The Nomad land
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The Changthang Region of Ladakh
Changthang is the largest region in Ladakh, forming part of the vast Tibetan Plateau. It stretches across eastern Ladakh and extends into Tibet. This high-altitude plateau is known for its breathtaking landscapes, harsh climate, and nomadic way of life.
The Rupshu people inhabit the areas around Tsomoriri and Tsokar lakes, while the Kharnak nomads live on the other side of the Zanskar range, near the Leh–Manali highway. Another part of Changthang lies around the famous Pangong Lake, known locally as Lalok. The upper Indus belt, including villages like Hanle, Demchok, and Nyoma—with Nyoma serving as the administrative headquarters—forms another important part of this region. These settlements lie along the Indus River and contribute to the cultural and economic life of Changthang.
The nomads of Changthang graze their animals—sheep, goats, and yaks—across this vast, rugged land. The region is renowned for producing some of the world's finest Pashmina wool, sourced from the special goats native to the area. This raw wool is sold to cooperatives in Leh or to individual buyers. The people are also highly skilled in weaving carpets and shawls from animal wool, showcasing their rich textile tradition.
Life in Changthang is shaped by its extreme climate. Winters are especially harsh, with temperatures dropping to minus 20°C and lower. During the short summer season, the nomads move with their herds across high-altitude pastures, staying in one place only as long as grass is available for the animals.
However, traditional nomadic life is declining. Many younger people have left for education and employment opportunities in Leh, leading to a gradual shift away from this age-old way of living.
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Changthang is also a biodiversity hotspot, home to unique wildlife species found only in Ladakh, Tibet, and parts of Central Asia. In summer, the region becomes a haven for migratory birds from far-off regions like South India, China, and Bhutan. These birds come to nest and breed before returning in the autumn.
The lakes in this region are highlight of the tour and
Tsomoriri and Tsokar Lakes Jewels of Changthang
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Tsomoriri Lake, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in India, lies majestically at an elevation of 4,500 meters (14,763 ft) above sea level. Stretching over 23 kilometers in length, this Turquoise colour freshwater lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and sweeping meadows. Located in the Rupshu Valley, it nearly touches the border of Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. The lake is not only a natural marvel but also holds spiritual and ecological significance, serving as a nesting ground for several rare migratory birds like the black-necked crane and bar-headed goose.
Further west lies Tsokar Lake, known as the "White Lake" due to the thick salt deposits that fringe its shores. In ancient times, Tsokar was famous for its natural salt, which was once a precious commodity in Ladakh. Local nomads used to extract salt from the lake and transport it on the backs of sheep, packed neatly in small handmade bags. This salt was then traded across Ladakh and into the remote valleys of Zanskar, where it was exchanged for wheat, barley, and goods from the greener, agricultural regions of the region.
Both lakes are not just natural wonders, but living memories of Ladakh's traditional trade routes, nomadic resilience, and interconnected mountain economies. Today, they continue to captivate travelers with their raw beauty, high-altitude serenity, and timeless cultural stories.
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Day 1 arrival in Leh
Day 2 acclimitisation day
Day 3 visit Matho thikey and Hemis
Day 4 Day hike in kyungyam
Day 5 Drive to Hanle
Day 6 Drive to Tsomorir lake via chumur road.
Day 7 Drive to Tsokar lake and overnight in Tsokar
Day 8 Drive to kharnak and spend time with Nomads in camps
Day 9 Day with Nomad.
Day 10 Drive to Sakti
Day 11 Drive to Leh on the way visit Chemday and Stakna monastery.
Day 12 Day in Leh
Day 13 fly back home
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