Tsomoriri Lake is a scintillating lake in the Changthang plateau area of Ladakh. Changtang, the land of wilderness and magnificent landscape is recently being opened for the foreigners due to the proximity of the Chinese border. A truly remote area which is being featured with high arid plains, remote villages, snow capped peaks and beautiful high altitude azure-blue lakes and the Tsomoriri Lake is being the largest among them at an altitude of 5000m. The area is only accessible for few months during summers and is inhabited by Chang Pa nomadic yak and Pashmina goat herders of Tibetan origin wandering over the area, crossing over high altitude mountain passes.
Trekking along the Tsomoriri Lake is basically crossing all these fascinating passes living placidly at their summer settlements and realizing the unique Ladakhi culture which are still untouched with the temporary urban life. The Korzok village is among out of them overlooking at this magnificent lake at one end which is also being used as an essential transit on the ancient silk route to Tibet. While trekking around the region a stipulated camping of Changpa Tribe can be witnessed; which is a nomadic tribe living in Yak skin tents and thriving by grazing sheep, goats and yaks.
The trekking of Tsomoriri Lake would start from Pang (4700 mtrs) on the Leh-Manali route which is a simple stop-over and is nearly mid-way between Manali and Leh. Trekking along this route is considered easy to moderate and would trail over gravel river beds and over the Thelakung la (4980 mtrs) to enter into the beautiful Rupshu Valley. Camping at this region is a divine and exotic feeling all around the untouched Himalayas where wildlife is the most substantial part to include a visit to includes Kiangs (wild asses), Snow Leopards, Shankhoo (Ladakhi wolf), Marmots, Hare, Yaks and migratory birds.
Apart from the trek, the Tsomoriri Lake and the region through Parang La also brings a justified experience of Leh and the important excursions around it, making it a complete adventurous and spiritual experience.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Delhi - Leh (3500 mts/11480 ft)
Early morning transfer to airport to catch flight for Leh. On arrival at Leh transfer to hotel for relax and acclimatisation. This is necessary at Leh. Overnight stay at hotel. Leh: Leh is the fascinating capital of the Autonomous Hill Council of Ladakh, also known as Little Tibet. The important monasteries to visit in and around Leh are Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, Spituk, Shakar as well as the Shanti Stupa, Stok Palace and main Bazaar. The Leh palace dominating the town was the former home of the Namgyal Dynasty. The monastic festivals are very popular and Hemis, Phyang and Lamayuru festivals in summer are visited by lot of tourists who throng to see the Cham Dances.
Day 2 Leh Local Sightseeing
Full day sight seeing at Leh covering Hemis, Shey and Thiksey Monastery.
Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17Th century AD.Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha
Tsomoriri Lake Trek
statue inside the Dresthang Gompa.
Thiksey Gompa, close to Shey is about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order.
Hemis, about 45 kms south of Leh it is one of the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh. It belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17Th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls. Overnight stay at the guest house.
Day 3 Leh - Khardung La - Leh
n the morning drive for the Khardung - La Pass. This is the ultimate challenge of the trip. It is the highest motorable road in the world taking you to a dizzy 5,600m! The view from the top is spectacular, stretching from the Indus valley in the South over the endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range to the giants of the Sesser Massif in the North. You can feel proud of a true achievement as you finish the trip with your final satisfying descent. Evening back to Leh for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 Leh - Rumtse (4000 mts/13120 ft)
rek to Kyamar (4420 m) in 4 h. We stop at Hemis to visit its monastery, one of the largest and most important of Ladakh. Later, we will continue to Rumtse, where the trek starts. We enter a magnificent and vast area, where the Changpas - nomadic herders take their yak to pasture. We follow the ancient salt along the green Kyamar valley.
Day 5 Kyamar - Kumur La (4770 mts/14990 ft) - Tisaling (4805 mts/15760 ft) 5 -6 hrs
We start through beautiful color gorge towards Chorten Sumda. Easy walk for one hour then ascend towards Kumur La. From the top one can see the beautiful view of the chain of Kangyatse and the chain of Indus valley.
Day 6 Tisaling - Shibuk La (4875 mts/15990 ft) - Pangunagu (4800 mts/15744 ft) 5 hrs
From the pass we get a panoramic view of the Tsokar Lake (4400 mts/14432 ft) and the Rupshu valley. Then descend towards the lake, from witch the nomads collect some salt. We will camp near the winter camp of nomad people of Chanthang.
Day 7 Pangunagu - Nuruchan (4630 mts/15187 ft)5 hrs
Today we have an easy trek along the lake. On the way one can see many birds and Wild ass (Kyang) of Ladakh and Tibet plateau. At the end of the lake the trail goes right and enter the Nuruchan village.
