If Climbing in India is your heart’s desire, read on. Towering at an impressive 6153m (20187 ft), 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 maximise acclimatisation 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 best trekking peaks in the Indian Himalayas and it’s proximity to Leh makes it very accessible. Ladakh, often referred to as ‘little Tibet’, is characterised by Buddhist culture. Visits to monasteries, palaces, markets and remote villages are all included in this trekking holiday.
Day 1: Arrival in India
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing in your hotel room or taking in the sights of Delhi. Overnight Hotel.
Day 2: Delhi to Leh (3505 m): 1 hr
Take the one hour flight to Leh, capital of Ladakh. This is an incredible flight over the greater Himalaya with spectacular views of K2 (8611 m) among others. Overnight hotel.
Day 3: Acclimatise and sightseeing in Leh.
Spend day in Leh to acclimatise. For the more energetic a visit to monasteries such as Shey, Thikse and Hemis will be arranged. Or choose to relax and walk into Leh town, to its exciting market and outdoor restaurants. Enjoy the great views of Stok Kangri (6153 m) and its surrounding peaks. Overnight Leh hotel.
Day 4: Leh to Zinghen (3900 m): 5/6hrs
We take a one hour drive to Spitok, the closest road access to Stok Kangri. We then start our trek with an easy introductory walk of four hours until we reach Zingchen. Overnight camp.
Day 5: Zingchen to Stok La (4400 m ): 6/7 hrs.
Trek Zingchen to the base of Stok La, a pass below the mountain. Throughout the trip, we are trekking through the barren lunar landscape of Ladakh. The weather is hot during the day and cold at night. Reach Stok La and have a well earned hot meal and a good nights sleep.
Day 6: Stok La to Mankorma (4900 m): 5/6 hrs
Trek over the Stok La Pass and camp at Mankorma. The pass offers great views of Stok Kangri and the route to the summit from the base camp.
Day 7: Mankorma to Base Camp (5000 m): 4/5 hrs
We make an early start and reach base camp with still most of the day to rest. We have lunch and then take a short climb from base camp to better acclimatise. We climb a further 100 m and then come back down again to get an early night in preparation for tomorrow’s summit attempt.
Day 8: Base Camp to Stok Kangri (6150 m) to Base Camp (5000 m): 10 hrs
We start climbing in the early hours of the morning to avail of the best weather conditions and a possible sunrise at the summit. First we climb onto a ridge which leads to a large glacier. After crossing the glacier we 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 and view Tibet in the distance, an outstanding vista of snow-capped peaks.
Day 9: Spare Summit day
This day allows us an extra day for acclimatisation and also an extra opportunity to summit if weather was bad the previous day.
Day 10: Base Camp to Stok village to Leh (3500 m): 8 hrs
From base camp we descend all the way to Stok village. This is a great walk passing by numerous ruins of old forts and castles. It takes about six hours to reach Stok village where we are met by waiting vehicles. We then drive two hours back to Leh enjoy a meal and some well earned drinks at the hotel.
Day 11: Leh to Delhi
Take the amazing flight back down to Delhi over the Great Himalayan Range. Upon arrival to Delhi transfer from the domestic to international airports in time for your flight home. Trip ends.
