Stok Kangri Trekking Tour

Area: Ladakh Himalayas
Duration: 18 Days
Season: July - September
Grade: Alpine

Stok Kangri is one of the most strenuous trekking summits in India. You being one of the crazy backpackers, who seek to capture the cascade of mountain ranges atop from a lofty height of 6,153 meters then you can't escape the Stok Kangri trek. Well, the alpine trek in the Ladakh region is every trekker's dream but only few people are able to undertake the challenge. It is one of the high altitude treks in India that requires some serious acclimatization. No doubt, the Stok Kangri trek also offers a beautiful journey through the countryside that is dotted with several small villages, cattle farms and colourful meadows crisscrossed by small gushing streams. In contrast, the undulated terrain, jagged ridges, coloured layers of peaks and deep canyons throughout the trek seem to be another breathtaking part of the journey.

The Stok Kangri trek commences from Leh, which is at an elevation of 3,500 meters. After an acclimatization of a day or two the journey drives via Alchi to Lamayuru and thereafter the trail begins to ascend gradually over Prinkti La at 3,800 meters and descends to Wanla. During the journey from Leh to Wanla you will be visiting some of the oldest monasteries like the Shey, Hemis, Lamayuru and Alchi. From Wanla the trek to Stok Kangri summit follows through the bank of Yapola River and heads to Hinju via Penjila. From Hinju the trail slowly embarks onto the countryside passing through the Hinju valley followed by a steep climb to Konzke La at 4,950 meters before descending to Sumda. Thereafter, be prepared for some serious uphill and downhill trails till you arrive at Chilling via Dundunchenla. From Chilling, following the Zanskar river upstream, the trail winds to Shingo and thereafter it follows to Yurutse village en route Ganda La at 4,700 meters. After visiting the Rumbak Gompa the trail heads to the base of Stok Kangri over Stok La at 4,900 meters. Now, get ready for the last stretch to climb upto the summit. It takes approximately 10 hours to climb from the base camp. After the Stok Kangri summit expedition the downhill trek follows to Stok and then leads off at Leh.

Day 01: Arrival Delhi

Up on arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and then transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: Delhi to Leh (3500 mts/11480 ft)(Complete Rest in Leh for acclimatisation)

Take the morning flight for Leh. Check into the guest house and relax the whole day. This is necessary for getting acclimatised. Overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 03: Leh - Shey - Thiksey - Hemis

On this day you will go a sightseeing trip to some ancient monasteries in this area.

Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17'Th century AD. Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Dresthang Gompa.

Thiksey Gompa, close to Shey is about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order.

Hemis, about 45 kms south of Leh it is one of the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh. It belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17'Th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls. Overnight stay at the guest house.

Day 04: Drive - Lamayuru (3600 mts/11810 ft) via Alchi (15O kms/ 4-5 hrs)

In the morning after breakfast drive Lamayuru via Alchi. Visit the oldest Alchi Monastery and Lamayuru. Dinner and overnight stay in Guest house.

Day 05: Lamayuru - Wanla over Prinkti La (3800 mts/12465 ft)5 hrs

From Lamayuru monastery descend towards the village, cross the stream, ascend gradually upward the Prinkti la (3800 m) descend into the gorge, arrive at Shilla, crossing the bridge and reached at Wanla.

Day 06: Wanla - Hinju (4 hrs)

Now follow the Yapola River on the left and after 2 hours arrive at Penjila. Continue up to the valley, leading off at right angles, after one hour trekking leave the valley on the left, and after one hour arrives at Hinju.

Day 07: Hinju - Sumda over Konzke La (4950 mts/16235 ft) 7 hrs

The trail goes through the Hinju village, crossing the Hinju valley; leave one more valley on the left and ascent to the pass. Last ascent is steep. Again from the summit of the Konzke La, long descent to the pastures, follow the trail on the left bank along the mountain side. Here path gets lost, rather close to the river. There are circular walls. Before Sumda there is a glocked cave, so many nice campsites at the edge of the river, but continue along the left bank along the mountainside till Sumda.

Day 08: Sumda - Base of Dundunchenla (4200 mts/13775 ft) 3 hrs

This is short day to reduce a long exhausted trek between Sumda to Chilling. A short Steep trail for 1.30 hours. and than gradual walk till the campsite at base of pass.

Day 09: Base - Chilling over Dundunchenla (4700 mts/15416 ft) 6 hrs

2 hours trek till the pass, after descending the pass south side, slope is steep and continue towards a valley which gets narrower and narrower, in the end it opens out at Chilling. Up to Chilling there is not much of water. Chilling is a village of craftsmen, here Peoples work with metals like copper, tin, silver and make ladles Tchang pots, tea pots etc.

Day 10: Chilling - Shingo (5 - 6 hrs)

From Chilling follow the Zanskar river upstream for about ½ km., then cross it in a cable car (by paying fee) then there is a well defined path, Sakaya is 2 hours from the river crossing .After some distance from Skaya, the trail joins with the Markha valley trek. From here, Shingo with 2-3 houses is 3 hours away. Camp here for the night.

Day 11: Shingo - Ganda La (4700 mts/15416 ft) 4 hrs

Ascent to Ganda la, it is two hours, easy climb descent into a beautiful valley and after passing Yurutse village (with beautiful houses), cross the river on right bank, cross an escarpment which leads into the valley of Rumbak Gompa. From Rumbak Gompa, there is a route joining Spituk via Zingchan. No pass in between, all easy going.

Day 12: Rumbak Gompa - Stok base (4300 mts/14105 ft) over Stok La(4900 mts/16072 ft) 7 hrs

After passing this beautiful stopping valley, Three hours steep climbing to the top of the pass. Descend to the base camp and further trek toward the base of Stok Kangri.

Day 13 - 15: Climbing Stok Kangri (6130 mts/20107 ft)

This is one of the easiest peak declared as trekking peak in Ladakh region, one can climb from Lower base directly or well shift the camp to higher base camp. It takes almost 10 hours from base camp to base camp, minimum climbing equipment is required.

Day 16: Descend to Stok (5 - 6 hrs)

In the morning after breakfast trek down to Stok, visit Stok palace, evening drive to Leh, and overnight stay in guest house.

Day 17: Leh

The day is for relaxed. Overnight stay in guest house.

Day 18: Leh-Delhi

In the morning transfer to the airport to catch flight for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi take a half day guided sightseeing. In the evening transfer to International airport to catch onwards flight.