Rumtse to Kiber Trek

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Rumtse is situated 70 Kms east of Leh, the starting point of this trek. Rupshu Valley lies sandwiched between Ladakh in the north, Tibet in the east and Zanskar in the west. This region is characterized by high arid plains, remote villages, snow-capped peaks and beautiful high altitude azure-blue lakes, the largest being Tsomoriri at 4,500 m.

Truly remote, this area is only accessible for a few months every summer and is inhabited by Changpas - nomadic yak and pashmina goat herders of Tibetan origin, who wander this area crossing over high altitude mountain passes. Our trek will take us across these passes to their summer settlements to witness a unique human culture, far away from the reaches of the modern world. Then we will go south towards Spiti, following the western bank of the lake. The scenery is wild and vast with snow-capped peaks lining the far horizon. The trek ends at Kiber famous for its monastery.

Day 01:

Leh- Rumtse (3 hrs drive) - Kyamar 4050 m (4 hrs)

From Leh, the drive to Rumtse is an exciting one, with views of the Indus Valley and many monasteries on the way. Day one is easily manageable: we have a short walk on a rather flat terrain to aid acclimatization. We will camp overnight at lush Kyamar, near a spring.

Day 02:

Kyamar- Tisaling 4200 m (6-7 hrs)

We should be fully energized with proper breakfast for a challenging day ahead. We begin with gradual ascent towards our first pass of Kumur La (4800 m), which gives a spectacular view of the Changthang range with its colorful rife of mountain. After the pass, we steadily descend towards the base of the next pass. Here we might come across nomads with their herds of sheep, goats and yaks. After a short rest, we set out for Mandalchan La (4850 m). From this pass it’s an easy descend to the camping site at the pastureland of Tisaling.

Day 03:

Tisaling – Ponganabu 4250 m (6 hrs)

By now, we are well acclimatized to conquer our third pass, the Shibuk La (4900 m), about 2-hour journey. From the top of the pass, we have an incredible view of the surrounding mountains and of our next destination, Tsokar Lake. With a breathtaking view to ease our exhaustion, we head down towards the valley accompanied by the shrill whistles of the shy and active marmots, which is characteristic of this harsh region. It’s approximately a 4 hrs walk to the Tsokar basin, and our camp for the night will be the windy Pongunabu.

Day 04:

Ponganagu – Nuruchan 4300 m (6 hrs)

On this Day, we follow a dusty jeep road towards Tsokar Lake. Along the salty shores of the lake, we have a rare impeccable opportunity to see some of the endangered migratory birds of the world. From here we carry on along the trail to the right of the lake, keeping to a barren land until Nuruchan, where we will be welcomed by a grassy land with streams nearby.

Day 05:

Nuruchan- Gyamar Barma 5100 m (7-8 hrs)

We have to get set for a tough day ahead. We will cross the icy cold stream in Nuruchan before gradually ascending Horlam Kongka La (4900 m). From the pass, we will have a view of the turquoise blue Tsokar. After an easy 40-minute walk down to Rajungkaru, we will encounter several typical Tibetan nomads with their flock of yaks, sheep and pashmina goats.

Following the stream for about 50 minutes, we will enter another nomad settlement. These nomads are of Western Tibetan origin. When the Chinese subjugated Tibet these nomads and their animals faced numerous hardships, fighting the biting cold and losing many lives while fleeing into Ladakh from Tibet. After sharing a cup of butter tea with the nomads, we will continue to ascend the Kyamayuru La (5410 m); this pass is challenging, but the magnificent view from the top makes it well worth all our strenuous efforts. From the pass we descend gradually to the valley towards our campsite at Gyamar Barma (5150 m). Due to the campsite’s high altitude, bad weather can make night temperature freezing.

Day 06:

Gyamar Barma – Gyamar 5200 m (3-4 hrs)

When we open our eyes in the morning, we will find ourselves amidst a herd of grazing yaks. After breakfast, we head to our next pass, Kartse La (5300 m). Ascending slowly in the thin air of the plateau, we will eventually reach the pass. The trail leads gradually down to the lush green valley of the Gyamar, where we spend our night.

Day 07:

Gyamar – Korzok 4500 m (6-7 hrs)

On this day, we gradually ascend towards the highest and final pass on the trek. Following the narrow valley until the Yalung Nyaulung La (5450 m), we will see some of the rare flowers and herbs of the Himalayan region. The fragrances will astonish you.

To our right we can view snowcapped mountains and from the top of the pass we will also have a view of the lake Tsomoriri, surrounded by snowcapped mountains. We descend steeply for a couple of hours to the Korzok Phu, the summer pasture of the Korzok people. From the pasture, we continue to the Korzok (Tsomoriri lake), the destination of our adventure.

Day 08:

Korzok to Kyangdam (4595 M) - 05 Hrs:

On this Day, it is an easy trek along the Lake towards southeast. The campsite is just at the other end of the Lake.

Day 09:

Kyangdam to Skitpodangsa (4563 M) or Nurboo Sumdo. 04-05 Hrs:

As soon as you leave Kyangdam, cross the river and walk towards east through a plain ground. After 2 hours of walk you will see a spring (Chumik Sharte), trek in the same direction leaving Nurboo Sumdo campsite behind, and the Skitpodangsa is just across the river. Stay overnight in a camp.

Day 10:

Skitpodangsa to Getpabuzak (4600 M) 05 Hrs:

On this Day, it is again an easy walk along the Parangchu to the south. The campsite is just before the slopes. Stay overnight in a camp.

Day 11:

Getpabuzak to Tarangyokma (4731 M) 04-05 Hrs:

Trek towards the same direction passing through several slopes. You reach the campsite after crossing the tributaries coming from the east. Stay overnight in a camp.

Day 12:

Monks, Ladakh ourismTarangyokma to Karsha Gompa (4900 M) or Parang La base (Bubnen) (5089 M) 03-04 Hrs:

On this Day, it is an easy walk. Walk to the same direction till a huge rock from where you have to cross the river to the right. If you are in a big group camp across the river, otherwise walk ahead to the base of Parang La. Overnight camp.

Day 13:

Tarangyokma to Takkarzong (4850 M):

On this Day, you have to cross the Parang-La 5650mts. pass through the glacier. Walk form right side of the glacier through the foothill till the crevasses become very narrow or finish, and then walk towards south to the top of the pass. The pass has prayer flags on one side and the other side is dry and very steep down. The campsite is near a huge rock with waterfalls. But in September and October end water dries up, therefore you have to carry water from the Parang base.

Day 14:

Takkarzong to Thagltak (4500 M) 04-05 Hrs:

Walk down to the river (It is also called Parangchu) and walk towards east along the river through a narrow gorge. The Thagltak is reached after crossing the river and a steep ascent towards south. The campsite is up the hill, which has spring water at the campsite.

Day 15:

Thagltak to Kibber 03 Hrs:

Walk towards east and you can have the view of Kibber village just after a small pass across the river. The walk from Kibber to Key takes around one and half hours. Stay overnight in camp.

Day 16:

Kibber - Manali

Drive from Kibber/Key to Manali. After reaching Manali our crew will return to Leh.

Price: INR 56000 per person

Size of group: Min 3

Highest Point: Parangla Pass 5650mts

Grade: Hard-Strenuous