Tsomoriri Lake Overview: Truly remote, this area is only accessible 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 will take us across these passes to their summer settlements to witness a unique human culture, far away from the reaches of the modern world. The itinerary then goes south towards Spiti, following the western bank of the lake. The scenery is wild and vast with snow-capped peaks lining the far horizon. The trek ends at Tabo, famous for its monastery.

Highest Altitude: 5224m Total no. of days: 7 days Grade: moderate

Duration: 8 Day 7 Nights Day 1:Delhi/Leh:flight for Leh(3500 m ), the capital of Ladakh and is situated on the banks of the river Indus. Arrive Leh and transfer to hotel. Day rest for acclimatization. Overnight stay at hotel. Day 2:Leh/Chumathang:Car/Jeep: Morning after breakfast drive to the hot water spring at Chumathang(3965 m) by covering 140 kms in 4 hrs. Overnight stay in tents. Day 3:Chumathang/Tsomoriri:Car/Jeep: Morning leave camp by crossing over Maya bridge and drive upto Tsomoriri(4555 m) through Puga Valley by covering 80 kms in 3 hrs. This valley, approx 25 km from Tsomoriri is known for its sulphur and borax deposits. Arrive for overnight stay in tents. Day 4:Tsomoriri:Full day excursion around Lake and Karzok monastery which belongs to the yellow sect. Tsomoriri or "Mountain Lake" is situated in the middle of the elevated valley of Rupshu surrounded by 6000 m peaks which completely surrounds the lake. This valley is inhabited by a small scattered population of "Changpas" nomadic shepherds who also engage in trade and work in caravans in Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti. The Area is rich in wildlife including the "Kyang" (wild ass), red fox and the rare, highly endangered, snow leopard. Black necked cranes and geese flock to the lakeside for breeding during the summer months. Also visit the 350 years old Karzok monastery which has about 33 resident monks. Overnight stay in tents. Day5:Tsomoriri/Hemis:Car/Jeep: Morning drive to Tsokar by covering 120 kms. in 4 hrs. Tsokar Lake is approximately 45 kms northwest of the Tsomoriri Lake at a height of 4485 m. It is also called "White Lake" because of salt deposited around it. Since these are all drainage basins with no outlet their water is brackish. The water of Tsokar is so salty that salt is procured from its banks and sold all over Ladakh and Kashmir by the Rupsu Chang. Tsokar is partly fade by a channel from a smaller fresh water lake. All the lakes are breeding grounds for a variety of birds among them the bar-headed goose, the great crested grebe, the brahmin duck and the brown headed gull. Drive to Hemis via Tanglang La (5224 m), about 75 kms from Tsokar. Overnight stay in tents. Day 6:Hemis/Leh:Car/Jeep: Morning visit the Hemis Monastery for sighseeing. After lunch drive to Leh by covering 150

kms in 5 hrs enroute visiting Thiksey and Shey Monasteries. Arrive Leh and check into hotel for overnight stay. Day 7:Leh/Delhi:flight to delhi.