Tso Kar Lake Trek: A Remote and Tranquil Adventure in Ladakh
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About the Tour
The Tso Kar Lake Trek offers trekkers an opportunity to explore one of Ladakh’s most isolated and beautiful regions. Tso Kar Lake, often referred to as the “White Lake” due to its saltwater, is a hidden gem nestled amidst the high-altitude desert landscapes. The trek takes you through the barren yet stunning terrain of the Rupshu Valley, where the contrast of snow-capped peaks and shimmering salt lakes offers a surreal experience. This trek is ideal for those seeking solitude, natural beauty, and a true adventure in Ladakh.
Tour Details
- Region: Ladakh
- Altitude: 4,500 meters (14,764 feet)
- Duration: 6-7 Days
- Trek Distance: 40-50 km
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- Temperature: Day: 5°C to 15°C | Night: -5°C to -10°C
- Start & End Point: Leh
Tour Challenges
- High-altitude trek with a maximum altitude of 4,500 meters.
- Rugged and challenging terrain with some steep ascents.
- Cold temperatures during the nights, especially at the lake campsite.
- Requires physical endurance for moderate to long trekking days.
Tour Facilities
- Professional guides and support staff for safety and navigation.
- Camping arrangements with comfortable tents and sleeping bags.
- Healthy vegetarian meals prepared by expert trek chefs.
- Oxygen support, medical kits, and emergency evacuation services.
Food
- Vegetarian meals are provided to fuel your trek.
- Breakfast: Porridge, eggs, toast, tea/coffee.
- Lunch: Rice, dal, vegetables, chapati.
- Dinner: Soup, rice, vegetables, dessert.
Who Can Participate?
- Moderate fitness level required for trekking in rugged terrain.
- Age limit: 18 years and above.
- Ideal for trekkers with some high-altitude trekking experience.
- Not suitable for those with respiratory or heart conditions.
How to Reach Leh?
Meeting Point: Leh
Nearest Airport:
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh (flights available from Delhi, Srinagar, and other major cities).
Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station is Jammu, approximately 700 km from Leh.
By Road:
Leh is accessible by road from Manali (via Rohtang Pass) and Srinagar (via Zoji La Pass).
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Information
- Pick-Up Point: Leh (from the airport or bus station).
- Drop-Off Point: Leh (airport or bus station).
Latitude and Longitude
- Latitude: 33.9982° N
- Longitude: 78.3163° E
Key Highlights
- Explore the pristine and remote Tso Kar Lake, known for its saltwater and surreal landscapes.
- Traverse through the Rupshu Valley, one of Ladakh’s most isolated regions.
- Experience the tranquility of high-altitude desert landscapes.
- Discover the beauty of Ladakhi culture through its remote villages.
- Enjoy a physically engaging trek with panoramic views of the Zanskar Range.
Join the Tso Kar Lake Trek for an unforgettable adventure in Ladakh’s hidden wilderness!
Included/Exclude
Inclusions in the Tour Package
- Accommodation: Camps (Sharing Camp for two people), Home Stay.
- Guides & Support Staff: Qualified & experienced Trek Leader, Guide, and Support staff to assist trekkers.
- Sleeping Gear: Sleeping Bags.
- Meals: All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner – only vegetarian).
- Permits & Fees: Trekking Permits and Forest Fees.
- Trekking Equipment: Tent, Mattress, Sleeping Bag, Dining & Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Cooking Utensils, and Crampons (if required).
- Medical Assistance: First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
- Guide & Support Staff Expenses: Guide Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Potters: Potters will carry only trekking equipment.
- Potter's Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Kitchen Staff: Included for cooking and meal preparation.
- Kitchen Staff Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Cook: Responsible for preparing meals.
- Cook's Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Transportation: As per the trek itinerary.
Exclusions in the Tour Package
- Any other facilities that are not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Potters for carrying your personal luggage.
- Extra meals like lunch during the journey by cab and stay at hotels (lunch is only provided during the trek).
- Personal expenses such as Water Bottles, Laundry, Phone Calls, etc.
- Insurance.
- Gaiters.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under "Inclusions."
Tour Amenities
Certified Trek Leader
Hassle-Free Permits
Warm Meals, Always
Itinerary
Overview
Altitude: 3,500 meters / 11,500 feet
Detailed Plan
- Arrive in Leh, the capital of Ladakh.