Day 8 Nuruchan - Horlam Kongka La (4900 mts/16072 ft) - Kyamayuri La (5 410 mts/17745 ft) - Gyamabarma (4950 mts/16236 ft) 6 hrs
This is a high altitude route and we will cross two passes around 4900 m.
Day 9 Gyamabarma - Yalung Nyau La (5440 mts/17844 ft) - Karzok (4550 mts/14925 ft) 6 hrs
Trek over the Yalung Nyau La to Korzok, on the northwestern
Tsomoriri Lake Trekking
shore of Tso Moriri, the "Mountain Lake". We visit the Korzok monastery. Camp by the lake.
Day 10 Karzok - Kyangdam (4550 mts/14924 ft) in 6 h 30.
Walk along the western shore of Tsomoriri to Kyangdam, an expansive grassland on the southern shore
Day 11 Kyangdam - Narbu Sumdo (4450 mts/14924 ft) 6 h.
After crossing the river, the trail climbs up for a while and enter the Parang Chu valley.
Day 12 Narbu Sumdo - Parang Chu 1 (4850 mts/15910 ft) 5 hrs
We gradually ascend the Prang Chu valley, on the right bank of the river.
Day 13 Parang Chu 1 - Parang Chu 2 (5000 mts/16400 ft) 5-6 hrs
The trail passes through a narrow gorge involving many ascents and descents to the side valleys and streams
Day 14 Parang Chu 2 - Parang La (5500 mts/18040 ft) - Jugstok (4800 mts/15744 ft) 7 hrs
fter the frontal moraine of the Parang glacier, the trail continues on the opposite bank, thorough a mass of fallen rocks. After making our way over a few patches of snow, we climb gradually up to Parang La. The top of this Pass presents spectacular viewpoints of the peaks and ranges of Lahaul and Ladakh. The Parang Chu, whose source is on the southern slopes of Parang La, can be seen below.
Day 15 Jugstok - Kibar (4205 mts) 7 hrs
Steep descend towards the Sampa Lungpa valley. After crossing a little pass, the Thaltak La (4600 m), one can see towards Parilungbi in the Lingti Valley and Shilla. We soon reach the little hamlet of Dumla, a tiny green oasis, then Kibar, which is the highest village in the world.
Day 16 Kibar - Tabo (3050 mts/)
Transfer by taxi, along the Spiti River (60 Km - 4 h). We reach Kyi in less than 3 hours and have all afternoon to explore this fascinating village and the jumble of the white buildings that is the Gompa, perched high on a rocky hill above the village. Afterwards, we visit the Tabo monastery, one of the most important Gompas, not just in Spiti but in the whole Tibetan Buddhist world. There is also a modern Gompa and a painting school founded by the Dalai Lama.
Day 17 Tabo - Kyato. Transfer by taxi.
On Arrival at Tabo and transfer to Kyato by Taxi.
Day 18 Kyato - Kunzum La (4590 mts/15056 ft) - Rohtang La (3980 mts/13055 ft) - Manali
Transfer by taxi. This is quite long drive, about 8 to 9 hours. We will cross two passes split by the Chandra valley. On arrival transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 19 Manali - Delhi
After breakfast visit old Manali, Hadimba temple and Vashisht village. In the evening drive to Delhi by AC Volvo coach. Overnight journey.
Day 20 Delhi
Arrival at Delhi by morning and from here drive to hotel for relax. In the evening transfer to airport to catch onwards flight.
Cost include • Accommodation: At Leh, Manali & Kaza: Hotel with bed & breakfast basis. While on trek dome/alpine tent, carry mat, kitchen tent, dining tent, camping stool, table etc will be provided.
• Transport: All road transfer according to itinerary.
• Meals: At Manali, Leh & Kaza - only breakfast will serve. While on trek all meals will be freshly prepared and will be a mix of Indian, Chinese & Continental.
• Mules/Porters: For carrying camping equipment, rations, vegetables and some amount of personal gear of the clients (one bag not weighing more than 15 kgs).
• Professional trekking guide & cook would accompany you.
• Trekking & camping fees
Cost does not includes • Air fare
• Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
• Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
• Entrée fee if any
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
• Any meals/services not mentioned above
• Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
• Travel insurance
Day 1 Delhi - Leh (3500 mts/11480 ft)
Day 2 Leh Local Sightseeing
Day 5 Kyamar - Kumur La (4770 mts/14990 ft) - Tisaling (4805 mts/15760 ft) 5 -6 hrs 
