Day 1: Arrival and Drive from Manali to Kaza
A long but scenic drive from Manali (2,000m) to Kaza (3,800m) via the Rohtang Pass and Kunzum La. The journey introduces you to the rugged beauty of Spiti. The day is for acclimatization and preparation in Kaza.
Day 2: Acclimatization in Kaza / Drive to Chicham or Kibber
A vital day for acclimatization. Explore Kaza or drive to the trailhead village of Chicham (4,270m) or Kibber (4,200m)—one of the world’s highest inhabited villages. Visit the historic Key Monastery. Overnight in a homestay or camp.
Day 3: Trek from Chicham/Kibber to Thaltak Meadow (4,693m)
Begin the trek with a descent into a gorge followed by a steady climb. The trail offers panoramic views of the Spiti mountains. Camp at the scenic Thaltak Meadow.
Day 4: Thaltak Meadow to Borogen / Bongrojen (5,020m – 5,100m)
A long and strenuous day involving a steep descent into a deep gorge, crossing the Rong Nala river, and a relentless climb over rocky, barren terrain to reach the high-altitude camp at Borogen, situated at the foot of Parang La.
Day 5: Borogen to Dak Karzong via Parang La Pass (5,580m)
Summit Day. An early pre-dawn start for the steep, 3-4 hour climb to the Parang La pass (5,580m). Witness the incredible view where the Spiti and Ladakh landscapes meet. The descent involves a long, careful traverse of the Parang Glacier. Camp at Dak Karzong (4,850m) in the Pare Chu river valley.
Day 6: Dak Karzong to Datang Yongma (4,704m)
A long walk along the vast, open riverbed of the Pare Chu valley, crossing numerous streams. The landscape begins to shift, showing the first signs of the Changthang plateau.
Day 7: Datang Yongma to Norbu Sumdo (4,595m)
Continue following the Pare Chu downstream. The day’s major challenge is a significant, often waist-deep river crossing that requires care. Norbu Sumdo is a major trail junction and the gateway from Spiti into Ladakh.
Day 8: Norbu Sumdo to Chumik Shilde / Kiangdom (4,540m)
The landscape transforms from barren riverbeds to the lush green meadows of the Changthang plateau. This is the land of the nomadic Changpa herders and wild kiang (Tibetan wild ass). Camp with views of the Tso Moriri Lake in the distance.
Day 9: Chumik Shilde / Kiangdom to Karzok via Tso Moriri Lake (4,527m)
A spectacular day walking along the pristine shores of the turquoise-blue Tso Moriri Lake. The trail offers ever-changing views of the water and surrounding peaks. The trek concludes at the remote village of Karzok on the lake’s western shore, home to an ancient monastery.
Day 10: Drive from Karzok to Leh
A long drive (210 km, 8-9 hours) from the remote Changthang plateau back to the capital of Ladakh, Leh (3,500m), marking the end of the expedition.
*(Note: This is a standard itinerary. Some operators include additional acclimatization or exploration days, especially around Tso Moriri, extending the trek to 12-14 days)