Remote Rupshu Trek
In this trek we get to explore Ladakh's remote district called Rupshu. Rupshu is the home of nomadic tribes and hidden forts. As we pass through deserted villages and high passes we will be catching glimpses of Yak, the lifeline of Ladakh remote villages. The Wild desert and barren wastelands look much like the South-West of America. There are vast grasslands grazed by herdsmen and their Yaks. The Mountains are of various shades, the lakes are stunningly blue. The trek is made for a trekker which is adventurous from heart as you witness to romance with the barren landscapes and nomadic lifestyles. There are a number of passes to cross with altitude around 5000 meters. You will catch glimpses of wildlife which is peculiar to only this region of the Himalayas including marmots, blue sheeps, wild ass and snow leopard. The lakes are turquoise blue, the mountains read and brown. The peaks are snow clad and 6000+ meters high and the experience divine.
Day 1-2-Leh to Padam-
After Acclimatization and sight seeing at Leh, we will start our drive towards Padam via Kargil through desert, We will visit at the Confluence of the River Indus with River Zanskar at Nimoo on a terrain that resembles more like a surface of the moon. We will also visit the Monastery at Lamayuru built in the 11th century and one of the oldest in Ladakh. We will come across Fotu La (4100 mts) shortly after leaving Lamayuru and enjoy the Ladakhi Landscape and dry riverbeds as well as Mt. Nun and Kun, the highest peaks of the region at an altitude of 7135 mt and 7070 mt respectively. Views of River Indus while crossing Suru Valley. The road from Kargil to Padum is more like a dirt road, but this road offers some spectacular views and is at an average altitude of 3750 meters. Most people may experience some sort of motion and altitude sickness on this route.
Day 3 - Day tour to Monasteries near Padam-
Before starting our trek we will spend some time in Zanskar Valley, and visiting some impressive monasteries of Tongde, Zangla, Karsha and Sani. There are many restaurants and hotels in Padam. But you need to watch out for your belongings as there are cases of theft in this region.
Day 4- Padam to Mune
It's an easy 12 kilometers trek. During our trek we will come across Barden Gompa – the oldest Gompa of the region. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the camp. visit the Mune Gelukpa Gompa, a great site on a craig on a river bend. The mune Gompa was called the Disketling, which was founded by the Boddhisattva Sherab Zangpo. About 25 monks are reside in the monastery. There are many sacred Shrines and relics to see, the Gompa was in Gelukpa sect.
Day 5- Mune to Itchar
We will drive to Reru (3800 meters) and from Reru will begin our trek to Itchar. We will cross a bridge and stay our our right on the bank of Tsarap River and then cross a brige to reach Itchar. We climb on top to the campsite of Itchar at (3900 meters). We will have beautiful views of the valley to explore as well as green pastures for camping.
Day 6- Itchar to Purne
Today will be a long walk of 20 kilometers. We will cross many villages and settlements. There are many bridges to be crossed, there will be campsite of Pupila, Amu, Tsetang, Khalbog and the village of Cha until we finally reach until we finally reach Purne which is a beautiful campsite located above the bridge of Tsarap and Kargyak River.
After Acclimatization and sight seeing at Leh, we will start our drive towards Padam via Kargil through desert, We will visit at the Confluence of the River Indus with River Zanskar at Nimoo on a terrain that resembles more like a surface of the moon. We will also visit the Monastery at Lamayuru built in the 11th century and one of the oldest in Ladakh. We will come across Fotu La (4100 mts) shortly after leaving Lamayuru and enjoy the Ladakhi Landscape and dry riverbeds as well as Mt. Nun and Kun, the highest peaks of the region at an altitude of 7135 mt and 7070 mt respectively. Views of River Indus while crossing Suru Valley. The road from Kargil to Padum is more like a dirt road, but this road offers some spectacular views and is at an average altitude of 3750 meters. Most people may experience some sort of motion and altitude sickness on this route.
Day 3 - Day tour to Monasteries near Padam-
Before starting our trek we will spend some time in Zanskar Valley, and visiting some impressive monasteries of Tongde, Zangla, Karsha and Sani. There are many restaurants and hotels in Padam. But you need to watch out for your belongings as there are cases of theft in this region.
Day 4- Padam to Mune
It's an easy 12 kilometers trek. During our trek we will come across Barden Gompa – the oldest Gompa of the region. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the camp. visit the Mune Gelukpa Gompa, a great site on a craig on a river bend. The mune Gompa was called the Disketling, which was founded by the Boddhisattva Sherab Zangpo. About 25 monks are reside in the monastery. There are many sacred Shrines and relics to see, the Gompa was in Gelukpa sect.
