What is the best time to do Mentok Kangri trek?

The best time to do Mentok Kangri trek is from Mid-June to September.

Mentok Kangri Trek - Potala Adventurers

Located at the western shore of turquoise Lake Tso Moriri, Mentok Kangri is an exciting new trekking and climbing holiday for those looking for their first Himalayan 6000m. The area is close to the westernmost part of Tibet, known as Changthang plateau. This trek takes us to the stunning landscape in the remote Tibetan plateau. It focuses mainly on the life of Changpa herdsman.

Transportation
Car
Maximum Altitude
6,200 m
Accomodation
Tent/Camp
Arrival on
Leh
Departure from
Leh
Best season
June, July, Aug, Sept
Tour type
Trekking/Hiking
Meals
All meals during the trek
Difficulty
Difficult
Highest night
5,300 m

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

After 2 -3 days of well acclimatizing and while acclimatizing at the same time doing some sightseeing tour around Leh, we set off into the foot of Tanglang La. Rumtse is located below Tanglang La and on the Leh – Manali highway. Setting off from Rumste we gradually and cross three high passes before reaching Pongunagu near Tsokar. “Tso Kar” in Ladakhi, Tso means Lake & Kar means White (White in Tibetan is Kar po). So literally “White Lake“. Tsokar is a shallow lake without a drain. The entire area is inhabited during the summer by nomadic herders and by rare animals such as Blue sheep, Tibetan Antelope, wolf, and kiang (wild ass) roam year-round. After Tso Kar and crossing another high pass of Yalung Nau La from where we get our first views of the 20-kilometer long Tso Morari. Crossing Yalung Nau la we descent to Korzok Phu, one of the largest nomadic settlement in the region, Not far from the village of Karzok, we establish a base camp above the lake at an elevation of 5300 meters and from here set out to climb the highest points in the Mentok Massif, Mentok 2 (6262m), making limited use of fixed ropes on the snow slopes we encounter. Technically undemanding, this peak presents an excellent challenge to fit and adventurous trekkers. Mentok means in Tibetan ” Flower” and Kangri for “mountain – so literally “Flower Mountain“A super trek and climb combination in a special part of the world.

Trekking over the Changthang plateau, nomads country, the ascent of Mentok Kangri 2 (6250m) and some of the highest inhabited villages on Earth plus turquoise Lake of Tsomoriri.

Mentok Kangri Group (R), Tsomoriri Lake (M) and Chamser and Lungser Kangri (L)

ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive in New Delhi. Airport pickup and check into the hotel.
Day 02: Fly Delhi to Leh, Arrive Leh.
Day 03: Acclimatize & visit Leh
Day 04: Acclimatize & visit Leh
Day 05: Drive Leh – Shey – Thiksey – Hemis – Rumtse (4150m)
Day 06: Trek Kyamar (4390m)
Day 07: Trek Kyamar La (5180m) – Mandalchan La (5170m) – Tisaling (5000m)
Day 08: Trek Shingbuk La (5230m) – Pongunagu (4580m)
Day 09: Trek Nuruchan (4650m)
Day 10: Trek Horlam Kongka La (4960m) – Rachungkaru (4940m)
Day 11: Trek Kyamayuri La (5430m) – Kortse La (5380m) – Gyama (5170m)
Day 12: Trek Yalung Nyau La (5440m) – Korzok Phu (4600m)
Day 13: Trek Base camp (5300m)
Day 14: A day for preparation and rest
Day 15: Ascent Mentok Kangri (6250m) – Base camp
Day 16: Reserve day / Contingency day
Day 17: Descent to Korzok
Day 18: Drive to Leh
Day 19: Leh – Delhi flight. Explore Delhi.
Day 20: Airport transfer, flight back to home.

