Day 1: Arrival in Delhi and Fly to Leh (3,500m) / Duration: Flight-1-1.5 hrs

After arriving at Delhi International Airport, our team will assist you with the connecting flight to Leh, the gateway to Ladakh. The flight is incredibly scenic, offering amazing aerial views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Leh (3,500m), you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Because of the high altitude, it’s very important to rest today and allow your body to begin acclimatizing.

Overnight at Hotel (Including Bed/Breakfast)

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Day 2: Acclimatisation day in Leh

Today is a full day dedicated to acclimatization in Leh. We recommend light walking. For gentle activity, we may explore nearby attractions such as Leh Market, Leh Palace, or walk up to Shanti Stupa, which offers panoramic views of the Indus Valley and Stok Kangri range. Our guide will also conduct a briefing session to go over the upcoming trek and check all your equipment.

Overnight at Hotel (Including Bed/Breakfast)

Day 3: Sightseeing around Leh

After breakfast, we set out for a short sightseeing tour to explore some of Ladakh’s cultural treasures. We begin with a visit to Shey Palace and Monastery, once the royal residence of Ladakhi kings. It features a massive golden Buddha statue and overlooks the green fields of Shey village. Next, we visit the magnificent Thiksey Monastery, built in the 15th century, perched on a hilltop and resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa. It is one of the most beautiful and active monasteries in Ladakh. After soaking in the spiritual energy and scenic views, we return to Leh for a relaxed afternoon and prepare for the start of the trek.

Overnight at Hotel (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 4: Drive up to Khardung La (5,359m) and return to Leh / Duration: 4–5 hrs round trip

Today we take a scenic acclimatization drive to one of the highest motorable passes in the world Khardung La (5,359m). The road climbs steeply above Leh, offering amazing views of the Stok Range, Zanskar Mountains, and the Indus Valley. The altitude gain helps prepare the body for higher elevations later in the trek. At the top of the pass, we’ll take time to walk around, breathe in the crisp air, and admire fluttering prayer flags and panoramic mountain views. After a short break, we descend back to Leh for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. The rest of the day is free for light activity or rest to continue adjusting to the altitude.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 5: Drive to Rumtse (4,100m) / Duration: 3–4 hrs

We leave Leh and drive east toward Rumtse, the starting point of our approach to Mentok Kangri I. The drive follows the Indus River Valley, passing picturesque landscapes, small villages, and colorful rock formations. As we move higher, the scenery becomes more dramatic and barren, reflecting the beauty of Changthang Plateau. After a few hours, we reach the peaceful settlement of Rumtse. Upon arrival, we settle into our campsite and spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the trek that begins tomorrow.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 6: Drive to Tsokhar (4,500m) and Trek to Nuruchan (4,590m) / Duration: 1.5 hr drive & 4–5 hrs trek

This morning we drive to the striking salt lake of Tsokhar, located in the high-altitude Rupshu Valley. After soaking in the views of the shimmering white lake and spotting wildlife like wild asses (kiangs) or migratory birds, we begin our trek. The trail to Nuruchan is gentle but consistent, taking us through open plateaus, grazing grounds, and sandy valleys. The air is dry, and the terrain barren, typical of the Changthang region. We walk at a slow pace to continue acclimatizing as we reach Nuruchan.We set up camp near the river and enjoy a peaceful evening under the open sky.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 7: Trek to Rajungkaru (4,800m) / Duration: 4–5 hrs

We begin our trek from Nuruchan, gradually ascending toward Rajungkaru. The trail crosses wide pastures, open grasslands, and a gentle pass, offering vast views of the Changthang Plateau. As we cross a low pass before Rajungkaru, we get a panoramic look at the endless open spaces and distant mountain ridges of Ladakh’s eastern frontier. By afternoon, we arrive at our campsite near a stream in Rajungkaru, a known grazing ground with simple stone shelters.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 8: Trek to Gyama Burma (4,790m) / Duration: 5–6 hrs

Today’s walk takes us over a beautiful high-altitude pass known as Kyamar La. We begin with a steady climb out of Rajungkaru, gaining elevation slowly as we cross the pass with its colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The pass offers superb views of the surrounding Tibetan-style plateaus and the distant Mentok Range. After a short rest at the top, we descend to a wide valley and continue through gently rolling terrain toward Gyama Burma.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 9: Trek to Karzok Phu (4,500m) / Duration: 5–6 hrs

After breakfast, we begin descending from Gyama Burma toward the beautiful high-altitude valley of Karzok Phu, which sits above the famous Tso Moriri Lake. Along the way, we enjoy fantastic views of Mentok Kangri growing larger in the distance. The air becomes slightly more oxygen-rich as we descend, making walking feel easier. By afternoon, we reach the green pastures of Karzok Phu and camp beside streams that flow down from the high peaks. The location is scenic, peaceful, and ideal for the final approach to base camp.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 10: Trek from Karzok Phu to Base Camp (5,250m) / Duration: 4–5 hrs

Today we leave Karzok Phu and begin ascending steadily toward Mentok Kangri Base Camp. The trail climbs gently at first and then gradually steepens as we enter alpine terrain. The towering presence of Mentok Kangri becomes clearer as we get closer to its base. The views of Tso Moriri Lake behind us are stunning, reflecting the changing sky and distant mountains. After 4-5 hours of trek, we reach Base Camp (5,250m).

