Hemis Rupsu Darcha Trek

• DIFFICULTY LEVEL : Easy to Moderate
• ALTITUDE : 2050 m (Manali), 5200 m (Marangla Pass)
• TREKKING ROUTE : Leh – Hemis – Shang – Ltaza – Kongamaru – Nimaling – Langtangchu – Khar – Dat – Lunggmoche – Jabuk - Base of Marangla – Tsogmirtsig – Jukthak – Sarchu – Camp – Patseo -Darcha - Manali

The Hemis – Rupshu - Darcha is an easy to moderate level trek in Ladakh. This 17-day trek passes through windswept valleys, serene lakes, and isolated nomadic settlements, offering breathtaking Himalayan views. The highest point of the trek in Marangla, a high-altitude mountain pass situated at an elevation of 5200 m. Trekkers experience Ladakh’s wilderness, traverse through ancient Buddhist sites, and challenge themselves over rugged terrains. Ideal for mid-level trekkers, this trek promises stunning landscapes and an immersive cultural experience in one of the most untouched regions of the Himalayas.

The trek begins in Leh, where trekkers spend a day acclimatizing before embarking on their high-altitude adventure. The following day features a scenic drive to Hemis (3680 m), the starting point of the trek. From there, an easy three-hour walk with a couple of river crossings leads to Shang (3500 m).

From Shang, a moderate seven-hour trek with a few river crossings takes trekkers to Ltaza Kongmaru. At Chukirmo, the trail winds through a gorge before leading to a steep ascent of approximately four hours to reach Kongmaru La Pass (5265 m). Descending from Kongmaru La, the path gradually opens into the stunning Nimaling Valley (4,720 m), a summer grazing ground for the shepherds of Markha Valley, where yaks can often be spotted.

An easy five-hour walk from Nimaling leads to Langtangchu and Khar before reaching the vast Rupshu plains, dotted with nomadic settlements and Buddhist chortens. The trek then continues to Dat, Lunggmoche and Lun via Yarla Pass (4950 m).

From Lun, the trail ascends steeply to a beautiful plateau before gradually easing towards Marangla Pass (5200 m). Trekkers camp at its base before undertaking the challenging ascent through the pass to reach Tsogmirtsig and Jukthak. The next stop is Sarchu (4290 m), where the landscape transforms dramatically. After a steep descent, trekkers set up camp near a riverside. The final leg of the journey continues through Patseo (3810 m) before reaching the trek’s endpoint at Darcha (3360 m).

The best time to embark on the Hemis-Rupshu-Darcha Trek is between July and September, when the trails, including Chang Pass and other high-altitude routes, are clear and accessible. This period offers ideal trekking conditions with sunny weather, a mild climate, and breathtaking natural beauty.