MENTOK KANGRI – 14 Days Leh to Leh
Day 01: Drive Leh – Shey – Thiksey – Hemis – Rumtse (4150m)
Day 02: Trek Kyamar (4390m)
Day 03: Trek Kyamar La (5180m) – Mandalchan La (5170m) – Tisaling (5000m)
Day 04: Trek Shingbuk La (5230m) – Pongunagu (4580m)
Day 05: Trek Nuruchan (4650m)
Day 06: Trek Horlam Kongka La (4960m) – Rachungkaru (4940m)
Day 07: Trek Kyamayuri La (5430m) – Kortse La (5380m) – Gyama (5170m)
Day 08: Trek Yalung Nyau La (5440m) – Korzok Phu (4600m)
Day 09: Trek Base camp (5300m)
Day 10: A day for preparation and rest
Day 11: Ascent Mentok Kangri (6250m) – Base camp
Day 12: Reserve day / Contingency day
Day 13: Descent to Korzok
Day 14: Drive to Leh

REVIEWS

“Hello Prem, I wanted to tell you also that all the trekking that the team has been fantastic, all.
Also the hotel in Leh and Sonam and all their staff, great. As we told you, we were very happy traveling.
I am speaking very well of you to Spanish mountain companies in case you are of help for future trips. Thank you. “
Mr. Carlos Q. – Spain – 30 June to 18 July 2019

“Mission accomplished. The first two days of trekking we did with Tenzing. The trek was very nice and very good to acclimatize. The trek the guide and others went with the carrier for back and passed us to set up camp. In the trek there was a mountain Yalung Nong 6080m, which was very good for acclimatization and with beautiful views. The 2 chefs did a good job on the whole tour. For example, after reaching the mountain, we had prepared tea with milk that made us recover quite well. The muleteer also did a good job. We are very happy with the team, as for the hotel in Leh, phenomenal.”
Mr Gregorio and Group – Spain – 24 Aug

Trip Highlights

Stunning campsites under the vast open sky
Deeper looks insight into the life of Changpa nomads and meets their families
Daily walks above 4500-5400 m
Spectacular views from Mentok Kangri across the Lake Tsomoriri into Tibet
A real trekking climbing expedition in Ladakh, Challenging but technically demanding climb.

Day 1 :

Arrive in New Delhi. Airport pickup and check into the hotel.

Arrive at Delhi airport based on your flight arrival. Airport pickup and drive to your hotel in Delhi

Day 2 :

Fly Delhi to Leh, Arrive Leh.

Pick up from your hotel in Delhi and drop at Delhi airport. Flight to Leh. Leh airport pick up and transfer to the hotel. Rest and relax. Evening visit Leh bazaar.

Day 3 :

Leh acclimatize - sightseeing in around Leh

Today visit Leh Palace, Tsemo Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Shanti Stupa, Spituk Gompa, Stok palace & Matho. All these places are not so far from each location, thus you will explore the most places around Leh. Explore the colorful local market in the evening. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 4 :

Leh acclimatize: Visit Likir - Alchi

Today after breakfast at Leh, we drive to Alchi monastery, situated at a distance of 68 km from Leh. Its monastery built on lowlands rather than on a hilltop as others are, in order to protect from enemies. The Chortens around Alchi gompa contains numerous wall murals of Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo, who has built this monastery. Alchi monastery has vast collections of wall paintings and wood sculptures.

Day 5 :

Drive Leh - Shey - Thiksey - Hemis - Rumtse (4150m)

After breakfast, drive to visit Stok via Choklamsar. We cross a bridge on the Indus River. In Stok, we visit the Royal Palace of the present king and queen which was constructed by the kind Tsepal Tondup Namgyal in 1825. Inside the palace, you” ll find a great collection of ancient royal ornament. After visiting Stok Palace, drive to Shey - Thiksey and visit Hemis monastery which is 45 km far from Leh and it takes a 90-minute drive. The great Mahasiddha Staktsang Raspa along with great ancestor Singey Namgyal builds this biggest monastery in the 16th century. After visiting this monastery, drive back to Thiksey monastery, which is 27 km from Hemis. This monastery is the oldest monastery of Gelugpa School in Ladakh. The great Lama Palden Sherap built it in the 14th century. Here you can see the big statue of the Future Buddha. Finally at the campsite of Rumtse.

Day 6 :

Trek Rumtse to Kyamar (4390m), 4-5 hrs.

After spending 3 days in Leh we set off our trek from Rumtse. Walk along the road till you reach a Govt. tourist bungalow. From there take the right-side trail into the valley passing through some abandoned army huts.

Day 7 :

Trek Kyamar to Kyamar La (5180m) - Mandalchan La (5170m) - Tisaling (5000m), 6 hrs.

Today leaving camp a few minutes after walking the trail divides into two; one going to the left leading towards Tsokar lake and one on the right takes you to a stream, crossing which another pass to climb is there. Overnight in a Tented Camp.

