Overview
Flying into the Ladakhi capital of Leh, the shapely peak of Stok Kangri is prominent on the southern skyline. In Leh for acclimatization, we visit the colorful monasteries at Shey, Thikse and Hemis before setting off on the lovely trek through the Kang La and Palam Peak. Our route leads by way of several remote and picturesque villages to Stok Kangri. Crossing the Kang 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.
Itinerary
Arrive Delhi and transfer to our hotel. Overnight: Hotel .
Early morning transfer to Delhi airport to board the flight to Leh. Arrive Leh and transfer to hotel. Complete rest to get acclimatize to the height of Leh (3500 M). Overnight: Hotel.
We have a further day in Leh for sight-seeing and can visit the monasteries at Shey and Thiksey. Shey Gompa is situated on a small hill 10 miles south of Leh and was once the residence of the royal family. It was constructed by the first king of Ladakh, Lhachen Palgyigon, and was the seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kings. Thiksey gompa is located 15 miles from Leh. It is a very imposing monastery and one of the finest example of Ladakhi architecture of any type. The 12 storey building contains numerous stupas, statues, thankas and wall paintings as well as a large pillar engraved with the Buddha’s teachings. The main prayer hall has a 50 feet high seated Buddha figure. Overnight: Hotel.
As part of our acclimatisation process we take a jeep drive up to the Khardung La, a spectacular pass which at 5300 metres is probably the highest motorable road in the world. This remote road leads to the Nubra valley and the mountains to the north of Leh, and until recently it was closed to foreign travellers. The panoramic views from the pass extend right into the Zanskar Range beyond the Indus River. We can spend time at the pass, gasping in the rarefied atmosphere, before returning to our hotel in Leh. Overnight: Hotel
Morning drive for white water river rafting in Indua River. Later drive to Choksi, travelling in jeeps we follow the Indus River before turning off along the Zanskar River. The valley quickly narrows to a gorge and soon we arrive at the remote village of Choksi where we will be camping for the evening. Overnight: Tent.
A tough start to our trek, we leave Choksi and immediately start a steep ascent up the valley. The valley gets increasingly narrow and dramatic as we climb and there are many Himalayan Blue Sheep to look out for. We set up camp tonight near a shepherd’s hut after an afternoon acclimatising and admiring the views of the surrounding peaks. You can also take a acclimatization walk toward the base of the Kang La. Overnight: Tent.
Today we will be crossing Kang La, a high pass taking us to 5,260m. This is a tough day, the climb is long and the paths are not well distinguished. Once we reach the pass we have the option of walking up Palam Peak (5,360m) for views that are only eclipsed by those from Stok Kangri on this trek. After a short descent we make camp near the Ganda La pass. Overnight: Tent
After yesterday’s long climb, today will be easier. We follow the trail to the next pass, the Ganda La (4,980m) from where we descend into a picturesque valley. We pass the traditional villages of Yurutse and Rumbak before starting our ascent to the Stok La. Overnight: Tent.
Our last pass of the trek, we start on a gentle trail that becomes steeper as we climb to the top of the pass. The surroundings are stunning. As we cross the pass we descend steeply to the river that flows off Stok Kangri which we follow until reaching the settlement of Mankarmo where we camp for the night. Overnight: Tent.
We have these two days for our ascent of Stok Kangri. This ascent is totally optional and there are plenty of incredible treks around the base camp for those not intending to climb. After setting up base camp we can climb some nearby ridges to help with acclimatization and for more amazing views. The summit day is long and hard as we will be climbing for around 12 hours. We will be setting off in the dark and cross the glacier to reach the foot of the climb. The climb is not technical, although the use of ice axes and crampons may be necessary.
The route is steep and exposed with some scrambling at times, although altitude will be the greatest difficulty. The climb takes about six hours, and after a tricky last few hundred metres we are rewarded with spectacular views from the summit, all around us are the snow capped peaks of the Himalaya, the Karakorum and the Ladakh Range as well as views down to Leh. After some time taking in the views we head back down to basecamp for a wellearned meal and rest. Overnight: Tent .
Today we will have a leisurely walk to the village of Stok where we meet our transport that takes us back to Leh for a welcome shower and a celebratory meal. Overnight: Hotel.
Morning transfer to airport to catch the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to hotel. Overnight: Hotel Metro Heights or Good Times.
Transfer to the airport .
The Itinerary Includes :
- Stay in chosen hotel / guesthouse / Camp
- Surface transportation as per the itinerary including toll, tax, parking and driver
- Arrival / Departure assistance at chosen station
- Necessary railway station transfers
- Trekking: Complete Trekking arrangements with English speaking guide, porters/ponies to carry your baggage (10 kg each), Tent for sleeping with mattresses, kitchen tent & utensils, toilet tent and All Meals during trek (Chinese, Indian & continental)
- Trekking permit, camping & wildlife fees & Current government taxes.
Does not Include :
- Tips to trekking staff
- Air Fare, & Travel insurance
Expenses of personal nature like drinks, mineral water, telephone & Laundry etc - Personal equipment for trek
- Expenses due to bad weather, Land Slide, Road block and any other natural reason beyond our control.
