Stok Kangri Trek

Flying into the Ladakhi capital of Leh, the shapely peak of Stok Kangri (20075ft.) is prominent on the southern skyline. Spending several days acclimatizing, we visit the colorful monasteries at Shey, Thikse and Hemis before setting off on the lovely trek through the Markha Valley. Our route leads by way of several remote and picturesque villages to the high Nimaling Plain below the imposing peak of Kang Yatze. Crossing the Kongmaru La, we then follow an unusual high route to Stok Kangri Base Camp, a 3-day approach to the mountain, which includes superbly located campsites and far-reaching views towards Tibet and the eastern Karakoram. Although objectively very safe and technically straightforward (involving low-angle scree and easy snow slopes), the climb on Stok Kangri is both challenging and interesting. This is a wonderfully varied trip, perfectly suited to someone seeking his or her first Himalayan summit.

Duration: 12 Nights 13 Days

Grade : Moderate to tough
Altitude : 6,121m/20,082ft
Best Season : August to September

1st Day : Leh to Lamayuru. Today we continue to Lamayuru - the starting point for our trek. From Khalsi the road begins a steep ascent involving nearly 30 switchbacks in the last 25 km to Lamayuru. We set up camp in Lamayuru and in the afternoon visit the Lamayuru Gompa. In the 16th century it was declared a holy site in which even criminals could seek sanctuary making it known as a place of freedom! Overnight camping.

2nd Day : Wanla (average walking 4 hours). Today the trek begins. You are woken with a cup of tea - a pleasure that will continue throughout the trek, (along with three hot meals and warm water for washing!) After a gentle climb we go down a little valley towards the Prinkitla pass (3750m), which we cross after a short climb. From here we descend into a narrow gorge to the village of Shilla. We cross the river and make our way to Wanla. In Wanla there is an interesting monastery belonging to the red sect. A monk from Lamayuru looks after the Gompa. It is a typical village monastery, well worth a visit. Overnight camping.

3rd Day : Hinju (average walking 7-8 hours). Today we make our way along the Yapola River to the village of Phenjilla where we ascend to a small valley before reaching our camp at Hinju. We also take a rest day in Hinju which gives us an opportunity to explore the surroundings. Overnight camping.

4th Day: Sumdo (average walking 7-8 hours). From Hinju we go up the main valley, past the last mountain pasture before making our steep ascent up to the Konzkela Pass (4900m), which affords fantastic views of the surrounding peaks. From the pass it is a long descent to the river below. We continue along the river to our camp at Sumdo. Along the way we can see some blocked up caves used for meditation by Buddhist oracles.Overnight camping.

5th Day : Base of Dundunchen La (average walking 5 hours). From Sumdo we carry on in the main valley until we start ascending the Dundunchenla Pass (4800m). We camp at the base of the pass (4400 m). Overnight camping.

6th Day : Chilling (average walking 6 hours). Today we continue up to the Dundunchenla Pass. Weather permitting; our efforts in ascending the pass will be rewarded by the beautiful panoramic views! We continue down the steep slope through a valley that continues to narrow until we reach the village of Chilling. Chilling is an interesting little village. The people here are the only ones in the region to work with metals (copper, tin, and silver), making ladles, tcheng, and teapots. Overnight camping.

7th Day : Shingo (average walking 6 hours). Today we follow the Zanskar River upstream and then cross the river in a cable cart. We continue on to Skiu village where we follow a gradual ascent through a gorgeous rocky ravine filled with wild rosebushes and trickling mountain streams. We camp just above Shingo village (4400m). Overnight camping.

8th Day : Rumbuk(average walking 7 hours). Today we follow a long gradual ascent up to the Gandala (4850m). Weather permitting we should have a fantastic view over the Himalayan peaks. After crossing the pass we descend into another valley. We continue pass Yurutse (a tiny settlement - essentially a large home) and then continue down to our camp near the village of Rumbak. Overnight camping.

9th Day : Khilchay (average walking 5 hours). From our camp we continue through this beautiful valley until we begin the steep ascent to the Stok-la (4900m). From this pass we have views of the Stok Kangri Range. We have a short descent to our camp (4200m). Overnight camping.

10th Day : Shepherds Camp to Stok base camp (average walking 5 hours). Today it is a gradual ascent of 600 meters to the base camp of Stok Kangri. The landscape is fantastic and we take the afternoon to plan our next day's climb. Overnight camping.

11th Day : Base camp to Summit (6100m). Early morning a steep climb will take us to the summit of Stok Kangri (6100 m). This peak does not require any technical mountaineering capability; a pair of good boots, crampons, and rope is enough. For those who choose not to climb the peak they can relax at the base camp. After the summit we return to the base camp and continue walking to the Stok village. Our jeeps meet us here and we return to Leh by road. Overnight stay at the hotel.

12th Day : Stok to Leh. We have a full day free for individual activities. Some people may choose to go for an optional rafting trip, others may want to visit the Tibetan Refugee village in Choglamsar, some may want to visit the gompas at Thiksey and Hemis, and some may just want to explore the bazaars for interesting trinkets. Overnight stay at the hotel.

13th Day : Leh to DeIhi. We return to Delhi by early morning flight. The rest of the day is free. Overnight stay at the hotel.