Day 8 :

Trek Tisaling to Shingbuk La (5230m) - Pongunagu (4580m), 6-7 hrs

Leaving camp a gradual and easy ascend will lead you to Shibuk La. There are many wild Asses (skyang) around this area. Pongunagu has also a nice camping site. Overnight camp.

Day 9 :

Trek Pongunagu to Nuruchan (4650m), 7 hrs

Walking along with Tso Kar for much of the time on the trail. Today we have an easy trek along with the lake and its short trek of four to five hours. On the way, one can see many birds and Wild ass (Skyang) of Ladakh and Tibet plateau. After finishing the lake we turn to the right side and enter the Nuruchan. The campsite is set next to a beautiful stream. Overnight camp at Nuruchan.

Day 10 :

Trek Nuruchan to Horlam Kongka La (4960m) - Rachungkaru (4940m)

Today we have small pass Horlam Kongka La (4960m) to cross. It will take two hours to reach the pass from camp. After crossing the pass gradual descent the stream and the trail slowly ascend again. Soon you will see nomad tents. Arriving at Rachungkaru. Here the nomads are Tibetan refugees who live in summer. Here we can see the lifestyle of nomadic people in Tibet. In this area, they have plenty of Yaks, Sheep, and Pashmina Goats. Overnight camp at Rachungkaru.

Day 11 :

Trek Rachungkaru to Kyamayuri La (5430m) - Kortse La (5380m) - Gyama Yogma (5170m).

Today is a long day ahead of us, so an early start from camp is recommended. You will have an early breakfast and early departure from camp. It will take seven to eight hours of hiking today. From camp gradual trail to the Kyamayuri la, takes about 2 1/2 hours. A view from the pass is breathtaking. You will have sight of Yalung nong. It is not so far our next pass of Kortse La, takes an hour. From the pass, one can see Gyama peaks, Mentok group of peaks. Descent to Kyama Sharma chu. Tonight's campsite is not so far from here, it will take less than an hour to reach Gyama yogma.

Day 12 :

Trek Gyama to Yalungnyau La (5440m) - Korzok Phu (4600m)

Leaving camp today we cross our last pass probably the highest and final pass on our trek. It will be less than an hour to reach the pass. Crossing the pass and you will see the valley starts to open and with a view in front of Korzok and Tsomoriri. Long descent to Korzok Phu, where you will find large settlements of a nomad and their robos. Overnight camp at Korzok Phu.

Day 13 :

Trek Korzok Phu to Base camp (5300m)

Leaving camp, we make our way up to the base for Mentok Kangri. The ascent to base camp leads through an open valley with some moraine walking. It will take six hours to reach the base camp from Korzok Phu. We get close to the Mentok Kangri as much as possible, which will reduce the average taking time to summit day. Overnight camp at a base.

Day 14 :

A day for preparation and rest

Today some work to do, with your guide you will do some preparation and training with climbing gear. Post lunch takes a rest for tomorrow's early move.

Day 15 :

Ascent of Mentok Kangri (6250m) - Base camp

Today you start very early after breakfast, start ascending to the foot of snow slopes through boulders for 2 hours. At some sections rocks are loose. Finally crossing the snow slopes that lead to the col between Mentok I and II. Traverse the ridge to the summit of Mentok 2 (6250m), You will have fantastic views of Tsomoriri lake and across the lake to the peaks of Chamser and Lungser Kangri (6666)m, to south Kharpa and at the horizon Gya peak. Overnight at base camp.

Day 16 :

Reserve day / Contingency day

This day is a reserve in case of bad weather. If all goes well you will use this day at Korzok village.

Day 17 :

Descent to Korzok (4500m)

We begin our walk-out with a relatively easy descent to the village of Karzok, which is one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements on Earth. It is scenically located beside Tso Morari at an elevation of over 4500 meters. The afternoon is free to walk by the lakeshore, meet the local people and check out the village and its ancient monastery.

Day 18 :

Drive to Leh

It is between 7 to 8 hours of drive to Leh back. We will take Mahe route back to Leh.

Day 19 :

Leh - Delhi flight. Explore Delhi.

Pickup at hotel and drive to the airport and flight back to Delhi.

Day 20 :

Flight back home.