Rusila Frozen Lake Trek

Go through Sapi, the highest settlement of Kargil

Jammu & Kashmir

Intermediate

Difficulty Level

8 days

Duration

4,960 m

Highest Altitude

6-10

Group Size

Price (excl GST)

Start Date(s)

64.9

kgCO₂e/person

64.9

kgCO₂e/person

Witness Karakoram Range and Nun Kun Massif atop Rusi La

This trek leads you through the enchanting village of Sapi, the highest settlement in Kargil, nestled at an elevation of 3,900 meters. As you ascend to the Rusila Pass—standing tall as the highest pass in the region at 4,960 meters—you’ll be immersed in breathtaking landscapes. Along the trail, discover a hidden gem: a 12th-century cave monastery in Shargole, surrounded by vibrant valleys bursting with blooming herbal plants and flowers. Take a moment to appreciate the serene glacial lake in Sapi, a tranquil oasis waiting to be explored. From the Rusi La, revel in the stunning panoramas of the Karakoram Range and the majestic Nun Kun Massif. Throughout your journey, keep your eyes peeled for the captivating mountain wildlife, including playful marmots, elusive foxes, and, if fortune smiles upon you, the majestic Himalayan ibex or a brown bear.

Please Note: This trek is not recommended for beginners

Itinerary

Read our FAQs for more info.

What’s Included

Journey to Kargil from Leh and from Kargil to Srinagar

Trek point transfers

Transport for sightseeing

Breakfast and dinner at hotel in Kargil

All meals on the trek

Twin sharing rooms at hotel

Dome tents or homestays on trek

Camping gear (sleeping bags, mattress, two man dome tents, toilet tent, dining tent)

Safety gear

Onsite first aid

Oxygen cylinder

Trained and experienced guide/trek leader

Kitchen and support staff

Porters/Mules

Trekking permits

Camping charges

What’s Not Included

Single room accommodation

Lunch during stay in Kargil

All meals while on the road

Personal equipment such as walking sticks, rain coats, gloves etc

International & Domestic flight fares, visa charges

Monument/monastery and Museum visit fee

Any expenses of personal nature such as mineral water, laundry.

Cost incurred due to emergency evacuation

Any kind of insurance, such as accident, theft, medical, evacuation etc.

Personal Mules & porters. You can request for one in advance while booking

Tips to porters, camping team, driver, guide, etc.

Cost incurred due to change / extension in the itinerary due to roadblocks, bad weather condition, flight delays, vehicle breakdowns, etc.

Is this for me?

Deciding if the Rusila Trek is suitable for you depends on your trekking experience, physical fitness, and comfort with challenges. As a lesser-known Himalayan trek, it offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure, but it might involve demanding terrain, altitude changes, and variable weather conditions. If you're an experienced trekker seeking unique landscapes and are prepared for the physical demands of the trek, including altitude acclimatisation, the Rusila Trek could be an exciting choice; however, if you're new to trekking or have concerns about higher altitudes, considering less strenuous treks initially might be wise.