Stok Kangri Expedition
Stok Kangri Peak is the most exciting and challenging trek in Ladakh. At an amazing height of 6150 meters, Stok Kangri is 70% of the height of Everest and is the only trek which takes you to this height in the entire Himalayan Region. It's a difficult trek which only a few people can attempt and succeed. Many people would suggest you that this trek can be done in 5-6 days but based on our experience you should keep at-least 10 days in had to complete this trek as your body need acclimatization and rest. The levels of oxygen on the summit of Stok Kangri is almost 50% of the normal and the weather is tricky. Months from July to September are ideal for Stok Kangri Expedition. This trek asks for physical as well as mental fitness and agility, most people come back to the base camp before completing the summit. However the rewards for attempting this trek are no less exciting as we cross glaciers and maneuver steep ridges and feast our eyes with the magnificent views of Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges and the views of Indus Valley and Leh City. Although there are many mountain peaks in Ladakh which are over 6000+ meters but. Stok Kangri Trek gives you an opportunity to reach this altitude without the technical expertise in mountaineering. The Trek gained considerable popularity along side its sister peak Golep Kangri. As the Indian Mountaineering Federation has recognized Stok Kangri as a Trekking Peak there is less paper work and hassle involved in conducting the trek.
Day 1 an 2 - Leh
We will spend two days in Leh for Sight Seeing and Acclimatization. We will visit Leh Market, Leh Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Magnetic Hill, Indus-Zanskar Confluence, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Shanti Stupa, and if time allows Khardungla Pass and Pangong Tso Lake.
Day 3 - Leh-Stok-Chang Ma (3560 meters)
Today we will take a short drive to Stok Village which is located on top of a mountain and one of the oldest inhabited village in Ladakh and is also the home of the royal family. We will visit the beautiful palace and museum of Stok and admire the architecture and historical artifacts. From there on our trek to Chang Ma will begin. Chang Ma is a beautiful campsite surrounded by lush green meadows and beautiful purple mountains and comes on way to Stok Mountain. We will climb up during the day and come back at Chang Ma in the evening for the purpose of acclimatization which relies on a principle of climbing high and sleeping low.
Day 4 - Chang Ma- Mankorma (4300 Meters)
Today we proceed for our trek towards Mankorma which is a 3-4 hours journey. There is some ascent involved as we pass through the barren and rugged landscape. There are huge mountains and scant vegetation. Being a cold desert the barren landscapes and dusty winds gives a unique experience for people coming to Ladakh. In our way we will come across many valleys and vast lands. We will be passing several streams and getting wet boots in ice cold water. Do not ignore the symptoms of AMS and ask for medication from your trek leader in case feeling uncomfortable. On way the landscape will change spectacularly and the mountains will change colors as we progress. We will get to enjoy beautiful views of river streams flowing alongside as we continue our trek. We camp at Mankorma tonight.
We will spend two days in Leh for Sight Seeing and Acclimatization. We will visit Leh Market, Leh Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Magnetic Hill, Indus-Zanskar Confluence, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Shanti Stupa, and if time allows Khardungla Pass and Pangong Tso Lake.
Day 3 - Leh-Stok-Chang Ma (3560 meters)
Today we will take a short drive to Stok Village which is located on top of a mountain and one of the oldest inhabited village in Ladakh and is also the home of the royal family. We will visit the beautiful palace and museum of Stok and admire the architecture and historical artifacts. From there on our trek to Chang Ma will begin. Chang Ma is a beautiful campsite surrounded by lush green meadows and beautiful purple mountains and comes on way to Stok Mountain. We will climb up during the day and come back at Chang Ma in the evening for the purpose of acclimatization which relies on a principle of climbing high and sleeping low.
Day 4 - Chang Ma- Mankorma (4300 Meters)
Today we proceed for our trek towards Mankorma which is a 3-4 hours journey. There is some ascent involved as we pass through the barren and rugged landscape. There are huge mountains and scant vegetation. Being a cold desert the barren landscapes and dusty winds gives a unique experience for people coming to Ladakh. In our way we will come across many valleys and vast lands. We will be passing several streams and getting wet boots in ice cold water. Do not ignore the symptoms of AMS and ask for medication from your trek leader in case feeling uncomfortable. On way the landscape will change spectacularly and the mountains will change colors as we progress. We will get to enjoy beautiful views of river streams flowing alongside as we continue our trek. We camp at Mankorma tonight.
