Stok Kangri Expedition: Conquer Ladakh’s Highest Trekking Peak
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About the Tour
The Stok Kangri Expedition is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in Ladakh, taking you to the summit of Stok Kangri (6,153 meters/20,182 feet), the highest trekking peak in India. It is one of the Lifetime event. This trek offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Karakoram and Zanskar ranges, making it a dream for adventure seekers and high-altitude trekking enthusiasts. While technical climbing experience is not required, the trek demands excellent fitness, acclimatization, and determination to battle extreme cold and high-altitude conditions.
Tour Details
- Region: Ladakh
- Altitude: 6,153 meters (20,182 feet)
- Duration: 8-9 Days
- Trek Distance: 40-45 km
- Difficulty Level: Difficult
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- Temperature: Day: 10°C to 15°C | Night: -10°C to -20°C
- Start & End Point: Leh
Tour Challenges
- Extreme altitude, reaching over 6,000 meters.
- Challenging summit push, requiring stamina and endurance.
- Risk of altitude sickness; proper acclimatization is crucial.
- Unpredictable weather with sudden temperature drops.
Tour Facilities
- Professional mountaineering guides with summit experience.
- Camping accommodations with high-altitude gear.
- Nutritious meals to sustain energy levels.
- Emergency first-aid, oxygen cylinders, and evacuation support.
Food
- Energy-packed vegetarian meals.
- Breakfast: Oats, toast, eggs, tea/coffee.
- Lunch: Rice, dal, vegetables, chapati.
- Dinner: Soup, rice, vegetables, dessert.
Who Can Participate?
- Trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience.
- Age limit: 18 years and above.
- Participants must have excellent physical fitness.
- Not suitable for individuals with severe respiratory or heart conditions.
How to Reach Leh?
Meeting Point: Leh
Nearest Airport:
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh (flights from Delhi, Srinagar, etc.).
Nearest Railway Station:
Jammu railway station, around 700 km from Leh.
By Road:
Leh is accessible via the Manali-Leh Highway and Srinagar-Leh Highway.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Information
- Pick-Up Point: Leh (airport or bus station).
- Drop-Off Point: Leh (airport or bus station).
Latitude and Longitude
- Latitude: 33.9453° N
- Longitude: 77.4883° E
Key Highlights
- Summit one of the highest trekking peaks in India.
- Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalayas and Karakoram.
- Challenge yourself with an ultimate high-altitude adventure.
- Experience the remote and rugged beauty of Ladakh.
- Witness breathtaking sunrise from the Stok Kangri summit.
Join the Stok Kangri Trek and push your limits to conquer Ladakh’s highest trekking peak!
Included/Exclude
Inclusions in the Tour Package
- Accommodation: Camps (Sharing Camp for two people), Home Stay.
- Guides & Support Staff: Qualified & experienced Trek Leader, Guide, and Support staff to assist trekkers.
- Sleeping Gear: Sleeping Bags.
- Meals: All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner – only vegetarian).
- Permits & Fees: Trekking Permits and Forest Fees.
- Trekking Equipment: Tent, Mattress, Sleeping Bag, Dining & Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Cooking Utensils, and Crampons (if required).
- Medical Assistance: First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
- Guide & Support Staff Expenses: Guide Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Potters: Potters will carry only trekking equipment.
- Potter's Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Kitchen Staff: Included for cooking and meal preparation.
- Kitchen Staff Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Cook: Responsible for preparing meals.
- Cook's Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Transportation: As per the trek itinerary.
Exclusions in the Tour Package
- Any other facilities that are not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Potters for carrying your personal luggage.
- Extra meals like lunch during the journey by cab and stay at hotels (lunch is only provided during the trek).
- Personal expenses such as Water Bottles, Laundry, Phone Calls, etc.
- Insurance.
- Gaiters.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under "Inclusions."
Tour Amenities
Certified Trek Leader
Hassle-Free Permits
Warm Meals, Always
Itinerary
Overview
Altitude: 3,500 meters / 11,500 feet
Detailed Plan
- Arrive in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, either by flight or road.
- Spend the day resting to acclimatize to the high altitude.
- Explore the local markets and familiarize yourself with the culture.