Day 5- Mune to Itchar
We will drive to Reru (3800 meters) and from Reru will begin our trek to Itchar. We will cross a bridge and stay our our right on the bank of Tsarap River and then cross a brige to reach Itchar. We climb on top to the campsite of Itchar at (3900 meters). We will have beautiful views of the valley to explore as well as green pastures for camping.
Day 6- Itchar to Purne
Today will be a long walk of 20 kilometers. We will cross many villages and settlements. There are many bridges to be crossed, there will be campsite of Pupila, Amu, Tsetang, Khalbog and the village of Cha until we finally reach until we finally reach Purne which is a beautiful campsite located above the bridge of Tsarap and Kargyak River.
Day 7 - Purne to Phugtal Gompa
Today we will explore the beautiful site of Phugtal Gompa. Both Phurne and Phugtal are a view to savor. Situated on a limestone cliff, the view of the monastery doesnt fail to impress. There is a main assembly hall which is carved out of a huge cave. There is an ancient cypress tree on the cliff above the gompa. We will enjoy the butter tea and roaster barley (Tsampa). There is an elementary school where studends of the nearby schools come to study. The Phuktal Monastery is built around a natural cave, which is believed to have been visited by numerous sages, scholars, translators, and monks around 2,550 years ago. The remote location of the monastery was ideal for monks looking for peace and solitude to meditate.
Day 8 - Phugtal to Base Kontse La
Today we will proceed for Kontse La Base. After breakfast we will leave for the long journey as we enter into remote and wild gorge country. We will walk over scree slopes and river beds to reach Tantak village (4100 meters). There is a tiny settlement and a monastery here. We camp here tonight.
Day 9 - Base Kontse La to Homuch over Gotunda La (5040 meters)
Today we will be a tiring day as we will be crossing two passes, Kontse La (4850 meters) and Gotunda La (5040 meters). We start early after breakfast to start our journey. In a few hourse we will reach Kontse La. There are beautiful views of Tantak and surrounding valleys and gorges for most part of the ascent. There are beautiful views of the Zanskar even as we hurl for the next few hours of our trek to Gotunda La, which is actually the main pass. There is a little steep climb in the end towards Gotunda La. We will get to view the endless snow capped peaks and ridges of the Zanskar Range. From top of Gotunda La, there is a steep descent of 1 km to a flat area with water, where we can stop over for some rest and then proceed for a few more hours of journey to our campside Homuch. It's a deserted settlement with a few houses and an abandoned gompa and some plantations on the bank of Tsarap River. We camp here tonight.
Today we will explore the beautiful site of Phugtal Gompa. Both Phurne and Phugtal are a view to savor. Situated on a limestone cliff, the view of the monastery doesnt fail to impress. There is a main assembly hall which is carved out of a huge cave. There is an ancient cypress tree on the cliff above the gompa. We will enjoy the butter tea and roaster barley (Tsampa). There is an elementary school where studends of the nearby schools come to study. The Phuktal Monastery is built around a natural cave, which is believed to have been visited by numerous sages, scholars, translators, and monks around 2,550 years ago. The remote location of the monastery was ideal for monks looking for peace and solitude to meditate.
Day 8 - Phugtal to Base Kontse La
Today we will proceed for Kontse La Base. After breakfast we will leave for the long journey as we enter into remote and wild gorge country. We will walk over scree slopes and river beds to reach Tantak village (4100 meters). There is a tiny settlement and a monastery here. We camp here tonight.
Day 9 - Base Kontse La to Homuch over Gotunda La (5040 meters)
Today we will be a tiring day as we will be crossing two passes, Kontse La (4850 meters) and Gotunda La (5040 meters). We start early after breakfast to start our journey. In a few hourse we will reach Kontse La. There are beautiful views of Tantak and surrounding valleys and gorges for most part of the ascent. There are beautiful views of the Zanskar even as we hurl for the next few hours of our trek to Gotunda La, which is actually the main pass. There is a little steep climb in the end towards Gotunda La. We will get to view the endless snow capped peaks and ridges of the Zanskar Range. From top of Gotunda La, there is a steep descent of 1 km to a flat area with water, where we can stop over for some rest and then proceed for a few more hours of journey to our campside Homuch. It's a deserted settlement with a few houses and an abandoned gompa and some plantations on the bank of Tsarap River. We camp here tonight.