Day 5- Mankorma-Stok Kangri Base Camp (5000 meters)
Today will be a tough and exhausting day as we start our trek towards Stok Kangri Base Camp which is one of the largest base camps of the region. The path is wild and rough but throw in some pleasantries on the way. We will come across a purple rivulet, beautiful meadows, Marmots, crystal clear lakes and streams sparkling in sun shine and giving hues of various shades. The air will get thinner as we proceed towards the high altitude base camp. There should be many tents pitched here as trekkers from all across the world come for this expedition. In season it looks like a festival of sorts. Situated on a grassy area surrounded by lakes and streams, the camp is surrounded by magnificent peaks like Golep Kangri and Parcha Kangri. After rest and meals we will climb up for beautiful views and acclimatization.
Day 6- Rest, Acclimatization and Training.
Today will be an easy day as we will be giving you training on climbing techniques, gear and summit route. There will be team work exercises involving climbing on snow and ice. Your trek leader will aware you about the challenges up ahead regarding altitude, weather and terrain. Basic Training will be also provided regarding fall and arrest techniques, use of Ice axe, Climbing and Safety Gear, crampons, rope and knot, Head Lamps, Walking Poles, Carabiner, Survival and Rescue. We will also trek towards the nearby peaks for a few hours. Camp overnight on snow for acclimatization and have proper home cooked meals for nourishment. By End of the day you should be sufficiently prepared for the challenge ahead. However it's better to retire early after day-break with a sound, rest and sleep as we will be starting our ascent very early around midnight in the dark and cold.
Day 7- Base Camp to Summit and Back to Base Camp
Here comes the summit day, the most challenging part of our trek. Today we will be trekking for 14-16 hours on knee deep snow, moraines and glaciers. On an average it takes 9-10 hours to reach the summit. In the first hour we will be able to get breath-taking views of Leh. However time is precious, so we will move ahead quickly to the second part which involves climbing on a glacier. The Third part or the third hour will be trekking on steep slopes which will start thickening with snow as the terrain starts getting more slippery and the snow getting hardened. In the Fourth Stage we will pull our our gear, get roped in and wear our crampons as the snow will deepen and the terrain becomes more slippery. After a few hours climb we will reach our fourth stage that is on the ridge overlooking Stok Kangri Peak. Take some rest at this point and don't forget to take pictures. The scene around is wonderful and feels as if you are in nature's lap. The glacier is the point where the actual climb to the summit ridge starts. After a slow and tiring climb, you will finally touch the ridge. Stand up and see how it feels to watch the world from such a height. Don't confuse the ridge with the summit; do realize that the real ascent only begins after this point. After some walk we will be able to see the summit and the prayer flags. From the summit their is a different world as we get 360 degrees panoramic views of surrounding peaks of Himalayas. On North there will be Karakoram Ranges and Saser Kangri Peak, on South there would be beautiful views of Zanskar Ranges. The feeling of being on top of the world and the magnificent views make permanent memories for the trekkers. The descent to the base camp follows the same route and should not take more than 3 hours. It wouldn't be as difficult as the climb but we need to be extremely cautious as a slip and fall could be fatal and since we are descending the gravity will be extra strong. After reaching the base camp take some time out for rest and immerse in the memories. Today was the day of accomplishment. All the pressure, effort, risk and tiredness will seem worthy after all. Have a sumptuous meal and retire in your sleeping bags with beautiful memories.
Today will be a tough and exhausting day as we start our trek towards Stok Kangri Base Camp which is one of the largest base camps of the region. The path is wild and rough but throw in some pleasantries on the way. We will come across a purple rivulet, beautiful meadows, Marmots, crystal clear lakes and streams sparkling in sun shine and giving hues of various shades. The air will get thinner as we proceed towards the high altitude base camp. There should be many tents pitched here as trekkers from all across the world come for this expedition. In season it looks like a festival of sorts. Situated on a grassy area surrounded by lakes and streams, the camp is surrounded by magnificent peaks like Golep Kangri and Parcha Kangri. After rest and meals we will climb up for beautiful views and acclimatization.
Day 6- Rest, Acclimatization and Training.
