Lasermo La Trek – A breathtaking journey through the untouched parts of Ladakh!
Introduction
Ladakh, often called the “Land of High Passes,” is a unique region in the northernmost part of India. This high-altitude desert, bordered by the majestic Himalayas and the Karakoram Range, offers a blend of rugged mountains, serene valleys, and vibrant Buddhist culture. Among its many treasures is the Nubra Valley, often referred to as Ldumra, or the “valley of flowers.” It is located about 150 km north of Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Nubra is accessible via the world’s highest motorable road, Khardung La, which stands at an impressive 18,380 feet. The Nubra Valley has stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. With its rich Tibetan Buddhist influence and breathtaking scenery, Nubra Valley is a gateway for those eager to explore the lesser-known treks in Ladakh. Among the lessor known treks in Ladakh, Lasermo La Trek is one such stunning adventure.
Lasermo La Trek : Overview
Lasermo La trek, is a journey taking trekkers across the Lasermo La pass at approximately 5,400 meters. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a novice seeking a challenge, the Lasermo La Trek promises an unforgettable exploration of one of India’s most stunning landscapes.
The Lasermo La Trek is located in the high-altitude region of Ladakh, India. It is one of the tough but rewarding treks in the Nubra Valley.
This remote trail, often part of the ancient Silk Route, offers stunning views of the Karakoram mountain range, with famous peaks like Saser Kangri and Stok Kangri, along with vast glaciers.
The trek is best suited for experienced hikers due to the high altitude and rough terrain. Along the way, trekkers can experience the local Ladakhi culture and glimpse the nomadic way of life. In the Nubra Valley, they can also spot the rare double-humped Bactrian camels in the sandy dunes.
Best time to do the Lasermo La Trek –
The ideal time to do this trek is from June to September.
During these months, the weather is much more stable than any of the off season months. Moreover, the off season months not only increase the possibility of encountering rains and landslides but are also much colder, making the overall experience harsh.
Since you have to cross over the Lasermo La Pass at 5400+ Meters, it becomes all the more necessary to pick the most optimum season month to do this trek The Pass os open between June to September, thus making the cross over the North of the valley possible.
Temperature during the trek –
The temperature during the day is pretty pleasant in fact warmer when the sun is out. Consider the same to be in the range of 12 – 15 degrees, lowest during the day, depending on clouds/ wind-chill factor, around 9-10 degrees.
Please Note temperature in the mountains is always likely to fluctuate with weather. We recommend you to always have at least one jacket and your poncho with you at all times.
Temperature during the night will be around 5-7 degrees. Depending on wind-chill and weather change, it can go down to 2-5 degrees as well.
*As you gain altitude each day, the temperature will drop by 2/3 degrees with your elevation gain*.
The Lasermo La pass is windy and the expected temperature will be lower than the valleys. Once can expect it to drop down anywhere between 4 – 7 degrees during the wee hours of the morning, which is usually when the attempt is made to cross over the pass.
Trek Highlights
Region: Ladakh, India
Major attraction: Crossing the high-altitude Lasermo La pass
Landscape: Rugged mountains, glaciers, high-altitude deserts, and valleys
Culture: Ladakhi culture with Buddhist monasteries and nomadic lifestyle
Unique feature: Camel riding in the Nubra Valley
Difficulty level: Challenging, suitable for experienced trekkers
Best time to visit: June to September
Start and end point of the Lasermo La Trek
The start of the journey to Lasermo La Trek trek varies from operator to operator depending on who are trekking with. With Adventure Pulse, your journey begins in Leh itself.
Arrival in Leh and another day of acclimatization in the city itself will be the beginning of your experience.
From Leh we drive down to Phyang Phu, which is the start point of our trek. We complete the trek over the next 5 days and complete the trek in the village of Hunder.
From Hunder, we drive down to Leh via the Khardungla road and get back to civilization. We spend the last night at our hotel in Leh and depart the next morning.
Overview of the journey : Lasermo La Trek : 8 – 12 Days
The Lasermo La trek is a remarkable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh, typically designed to span around 8 to 12 days, allowing trekkers to acclimatize and immerse themselves in the region’s rich culture and natural beauty.
The trek usually begins with an arrival in Leh, where trekkers spend the first day acclimatizing to the high altitude of approximately 3,500 meters. This acclimatization is crucial for adjusting to the thin air and preparing for the physical demands of the trek. On the second day, trekkers often explore Leh, visiting local attractions and preparing for the adventure ahead.
Following acclimatization, the trek progresses with a series of hikes leading to the South Base of Lasermo La, where trekkers ascend to around 4,500 meters. The highlight of the trek is the challenging ascent to the Lasermo La Pass, which stands at about 5,438 meters. This pass offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, making the effort worthwhile. After reaching the pass, trekkers descend to the North Base, where they can rest and enjoy the scenery.
