Lungser Kangri provides a real trekking adventure to high altitude in the remote East of Ladakh with its beautiful turquoise lakes such as Tso Moriri, the largest. The trip combines a stunning trek over high passes with the ascent of a true trekking peak at 6662m. From a base camp above the lake, the peak is climbed via two camps and a long summit day giving views into Tibet and across the lands of the nomadic herders. This trek provides a tough but non technical challenge in a beautiful part of the world.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Days 1/2Depart UK, arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from the flight or for individual exploration of Delhi.

Day 3In the early morning we transfer to the domestic terminal for the highly spectacular flight over the Himalaya to Leh. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude.

Day 4 Today we will have an acclimatisation walk round the Leh Valley, visiting the ruins of the Old Royal Palace, the Tsemo Monastery and the recently built Japanese Peace Pagoda. All the while we have stunning views of the town and the Stok range of mountains across the valley.

Day 5 We continue our acclimatisation with a morning jeep ride up to the Khardung La (5380m), reputedly the world's highest motorable road. Panoramic views of the Zanskar range to the south and the Nubra Valley to the north reward us. We will take our time descending, stopping about half way down for a picnic and a walk at around 4500m.

Day 6 Today we leave Leh and head out on the road to Manali to our trekking area, visiting the monasteries of Tikse (the mini Potala) and Hemis. We leave the mighty Indus valley at Upshi, and climb up past Meru to Rumtse where we make our first camp and meet the team that will be supporting us on the trek.

Day 7 A gentle walk up the valley today, which in spite of the easy gradients will feel hard simply because we are so high! We pass through pastures where the nomads have set up camp for the summer months, pass the seasonal huts at Chorten Sumdo to a lovely campsite below our first major pass. 5 hours walking.

Day 8 The ascent to the Kyamri La (5180m) may be gentle but will provide a stiff challenge due to the altitude. We should reach the pass in a couple of hours, and rest a while to enjoy extensive views across the Zanskar range and the Changtang plateau. We descend to a stream for lunch, and after crossing an intermediary spur ascent to the second pass of the day, the Mandalchan La (5170m) and descend to Tisaling. 7 to 8 hours walking.

Day 9 Gentle slopes lead up to the Shingbuk La (5230m) from where we look across to the TsoKar (salt lake) towards which we are heading. We descend to the plateau, again dotted with domestic flocks of goats, sheep and yaks and also home to wild asses (Kiang), marmots and Ibex. We continue across to make camp near the village, regional headquarters and small gompa at Thugje. 7 hours walking.

Day 10 Nowadays many of the local nomads have shunned the traditional pack animal to transport their homes in favour of a vehicle (well - wouldn't you?), so the plateau is now crossed with dirt roads. Today we follow the vehicle tracks (which stick to firm ground) past the lake and veer eastwards. Easy walking and a chance to concentrate on the wild desolate surroundings. Very little ascent or descent today. 5 hours walking.

Day 11 The road rises gently to the Polo Kongka La (4970m) and just beyond the pass we branch off to the south, contouring around the slopes but gently gaining height again to reach a fine campsite at NagpoGozing. 5 hours walking.

Day 12 We cross the broad Nakpo Gozing La (5270m), and a short way beyond here we get our first views of Tso Moriri, the smaller Tso Kyagar and the twin summits of Chamser and Lungser Kangri. We head down crossing rivers to Tsakshang for the night. 7 hours walking.

Day 13 Again, with no suitable alternative, we follow the dirt road down to the northern tip of the TsoMoriri, and then along its east shore the settlement of Skyurchu. As we head nearer and nearer to our goal of LungserKangri, our guides will be able to indicate our ascent route. At Skyurchu we are treated with fresh food supplies. 5 to 6 hours walking.

Days 14/19 Lungser Kangri ascent. We allow 6 days for the ascent of Lungser Kangri, returning to Syurchu. Our first camp is the base camp for Chamser Kangri, after which we cross a ridge at 5930m before descending to the Lungser Kangri BC. A day is spent here acclimatising before moving up to high camp (6200m) on the col between the two mountains, from where we attempt the summit. We can expect to be on snow anywhere above Base Camp. Summit day can be long (10 to 12 hours).

Day 20We drive back to Leh (initially on rough dirt roads until we reach the Indus Valley) and the luxury of a hot shower at our hotel. We should get to Leh mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is free for last minute sightseeing or shopping in the bazaars.

Days21/22 We fly to Delhi, with time for last minute shopping before transferring the international airport the following day for the flight home. Some flights home are overnight so you may not arrive back in the UK until Sunday.

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