Today will be an easy day as we will be giving you training on climbing techniques, gear and summit route. There will be team work exercises involving climbing on snow and ice. Your trek leader will aware you about the challenges up ahead regarding altitude, weather and terrain. Basic Training will be also provided regarding fall and arrest techniques, use of Ice axe, Climbing and Safety Gear, crampons, rope and knot, Head Lamps, Walking Poles, Carabiner, Survival and Rescue. We will also trek towards the nearby peaks for a few hours. Camp overnight on snow for acclimatization and have proper home cooked meals for nourishment. By End of the day you should be sufficiently prepared for the challenge ahead. However it's better to retire early after day-break with a sound, rest and sleep as we will be starting our ascent very early around midnight in the dark and cold.
Day 7- Base Camp to Summit and Back to Base Camp
Here comes the summit day, the most challenging part of our trek. Today we will be trekking for 14-16 hours on knee deep snow, moraines and glaciers. On an average it takes 9-10 hours to reach the summit. In the first hour we will be able to get breath-taking views of Leh. However time is precious, so we will move ahead quickly to the second part which involves climbing on a glacier. The Third part or the third hour will be trekking on steep slopes which will start thickening with snow as the terrain starts getting more slippery and the snow getting hardened. In the Fourth Stage we will pull our our gear, get roped in and wear our crampons as the snow will deepen and the terrain becomes more slippery. After a few hours climb we will reach our fourth stage that is on the ridge overlooking Stok Kangri Peak. Take some rest at this point and don't forget to take pictures. The scene around is wonderful and feels as if you are in nature's lap. The glacier is the point where the actual climb to the summit ridge starts. After a slow and tiring climb, you will finally touch the ridge. Stand up and see how it feels to watch the world from such a height. Don't confuse the ridge with the summit; do realize that the real ascent only begins after this point. After some walk we will be able to see the summit and the prayer flags. From the summit their is a different world as we get 360 degrees panoramic views of surrounding peaks of Himalayas. On North there will be Karakoram Ranges and Saser Kangri Peak, on South there would be beautiful views of Zanskar Ranges. The feeling of being on top of the world and the magnificent views make permanent memories for the trekkers. The descent to the base camp follows the same route and should not take more than 3 hours. It wouldn't be as difficult as the climb but we need to be extremely cautious as a slip and fall could be fatal and since we are descending the gravity will be extra strong. After reaching the base camp take some time out for rest and immerse in the memories. Today was the day of accomplishment. All the pressure, effort, risk and tiredness will seem worthy after all. Have a sumptuous meal and retire in your sleeping bags with beautiful memories.
Day 8- Back to Stok and Leh
Today will be the final day of our amazing trek and our our unparalleled first hand high-altitude mountaineering experience. The trek today will be easy but long along snow clad mountain peaks and beautiful views. We will descend slowly and carefully to avoid slip and maintain balance. After a 12 kilometer long exhausting journey we will reach Stok Village, where our vehicles will be waiting to transport us back to your hotel rooms in Leh. Take a hot bath, relax and unwind as you savor on wonderful memories of this amazing trek.
End of Trek
Today will be the final day of our amazing trek and our our unparalleled first hand high-altitude mountaineering experience. The trek today will be easy but long along snow clad mountain peaks and beautiful views. We will descend slowly and carefully to avoid slip and maintain balance. After a 12 kilometer long exhausting journey we will reach Stok Village, where our vehicles will be waiting to transport us back to your hotel rooms in Leh. Take a hot bath, relax and unwind as you savor on wonderful memories of this amazing trek.
End of Trek
Why choose us?
We will provide trained Hindi and English speaking guide and proper backup and safety along with great food and camping. Please inquire and fill the form below to book.
Per day cost will be upwards of 2000/-per person on per day basis and can be negotiated based on group size and facilities.
Click here to know more..
We will provide trained Hindi and English speaking guide and proper backup and safety along with great food and camping. Please inquire and fill the form below to book.
Per day cost will be upwards of 2000/-per person on per day basis and can be negotiated based on group size and facilities.
- All necessary paper works and permits.
- Healthy and Tasty Meals including Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Soups and Snacks
- Bonfire
- Porters and Mules
- Travel & Rescue arrangements
- Medical Kits
- All government and local taxes if necessary.
- World Class Equipment
- Best Quality Tents, Sleeping Bags, Camping Equipment, Ropes, Ice Axe (Where required).
Click here to know more..
