Explore
Intelligence
Detailed Route
Zingchen Rumbak Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
A base-camp style expedition. After acclimatizing in Leh, you trek into the Rumbak valley and spend 4-5 days taking day-hikes to track wildlife with expert local spotters.
Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.
Duration
6 Days
Total Distance
16.0 KM
Max Altitude
13,800 FT
Trek Type
linear
Permits Required Before You Go
Permit Cost
Where to Get
Leh DC Office / Wildlife Department
Documents
Passport / Aadhar, Passport Photos
Foreign Nationals
Foreigners require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) and face significantly higher wildlife entry fees for Hemis National Park.
Foreigner Process
Foreigners require a PAP and must pay a higher tier of wildlife fees. Must be arranged via a registered Leh agency.
Nearest Embassy Hub
New Delhi
Day by Day Breakdown
Camp Alt
11,500 ft
Day Gain
0 ft
Today's Objective
☕ Acclimatization & Recovery
Fly into Leh. The winter air is incredibly thin and freezing. Spend the entire day resting in a heated hotel to allow your body to adjust to the 11,500 ft altitude. Drink 3-4 liters of water.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Tree line disappears as the valley broadens into a spectacular high-altitude alpine meadow basin, replacing the dense forests with expansive grazing pastures.
Camp Alt
12,800 ft
Day Gain
+1,300 ft
Today's Objective
🔭 Reach Rumbak Village & Wildlife Area
Drive 1-2 hours from Leh to the roadhead at Zingchen. From here, you enter the narrow Zingchen gorge. The trail follows a frozen stream, slowly widening as you approach the sweeping Rumbak valley. Set up your base camp for the week.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.
Camp Alt
12,800 ft
Day Gain
0 ft
Track Wildlife in Husing Valley
Your expert spotters will fan out early in the morning. Based on radio reports of pugmarks or sightings, you will hike into the Husing valley. Be prepared to sit perfectly still for hours on a freezing ridge, scanning the cliffs through spotting scopes.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Tree line disappears as the valley broadens into a spectacular high-altitude alpine meadow basin, replacing the dense forests with expansive grazing pastures.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONHidden Traps
Hidden rocks under deep snow create severe ankle-twisting traps. Proceed with extreme caution.
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
Camp Alt
12,800 ft
Day Gain
0 ft
Track Wildlife in Tarbung Valley
Another day of tracking. The guides may lead you into the Tarbung valley, another prime habitat. You may spot Tibetan wolves, red foxes, and large herds of Bharal (blue sheep) which are the primary prey of the snow leopard.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Tree line disappears as the valley broadens into a spectacular high-altitude alpine meadow basin, replacing the dense forests with expansive grazing pastures.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONHidden Traps
Hidden rocks under deep snow create severe ankle-twisting traps. Proceed with extreme caution.
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
Camp Alt
12,800 ft
Day Gain
0 ft
Track Wildlife around Rumbak Sumdo
The final full day of tracking. If sightings have been poor, the guides will push higher or further into adjacent valleys. If you have already had successful sightings, today is a great day to interact with the villagers of Rumbak and learn about their coexistence with the predators.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Tree line disappears as the valley broadens into a spectacular high-altitude alpine meadow basin, replacing the dense forests with expansive grazing pastures.
Camp Alt
11,500 ft
Day Gain
-1,300 ft
Trek to Zingchen & Drive to Leh
Pack up camp and retrace your steps through the Zingchen gorge. The descent is usually much faster. Meet your vehicles at the Zingchen roadhead and drive back to the comforts and hot showers of a hotel in Leh.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Tree line disappears as the valley broadens into a spectacular high-altitude alpine meadow basin, replacing the dense forests with expansive grazing pastures.
Trek Extensions & Add-ons
Chadar Trek (Zanskar River)
+8 DaysIf you are already in Leh in January/February, you can combine this with the legendary Chadar Trek, walking on the frozen Zanskar river.
Plan Your Trek:
Ready to book? Compare verified operators for Zingchen Rumbak Trek — transparent pricing, no paid rankings.
Still deciding?
Compare routes side-by-side to find the perfect match for your fitness, dates, and budget.
Day by day, camp by camp. Send this to your group so everyone's on the same page.
Step 4: Cost & Logistics
You understand the route.
Now see what services, permits, and logistics actually cost.
View Cost Breakdown