Day 10 - Homuch to Satok
An early start is necessary to cross Zara river when water levels are lower. Today we will be exploring the wild reaches of our trek while following the river and its magnificent gorges. After a few hours walk along the bank of the river and few empty settlements we reach a confluence of Zara River. The river level will be high and we may need a rope to cross the river. The gorge opens out to a broad glacial valley. We continue for a few more hours from here till our campsite Satok (4060 meters). Its a green and well shaded campsite and a substantial settlement for winters for herders along a stream.
Day 11- Satok to Tsok Mesik (4200 meters)
The landscape more impressive as we trail ahead. The majestic peaks of Baralacha are dominating the valley. We climb a ridge over the river and follow the rock cairn markings towards a descent and then a long series of ascents towards a ridge. From here we can see the beautiful views of the river and our campsite. From here we descent for a little more than an hour to reach Tsok Mesik which is located on a confluence and is a tranquil campsite. We will rest and explore the nearby areas and the side gorge and camp here tonight.
Day 12- Tsok Mesik to Base Yar La over Marang La (5300 meters)
Today will be a long day as we will be climbing the highest pass of the trek Marang La which comes after negotiating a steep ascent. The views from the summit stretch to the Great Himalaya. The descent is quite long, as we cross a series of high ridges above the Zara River that eventually reaches our camp at Lun at the base of Yar La (4950 meters) which is a vast, arid landscape. We camp here tonight.
An early start is necessary to cross Zara river when water levels are lower. Today we will be exploring the wild reaches of our trek while following the river and its magnificent gorges. After a few hours walk along the bank of the river and few empty settlements we reach a confluence of Zara River. The river level will be high and we may need a rope to cross the river. The gorge opens out to a broad glacial valley. We continue for a few more hours from here till our campsite Satok (4060 meters). Its a green and well shaded campsite and a substantial settlement for winters for herders along a stream.
Day 11- Satok to Tsok Mesik (4200 meters)
The landscape more impressive as we trail ahead. The majestic peaks of Baralacha are dominating the valley. We climb a ridge over the river and follow the rock cairn markings towards a descent and then a long series of ascents towards a ridge. From here we can see the beautiful views of the river and our campsite. From here we descent for a little more than an hour to reach Tsok Mesik which is located on a confluence and is a tranquil campsite. We will rest and explore the nearby areas and the side gorge and camp here tonight.
Day 12- Tsok Mesik to Base Yar La over Marang La (5300 meters)
Today will be a long day as we will be climbing the highest pass of the trek Marang La which comes after negotiating a steep ascent. The views from the summit stretch to the Great Himalaya. The descent is quite long, as we cross a series of high ridges above the Zara River that eventually reaches our camp at Lun at the base of Yar La (4950 meters) which is a vast, arid landscape. We camp here tonight.
Day 13- Base Yar La to Dat over Yar La (4950 meters)
Today there will be quite a steep ascent to Yar La however the views from the pass will be compensatory. Snow capped peaks over Nimaling Plains and to the east magnificent views across Rupshu and snow capped ranges in the vicinity to Tso Kar and Tso Morari. This is an easy pass, but the views are incredible. From the pass, there is a simple descent to Dat, which is a permanent settlement. We camp here tonight.
Day 14- Dat - Sorra (4950m)
In the morning visit a small Gelukpa monastery at Dat village. Later start trek to Sorra by crossing a small river " Dat Chu". Trek till Sorra Chu and after crossing it the trek passes through forested area before reaching Sorra. Set-up camp along the river for overnight stay.
Day 15: Sorra - Zalung Karpo La - Tsorka
Morning start trek with climb to a small pass for about 1 hr. From this point, you can see Zalung Karpo La. After some time the valley opens-up it is a gradual haul to the summit of the Zalung La (5190 metres). It is a windswept pass that affords impressive views of the peaks and jagged ridges of the Zanskar Range. On the east across vast regions of Rupshu and to the north are tall 6000 meters+ snow capped peaks in the vicinity of Nimaling Plains. From the pass it takes about three hours to reach a delightful grassy camp near to the abandoned encampment known as Tsorka (4200 metres).
Today there will be quite a steep ascent to Yar La however the views from the pass will be compensatory. Snow capped peaks over Nimaling Plains and to the east magnificent views across Rupshu and snow capped ranges in the vicinity to Tso Kar and Tso Morari. This is an easy pass, but the views are incredible. From the pass, there is a simple descent to Dat, which is a permanent settlement. We camp here tonight.
