This trek enables you to explore the region of Chang-Thang, which is home to the nomads (Changpa’s) which lies beyond the high passes of Kumar La, Shibuk La, Horlamkongka La, Kyamayuri La and Yalung Nyau La. Tukche is the nomad headquarters and encompasses a huge saltwater lake of Tsokar, to the east lies another saltwater lake at Karzok. Many rare and exotic birds can be seen en route as the trek is a sustained one with max altitude of 5333 m (17,496 ft.). The trek terminates in Pang where a further journey by vehicle will bring us to Leh, where you will depart for Delhi.
Day 1
Arrival in Delhi
Guests will be received at the airport followed by a transfer to a hotel, where you will be staying overnight.
Day 2
Domestic flight Delhi – Leh
Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.
Transferral to a domestic airport where you will fly to Leh. Once reached in Leh, you will then be transferred to your hotel. Afternoon visit to a monastery within the town and sightsee of the Shanti Stupa and Old Fort of Leh.
Day 3
Journey from Leh to Rumtse
Travelling Distance: 75 km
Altitude: 4040 m / 13,254 ft.
We will depart for Rumtse early, en route visiting the Shey, Thiskey and Hemis monasteries. Overnight camp at Rumtse.
Day 4
Trek 1 – Rumtse - Kyamar
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 4050 m / 13,287 ft.
The first trek will begin with an easy trail which leads to a beautiful campsite close to a spring. Overnight stay.
Day 5
Trek 2 – Kyamar – Tisaling over Kumar La and Mandachand La
Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
Altitude: 4200 m / 13,779 ft. (Over Kumar La 4900 m / 16,076 ft.)
Due to the nature of this trek, an early start is advised. The trail will cross along a river until ascending to the Kumur La. Here you can enjoy the spectacular views of the Chang-Tang Range, before descending steadily to the river bank. We will then wade through the river and climb back up again to the next pass – Mandachand La. An easy descent will then bring us to our campsite; situated on the pastureland of Tisaling.
Day 6
Trek 3 – Tisaling – Tukje via Shibuk
Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 4627 m / 15,180 ft. (Over Shibuk La 4980 m /16,338 ft.)
We begin the day with a 2 hour trek to the Shibuk La pass, meanwhile enjoying the spectacular views. We will then begin to descend to Shibuk, where marmots play hide and seek. The track becomes easy and flat as it proceeds through the large valley to the nomad headquarters at Tukche, where we will then make camp for the night. Later in the day, we will visit the village and its small Gompa, whilst taking a stroll along the lake that provides splendid views of the sunset.
Day 7
Trek 4 – Tsokar – Nuruchan
Trekking Time: 4 hours
Altitude: 4300 m / 14,107 ft.
The trail runs alongside the lake and crosses a plateau. Many Kyang (wild donkeys) can be seen here. We will make camp close to a nomad village.
Day 8
Trek 5 – Nuruchan – Rachungkaru
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 4400 m / 14,435 ft. (Over Horlamkongka La 4900 m / 16,076 ft.)
We will begin the day by spending around 11/2 hours ascending to the Horlamkongka La, followed by a gradual descent, continuing with a long walk to a beautiful campsite near the stream.
Day 9
Trek 6 – Rachungkaru – Gyama Burma
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 4250 m / 13,943 ft. (Over Kyamayuri La 5200 m / 17,060 ft.)
The first 2 hours will be spent climbing to the Kyamayuri La before gradually descending to an easy trail, before reaching our campsite for an overnight stay.
Day 10
Trek 7 – Gyma Burma – Karzok/Tsomoriri
Trekking Time: 7 hours
Altitude: 4573 m / 15,003 ft. (Over Yalung Nyau La 5440 m / 17,847 ft.)
With a long day ahead, you will experience the many exquisite views of the lake from the pass. We will reach at the lake at Karzok (240 km south-east of Leh), where the Karzok Gompa and the nomads (Changpas) are just some of the outstanding features of this lake, which has a circumference of around 36 km. We will then explore the village and monastery, as well as a stroll along the shore of the lake. Overnight stay on campsite.
Day 11
Trek 8 – Karzok – Kyangdom
Trekking Time: 7 hours
Altitude: 4350 m / 14,271 ft.
The trail unfolds along the lake, providing the opportunity for a long and pleasant walk. We will make camp beside the Phertsephu River which merges into the lake.
Day 12
Trek 9 – Kyangdom – Kunmotchey
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 4580 m / 15,026 ft.
The trail continues up the river in an easterly orientation, with two easy river crossings. To begin with, the valley of Phertse Phoo is narrow yet colourful with many rugged rocks, until it slowly opens up into wide green meadows. We will make camp and enjoy the plentiful nature.
Day 13
Trek 10 – Kunmotchey – Lato
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 4650 m / 15,255 ft.
The day will begin with an easy walk through a meadow, where we may meet some nomadic people. As we proceed through the valley, it will eventually get wider than the day before. We will then reach at the beautiful campsite in Lato; situated in a meadow where we will stay for the night.
Day 14
Trek 11 – Lato – Zozang
Trekking Time: 41/2 hours
Altitude: 4700 m / 15,419 ft.
Zozang is situated at the base of the Telacon La, where we shall stay at a splendid campsite, with views of high mountains and far from nomad camps.
Day 15
Trek 12 – Zozang – Pang
Altitude: 4600 m / 15,091 ft. (Over Telakon La 4850 m / 15,912 ft.)
A gradual ascent to the Telakon La will lead us to extensive views of the barren, yet beautiful landscape and plateau of Pang. We will then begin to make a gradual descent to the banks of the Zara Chhu River, where we will cross several times. After 6 hours of walking we will then reach at our last campsite.
Day 16
Journey from Pang to Leh
Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.
After breakfast, we will begin the journey to Leh over the second highest motor able pass in the world called the Tang Lang La (5333 m / 17,495 ft.). It will take around 6 hours to cover about 150 km of distance. Upon arrival in Leh, you will be checked into a hotel, where you will spend the night.
Day 17
Free day in Leh
Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 18
Flight from Leh – Delhi
You will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Delhi. Once reached in Delhi you will then be transported to your hotel where you will be staying overnight. The afternoon can be spent at your own leisure.
Day 19
Flight Departure: Visit Old/New Delhi (Optional)
You will be given the opportunity to visit Old or New Delhi as you will have a full day free, before being transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport where you will depart to your onward destination.
