Trek to Stok Kangri | Stok Kangri Trek

Trip introduction

This mountain adventure takes you into the mystic heights of Stok Kangri, the highest peak in the Stok range. At an incredible height of 20,000 feet, a successful summit of Stok Kangri wins you instant bragging rights!

The first two days of the Stok Kangri trek are scheduled for you to explore the scenic town of Leh, allowing you to acclimatise to the elevation. The early section of the trek takes you through beautiful mountain scenery, and you'll camp at gorgeous campsites. From base camp, the trek to Stok Kangri becomes steep and the air thins, posing a thrilling challenge for trekkers. On the day of your summit attempt, you'll start trekking at 1 a.m., using headlamps in the darkness. This is a real adventure! The mountains look completely different at night, with the sounds of nocturnal animals all around. You can expect to negotiate boulders and scree-laden ridges for this section. The sun rises as you approach the summit, lighting up the glaciers and peaks around you, making this one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

IMPORTANT: This trek to Stok Kangri is a great choice for moderately experienced trekkers as it doesn't require technical knowledge of mountaineering, but you should have some experience with treks over 13,000 feet.

Destination

Stok Kangri is arguably the highest peak in the Himalayas which can be summitted without mountaineering experience. The challenges of thin air, high altitude and unpredictable weather make this an adventure like no other. It offers you the chance to climb to 20,000 feet without technical training.

From the summit, one has an unparalleled view of the Karakoram range, the Zanskar range, and the Ladakh range, as well as of the Indus valley and Leh city.

If you're going on the Stok Kangri trek in May or June, you can expect to see snow, but as the months advance to July or August, there is less snow.

Destination highlights

• Win your badge of honour as a trekker by climbing to 20,000 feet on this Stok Kangri trek.
• Take in unbelievable views of three different mountain ranges from the Stok Kangri summit.
• Camp in the starkly beautiful environs of a high-altitude desert.
• Visit the charming city of Leh and explore the local sites.

Fine print

Rules on the trip

The operator has a set of guidelines for the trek to Stok Kangri that must be adhered to based on the tenets of ‘Leave No Trace’ & ‘Tread Light’ policies. These guidelines are very simple and emphasise on travelling in small groups, better planning, understanding impact of camping, proper waste disposal, respecting local cultures, sensitivity towards wildlife and so on.

Participants must adhere to the instructions of the team leader during the Stok Kangri trek.

Smoking, consumption of alcohol, narcotic drugs etc. is strictly prohibited on the Stok Kangri trek.

While trekking participants must follow a proper waste disposal system.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel 45 days before departure of the Stok Kangri trek: Full refund (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel bookings, transport, etc.) minus any transaction charges.

If you cancel 30-45 days before departure of the Stok Kangri trek: 75% of trip cost will be refunded (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel bookings, transport, etc.) minus any transaction charges.

If you cancel 15-30 days before departure of the Stok Kangri trek: 50% of trip cost will be refunded (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel bookings, transport, etc.) minus any transaction charges.

If you cancel 15 days or less before departure of the Stok Kangri trek: No refund

Additional instructions, booking policies, terms and conditions

The operator takes utmost care to ensure safety of its clients. However in the case of any unforeseen mishaps, the operator will not be liable for any injuries caused or for loss of life.

If due to bad weather, sickness, natural calamity or any other personal reasons, the itinerary of this trip is changed, the extra charges for accommodation, transport, etc, will be borne by the guests. The same will be applicable if a guest decides to change the itinerary due to personal reasons, injury, or bad health.

Participants will be required to fill up an indemnity form before the trek to Stok Kangri. You are requested to inform the operator if you're suffering from any major ailment and submit your health certificate.

All fixed departure trips will be run according to a fixed schedule and standard services. In case of individual requirements, the operator may not be able to entertain the request or may have to charge additional amounts. Please be aware of this fact.

Day 1 of the Stok Kangri trek: Arrive in Leh

Arrive in Leh and check into a hotel. The first two days of the Stok Kangri trek are planned to ensure that everyone is fully acclimatised to the altitude, and is well rested before the trek. Today there is not much to do. You can take a walk around the market or stay at the hotel and sip tea or coffee all day if you wish. It's a good day to read, admire the views around, or just catch up on sleep and get to know each other.

