Zanskar to Tso Moriri trek

Accomodation
5 Star Hotel
Admission Fee
No
Arrival City
Pune
Departure City
Kathmandu
Wifi
Available
Walking Hours
3-4 Hours
Best Season
Autumn
Free Cancellation
Yes
Guide
Guided
Hotel Transfer
Available
Insurance Coverage
Covered 80%
Language
English, Hindi
Maximum Altitude
8848m
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Meeting Point
Hotel
Mineral Water
Available
Payment Method
VISA
Tour Availability
Available
Transportation
Bus, Taxi

Duration: 15 days
Difficulty: level 5
Distance: 234 km
Max elevation: 5435m
Elevation gain / loss: +6315m / -5553m

This off-the-beaten-path trek connects the Zanskar valley to the highlands of Changthang region, home to the nomadic people. During the first part of the trek, you will have the chance to discover the local life in remote Zanskari villages as well as visiting Phuktal, one of the most fascinating monasteries. You will then follow an isolated path leading to the Changthang region and you will cross numerous high passes before reaching the beautiful Tso Moriri lake.

Day 01 :

Raru - Changpa Tsetan

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 16.0 km
Elevation gain / loss: +379m / -355m

walk along the Tsarap river through a rugged landscape
cross the river couple of times before reaching Changa Tsetan

Day 02 :

Changpa Tsetan - Phuktal

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 15.6 km
Elevation gain / loss: +383m / -280m

walk past the villages of Surle, Kalbok and Zantang to the confluence of Tsarap and Kargyak river and a little ahead is the village of Purne
walk to Phuktal monastery, the gompa is spectacularly located at the mouth of a huge cave high up in the vertical mountainside
take your time to visit the monastery

Day 03 :

Phuktal - Shade

Time: 7-8 hrs
Distance: 21.3 km
Elevation gain / loss: +392m / -104m

follow Tsarap river up to Yata and walk to the village of Tantak
enter a small valley leading to the village of Shade, one of the most isolated villages of Zanskar

Day 04 :

Shade - Nyalokuntse La Base

Time: 3-4 hrs
Distance: 9.1 km
Elevation gain / loss: +349m / -294m

spend time in Shade village
walk to Nyalokuntse La base

Day 05 :

Nyalokuntse La Base - Nyalokuntse La - Gothurstar La - Hormoche

Time: 7-8 hrs
Distance: 15.0 km
Elevation gain / loss: +1249m / -1579m

long day through beautiful high-altitude landscapes, crossing two passes before reaching Hormoche

Day 06 :

Hormoche - Tsatak

Time: 4 hrs
Distance: 13.6 km
Elevation gain / loss: +73m / -0m

as you walk along the river, you will pass through agricultural fields which were abandoned because of climate change
cross the Zara Chu river that comes from Rupshu valley and reach the pretty village of Tsatak

Day 07 :

Tsatak - Tsokmitsik

Time: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 14.9 km
Elevation gain / loss: +84m / -0m

easy walk to reach Tsokmitsik

Day 08 :

Tsokmitsik - Morang La - Takstago

Time: 7-8 hrs
Distance: 12.5 km
Elevation gain / loss: +1218m / -763m

cross the Morang La and enjoy the view of the Rupshu valley and Zanskar range from the pass
steep descent to Takstago

Day 09 :

Takstago - Zhabuk Yokma

Time: 6 hrs
Distance: 18.0 km
Elevation gain / loss: +307m / -512m

steep climb for an hour to cross a small pass
follow the river leading to a meadow surrounded by beautiful cliffs

Day 10 :

Zhabuk Yokma - Zara

Time: 7 hrs
Distance: 21.8 km
Elevation gain / loss: +286m / -0m

follow the trail and pass through some small villages before reaching Zara

Day 11 :

Zara - Ponganagu

Time: 5 hrs
Distance: 16.8 km
Elevation gain / loss: +53m / -22m

the trail crosses the road going from Leh to Manali
continue walking towards Ponganagu which is close to Tso Kar lake
this area is home to many wild animals such as kiang (wild asses), migratory birds, ibex, and marmots

Day 12 :

Ponganagu - Nuruchan

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 17.8 km
Elevation gain / loss: +173m / -145m

the trail goes along the bank of Tso Kar lake and then through a barren landscape until Nuruchan

Day 13 :

Nuruchan - Kyamayuri La - Gyamar Barma

Time: 7-8 hrs
Distance: 19.3 km
Elevation gain / loss: +855m / -339m

today, you will climb two passes, Horlam Kongka La (4900m) followed by Kyamayuri La (5416m)

Day 14 :

Gyamar Barma - Kartse La - Gyamar

Time: 3 hrs
Distance: 5.7 km
Elevation gain / loss: +213m / -251m

ascend slowly towards the Kartse La and then walk down to the Gyamar valley

Day 15 :

Gyamar - Yalung Nyau La - Korzok

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 16.3 km
Elevation gain / loss: +340m / -905m

move up towards the Yalung Nyau La, the highest pass on the trek with a magnificent view of Tso Moriri lake
walk down to Korzok village situated on the bank of Tso Moriri

FAQs

Expand all

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

Zanskar to Tso Moriri trek

Zanskar to Tso Moriri trek

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map