Stok Kangri, India
Towering at 6300m, Stok Kangri is a serious challenge. Although an impressive height, Stok Kangri is not a technical climb and, in season, requires no advanced mountaineering equipment making it perfect for your first Himalayan summit!
Stok Kangri is easy to get to from Leh. To help with acclimatisation, this trip begins with a few days visiting the colourful monasteries around Leh before setting off on the lovely trek through the Markha Valley.
This trek is full of superbly located campsites with far reaching views towards Tibet and the Eastern Karakoram. The view from the summit is one of the best in the Himalayas, looking over the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges including K2 (8611m) - the second highest peak in the world.
Trip Overview
Tour Information
Area: Ladakh, India
Duration: 11 Days
Altitude: 6300m
Daily Activity: 4–10 hours
Accommodation: Camping or Hotel
Transport: Jeep/Walking
Start Point: Delhi or Leh
Available: June–October
Fixed departures:17 - 27 July 2016, 7 - 17 Aug 2016, 4 - 14 Sept 2016, 25 Sep - 5 Oct 2016. (Departing Delhi, 11 days/10 nights, $1240USD)
Trip Details
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi to Leh (3500m)
After meeting in Delhi, we take the short flight to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. This is an incredible flight over the greater Himalayas with spectacular views of K2 among others, to one of the world's highest airports. We spend the day in Leh to acclimatise and take time to explore the monasteries and markets or just relax at the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2: Leh (3500m)
We spend the day in Leh with a short day hike to practice exercising at this elevation. A great view of Stok Kangri which is perched on the other side of the valley lets you measure the size of the challenge ahead. Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Day 3: Leh to Zingchan (3900m)
Early morning we drive one hour to Spituk, the closest road access to Stok Kangri. We then start our trek with an easy introductory walk of four hours until we reach Zingchan. Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Day 4: Zingchan to Stok La (4400m)
Today we trek from Zingchan to the base of Stok La, a pass below the mountain, through the barren lunar landscape of Ladakh. It will be hot during the day and cold at night. Upon reaching Stok La we’ll have a well-earned hot dinner and sleep. Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Day 5: Stok La to Mankorma (4900m)
Today we trek over the Stok La Pass and camp at Mankorma (4900m). You’ll see brilliant views of Stok Kangri and the route to the summit from the base camp. Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Day 6: Mankorma to Base Camp (5000m)
We start early today so we reach base camp before lunch. After lunch we take a short climb from base camp to help with acclimatisation. We get an early night in preparation for tomorrow's climb to the summit.Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Day 7: Base Camp to Stok Kangri & return (6150m)
We start climbing in the early hours of the morning so we can watch sunrise at the summit. After crossing a glacier we ascend steeply to the summit. The panoramic view from the summit is second-to-none. We’ll look out over the snow capped peaks of the Karakoram Range, including K2, the Zanskar Range and Tibet. Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Day 8: Spare Summit Day
In case of poor weather we keep an extra day spare so we can attempt the summit again today. Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Day 9: Base Camp to Leh (3500m)
From base camp we descend all the way to Stok village passing numerous fort and castle ruins. We are met in Stok village by cars that take us back to Leh, where we can enjoy a few celebratory drinks at the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel (B,L)
Day 10: Leh to Khardung La & return (5600m)
In the morning we drive to Khardung La. It is the highest motorable road in the world taking you to a dizzy 5600m! The view from the top is spectacular, stretching from the Indus Valley in the South over the endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range to the giants of the Sesser Massif in the North. You can feel proud of a true achievement as you finish the trip. We finish in Leh for dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation: Hotel (B,L)
Day 10: Leh to Delhi
Flights take us back from Leh to Dehli today where we end our amazing adventure!
Trip Extensions
Not ready to leave just yet?
Combine this tour with one of our other amazing Himalayan treks or cycles, a stay at a beautiful hotel for some R & R or a trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.
Note: Our fixed departure tours depart Delhi and return to Delhi, extending this itinerary to be 11 days/10 nights. Please contact us for our fixed departure itinerary.
Indian Himalayas
Ladakh or "land of high passes" is a region of India in the state of Jammu and Kashmir that lies between the Karkoram mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south. Ladakh is the highest inhabited region of India. Most of Ladakh is at an altitude of over 3000m making it perfect for trekking.
Everywhere you look you'll see arid land, framed by snow-capped mountains, glistening in the sun. Inhabited by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent, its culture and history are closely related to that of Tibet with the majority of locals either Tibetan Buddhists or Muslims.
For more general information about visiting India see our India General Info page.
Accommodation
Camping
When camping you will stay in 2 man tents. Camp staff will erect and dismantle the tents each day, cook all meals and wash up for you - all you need to do is relax. You'll be greeted each morning with freshly brewed Chai or coffee and each evening when you get to camp, with snacks and a range of hot drinks.
Guesthouses and Hotels
Accommodation can at times be a little basic in this region; however all hotel rooms are en suite and water and electricity supplies are fairly reliable. Single rooms can be requested for an additional cost (subject to availability); please enquire at the time of booking.
Tour Costs
We quote every tour individually based on your needs and wants. The price will be confirmed once itinerary is finalised. The cost of our this tour will include and exclude the following:
The price of the tour includes:
- All airport transfers
- All meals as listed in the itinerary (B,L,D)
- Accommodation including hotels, guest houses and tent, mattress, and sleeping bag when camping
- Experienced local English-speaking guide
- Support crew and vehicles
- First Aid support
The price of the tour excludes:
- Visa
- International airfares
- Domestic airfares Delhi to Leh return
- Travel Insurance
- Additional meals as noted in the itinerary
- Any additional purchases such as entry to monuments, if required
Meals will be included as stated in the itinerary (B,L,D). Meals provided on the tour will be mainly Indian-style like curries, roti and parantha with a few Western meals such as pasta or noodles.
A sample day
Breakfast: tomato and cheese omelette with toast, juice, tea/coffee and fruit
Lunch: sandwiches, boiled eggs, boiled potatoes, juice and a chocolate bar
Dinner: okra curry and rice with roti and fresh fruit for dessert
Snacks also provided along the way - fruit, chocolate and drinks including bottled water
Meals outside the itinerary will be your choice with numerous Indian, Tibetan, Chinese and Western restaurants as well as supermarkets available in most cities should you wish to make your own. Choice of food can be limited in smaller villages. We recommend choosing vegetarian dishes - these are often the best option anyway! Eating in India is very cheap and you should expect to pay only ~$5-10 AUD per meal in an average restaurant.
Fitness Levels
Due to the altitude and terrain this is a challenging tour and requires a good level of fitness. We can provide you with a training program to help improve your fitness prior to the tour - all you need to do is ask.
Altitude Warning
This trip goes to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Although rare, a number of medical conditions can also reduce your body's ability to acclimatise, and thus will affect your performance at altitude and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre- existing condition (e.g. heart problems), or unsure of your physical ability, we recommend that you seek medical advice prior to booking.
Support
This is fully guided tour. Under no circumstances will you be left alone to make your way to the next camp. All guides are trained in first aide and there will be a complete first aide kit including oxygen in case of emergency. There is the option of carrying your own pack or utilising porters.
We even tell you what to pack!
A suggested packing list will be provided to you with your itinerary.
