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The area traversed by the Manali-Leh road and containing the
drainage basins of Tso-moriri and other lakes is known as Rupshu. Here, the
Zanskar range is transformed into bare rolling many-hued hills divided by open
high altitude valley. It is a landscape unlike any other in Ladakh or elsewhere
in India.
From Leh, we drive about 70 kms on the Leh - Manali road to Rumtse, the starting
point of our trek. Rupshu Valley lies sandwiched between Ladakh in the north,
Tibet in the east and Zanskar in the west. It is a part of the Changthang
plateau and is characterized by high arid plains, remote villages, snow-capped
peaks and beautiful high altitude azure-blue lakes, the largest being Tso Moriri
at 4.500 m.
Truly remote, this area is accessible only for a few months every summer and is
inhabited by Changpas - nomadic yak and pashmina goat herders of Tibetan origin,
who wander this area crossing over high altitude mountain passes. Our trek takes
us across these passes to their summer settlements to witness a unique human
culture, far away from the reaches of the modern world. The scenery is wild and
vast with snow capped peaks lining the far horizon and the area is also home to
some rare wildlife like Kyang, Blue sheep, Ibex and the famous Himalayan snow
leopard.
The final leg of our trek leads us over a high mountain pass to the shores of
beautiful Tso Moriri Lake. Surrounded by over 6,000m high snowcapped peaks, this
lake is alive with an abundance of very rare migratory birds. The trek ends at
the enchanting Tso Moriri and from here we can transfer
to Leh or continue to Kibber in Spiti (see
Tosmoriri-Kibber).
1st Day : Rumtse - Kyamar (5 hrs)
Walk along the road till Tourist Bungalow and turn to right and walk through the
Bungalow. From where a small trail leads towards to valley passing through
abandoned army huts. Finally it reaches near the river coming from the right.
Cross the river and enter into the valley though a rough motorable road. After
walking for a few minutes cross the river to the left and walk in the same
direction. Cross another tributaries coming from the right side. Walking through
the same valley sometimes it narrows and widens. Finally it turns to the north
and the Camp site is next to shepherds place.
2nd Day: Kyamar - Tisaling via Kyumur La - Mandalchan La (5-6 hrs)
After a few minutes walk from the Campsite the ascent of Kyumur-la (Kyamri-la
5.180 m)starts its
easy but very long way to reach the top. There beautiful flowers on the way.
From the top of the pass the trail divides into two one goes to your left which
leads towards Tsokar but one day longer. You can take the trail falls on your
right, which goes down to the stream and start climbing another pass across the
stream. There is no trail to be seen for sometimes but after few minutes a clear
trail leads you to the top of Mandalchan-la (4996m). The trail goes further up
and then steep down to a beautiful area called Tisaling. Pitch your tent here.
3rd Day: Tisaling - Pangunagu via ShibukLa (6 hrs)
Today you have to cross Shibuk-la (5.130m)a near the camp site. There is hill saddle, so
you have cross right saddle. As soon as you come on the top of the pass you can
have view of Tsokar Lake. Walk down the to the Tsokar Lake through an
easy descent to the Lake, as soon as you finish the gorge walk from the hill as
the campsite is just behind the hill.
4th Day: Pangunagu - Nuruchan (05 hrs)
Today it's an easy walk along the Lake. Walk towards east through the motorable
road and take the same direction from the end of Stupa along the road. After
sometimes you can have view of agriculture field. And the Campsite is just next
to the field near the river.
5th Day: Nuruchan - Rachungkaru via Dundunchanla (5 hrs)
An easy ascend to the pass takes around 1 hours 30 minutes. The trail turns
towards north-east just after the pass through a valley. The camp site is across
the river at the base of the pass.
6th Day: Rachungkaru to Gyamalhoma (7 hrs)
Start climbing the Kyamayur-la (5125m) which takes around 2 hrs at average speed.
The last climb is the tiring one. After the pass the trail leads towards
north-east and at the end of the valley trail starts ascending another small
pass called Gyama La (5100m) from where you can have views of Peaks. Walk down
towards north-east and cross the small river and the Gyama lhoma is reached
after another river crossing which is also a base for Krzok pass.
7th Day: Gyamalhoma - Korzok (Tsomoriri Lake)
Start an easy ascent to the Korzok pass along the stream. It takes around 2 hrs
to reach the top from where you cab have the wonderful view of the Lake. Then steep down to Korzok village. You can also camp at Korzok Phu where nomad camps
are located, around one hour before the lake if you have extra days. |
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