Highlights:
“Adventure around scenic plain on high plateau of Rupshu and Chantang
Explore the remote hidden corners of Ladakh scenic vast high valleys
Beautiful scenery of dramatic landscapes in the country of nomads dwellers
Exciting tour of Ladakh impressive monasteries around Leh town and beyond
Adventurous feat and climb to stunning high peak of Mentok Khang-Ri”
Overview
Rupshu Chantang Trek & Mentok Khang-Ri Climb, a great combination allows trekkers and adventurers to experience the beautiful Ladakh’s terrain. The adventure begins on arrival at Leh, the capital town of Ladakh, and falls within the Union Territory of India. One of the remote parts of northwest Indian Himalayas close to Himachal Pradesh and Jammu Kashmir.
A dramatic country to explore its wild plains and peaks of Ladakh, Leh a perfect ideal height at 3,500 m. For acclimatization as well to get familiarized with local immense interesting cultures of age-old heritage. Where one can enjoy visiting exciting places its colorful markets and old monasteries of religious, cultural importance.
Tour takes you beyond Ladakh to visit a magnificent Phyang Monastery,
a Buddhist monastery stands on top of a rocky hill. The Phyang Gompa built in the early 15th Century above the Fiang village offers grand views of surrounding valley landscapes. Before heading back to Leh, the tour takes you to Spituk Monastery, also known as Spituk Gompa or Pethup Gompa. Situated a mere distance of 8 km from Leh, it was founded in the 11th Century, where an annual religious event is held called Gustor Festival.
After an enjoyable tour in and around Leh, the drive leads to Rumtse, to start our adventure towards Rupshu Changtang valley. For adventurous climb of Mentok Kangri, as well visit of Stakna Monastery built by Drugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded by a Bhutanese scholar, saint Chosje Modzin in 16th Century, a beautiful valley by the Indus River.
Starting the adventure towards Rupshu and Chantang Valley for the climb of Mentok Khang-Ri Peak from Rumtse. Situated below Tanglang-La on Leh and Manali Highway, the route leads to cross high passes of Kyamar, Shibuk, and Kyamyuri-La. As the walk progresses heading towards Kartse and climbing Yalung Nyau-La of above 5,000 m passes to Korzok. The last village before the climb of Mentok Khang-Ri at 6, 253 m high, and then reaching the base camp.
Having rest day for acclimatization and practice climb, where our guide will brief and instruct all the techniques. Mentok Khang-Ri with adjoining three peaks all above 6,000 m high, the aim is to climb Mentok Kangri-II the highest peaks.
Mentok Khang-Ri peaks, located on high Rupshu and Chantang valley close to Tso Moriri Lake, the white-lake. Due to salt deposits on its shoreline, Mentok means a species of wild-flowers found in abundance around the area.
The climb of Mentok Khang-Ri, classified as PD + comes from the French and Swiss Alpine Climbing Classification System. The grade standard PD + means a straightforward climb with some technical skill required to reach on summit top.
We have allowed spare days, as well as added extra high camp to make the climb accessible to reach the summit. A climb of great endurance, start the ascent following the expert lead guide with the full support of main fixed ropes.
A steep haul encountering ice and snow ledges with a vertical ridge to tackle, as the climb finally reaches you on top. Enjoy the grand panorama of Chantang and Rupsu scenic valley with Moriri Lake down below and the snow peak range.
After a triumph on the summit of Mentok Khang-Ri, descend with care towards base camp. Feeling in high spirit, enjoy the walk to Korzok and visit the beautiful Tso Mori-Ri Lake before back to Leh. An exciting drive from Korzok across Chantang great plain following Indus River to Leh, then completing our great adventure.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival at Leh / Ladakh 3, 500 m Kushok Bakula Rimpoche
airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: A day in Leh for acclimatization and tour of Leh former
palace, Shanti Stupa overnight in View Point Hotel.
Day 03: At Leh tour of Phyang and Spituk Monastery and back to Leh – 05 hrs.
Day 04: Drive to Rumtse 4, 244 m visit Stakna Monastery -05 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Kyamar 4,538 m – 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Tishaling 4, 940 m via Kyamar-La 5, 071 m and Mandalchan-
La 5, 206 m-07 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Pangonagu 4, 654 m via Shibuk-La 5, 275 m -07 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to Nuruchan 4, 672 m, walk to Tsokar Lake -06 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to Gyama Barma 5, 089 m via Kyamayuri-La 5, 416 m-08 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Gyamar 5,161 m via Kartse-La 5, 388 m-05 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Korzok Village 4, 500 m via Yalung Nyau-La 5, 337 m-06 hrs.
Day 12: Trek from Korzok Dok to Mentok Base Camp 5, 250 m -04 hrs.
Day 13: At Mentok Base Camp acclimatization day preparation.
Day 14: Trek and climb to High Camp 5, 470 m – 03 hrs.
Day 15: Summit Mentok Khang-Ri at 6, 253 m, descend to Base Camp-07 hrs.
Day 16. Trek to Korzok 4, 500 m and visit Tso Mori-Ri Lake -05 hrs.
Day 17: Drive to Leh across Chang Tang Plains around Indus to Leh-07 hrs. Day 18. Fly Leh to Delhi for international connecting flight.
Best seasons for Rupshu Chantang Trek & Mentok Khang-Ri Climb:
The best time for this wonderful adventurous trek and climb is from late spring and early autumn seasons, from mid-April and May, as well during the monsoon time of June to mid-September. As Ladakh and Chantang valley fall within rain-shadow, where heavy black monsoon clouds are blocked by Himalaya high mountains.
April & May are fine clear days most of the time, with longer sun-light hours but can get overcast in the late afternoon with chances of snow sometimes.
Autumn/fall is another best time for treks and tours around Ladakh, with a fine clear day. But days are shorter due to sunlight hours can be freezing cold, especially in the morning, and night times will be clear with bright starry nights. Chances of snowfall during the walk sometimes.
For interested people can visit Ladakh for a tour and trekking during summer times of June to August also. As Ladakh falls within rain shadow area, where monsoon dark rain clouds blocked by the great Himalayas. That is why the country of Ladakh is dry with less rainfall.
Religion and Culture:
Ladakh and the North West Himalaya are populated by Ladakhi people descendants of a mixed tribal race of Mons of North India, and Dards of Baltistan with Mongols of Central Asia. History shows the Mons were the first immigrants, followed by Dards who founded different settlements in the Indus valley.
Ladakh is a country of strong Buddhism religion and culture similar to the Tibetan heritage of ancient Buddhism custom, where one can visit its many old monasteries of great religious significance.