Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek (Rupshu)

Accomodation
5 star hostel
Arrival City
pokhara
Departure City
kathmandu
Free Cancellation
Yes
Guide
Guided
Insurance Coverage
covered 80%
Wifi
Available
Walking Hours
5-6 Hours
Admission Fee
No
Best Season
Rainy
Hotel Transfer
Available
Language
English
Maximum Altitude
8868m
Meals
Breakfast and Dinner
Meeting Point
Hotel
Payment Method
VISA
Mineral Water
Available
Tour Availability
Available
Transportation
Taxi

Duration: 7 days
Difficulty: level 4
Distance: 98 km
Max elevation: 5435m
Elevation gain / loss: +3002m / -2690m

The trek from Rumtse to Tso Moriri is one of the most beautiful treks in Ladakh. It takes you through the Changthang region, a high-altitude plateau that has unique landscapes and stunning lakes like Tso Kar and Tso Moriri. This region is home to the Changpa nomads with their pashmina goats and yaks. It’s an exceptional trek, but demanding because of the crossing of numerous high passes above 5000m.

Day 01 :

Rumtse - Kyamar

Time: 4 hrs
Distance: 10.9 km
Elevation gain / loss: +298m / -0m

follow the trail to Kyamar which was once known as the salt road. Through this valley, the salt from Tso Kar was transported to Leh and the Indus valley
the sceneries and landscapes are different from the rest of Ladakh

Day 02 :

Kyamar - Kyamar La - Mandalchan La - Tisaling

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 13.5 km
Elevation gain / loss: +786m / -384m

move upwards gradually towards the Kyamar La and enjoy the fantastic view of the Changthang region from the pass
climb down towards Tiri Doksa, a temporary shelter for the shepherds
keep to the trail and climb the Mandalchan La and then climb down to Tisaling

Day 03 :

Tisaling - Shibuk La - Ponganagu

Time: 6 hrs
Distance: 14.3 km
Elevation gain / loss: +377m / -666m

follow the trail as it slowly begins to gain elevation towards the Shibuk La
enjoy the spectacular view of Tso Kar lake from the pass
walk down to Ponganagu near Tso Kar lake
this area is well known to observe wildlife such as migratory birds, kiang (wild asses), marmots and ibex

Day 04 :

Ponganagu - Nuruchan

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

continue your trek walking along the west side of Tso Kar lake where you might be able to spot black necked cranes and brahmini ducks. Tso Kar is also called "white lake" because of the salt that get deposited on its banks
walk to Nuruchan

Day 05 :

Nuruchan - Kyamayuri La - Gyamar Barma

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

you will be crossing two passes today (Horlam Kongka La and Kyamayuri La) to reach Gyamar Barma
on the way, you will meet several nomad families with their yaks, sheep and goats

Day 06 :

Gyamar Barma - Kartse La - Gyamar

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

after crossing the Kartse La, go down towards the Gyamar valley at the foot of Yalung Nong

Day 07 :

Gyamar - Yalung Nyau La - Korzok

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 16.3 km
Elevation gain / loss: +300m / -905m

cross the Yalung Nyau La, the highest pass of the trek and have a great view of Tso Moriri lake from the top
walk down to Korzok village, 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.

Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek (Rupshu)

Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek (Rupshu)

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map