changpa territory.

A nomadic community (living off flocks of yaks and sheep), the Changpas have a timelessness about them. Trading in pashmina, yaks and living in yak hair tents called rebos, they have adapted to the harsh dry air of the Changthang.

The trek is also a great one to catch sight of high altitude Wildlife such as kyangs or Tibetan Wild Asses (their only other cousins are the wild asses of Rann of Kutch in Gujarat), the highly endangered black-necked cranes, bar headed geese and Tibetan wolves.

This trek which starts from Ladakh and ends in the tribal region of Himachal Pradesh can be considered “off the beaten trek” as less people opt for it due to its toughness. Most fascinating part is that it passes through the high altitude lake Tso Moriri.

Day 01:

We will arrive in Manali. Overnight stay follows at a Hotel.

Day 02: Manali - Kaza (3900m) 8 hrs.

The drive to Kaza takes one past the Rohtang pass (3970m) and Kunzum La (4551m). From Rohtang, the road descends in to the Lahaul valley to Gramphu, from where the road forks towards Kunzum and Kaza. Till Batal, the road continues through the rugged Chandra river valley. On the way, are great panoramic views of the Bara Shigri glacier, one of the biggest in the Himalayas.

Day 03: Acclimatize around Kaza.

Soak in a bit of Spitian culture with a visit to the ancient monasteries in Dhankar and Tabo. As the evening sets, we will drive to Kibber which is the highest village in the world which can be accessed by road and visit the ancient monastery at Kibber. We will camp for the night in Kibber.

Day 04: Kibber - Dhumle (4260m) 2 hrs.

On the first day of the trek, the trail descends through a gorge and arrives at the last village of the trek, Dhumle. We can see Parang La from here at a distance of about 500m

Day 05: Dhumle - Thaltak (4560m) 5 hrs.

The trail now turns into a steep climb to take us to the next camp on a meadow at Thaltak.

Day 06: Thaltak - Base of Parang La (5000m) 6 hrs.

The trail takes us down a steep path down to the Parilungbi gorge before ascending to the campsite. The majestic Parilungbi peak stands to the South of Parang La. We will get a chance to witness some of the rare sightings of Bharal, Marmot etc.

Day 07: Base - Karsha Gonma (4930m) via Parang La, 7 hrs.

The Parang La at 5600m is one of the highest passes in Western Himalayas and offers some grand views. Descend from the pass to Karsha Gonma which is at the head of the Para Chu valley.

Day 08: Karsha Gonma - Umna (4680m, 5 hrs.

It's a relaxed walk after the strenuous pass. The only challenge is a stream crossing before reaching the campsite.

Day 09: Umna - Rachu Lamo (4470m, 5 hrs)

It's an easy walk, the trail keeping next to the Para chu river most of the way.

Day 10: Rachu Lamo - Chhumik Shirde (4300 m), 5 hrs

The trail continues next to the Para Chu River. But the campsite is set on the far bank and the day's challenge is to cross the river.

Day 11: Chhumik Shirde - Kyangdom(4350m), 5 hrs

The trek continues on the flat ground of the Changthang plateau with some spectacular views along the way.

Day 12: Kyangdom - Tso Moriri (4450m, 5 hrs

Walking through the Para Chu valley, the valley suddenly opens up and the landscape turns greener as you approach the lake. The valley is famous for the wild life mainly comprising of Kyang (wild ass). We will camp midway on the lake's bank.

Day 13: Tso Moriri - Karzok (4267m), 8 hrs

Walk along the lake right up to the Karzok village. The day might seem never-ending, because though Karzok looks near enough, it takes 8 hours to finally reach the campsite. But the walk is worth all the effort as the flora and fauna that one gets to see here is enchanting.

Day 14: Karzok – Gyama, 6hrs

We will trek from Karzok via the small pass of Horlam La (4500m), and then descend to Gyama.

Day 15: Gyama - Gyama Numa, 7 hrs

Crossing the river twice, on this day the trail continues to Gyama Numa. After an hour's walk through the gorge, we will come to the first crossing. From there, ascend to the second crossing through a rocky trail.

Day 16: Gyama Numa - Rachung Karu, 6 hrs.

It's an easy enough walk through the nomadic camps to Rachung Karu. It first ascends to the pass, Kazur La. An easy descent takes us to the summer pasture at Rachung Karu.

Day 17: Rachung Karu – Nuruchan, 5 hrs

The trail goes over a small pass that takes us to Nuruchan. This area is principally inhabited by the nomadic people with their yaks, sheep and pashmina goat. This is the head of the Tsokar Lake.

Day 18: Nuruchan – Pungunagu, 6 hrs.

The trail leads us through the Tso Kar Lake today. The path then deviates from the lake to the left and enters Pungunagu. The camp is set close to the village of Thugje.

Day 19: Pungunagu - Tisaling (4520 m), 7 hrs.

The path now ascends for 2 hours towards the Shingbuk La (4950m). From top of pass, we can have panoramic views of Tso Kar Lake and the Rupshu valley. On the other side of the pass is the campsite at Tisaling.

Day 20: Tisaling - Chorten Sumdo, 7 hrs.

A challenging day, two passes will be crossed on this day. A short ascent takes you to Kyamur La (5300m). From the top of the pass there are great views of Kang Yatse peak and the Ladakh mountain range. Descending from there, we come to the base of Mandalchan La (5320m), crossing which will bring us to the campsite at Chorten Sumdo.

Day 21: Chorten Sumdo - Rumtse (4040 m), 5 hrs.

Walking through a gorge, the challenge of the day is when the river has to be crossed twice. At Rumtse, a vehicle will pick us up and drop us at Leh.