Trek difficulty
Easy - Moderate
Trek duration
9 day Days
Trek altitude
6090 m
Group size
6-12
Trek distance
5 km
Basecamp
Ladakh
Best Time
June to September
Pickup Point
Ladakh
Perched in the isolated wilderness of Ladakh’s Changthang Plateau, Yalung nong is a 6090 meters peak offering an expedition without technical climbing. The trek is a harmonious blend of adventure, solitude, and awe-inspiring mountain backdrops with sweeping alpine valleys, high-altitude lakes, nomadic settlements, and jagged Himalayan landscapes.
The journey starts from Leh where trekkers are allowed to acclimatize before exploring the lesser known regions of Rupshu and Changthang. Participants get to cross high mountain passes, encounter cattle in the grazing ground, and learn traditional Changpa culture. En route, road showcases the stark beauty of Ladakh's cold desert, where vast horizons embrace snow-veiled peaks under blue skies.
The ascend of Yalung nong is the main highlight of the entire journey as summit rewards with panoramic views of neighboring Himalayan ranges, the wide Changthang Plateau, and untouched wilderness stretching far towards Tso Moriri. The peak is non-technical but undertaking it gives a fulfilling satisfaction.
Trekkers who are looking for their first expedition and the thrill of standing atop a pristine remote Himalayan summit, Yalung nong should be in your bucket list.
Key Highlights Yalung nong
6000+ non-technical summit expedition
Isolated landscapes of Changthang and Rupshu
Learn authentic Changpa nomadic culture
Traverse high-altitude passes above 5,000 meters
Expedition style camping amidst wilderness
Jaw-dropping views of the Tso Moriri region and nearby Himalayan peaks
Experience one of Ladakh's less commercialized trekking and climbing routes
Day 1: Rumtse to Kyamar (4383 mtrs ) 6 hrs
Day 2: Kyamar to Tisaling [ 4850 mtrs ] via kyamer la 5180 mtrs 7 hrs
Day 3: TISALING TO PANGUNAGU [TSOKAR] 4651 mtrs VIA Shibuk la 5230 m 7 hrs
Day 4: Pangunangu to Nuruchan 4650 mtr 5:30 hrs
Day 5: Trek Nuruchan to Rachungkaru 4850 via Horlamkongka La 4930 6.5 hrs
Day 6: Rachungkaru to Gyama 4895 mtr via Kyamurila 5330mtr ( 5 hrs)
Day 7: Gyama to Basecamp 5470 mtr 3.5 hrs
Day 8: Basecamp to Summit Yalung nong 6090 mtr to Gyama 4895 mtr. 6 hrs
Day 9: Gyama to Tsomoriri 4550 mtr via Yalungnagula 5400 mts, 5 hrs
Yalung Nong is a peak located in the remote region of Changthang, Ladakh. This trekking route requires special permits for participants who seek trekking and mountaineering activities.
Inner Line Permit (ILP): for Indian Nationals to enter protected areas around Tso Moriri and Changthang.
Protected Area Permit (PAP): for foreign nationals which can be obtained through authorized trekking operator.
Both the permit processing is managed by the trekking operators to comfort participants and allowing them to focus on journey. Participants are required to carry the permits throughout the journey, especially, when it is checked at the designated checkpoints along the route. Also, carry your valid Government authorized valid identification along with hard and soft copies.
Keep your proofs in printed copies as network connectivity is limited in many parts of the region.
During The Expedition Exclusion
Yalung Nong is located at the high-altitude near Tso Moriri area of Changthang region of Ladakh. The peak rises above wide alpine plateaus, shepherd settlements, and remote landscapes in the Himalayas.
The summit rises at the height of around 6,090 metres (19,980 ft) above sea level.
Not technical, but high-altitude altitude makes it physically challenging. It is considered a non-technical trek.
It is considered moderate to demanding trek due to altitude above 6000 meters where the terrain is semi-technical requiring good fitness and proper acclimatization.
