Stok Kangri Trek

Places Covered: Leh, Stok, Mankarmo, Stok Kangri , Trek Mankarmo , Stok village ,

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Towering at an impressive 6153 m, Stok Kangri is a serious challenge. Although at such an impressive height, it is not a technical climb and in season requires no advanced mountaineering equipment. We work our way up to base camp over a number of days to maximize acclimatization and improve chances of a successful summit attempt. The view from the top is one of the best in the Himalaya offering great views of the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges including K2 (8611 m), the second highest peak in the world. This is one of the most popular trekking peaks in the Indian Himalayas

Itinerary:

Day 01 : Delhi – Leh
Arrive Leh, Transfer to Hotel. Full day rest. Overnight Hotel.

Day 02: Drive Leh – Stok then trek to Mankarmo (5/6 hrs)
After early breakfast, drive to Stok Trekking Point enroute visit the Stok Palace. Overnight at camp

Day 03: Trek Mankarmo- Base Camp (3/4 hrs)
After early breakfast, continue trek with gradual ascent to reach at base camp. Arrive at campsite before Lunch. Post Lunch, take a short climb from base camp to better acclimatize. Climb a further 100 m and then come back down again to get an early night in preparation for tomorrow’s summit attempt. Overnight at camp (Approx. 4900m)

Day 04: Base Camp – Stok Kangri Summit (6150 m) – Base Camp (7/8 hrs)
Early in the morning, start full of adventurous and challenging summit with gradual climbing to avail of the best weather conditions and a possible sunrise at the summit. First, climb onto a ridge which leads to a large glacier. After crossing the glacier, ascend steeply to the summit. This last leg is the most difficult and takes a lot of physical and mental strength. The panoramic view from the summit is second to none. To the north-west the Karakoram Range, including K2 (8611 m), seems endless. One can also see the Zanskar Range. Overnight at base camp

Day 05: Day Spare Summit / Trek Mankarmo
Incase bad weather. Overnight at base camp.

Day 06: Trek Base Camp – Stok village then drive to Leh (6 hrs)
Post breakfast; start easy and gentle trek descending down in the valley. This is a great walk passing by numerous ruins of old forts and castles; spectacular and wonderful landscape with charming meadows. Arrive Stok village then drive to Leh. Overnight Hotel.

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.