An excellent straightforward climb with awesome views of the surrounding peaks and the Tso-Morari Lake. It is a great objective for fit trekkers without any climbing experience. Although the ascent is not difficult, but thin air make it quite challenging."
| Destination : | Mentok Kangri Expedition – With Rumtse To Tsomoriri |
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| Group-Size : | 1-20 |
| Maximum Altitude : | 5555 mtrs. |
| Best Season : | All Around the year |
| Grade Info : | Medium |
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| Transportation : | Jeep or Bus and Aeroplane. |
| Total Days : | 16 Days |
| Walking Hour : | 5 to 6 Hours Daily |
Arrive at Airport over representative at there after that we move towards hotel serve welcome tea ,. A day of complete rest to acclimatize to the arid high altitude of Leh (3100 mts). Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
After leisurely breakfast we leave with our pack lunch to visit three most important monasteries of Ladakh - Hemis Gompa, Thiksey Gompa and Shey Palace. Hemis is one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries in Ladakh and houses about 150 monks; it also stages the annual Hemis festival. The Gompa, nestled in a gorge and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, was built in the 18th century and houses a wide range of beautiful frescoes, thankas, Buddha statues and an excellent library. On the way back to Leh, we visit the superbly situated, 16th century, Thiksey Gompa, which is perched on a hill top. The Gompa houses an important collection of Tibetan-style books, a huge Buddha statue and some excellent works of art. Last stop is the ruined Shey Palace, once the summer palace of the pre-Tibetan kings. The palace monastery houses a large, bronze, blue haired Buddha statue. Back to Leh hotel for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, we drive along the main Indus Valley to Rumtse village (4300 M) which we reach after a scenic drive of almost 80 kilometres (3hrs.). Enroute, we pass through amazing Ladakhi scenery, with huge rock walls towering on either side of the road. After unloading at Rumtse, we trek few kms/ less then 1hr. to a camping place situated on the river.
On this first day, we start out with a lovely walk on a well defined path to a camp at the foot of the Kyamar La (4925 M). The route takes us through pleasant pastures, with several small river crossings. This is an area much used by nomadic shepherds and we will get used to seeing their tented camps, surrounded by herds of sheep. We set up camp on the grazing ground of Kyamar (4380 M). 5 to 6 hours trekking.
After breakfast ascend to the Kyamar La (4925 M) from where there are beautiful views of the Zanskar range, and towards north high plateau of the Chang Tang. We descend on grassy slopes to Tiri Doksa, a temporary shepherding settlement and then continue to a stream, beyond which we trek up to the low col of the Mandalachan La (4805 M). Descend to camp at Tisaling (4720 M) about 6hrs trek.
After breakfast we start our long day trek over the Thasang La (5030 M) from the top we will have fine views of Tso Kar Lake. We desend gradually to the shores of this brackish salt water lake, we find ourselves in an area where there are lots of nomad camps. Flocks of sheep and goats and small herds of yaks are scattered across the pastures, as are the nomads’ tents. Walking around the lake, we set up camp at Phongponagu (4430 M), a place which is well known for sighting Tibetan wild asses (kyangs), ibex, marmots and several species of migratory birds. 7 to 8 hours trekking.
Today after breakfast we walk about 02 hrs to visit small nomad village & its monastery on the mountain side. Later walk close to to the lake to see the wildlife around. Later after lunch walk back to camp for overnight.
Today after breakfast we star relatively easy trek , as we cross open plains, looking out for the distinctive and very robust kyangs amongst the occasional groups of livestock. It takes 4 to 5 hours to reach our overnight halt on the pastures of Nuruchan. This is a high and wild part of the world, inhabited by rare blue sheep (bharal) and also wolves. Camp for overnight.
After breakfast continue our trek towards Tso Morari. We climb gently to the Nuruchan La (4750 M) and drop down into another herding area. We aim to reach our camp at Rachungkaru early afternoon and have the afternoon to unwind. 4 hrs trek.
Another hard day, as we cross passes of Kyamaru La (5200 M) and the Gyabarma La (5175 M). Even though we are by now well – acclimatised, trekking at this altitude always feels quite tough. Camp is on the pastures at Gyabarma at a height of around 5000 metres. About 7 to 8 hrs. trek.
Today after breakfast we cross the higest pass (Yalung Nyau La /5300 M). on the trek to reach Tso Morari. Beyond an initial ridge at 5150 metres, we drop into a broad valley to begin the easy climb to the pass. At the crest of the pass, there are breath-taking views of the blue expanse of Tso Morari and its backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The long descent to Karzok Dok takes about 4 hours.
After breakfats we trek along the beautiful lake and after 3/4 hours we reach the very picturesque lakeside village of Karzok (4350mts)., with a dozen or so houses and a gompa appearing like a mirage among the barren hills. This is the only permanent settlement in Rupshu, otherwise the region is only inhabited by the nomadic Chang Pa heard people, who move with their Yaks and cattle to high pastures. Afternoon We explore this area and lake, which supports Kayang (the wild ass of Tibet), marmots, hares, and tailless rats. We may also see blue sheep, if we are lucky, we may even spot a snow Leopard. The lake is the breeding grounds for numerous species of birds, including the Bareheaded Goose, great crested grebe, brahmini duck, brown headed gull .
After breakfast we trek gradually to the Base camp of Mentok at 5420mts, about 5/6hrs trek. We fix our camp for three nights.
Our summit day begins before dawn, to give us ample time for the climb. It is most likely that we do not need our crampons for the most part as we scramble over scree and boulders, which lead up to the top. Most of the ridge is like a steep path, so ropes are not usually necessary, although some scrambling is required. At an altitude approaching 6000mts it is extremely tiring and anybody who needs a rope will be able to use one. The summit is a superb reward for your effort, giving magnificent views in every direction. we return all the way back to base camp,. The evening meal will be accompanied by a wee dram to celebrate the occasion!
After early breakfast we trek back to road head at karzok, where our jeeps will be waiting to drive us Leh the capital of Ladakh, the drive is long and bumpy via the beautiful village of Chumathang with the road snaking its way through gorges between the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. In the evening we arrive at Leh to comforts of Ladakhi style hotel for 3 nights.. About 4/5 hrs back to our camp at Rugyado Phu, cerebrations of this fascinating climb. Overnight in tents.
Travel The Ladakh thank you for your patronage and ensure a punctual transfer to Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward Destination.
In our extensive search for a company to lead a walking/hiking trip, our main criterion was to select the one that was least like a big organized tour and most like independent travel. We were definitely successful in our selection.
A truly unforgettable experience! Your attention to detail and careful consideration of the hikers’ needs and desires was very impressive, not to mention the enthusiasm generated by leaders who have a real affinity for the mountains.
Mountain Hiking Holidays is a gift that you have given the world and you have given the world to us.
