Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The trek begins by heading west or up the valley. Follow the kora trail 10 minutes west to
the
lingka
(4550m; N 29°43.436ʹ, E 090°34.128ʹ), a walled copse of old trees with a
brook. This garden-like wood has been established as a trekkers' camp free of charge by
the monks of Tsurphu. The trees here are the last you will see until after finishing the trek.
Consider spending two nights at this leafy location to give your body a chance to acclimat-
ise. Just above the copse, the valley splits: follow the northwest branch and remain on the
north side of the stream. There is now a narrow dirt road all the way to Leten.
Walking through a rocky gorge along a well-graded trail for 45 minutes brings you to
Shupshading
(4700m; N 29°43.574ʹ, E 090°32.876ʹ), a seasonal herders' camp on an eas-
ily missed shelf above the trail. After 40 minutes look for a line of ruined red chörtens to
your right. After a further 15 minutes the valley looks like it splits; follow the main river
valley (to the left) and cross the stream on a small concrete
bridge
(4890m; N 29°43.396ʹ,
E 090°31.859ʹ). Above the north side of the bridge is the permanent pastoral village of
Sercha Sumdo, but the trail now continues on the south side of the valley. In another 20
minutes you'll pass a popular camping spot. Look out for small herds of
na
(blue sheep) on
the slopes to the north.
About 25 minutes further on, by a
mani wall
(N 29°43.373ʹ, E 090°30.856ʹ), the road
climbs up over a high saddle while the trail splits off and follows the valley floor. From the
mani wall Leten is about an hour away. This trail passes to the right of a large cliff, past
the remains of winter ice, before swinging to the left up into the natural bowl of Leten.
Several families live year-round in the
drokpa
settlement of
Leten
(5090m; N
29°43.557ʹ, E 090°30.094ʹ), braving the severe climate with their livestock. Leten is the
last chance to find yaks. Camping spots are limited by the lumpy terrain and places already
staked out by the nomads. If you value your peace and quiet, consider camping in the val-
ley below Leten.
Spend at least one night (and preferably two) in Leten acclimatising.
Stage 2: Leten to Bartso
5-6 hours / 15km / 300m ascent/600m descent
It's about a three-hour walk from Leten to the Lasar-la. Head for the northern half of the
settlement (assuming you aren't already there). The route climbs steeply up a short ridge,
reaching the highest house. Bear northwest into a steep side valley. As you ascend, a red-
dish knob of rock looms up ahead. Angle to the north, or right, of this formation, past a
mani (prayer) wall in the centre of the bowl, and leave the valley by climbing to the top of