Not mandatory but prior high-altitude trekking experience will be an add-on advantage and trekkers will find the expedition more comfortable. Trekkers are recommended to at least have experience in trekking 4000 meter peaks.
The trekking window to Yalung nong opens between June-September. In this period of time, the weather is pleasant, clear, and the routes are accessible.
Generally, most of the trek itineraries complete their Yalung nong expedition in 7 to 10 days, including, acclimatization, summit push, and buffer day if required.
Any trek that crosses above 5000 meters comes under AMS risk zone. Since Yalung nong is situated at approximately 6090 meters, significant risk in altitude related issues is common. With proper acclimatization and hydration the risk can be eliminated.
Trekkers are shifted to guesthouse as they arrive in Leh, and stay in comfortable sharing based tents throughput the trekking and expedition phase.
Mobile connectivity is either patchy or zero. Most of the trekking sections have very little coverage or no network. The treks are meant to keep you away from the digital world and let unwind.
Season and altitude plays vital role in the temperature. Mountain regions have sudden shifts in temperature, in day time it is between 5°C to 18°C, and in night it drops to -10°C to 5°C. Summit mornings are colder due to chilly winds.
The Changthang region faunas are; marmots, Himalayan foxes, Kiang (Tibetan Wild Ass), blue sheep, and various high-altitude birds.
The trek that passes through protected Ladakh region need permits. These permits are usually managed by the trek operators.
Yalung Nong Trek Itinerary (6,090m): Complete Day-Wise Guide to Ladakh's Hidden Summit
Yalung nong offers remoteness and sense of expedition achievement without demanding much from you physically. Trekkers experience sweeping high-altitude plateaus, Changpa culture of nomadic people, and an opportunity to stand at the height of 6,000-meter summit. The trails are less crowded in comparison to the other treks in the same region.
Fit beginners with a strong commitment to training and acclimatization can attempt the trek, but they should be prepared for long days at high altitude and challenging conditions.
Participants should walk 1 hour daily, do easy to moderate hikes while carrying a backpack. During the expedition, trekkers must be able to walk to 6 hours daily comfortably by managing on steep ascents. Hydration helps stamina in low-oxygen environments.
Yalung Nong is an excellent package of 6,000-metre non-technical summit with vast horizon and other stunning Changthang landscapes and Himalayan peaks. Trekkers get to encounter rich Ladakhi nomadic culture.
Testimonials
Rakesh dulams
Nice experience with the thinAir expedition and accommodation and hospitality and safty such as taken personal care and well experienced guide and such a cool guy
Aditi 99
I had an amazing experience with thin air expeditions. The food, the hospitality, and the preparedness of the staff for all sorts of scenarios was commendable. The location of camps was perfect. Even though i was a female solo traveller , i felt very safe and comfortable. Couldn’t have asked for a better team.
Radandi Shashank
“You are not just a mountain trek guides, but a true guardian of the journey. Your unwavering loyalty to our team, the mountains, and safety itself is extraordinary. Every step felt secure because of your dedication, integrity. And stayed committed to every trekker, through every challenge, with patience, care, and honesty. Huge respect to Subodh Jii n Aditi Mam!! Thank youu @thinairexpedition It was wonderful experience!!❤️❤️
67D3_KALYAN
Completing the Kedarkantha trek at an altitude of around 12,500 feet was not just a trek for us, it was a life-long memory, and a major reason for this unforgettable experience is our guide Shubhod Sir. From the very first day till the summit, Shubhod Sir guided us with immense patience, discipline, and genuine care. At every difficult patch, when our legs were tired and breathing became hard, his calm words, constant motivation, and confident leadership gave us the strength to keep moving forward. He never rushed anyone and always made sure that every member of the group was safe, comfortable, and mentally strong. Shubhod Sir’s knowledge of the mountains, weather, and high-altitude conditions was truly impressive. More than a guide, he felt like a protector and mentor who treated everyone like family. His positive attitude and humble nature created a sense of trust and confidence among all of us. We are also thankful to Atidhi Madam for her support and cooperation during the trek, which added to the smooth experience. Because of Shubhod Sir’s guidance and dedication, we successfully reached the summit with confidence and joy. We will always remember this trek with gratitude and respect. Truly blessed to have a guide like him. 🙏⛰️
Arvind Sahu
Wonderful experience totally worth it. At those price they provided services that no one could provides really enjoyed ❤️🎉
Kolanu Anirudh
This is my first trek in Uttarakhand(Kedharkanta) and Thin Air Expedition made it a memorable one Thanks for everything subodh bro you made it so special.
