This expedition’s acclimatization is not a single “Leh rest” block. It is a full system: Leh acclimatization, then a long, steady Rumtse–Tso Moriri traverse with repeated high-pass exposure, followed by a structured summit phase. The goal is simple: arrive at the Mentok summit window with a body that has already learned how to perform and recover above 4,500m.
In Leh, we use active altitude exposure rather than passive waiting. The plan includes the Chamkang Ri acclimatization hike (4,150m) and a controlled ascent day to Khardung La (~5,400m). These are strategic triggers: they help your breathing rhythm, appetite, sleep quality, and effort tolerance before the trek phase begins.
Then the real advantage begins: the Rumtse–Tso Moriri traverse gives you repeated altitude stimulus through 6 pass crossings, plus the kind of long, high-desert trekking days that teach pacing discipline in the Rupshu–Changthang belt. We also protect recovery with deliberate slow days, including a rest / buffer day at Tso Kar (Pangunagu) and a full Tsomoriri exploration / buffer day from Kiangdom so you absorb altitude instead of accumulating fatigue.
Why this matters for Mentok: once you have (1) 3 acclimatization days in Leh, (2) a full traverse with 6 pass crossings, and (3) recovery days at Tso Kar and Tsomoriri, you are usually arriving into the Mentok phase extremely well prepared. At that point, the biggest variables are your discipline and real-time health plus weather, not “lack of acclimatization”.
Contingency built-in: this combo itinerary includes a dedicated contingency day to protect the summit window and reduce the pressure to attempt on a bad-weather day. Success is never guaranteed in the mountains, but this is how you stack the odds properly in your favor.