Changthang Region
One of the most beautiful treks in Ladakh. This trek takes you through the Changthang region, a high-altitude plateau with unique landscapes and stunning lakes like Tso Kar and Tso Moriri.
What Makes This Trek Special
Home to the Changpa nomads with their pashmina goats and yaks. An exceptional trek, but demanding because of numerous high passes above 5,000m.
Trek Details
Duration: 7 days
Difficulty: Level 4
Distance: 98 km
Max Elevation: 5,435m
Elevation Gain/Loss: +3,002m / -2,690m
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Rumtse – Kyamar
- Time: 4 hours | Distance: 10.9 km
- Follow the old salt road through landscapes different from the rest of Ladakh
Day 2: Kyamar – Kyamar La – Mandalchan La – Tisaling
- Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 13.5 km
- Climb Kyamar La, enjoy views of Changthang region
- Cross Mandalchan La, descend to Tisaling
Day 3: Tisaling – Shibuk La – Ponganagu
- Time: 6 hours | Distance: 14.3 km
- Spectacular view of Tso Kar lake from Shibuk La pass
- Observe wildlife: migratory birds, kiang (wild asses), marmots, ibex
Day 4: Ponganagu – Nuruchan
- Time: 5-6 hours | Distance: 17.8 km
- Walk along west side of Tso Kar (the “white lake”)
- Spot black-necked cranes and brahmini ducks
Day 5: Nuruchan – Kyamayuri La – Gyamar Barma
- Time: 7-8 hours | Distance: 19.3 km
- Cross two passes: Horlam Kongka La and Kyamayuri La
- Meet nomad families with yaks, sheep, and goats
Day 6: Gyamar Barma – Kartse La – Gyamar
- Time: 3 hours | Distance: 5.7 km
- Cross Kartse La, descend to Gyamar valley at the foot of Yalung Nong
Day 7: Gyamar – Yalung Nyau La – Korzok
- Time: 5-6 hours | Distance: 16.3 km
- Cross Yalung Nyau La (highest pass of the trek)
- Great view of Tso Moriri lake from the top
- Descend to Korzok village on the bank of Tso Moriri
Day 8: Korzok – Tso Moriri Lake – Leh
- Drive back to Leh (7 hours, 215 km)