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 11: Acclimatization Day at Base Camp

Today is an important day for acclimatization and rest at Base Camp. We take it easy to allow our bodies to adjust to the high altitude before moving higher. In the morning, our guides may lead a short hike up a nearby ridge for light activity and better acclimatization. The rest of the day is used to check and organize climbing equipment including crampons, ice axes, ropes, and harnesses. Our team will brief you on the summit plan.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 12: Trek to High Camp / Duration: 3–4 hrs

After breakfast, we begin the short but steep climb from Base Camp to High Camp, which brings us closer to our summit target. The trail follows loose scree and rock fields, with occasional snow patches depending on the season. We move slowly and steadily to conserve energy and minimize strain. The views become increasingly dramatic as we approach High Camp, situated at a higher plateau or snow field, depending on the route chosen by the guide. After reaching High Camp, we rest, hydrate, and enjoy an early dinner before heading to bed early tomorrow is summit day.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 13: Summit Mentok Kangri I (6,270m) & Return to Base Camp / Duration: 9–10 hrs

Summit day begins very early, usually around 1:00 to 2:00 a.m. With headlamps on and full climbing gear ready, we start our ascent of Mentok Kangri I (6,270m). The route includes snow slopes, icy ridges, and glacial terrain. We use crampons, ropes, and ice axes for safety under the guidance of our expert team. The final push to the summit is extremely rewarding. After 6–7 hours of effort, we reach the top, where we’re greeted with breathtaking views of Tso Moriri Lake, the Changthang Plateau, and distant peaks of Tibet. After enjoying the summit, we carefully descend back to High Camp and then to Base Camp, reaching in another 3–4 hours.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 14: Reserve day

This is a buffer day, kept aside in case of bad weather, unexpected delays, or if an additional summit attempt is needed. The conditions in the mountains can change rapidly, and having this reserve day increases your chances of reaching the summit safely. If we’ve already summited successfully, this will be a full rest and recovery day at Base Camp and can enjoy the mountain views. Our team will also begin packing equipment and cleaning the campsite in preparation for the return journey.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 15: Trek to Karzok (4,550m) & Drive to Leh / Duration: 3–4 hrs trek & 6–7 hrs drive

We begin our descent from Base Camp, walking down to Karzok, a charming village on the shore of Tso Moriri Lake. The trail is scenic and gentle, offering more great views of the lake and its surrounding hills. After reaching Karzok, we board our vehicle for beautiful drive back to Leh, crossing high passes and wide valleys of the Rupshu and Ladakh regions. We reach Leh by evening and check into a comfortable hotel.

Overnight at Hotel (Including Bed/Breakfast)

Day 16: Fly from Leh to Delhi / Duration: Flight – about 1 hr 15 mins

After breakfast, we transfer to Leh Airport for your flight back to Delhi. The short flight gives you one last aerial view of the mighty Himalayas. On arrival in Delhi, the trip officially concludes. You can continue with international travel or spend more time exploring the cultural wonders of India. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of the Mentok Kangri I expedition and the wild beauty of Ladakh.

Overnight at Hotel (Including Bed/Breakfast)

Day 17: Full Day Sightseeing in Delhi

After a restful night, we set out to explore the fascinating city of Delhi, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Our day begins with a visit to the grand Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the splendor of Mughal architecture. Next, we head to Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest and most beautiful mosques, where the atmosphere is vibrant and spiritual. We then wander through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, soaking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of old Delhi’s lively markets. In the afternoon, we visit India Gate, a war memorial set in a beautiful park, followed by a drive past important government buildings like the Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House). We’ll also explore Connaught Place, the heart of New Delhi, where you can enjoy some shopping or relax at a café. The day offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and urban life, giving us a rich and memorable finale to our journey before departure.

Overnight at Hotel (Including Bed/Breakfast)

Day 18: Final Departure

Today marks the end of your unforgettable journey through the beautiful landscapes of Ladakh. After breakfast, our Travel Footsteps staff will assist with your transfer to the international airport for your final departure. We hope you leave with wonderful memories of the mountains, culture, and people you encountered along the way. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you again for another adventure in the Himalayas.