Stok Kangri Trek and Climb

Ladakh” is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the “Great Himalayan and the Karakoram”, this windswept high altitude cold desert forms one of the most beautiful travel destinations. This high plateau formed due to the grand collision between the Indian sub continental plate and massive Eurasian plate few million years ago, is relatively young land in earth’s life cycle. Ladakh was once covered by an extensive lake system, the remains of which are still seen in areas of Rupshu and Chushul. The great lakes like Tso-moriri, Tso-kar, and Pangong-Tso still remind us of those days.

This most arid and remote cold desert was once very difficult to reach, but now we have two major routes from south of Himalayas to reach the capital city of Leh. One starts from Srinagar and the other from Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The road from Manali is most recent one and is rated as one of the best ten road journeys in the world! This road starting from Manali climbs high, to cross the Rohtang Pass to enter the Lahaul district. Then the road crosses the Pir Panjal ranges and reaches the main town of the region, Keylong. From here it follows the Bhaga River up to Baralacha Pass. From here onwards the barren landscape turns more lunar. The nature’s canvas becomes so large, that everything looks dwarfed out.

Leh, the capital of the region is dominated by the nine-story palace build by Sengge Namgyal, a building in grand tradition of Tibetan architecture. Some people say that the world famous Potala Palace in Lhasa is inspired from this nine-story palace. After reaching Leh we would spend totally four nights here and would be visiting many famous monasteries of ancient Ladakh e.g. Lamayuru, Thiksey, Hemis etc. We also would be penetrating deep into Nubra valley and would cross the highest motorable road in the world, Khardung La.

Day wise detailed itinerary of the trek

Day-1
Flying in to Leh by an early morning flight. Resting after transfer to hotel and then walk down to Market for acclimatisation (B, L, D) Overnight stay in Hotel in Leh.

Day-2
Tour of Hemis, Thiksey, Shey monastery, 3 Idiots School Campus Sindhu Darshan. This is actually the acclimatisation day. (B, L, D) Overnight stay in Hotel in Leh.

Day-3
Acclimatisation trek for about 4 hrs from Shanti Stupa to Gyamsa ending at Leh palace. (B, L, D) Overnight stay in Hotel in Leh.

Day-4
Drive to Shang Sumdo (3,800 m. / 12,467 ft.) and then trek to Shang Phu (4,350 m. / 14,272 ft.) (5 - 6 hours walk) An hour’s drive to Shang. The 6-hour trek is a gentle ascent all along. (B, PKDL, D) Overnight stay in tents.

Day-5
Shang Phu to Matho Phu (4,303 m. / 14,117 ft.), via Shang Phu La (4,960 m. / 16,750 ft.) (7 to 8 hours walk) (B, PKDL, D) Overnight stay in tents.

Day-6
Matho Phu to Smankarmo (4,380 m. / 14,370 ft.) via Matho La (14,850 ft.) (4 to 4 ½ hours walk) (B, PKDL, D) Overnight stay in tents.

Day-7
Smankarmo to Stok Kangri Base Camp (4,980 m. / 16,300 ft) (2 to 2 ½ hours walk) (B, PKDL, D) Overnight stay in tents.

Day-8
Rest Day at Stok Kangri Base. (B, PKDL, D) Overnight stay in tents.

Day-9
Early morning start for climb to the summit (6,153 m. / 20,182 ft.) A very early morning start and the steep ascent to the summit. After the climb back to Base camp. This would be very long day; almost 16 to 17 hours!! (B, PKDL, D) Overnight stay in tents.

Day-10
Stok Kangri Base to Stok village (3,610 m. / 11,843 ft.) and drive back to Leh. (6 hours, 12kms) (B, PKDL, D) Overnight stay in Hotel in Leh.

Day-11
Transfer to Leh airport for morning flight for onward journey. (B)

Where Will I Stay?

4 Nights in “A” class hotel in Leh on twin sharing FB Basis.
6 Nights in 3-men tents on twin sharing FB Basis.

How willI travel?

Inner line permit Visa is a requisite for the Indian Citizens. A special pass is needed for all non-Indians.
The travel in and around Leh will be in luxury coach or in SUVs, depending on group size.
The trek entails about 7-8 hours of walk every day on various terrains.
With the trek leading up to 20,200 ft, high level of fitness is a pre-requisite for all the travellers.
The luggage will be carried by the local porters or mules, with each porter carrying a maximum load of 30kgs. We will allot one porter for two people so its advisable that you carry a maximum of 15 kgs.
If there is a requirement of an extra porter, the cost of that will be borne by the traveller.
In case of un-avoidable/ un-favouring conditions, Hills and Trails reserve the right to make on-the spot changes in which case the group leader’s decision will be considered as the final word.

What about my health?

• A health certificate is mandatory for all the travellers. It should clearly certify that the traveller is physically fit to carry out a high-altitude trek to Stok Kangri peak.
• We do take medical precautions, however, due to high altitude traveller can suffer through headache, loss of appetite, nausea, breathlessness and loss of sleep. These ailments are temporary and disappear as soon as the person gets acclimated to the weather conditions.
• 4-5 litres of water intake is a must to avoid altitude related sickness. A tablet of Diamox comes handy to help acclimatization.
• In case of sever medical emergency, all the cost incurred by us on treatment are to be borne by the traveller immediately in cash.
• To ensure safety at all times, it is highly advisable to follow the instructions of the group leader.
• Hills and Trails does not offer any type of insurance against losses. It is recommended that every person gets his/her international travel insurance which is valid in Nepal and covers evacuation, if needed.