- Overnight stay in a guesthouse or hotel.
Overview
Activities: Local sightseeing and short hikes
Detailed Plan
- Visit nearby attractions such as the Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace.
- Engage in light activities to aid acclimatization.
- Attend a briefing session about the upcoming trek.
- Overnight stay in Leh.
Overview
Drive Distance: 15 km from Leh to Stok Village (approx. 30 minutes)
Trek Distance: 6 km (approx. 4-5 hours)
Starting Altitude: 3,500 meters / 11,500 feet at Stok Village
Ending Altitude: 3,970 meters / 13,025 feet at Chang Ma
Detailed Plan
- Drive from Leh to Stok Village, the starting point of the trek.
- Begin the trek with a gradual ascent through barren landscapes typical of Ladakh.
- Cross small streams and navigate rocky terrains.
- Arrive at Chang Ma campsite and set up tents.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Trek Distance: 3.5 km (approx. 2-3 hours)
Starting Altitude: 3,970 meters / 13,025 feet at Chang Ma
Ending Altitude: 4,350 meters / 14,270 feet at Mankorma
Detailed Plan
- Continue the ascent through the valley, with the trail becoming steeper.
- Observe the changing landscape with sparse vegetation and unique rock formations.
- Arrive at Mankorma campsite, situated near a stream.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Trek Distance: 3.4 km (approx. 2-3 hours)
Starting Altitude: 4,350 meters / 14,270 feet at Mankorma
Ending Altitude: 4,980 meters / 16,335 feet at Base Camp
Detailed Plan
- Trek towards the Base Camp, with a gradual ascent.
- The trail offers views of the Stok Kangri peak and surrounding mountains.
- Set up camp at the Base Camp, which serves as the staging point for the summit attempt.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Activities: Acclimatization hikes and summit preparation
Detailed Plan
- Engage in short hikes to higher altitudes and return to Base Camp to aid acclimatization.
- Attend training sessions on the use of mountaineering equipment.
- Rest and hydrate adequately in preparation for the summit push.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Trek Distance: 9.1 km (approx. 8-11 hours)
Starting Altitude: 4,980 meters / 16,335 feet at Base Camp
Summit Altitude: 6,153 meters / 20,182 feet at Stok Kangri Summit
Detailed Plan
- Begin the summit attempt around midnight for optimal climbing conditions.
- Use headlamps to navigate the glacier and steep ridges.
- The climb includes technical sections, requiring crampons and ice axes.
- Upon reaching the summit, enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the Karakoram and Zanskar ranges.
- Capture memorable photos and begin the descent back to Base Camp.
- Rest and recover at Base Camp after the long climb.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Trek Distance: 12 km (approx. 6-7 hours)
Drive Distance: 15 km to Leh (approx. 30 minutes)
Starting Altitude: 4,980 meters / 16,335 feet at Base Camp
Ending Altitude: 3,500 meters / 11,500 feet at Leh
Detailed Plan
- Begin the descent from Base Camp, retracing the route through Mankorma and Chang Ma.
- Arrive at Stok Village and board a vehicle for Leh.
- Check into a hotel in Leh for rest and celebration.
- Overnight stay in Leh.
Overview
Activity: Return journey
Detailed Plan
- Spend the morning exploring Leh or shopping for souvenirs.
- Depart from Leh by flight or road.
Important Notes
- Best Time to Visit: The trek is ideal between July and September when the weather is favorable.
- Difficulty Level: Very Challenging – Prior trekking experience and high-altitude acclimatization are essential.
- Weather Conditions: Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to -10°C or lower near the summit.
- Permits: An **Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF)** permit is required for the trek.
- Acclimatization: Leh’s high altitude necessitates a minimum of two days of acclimatization.
- Technical Equipment: Crampons, ice axes, and harnesses may be required for glacier crossings.
- Network Connectivity: Limited connectivity after Leh; it is advisable to inform family before the trek.
- Essential Gear: Sturdy trekking shoes, warm layered clothing, gloves, sunglasses, and high-energy snacks.
- Eco-Friendly Trek: Follow the Leave No Trace principle – carry all waste back and respect nature.