Day 2 of the Stok Kangri trek: Explore Leh

Make most of today by exploring the charming markets and villages of Leh. You can go on a sightseeing trip, or visit the local market and the charming streets of Leh. You can also choose to stay in your hotel and prepare for the trek ahead by resting well. Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 3 of the Stok Kangri trek: Leh-Matho-Gangpochey

By now, you would have been fully acclimatised and are ready for Stok Kangri. After breakfast, you'll be driven towards Matho. This part of the trek is a gradual uphill hike to Gangpochey. You'll like the 2-3 river crossings, and if you're lucky, you might spot a blue sheep or a snow leopard. After a 5-6 hour trek, you'll reach your campsite in Gangpochey. Overnight in tents.

/Stok Kangri Leh Ladakh High Altitude Trekking Adventure Himalayas

Trek through the treacherous Himalayan terrain.

Day 4 of the Stok Kangri trek: Gangpochey-Mankarmo

Your trek today is very scenic and you'll cross over Mathola Pass to reach Mankarmo. You'll be experiencing an altitude of 16,000 feet, which will help you acclimatise for the next few days. The trek is a gradual uphill slope and will take around 4-5 hours. Overnight in the tents.

Dip your feet in crystal clear Himalayan rivulets.

Day 5 of the Stok Kangri trek: Mankarmo-Stok Base Camp

Today's trail takes you up a steep ascent to the base camp. It is a short trek so that you have enough time to set up camp and acclimatise to the altitude. The rest of the day is spent relaxing or exploring the area around the campsite. Overnight in tents.

Trek through vast land covered with snow.

Day 6 of the Stok Kangri trek: Base Camp Acclimatisation

Today you will attempt a moderate height gain to ensure that you are able to handle climbing at this altitude. You will climb with other trekkers to the ridge on top of the base camp. This is a short, steep climb, and will help you prepare for the summit. For the rest of the day, you'll take it easy, prepare for the summit attempt, and relax at the campsite. You will have an early dinner and go to bed as you need to wake up at around midnight for the climb to Stok Kangri summit.

Start the trek to Stok Kangri peak at 2 am in the morning.

Day 7 of the Stok Kangri trek: Base camp-Stok Kangri

Summit day is here! You'll wake up at midnight so that your trek to Stok Kangri starts early. By 01:00 hrs you and the team will leave from base camp, using head lamps to guide you. The sun will rise in a couple of hours, but for now, you'll experience the mountains in the darkness. You'll climb the ridge above the campsite, and move on to a big glacier which you need to negotiate carefully. From here you'll ascend to a higher ridge that leads to the summit. This stretch is steep, and as the air thins even further, this can be a challenge. The ascent takes about 6-8 hours, depending on weather conditions and the abilities of the team. When you finally reach the summit, it's a thrilling feeling. You've climbed one of the toughest peaks in this region, and you've been victorious! Spend some time at the summit and enjoy the views of the Karakoram range, the Ladakh range, and the Zanskar range. Your return trek takes about 4 hours. You'll be exhausted but delighted when you reach the campsite again. Overnight in tents.

Pose for the shutter after trekking to Stok Kangri peak.

Day 8 of the Stok Kangri trek: Contingency day

Today is a contingency day, in case of delays in the Stok Kangri trek itinerary caused by bad weather, health or acclimatisation issues or any other features. If the climb has been successful, today can be spent exploring Leh, going river rafting, or taking a short road trip to Pangong Lake.

Spot several exotic birds and animals en-route.

Day 9 of the Stok Kangri trek: Stok base camp-Stok village-Leh

Today you will trek back to Stok village from base camp, where vehicles await you. It's a short drive of about an hour to Leh, where you will be delighted to check into a hotel and enjoy the comforts of civilised life. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 of the Stok Kangri trek: Leh departure

You'll check out from the hotel after breakfast and you're free to head to your next destination. Your trip ends here.

