Rupshu is a high altitude desert in the middle of the Himalayas on the Tibetan borderland.  Previously closed to visitors, this region offers some of the most amazing scenery to be found in Ladakh.  Lying behind the great Himalayan range, which blocks  the rain-carrying winds, this moon-like region has very few inhabitants.  The harshness of the topography is reflected in their simple lives.  The all-pervading Buddhist influence mixed with the ancient “animistic” Bon religion and their Tibetan features lends them a distinct look belonging to medieval times.

The trip begins with a two-day drive from the verdant Kulu valley across two high passes deep into the easternmost part of Ladakh, followed by an 11-day trek through the heart of Rupshu, finally ending in the Indus valley near Leh.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA

Day 2: En route to Delhi.

Day 3:  Arrive Delhi and connect on the group flight to Kulu. Met on arrival and transferred to Manali in the foothills of the Himalaya. 

Day 4:  Today we will enjoy a short hike and free time, as we acclimate to the 6,324 feet altitude of Manali.

Day 5: Departing Manali drive over the Rothang La at 13,050 feet and enter the barren Lahaul valley.  Following  the Chandra river we will arrive at our accommodations for the night in Jispa.

Day 6:  Today we follow the Bhaga upstream to its source at Baralacha La (16,020 ft.) Wonderful views of snow-capped mountains are revealed as we travel to the pass before descending to our campsite at the trailhead (13,000 ft.). 

Day 7: Acclimitazation day as take day hikes from camp,  We will overnight at our Sarchu campsite.

Days 8 & 9:  We will spend two days trekking towards the base of Morang La (15,087 ft.). 

Day 10: A tough day as we hike over Morang La (17,384 ft.) before descending into a narrow valley leading to a beautiful plateau before entering the Zara-chu Valley and the quaint village of Lun.

Day 11: Our day's hike takes us past many small villages and Tibetan nomads with herds of cattle. We camp by the summer settlement of Lungmoche (14,924 ft.).

Day 12: Reaching the top of Yar La (16,236 ft.) reveals fantastic views of the Rupshu. We continue our descent to enter the Dat-chu Valley and hike to the village of Dat (13,776 ft.).

Day 13: Today, passing mani walls and chortens, we follow the broad Dat Valley into another, narrowing valley. The stream close by our trail meets with the Sorra-chu to form the Chang-chu or Khurna, a major tributary of the Zanskar River. We will follow the Sorra-chu into a valley of wonderful, wooded gorges and make our way up to the summer village of Sorra where camp is set for the night.

Day 14: Leaving the campsite at Sorra, we will walk for approximately 3-4 hours before reaching a valley that leads over the Rubering La to Zangla, the ancient capital of Zanskar. We will leave the valley floor and make a short, steep climb up to the ridge leading to Zalung Karpo La (16,728 ft.) which affords great views of the mountains towards the north. We will overnight in the valley of Langtang-chu, where there are several campsites.

Day 15:  Today is a rest day at Langtang-chu.

Day 16: Today we will leave Langtang-chu, destined for the twin villages of Hankar. We will follow the river downstream as it opens up onto green fields, passing many shepherd settlements. Today's journey involves several river crossings and leads us to the villages where the Langtang-chu joins the Markha river. Betweeen the two villages is a ruined fort, its walls rise steeply up a crag to a lookout tower. Overnight in camp.

Day 17: From Hankar, the trail climbs steadily up the narrowing valley, passing small villages along the way. The Nimaling plain is a broad, undulating meadow, sloping upwards to the base of the ice-clad Kang Yurze, which dominates the area. In summertime, when tiny ponds and rivulets flow throughout its meadow, Nimaling provides rich pasturage for an astonishing number of animals. Overnight in camp.

Day 18: Today we will cross to the north of the Markha, and begin our climb to Kangmaru La (17,409 ft.) where we will enjoy the magnificent panorama visible from this lofty pass. The trail then descends steeply to the head of the Martselang valley, past the sulphur springs of Chyuskarmo, and follows the Marselang stream to the village of Shang-Sumdo located at the confluence of the Shang and Martselang nalas. We will camp here for the night.

Day 19:  Today we will have an easy descent - for the most part, following the true left bank of the Martselang to where it broadens into the Indus Valley at the village of Martselang. A possible side trip of 2-3 hours could be made to Hemis gompa, the richest and most important monastery in Ladakh. Transport will be waiting at Martselang for the 1-hour drive on to Leh, with its winding streets and bustling bazaars.

Day 20:  Take this opportunity to enjoy a tour around town. Leh is very Tibetan; the national dress, 'stove-pipe' hats and felt boots with turned-up toes, is much in evidence. The 16th-century Royal Palace dominates the town, and its architectural style is reminiscent of the Potala in Lhasa. In the summer there are often polo matches at the polo ground in the old part of town.  Overnight at our hotel.

Day 21:  An early morning flight brings us back to Delhi. During our flight, weather permitting, there are stunning views of the Himalayas.  On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel.  In the afternoon you are encouraged to explore the many and varied sights of New and Old Delhi.  In the evening we will gather to celebrate our travels with a sumptuous farewell dinner.

Day 22:   We have the morning in Delhi to shop, relax, or do some more sightseeing, (this day also works as a back-up day in case the flight from Leh did not operate on day 21, due to bad weather).  After dinner we depart for Delhi airport and our flight back to the USA.

Day 23:  Arrive USA

Call us toll free at 1-800 MY INDIA (1-800-694-6342) or email us to request a detailed day-to-day itinerary.