kanica kandpal
Completed the Gaumukh–Tapovan trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. Instead of opting for a fixed-departure model, we chose a personally curated itinerary, as this was our first trek—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The team was extremely thoughtful in planning each day’s distance, ensuring we were comfortably challenged without ever feeling overtired or exhausted upon reaching the campsites. Every campsite was carefully selected, offering not just safety and comfort but also breathtaking views that made each halt truly memorable. What stood out most was the level of personalization. The itinerary was clearly tailored to our pace and comfort, and the trek leader constantly shared insightful facts about the region, its geography, and cultural significance, adding depth and meaning to the journey. Overall, Thin Air Expedition delivers a highly personalized, well-paced, and enriching trekking experience. I would highly recommend them, especially for first-time trekkers looking for a safe, informative, and thoughtfully curated adventure.Sen
Raj Bahadur
I booked my trek with Thin Air Expedition on a friend’s recommendation, and it turned out to be a great decision. They managed travel and accommodation very smoothly, and everything was well organized throughout the journey. The team stayed in regular coordination, ensuring that stays and drivers were properly arranged each day. The entire trip was timely, hassle-free, and also pocket-friendly. I would definitely recommend Thin Air Expedition—you can trust them completely with your travel and trekking plans.
sachin aulakh
I recently completed the Kedarkantha Trek with ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was outstanding. The coordination, communication, and arrangements were excellent. The trek leaders were experienced and friendly, the support staff was humble, the stay was comfortable, and the food quality in such high altitude conditions was truly impressive. Their focus on safety and responsible trekking made the journey even better. I would definitely choose them again for my next Himalayan adventure! 🏔️✨
Aman rai
I recently completed a trek with the help of ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was very comfortable. From stay arrangements to travel from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, everything was well managed. The driver was extremely polite, supportive, and made the journey smooth and stress-free. Overall, a great experience and I would definitely recommend them.
Nitya Jaiswal
Kedarkantha was not just a trek, it was an experience that helped me reconnect with myself. Thanks to Thin air expeditions , I felt safe, cared for and encouraged at every step. The sunrise at the summit, the laughter around the campfire and the kindness of the guides will stay with me forever. If you're looking for a company that treats you like family on the mountains, this is the one.
Biswajit Sahoo
Subodh Sir making the trek so much of fun and intresting .. Awesome Experience with Subodh Sir
Anmol Verma
Overall trekking and accommodation was a very smooth experience. Our trek leader Mr. Ramesh was amazing and very helpful. He managed to make the trek look easy. Overall experience was 10/10. Would highly recommend.
Rishabh Singh Rana
Trek Guide Mr. Ramesh Ji is a very cool & good person. Trek journey became beautiful with the group and overall it became my one of the best experience.
aditi vaidya
I recently went on a trek with Thin Air Expeditions, and I can't get over the experience I had! I did the Phulara Ridge trek with Subodh sir, and it was an incredible experience. What made it even more special was that Subodh sir made sure I could bring my dog, Flake, a toy pom. His team and him took such great care of us, and it was clear that they truly care about their guests, human or canine! The group was amazing too. I met some wonderful people along the way, and we formed lifelong bonds. The whole experience was beautiful – from the breathtaking views to the friendly, supportive environment. I’ll cherish these memories forever! If you're looking for a SAFE, well-organized, fun, and caring trekking company, Thin Air Expeditions and Subodh sir are the ones to go with!