- Transfer to a hotel for check-in.
- Rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.
- Overnight stay in Leh.
Overview
Activity: Local sightseeing and acclimatization
Detailed Plan
- Visit local monasteries such as Thiksey and Shey.
- Explore the Leh market and surroundings.
- Overnight stay in Leh.
Overview
Drive Distance: 76 km
Drive Time: 3 hours
Trek Distance: 13 km
Trek Time: 6 hours
Starting Altitude: 3,500 meters / 11,500 feet
Ending Altitude: 4,480 meters / 14,714 feet
Detailed Plan
- Drive from Leh to Rumtse village.
- Begin the trek from Rumtse to Kyamar.
- Walk through the Changthang plateau, observing unique landscapes.
- Set up camp in Kyamar.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Trek Distance: 15 km
Trek Time: 8-9 hours
Starting Altitude: 4,480 meters / 14,714 feet
Kyamar La Altitude: 5,090 meters / 16,700 feet
Mandalchan La Altitude: 5,175 meters / 16,976 feet
Ending Altitude: 4,990 meters / 16,378 feet
Detailed Plan
- Ascend to Kyamar La pass.
- Descend and then climb to Mandalchan La pass.
- Observe panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
- Descend to Tisaling and set up camp.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Trek Distance: 15 km
Trek Time: 6-7 hours
Starting Altitude: 4,990 meters / 16,378 feet
Shibuk La Altitude: 5,260 meters / 17,248 feet
Ending Altitude: 4,550 meters / 14,922 feet
Detailed Plan
- Cross Shibuk La pass.
- Descend towards the Tso Kar basin.
- Set up camp near Tso Kar Lake at Ponganagu.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Trek Distance: 16 km
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Starting Altitude: 4,550 meters / 14,922 feet
Ending Altitude: 4,650 meters / 15,254 feet
Detailed Plan
- Trek through the vast Changthang plateau.
- Observe local wildlife and nomadic settlements.
- Arrive at Nuruchan and set up camp.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Trek Distance: 12 km
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Starting Altitude: 4,650 meters / 15,254 feet
Horlam Kongka La Altitude: 4,900 meters / 16,076 feet
Ending Altitude: 4,750 meters / 15,584 feet
Detailed Plan
- Cross the Horlam Kongka La pass.
- Trek through vast grasslands and nomadic pastures.
- Arrive at Rajung Karu and set up camp.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Trek Distance: 12 km
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Starting Altitude: 4,750 meters / 15,584 feet
Kyamayuri La Altitude: 5,400 meters / 17,716 feet
Ending Altitude: 4,950 meters / 16,240 feet
Detailed Plan
- Ascend to Kyamayuri La, one of the highest passes of the trek.
- Witness spectacular views of the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges.
- Descend to Gyama and set up camp.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Trek Distance: 14 km
Trek Time: 6-7 hours
Starting Altitude: 4,950 meters / 16,240 feet
Yalung Nyau La Altitude: 5,400 meters / 17,716 feet
Ending Altitude: 4,600 meters / 15,092 feet
Detailed Plan
- Cross the final pass, Yalung Nyau La.
- Descend towards Korzok village, located near Tso Moriri Lake.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Tso Moriri, Ladakh’s largest high-altitude lake.
- Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Korzok.
Overview
Drive Distance: 220 km
Drive Time: 7-8 hours
Detailed Plan
- Drive back to Leh via Chumathang, famous for its hot springs.
- Enjoy the scenic landscapes en route.
- Arrive in Leh and check into a hotel.
- Overnight stay in Leh.
Overview
Activity: Return journey
Detailed Plan
- Depart from Leh via flight or road.
- Take back unforgettable memories of Ladakh’s stunning landscapes.
Important Notes
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal season is June to September when the weather is stable.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging – Requires good fitness due to high altitude and long trekking days.
- Weather Conditions: Day temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, while nights can drop to -5°C or lower.
- Permits: Inner Line Permits are required for this trek, available in Leh.
- Network Connectivity: Limited to no network after Leh.
- Essential Gear: Trekking boots, layered clothing, gloves, sunglasses, and a sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures.
- Eco-Friendly Trek: Follow the Leave No Trace principles – carry all waste back and respect nature.