Day 14- Dat - Sorra (4950m)
In the morning visit a small Gelukpa monastery at Dat village. Later start trek to Sorra by crossing a small river " Dat Chu". Trek till Sorra Chu and after crossing it the trek passes through forested area before reaching Sorra. Set-up camp along the river for overnight stay.
Day 15: Sorra - Zalung Karpo La - Tsorka
Morning start trek with climb to a small pass for about 1 hr. From this point, you can see Zalung Karpo La. After some time the valley opens-up it is a gradual haul to the summit of the Zalung La (5190 metres). It is a windswept pass that affords impressive views of the peaks and jagged ridges of the Zanskar Range. On the east across vast regions of Rupshu and to the north are tall 6000 meters+ snow capped peaks in the vicinity of Nimaling Plains. From the pass it takes about three hours to reach a delightful grassy camp near to the abandoned encampment known as Tsorka (4200 metres).
Day 16: Tsorka - Thocuntse (4750m) 7-8hrs
An early morning trek through valleys. This day one has to cross many small streams. To our east will be the magnificient Kangyaze peaks (6400 meters) dominating the valley. We cross the bridge and turn up the valley to reach our campsite to Thochuntse. The trek is gradual climb till you reach the camp site Overnight camp.
Day 17: Thochuntse - Nimaling (4700m)
Morning trek to Nimaling - enroute cross two ridges (5000 m & 5060 m). Later on cross Konka Wangpo pass (5090 m). Descend from the other side of the pass to high altitude pasture land of Nimaling. Overnight camp.
Day 18: Full day in Nimaling
spend the day at leisure or explore surroundings area. Nimaling is also the base camp for climbing Mt. Kang-Yatse (6400 m). Overnight camp.
An early morning trek through valleys. This day one has to cross many small streams. To our east will be the magnificient Kangyaze peaks (6400 meters) dominating the valley. We cross the bridge and turn up the valley to reach our campsite to Thochuntse. The trek is gradual climb till you reach the camp site Overnight camp.
Day 17: Thochuntse - Nimaling (4700m)
Morning trek to Nimaling - enroute cross two ridges (5000 m & 5060 m). Later on cross Konka Wangpo pass (5090 m). Descend from the other side of the pass to high altitude pasture land of Nimaling. Overnight camp.
Day 18: Full day in Nimaling
spend the day at leisure or explore surroundings area. Nimaling is also the base camp for climbing Mt. Kang-Yatse (6400 m). Overnight camp.
Day 19: Nimaling - Kangmaru La (5100m) - Chogdo
Morning start climbing to Kongmaru-La. After some time at pass descend from the other side of the pass. The descend is steep in the beginning and gradual after an hour of trek before entering a narrow valley. At some stretch, the trek passes through very narrow gorge. The valley opens at Churkimo and little further is the Chogdo. Overnight camp.
Day 20: Chogdo - Shang - Hemis - Leh
Trek till Shang Sumdo. From here drive to Hemis Monastery. Its one of the oldest & impressive monasteries of Ladakh. Visit the monastery and later drive to Leh.
End of Trek
Morning start climbing to Kongmaru-La. After some time at pass descend from the other side of the pass. The descend is steep in the beginning and gradual after an hour of trek before entering a narrow valley. At some stretch, the trek passes through very narrow gorge. The valley opens at Churkimo and little further is the Chogdo. Overnight camp.
Day 20: Chogdo - Shang - Hemis - Leh
Trek till Shang Sumdo. From here drive to Hemis Monastery. Its one of the oldest & impressive monasteries of Ladakh. Visit the monastery and later drive to Leh.
End of Trek
Why choose us?
We will provide trained Hindi and English speaking guide and proper backup and safety along with great food and camping. Please inquire and fill the form below to book.
Per day cost will be upwards of 2000/-per person on per day basis and can be negotiated based on group size and facilities.
Click here to know more...
We will provide trained Hindi and English speaking guide and proper backup and safety along with great food and camping. Please inquire and fill the form below to book.
Per day cost will be upwards of 2000/-per person on per day basis and can be negotiated based on group size and facilities.
- All necessary paper works and permits.
- Healthy and Tasty Meals including Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Soups and Snacks
- Bonfire
- Porters and Mules
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- All government and local taxes if necessary.
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- Best Quality Tents, Sleeping Bags, Camping Equipment, Ropes, Ice Axe (Where required).
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