Anuja Vaidya
It was a wonderful experience with TAE on Phulara ridge trek, everything was on point the gears, food, trek guides and Subodh sir himself was an amazing leader who is the founder of TAE, he made sure the experience was amazing even for the first timers keeping safety the first priority. Also I took my Dog, Flake along with me for the trek and it was a great experience for her as well and her food and safety was well taken care of . 🐾 Would love to go back again with Thin air expedition. Thank you so much 🤗
Simran Samal
Phulara Ridge Trek – A Memorable Experience for me !!! Someone once told me, “Trips aren’t just about travel — they become a part of you.” I never really believed it, but this time, Phulara Ridge became exactly that for me. Our first campsite — the forest trail, the tents, the whole setting — gave me the first taste of what was to come. Everything was so thoughtfully arranged, it felt like nature itself had prepared that space for us. All thanks to our trek leader, Subodh bhai 🙌🏻. The next stop was magical in its own way. The campsite was picture-perfect, and we even ended up learning a bit of the local Uttarakhandi dance from Dev bhaiya (well… I tried to! 😄). In the evenings, we played games and spent such a good time that we forgot the weight of city life for a while. And finally, the Ridge: Honestly, we thought the weather would block the views, but Subodh bhai timed it so perfectly that the skies cleared for us. Walking on the ridge — one valley on the right, another on the left, clouds passing beneath us — felt surreal. We sat there for hours, just soaking it all in. It was pure peace. And yes, we even made tea there!!! 🫶🏻 (Of course, we made no mess, cleaned it all up, and left the space exactly the way it should be 😌). For me personally, trekking has always been like meditation — a way to quiet the noise and reconnect with myself. This trek with Subodh bhai and the team gave me exactly that: peace, perspective, memories for a lifetime, and inspiration. #SoGrateful 🙏🏻 Thank you, Subodh bhai and team, for making this such a soulful and unforgettable journey! Lastly Just one note for all: “In the end, we don’t conquer mountains; they help us discover who we truly are.” To anyone even considering it: please go with #ThinAir Expeditions to experience the rawness of trekking, the beauty of nature, and the joy of escaping city life for a while. You’ll come back not just with pictures, but with stories, stillness, and a piece of the mountains in your heart. All the best !!! ✌🏻
Netra Sharma
It was a wonderful experience with ThinAir Expedition. I went on my first trek to Phulara Ridge, and it was truly amazing. Our guide, Subodh ji, managed everything so well and remained patient throughout the trek. I enjoyed every moment and every spot. The place, the cook, and the helpers were all wonderful. The food and camps were awesome. I highly recommend joining ThinAir Expedition to experience the best of “pahadi” life!
Vaibhav Srivastava
Thin Air Expedition gave us the best experience while trekking. Everything was finely arranged and properly taken care of whether it was travel, food. Staff availablity. But the best part was free hand while trekking. Subodh led us beautifully taking in note that everyone reaches the base camp and everyone is doing well. Consulting our next phase keeping in mind the safety and gears. It was collectively very amazing. He gave us full free hand additionally it is our responsibility as well to take care of each other. We did so many activities had games and fun and he even taught us how to camp. How to set up it was fun. If it would've given me option I'll rate it 10. Thanks subodh and team and thin air expedition for such a memorable trip.
Somya Chaturvedi
I recently did the Phulara Ridge Trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was my first trek ever truly an unforgettable experience! Everything was so well managed from safety arrangements and equipment to food and stay, I never had to worry about a thing. Our trek leader, Subodh, was extremely supportive, patient, and motivating, which made a huge difference for a first-timer like me. The food was simple, homely, and very satisfying after long trekking hours. Most importantly, safety was always the top priority. For anyone planning their first or next trek, I’d highly recommend Thin Air Expedition. Professional, caring, and passionate about making the experience memorable!
We're always ready for adventure
Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.
We embrace low-noise trekking
We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.
We protect the environment
We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.
We are self-sufficient
We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.
We support each other
Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.
We are fit and prepared
We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.