Day 1 - Milestone

Start point
Leh

End point
Leh

Day start time
11:00 AM

Day 2 - Milestone

Start point
Leh

End point
Leh

Day start time
07:00 AM

Day 3 - Milestone

Start point
Leh

End point
Gangpochey

Day start time
07:00 AM

Trekking distance
12 km

Trekking time
6 hrs

Day 4 - Milestone

Start point
Gangpochey

End point
Mankarmo

Day start time
07:00 AM

Trekking distance
10 km

Trekking time
5 hrs

Day 5 - Milestone

Start point
Mankarmo

End point
Stok Base Camp

Day start time
07:00 AM

Trekking distance
8 km

Trekking time
4 hrs

Day 6 - Milestone

Start point
Stok Base Camp

End point
Stok Base Camp

Day start time
07:00 AM

Trekking distance
10 km

Trekking time
4 hrs

Day 7 - Milestone

Start point
Stok Base Camp

End point
Stok Base Camp

Day start time
02:00 AM

Trekking distance
20 km

Trekking time
12 hrs

Day 8 - Milestone

Start point
Stok Base Camp

End point
Stok Base Camp

Day start time
07:00 AM

Day 9 - Milestone

Start point
Stok Base Camp

End point
Leh

Day start time
07:00 AM

Trekking distance
8 km

Trekking time
4 hrs

Day 10 - Milestone

Start point
Leh

End point
Leh

Day start time
07:00 AM

Includes / Excludes

Includes

Transport from Leh-Matho and Stok Village to Leh
Accommodation in twin-sharing hotel room in Leh for 3 nights
Accommodation in twin-sharing alpine tents for 5 nights
Warm, clean sleeping bags and mattresses
Kitchen/dining tent
Camping tables and stools
Separate toilet tents for men and women
Breakfast only on Day 1, 2, and 9 in Leh
All meals from Day 3 to Day 8 on trek
Professional guides (2 guides for 15 trekkers) and camping crew
Porter/mules for all camping equipment
Entry charge and camping fees, if any
Oxygen cylinder
First Aid kit
All applicable taxes

Excludes

Lunches and dinners in Leh
Any transport or accommodation not mentioned in inclusions
Porter/mule charges to carry your personal bag (can be arranged for INR 840 per day, per bag)
Any meals/services not mentioned above
Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, etc.
Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
Insurance
Any sightseeing, shopping in Leh
Anything not mentioned in inclusions

What to Wear

Dry fit shirts and trousers 4 pairs
Fleece jacket
Gloves
Boots
Warm socks (lots of extra pairs)
Camp shoes/sport sandals
Water and wind proof jacket
Water- and wind-proof trousers
Thermal top and bottom 3 pairs
Day wear shirt x2 or 3

What not to Wear

Jewellery and expensive gadgets
Suitcases or hard trolley luggage

Equipment / Gear

We Provide

3/4 season imported alpine tents
Fresh and clean sleeping bags of very good quality
Good quality camping mattresses
Camping stools
Mess tent
Toilet tents (2) with portable toilet seats
First aid/medical kit

You need to get

Day pack (25ltrs)
Balaclava and buff
Toilet paper
Two 1 ltr water bottles (preferably thermos flasks)
Lip balm
Torch with extra batteries
Water purification solution/tablets
Body moisturizer
Down booties
Body powder/anti-fungal (feet and body)
Boots
Sun cap
Sun screen lotion
Sunglasses
Head torch with extra batteries
Toiletries
Small light towel and napkin
Carry rain cover for your bags
Keep a few poly bags or waterproof bags in your bag in case of heavy rain
Camera with extra batteries
Carry your stuff in a duffel bag, soft shoulder bag or a rucksack

Day 1 of the Stok Kangri trek: Arrive in Leh

Hotel accommodation

Accommodation in a good quality neat and clean hotel/ guest house with basic amenities on single/double occupancy.

Day 2 of the Stok Kangri trek: Explore Leh

Hotel accommodation

Accommodation in a good quality neat and clean hotel/ guest house with basic amenities on single/double occupancy.