The final leg of the trek typically involves descending to Hunder, a village in the Nubra Valley known for its unique sand dunes and scenic beauty. The journey concludes with a return drive to Leh, allowing trekkers to reflect on their adventure and explore more of the local culture before departing. This trek combines physical challenge with cultural immersion, making it a memorable experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
Itinerary –
Day 1: Arrival at Leh (3500 m)
Day 2: Acclimatisation in Leh (3500 m)
Day 3: Leh to Phyang (3554 m) – 20 km Drive. Phyang to Phyang Phu (4621 m) – 14 km trek
Day 4: Phyang Phu to South Base of Lasermo La (4955 m) – 4 km
Day 5: South Base of Lasermo La to North Base of Lasermo La (4910 m) via Lasermo La (5438 m) – 10 km
Day 6: North Base of Lasermo to Hunder Dok (4061 m) – 16 km
Day 7: Hunder Dok to Hunder (3160 m) – 16 km. Drive to Leh via Khardung La (5602 m) – 6 hours
Day 8: Depart from Leh
Adventure Pulse Campsites
Upon arriving in Leh, we will drive you to your hotel an overnight stay. On this day you can rest, explore the Leh market or just wind up and relax. The following day is the mandatory acclimatization day as per the rules of the Leh Distrcit Authority. On this day of acclimatisation we explore the markets around and try to be as physically active during the first half of the dya, in order to allow the body to get used to and be at ease with the surrounding. The trek begins from Phyang hu, which is a 4 hour drive from Leh.
Our comfortable campsites along the way are equipped with everything you need:
- Sleeping Area: Spacious sleeping tents designed for comfort.
- Dining Area: A tent with tables and stools for meals, lit by solar lights at night.
- Kitchen Area: Where our team will prepare hot, fresh meals daily.
- Toilet Facilities: Clean and hygienic toilets, placed away from the sleeping and dining areas for privacy.
How Will I Sleep During the Trek?
During the trek, you will stay in comfortable alpine A-shaped tents. At Adventure Pulse, we provide a 3-man tent for two people. If you prefer a single tent, we can arrange that at an additional cost. Each tent comes with foam insulation, a sleeping mat, and a thick sleeping bag to ensure a restful night’s sleep.
What About the Toilets?
We provide clean toilet tents equipped with flushable loos. Once the porters reach the next campsite, they set up the toilets away from water sources to ensure hygiene. Each toilet is equipped with sanitizing sprays, toilet paper, and waste packets.
What Will I Be Carrying on the Trek?
Backpack off-loading is provided on all treks with Adventure Pulse. Your personal gear will be carried by mules, so you only need to carry a small daypack with essentials like a light jacket, raincoat, water bottle, and packed lunch. For a detailed list of items to bring, refer to our recommended checklist.
Meals During the Trek
At Adventure Pulse, we prioritize nutrition so that you remain energized throughout the trek. Our varied menu includes rice, roti, sabzi, daal, khichdi, noodles, pulao and more, with various options for both breakfast and dinner. Additionally, we also provide packed lunches, usually comprising of roti-sabzi or rice to fuel your journey.
There will be all hot beverages freshly prepared at our campsites, including tea, coffee, black coffee, green tea, ginger water, etc.
Fitness required for the Lasermo La Trek
The Lasermo La Trek is not an easy one. Therefore, trekkers need to be in good physical shape to comfortably complete this adventure. However, with Adventure Pulse’s support staff, even a first-time trekker with no prior high-altitude trekking experience can do this. That said, we highly recommend you prepare yourself for a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks before embarking on this adventure.
Given the altitude on the trek to go over the Lasermo La pass, your physical fitness will play a crucial role in determining your experience. Consequently, we recommend you go over our fitness plan on the website.
Adventure Pulse Support Staff
Each group is accompanied by a lead guide and assistant guides, who, together, ensure safety and smooth navigation of the trail. Moreover, our guides are experienced and knowledgeable about the route. In addition, a cook and helpers will also assist with meal preparations and camp setup.
Connectivity and network on the Lasermo La trek
Only postpaid network works in Ladakh. BSNL and Airtel simcards have the best network in the valley, at the Base camp and the end point of the trek. However, while on the trek, you will be pretty much disconnected from any communication to your friends or family. Hence it is advisable ti inform them beforehand. Please note – Given the rules and regulations by the Indian Army, any kind of satellite phones, pagers, walky-talky, drones, etc. are strictly prohibited in the valley.
Final Thoughts
The Lasermo La trek in Ladakh treks is more than a destination—it is a journey of personal discovery, natural wonder, and cultural immersion. It challenges trekkers physically while offering moments of profound beauty and tranquility.
Whether you are an experienced trekker or an adventure enthusiast looking to test your limits, this trek promises an unforgettable experience that will remain etched in your memory long after you have returned home.
In the words of every trekker who has conquered the Lasermo La: Some journeys are measured not in kilometers, but in moments of pure, breathtaking wonder.
