Stok Kangri Trek, Ladakh

Ladakh is home to a number of 6000+m peaks, which have the distinction of being non-technical, trekking peaks.
At 6132m, Stok Kangri is one of the highest amongst such trekking peaks. A trek to the summit takes you through some wonderful landscapes – through narrow valleys amidst barren, jagged mountains, vast snow fields and a breathtaking trek up the steep shoulder of the summit ridge. Stupendous views of the Himalayan range surrounding Leh and even a few 8000m peaks visible on a clear, cloudless day from the summit more than justify the pain and breathlessness.
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Given the altitude, proper acclimatization is crucial to even attempt the Stok Kangri summit. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and the related breathlessness and fatigue are all too common for trekkers attempting this peak. A rest day each – one at Leh prior to starting the trek and another at the Base camp are thus included in the itinerary.

Highlights:

• Duration: 9 days
• Grade: Difficult
• Max Altitude: 6132m
• Starts from: Shang, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
• Ends at: Stok, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
• Trek Route: Shang - Shang Phu - Matho Doksa - Gangboche - Mankarmo - Stok Base Camp - Stok Kangri summit - Stok Base Camp - Mankarmo - Changma - Stok

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive at Leh (3500m). Pick up from Leh airport and transfer to guest house.
Day 2: Drive to Shang Village (3800m). Overnight stay in Tents
Day 3: Trek from Shang Village (3700m) to Shang Phu (4400m)
Day 4: Trek from Shang Phu (4400m) to Gangboche (4450m) via Shang Phu La (4950m)
Day 5: Trek from Gangboche (4450m) to Mankarmo (4400m) via Mato La (4500m)
Day 6: Trek from Mankarmo (4400m) to Stok Kangri Base camp (4980m)
Day 7: Trek from Stok Base Camp (4980m) to Stok Kangri summit (6132m) & back to Stok Base Camp
Day 8: Trek from Stok base camp to Stok village (3570m) and drive to Leh (3524m)
Day 9: Buffer Day

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1:  At Leh
Get off at the Leh airport and you’re already smitten by the sheer, rugged natural beauty of the mountainous landscape all around! Today is time to relax and get used to the higher altitude of Leh, a part of the all important acclimatization process required for the demanding Stok Kangri Trek.
You also have time to explore the monasteries and palaces in and around Leh, as well as time to visit the Leh market and complete your trek related shopping.

Day 2: Drive to Shang village; Overnight stay in Tents (2 to 3 hours)
After breakfast, we drive to Shang Sumdo village past the Shey & Thicksey monasteries. We will go for small acclimatization walks around the camp. We will stay overnight in Tents.

Day 3: Trek from Shang Sumdo to Shang Phu (6 to 8 hours)
We trek on, ahead into the valley upwards towards the plateau of Shang Phu at a height of 4400m. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains all around the camp. Overnight stay in Tents.

Day 4: Trek from Shang Phu to Gangboche via Shang Phu La (6 to 8 hours)
Today we ascend almost 900m towards the Shang Phu La, leaving behind the Shang valley and the vast grasslands and meadows. At the top of the pass, you can see ahead towards today’s camp at Gangboche. Traverse down the pass for an hour or so to reach the vast green plateau of Gangboche, crossing meandering streams. Overnight stay in Tents.

Day 5: Trek from Gangboche to Mankarmo (5 to 7 hours)
We will be able to see the Stok Kangri summit today just before the we climb the Mato La pass, the second highest Pass on the trek. From the pass, descend for 2 hours into the Mankarmo village inhabited by local shepherds. Overnight stay in Tents.

Day 6: Trek from Mankarmo to Stok Kangri Base camp (2 to 3 hours)
Today a short trek of 2 to 3 hours takes us to Stok Base Camp, where we will be camped for the next 2 days. Late in the afternoon, we take a short hike towards Stok Advanced Base Camp during the day to help everyone acclimatize better. An early dinner will be followed by instructions to all trekkers to prepare for the tough trek to the summit.

Day 7: Trek from Stok Base Camp to Stok Kangri summit and back (9 to 10 hours)
We leave late in the night on Day 6 itself (around 11:30 pm) for the summit. From Stok Base Camp, the Stok Kangri summit can be reached in about 6 to 7 hours. The trekking however is at an altitude above 5000 metres. Steep slopes and breathlessness make the going difficult and hence the proper acclimatization is the key. Our trek over the last few days through the Shang Valley should ensure proper acclimatization and enable all trekkers to make a strong push towards the summit.

Reaching a Himalayan peak summit is an achievement in itself – and one above 6000m is a feeling that simply cannot be expressed in words. On a clear day, the 360 degree view of Himalayan mountain ranges and peaks is just astounding!

The descent back to Stok Base Camp is easier and quicker, usually taking 3 to 4 hours. Much needed rest and time to reflect on the summit attempt.

Day 8: Trek from Stok Base Camp to Stok village and back to Leh (4 to 5 hours):

The last leg of the Stok Kangri Trek involves descending from Stok Base Camp to Stok village, a downhill trek for 4 to 5 hours, passing through the Mankarmo campsite. A short 30 min drive thereafter to Leh marks the end of the trek. A comfortable stay in the guest house, aptly so, after a tough trek to the highest trekking peak in India!

Day 9

A Buffer day in case the Summit day is delayed due to weather conditions. The additional cost payable at the end of the trek, in case the buffer day is utilized, is INR 1500 per trekker.