Stok Kangri Trek

The Stok Kangri trek is a pretty tough one, and only those with some experience of high altitude treks are advised to attempt it. Although the peak itself is not difficult to climb, the height gain is roughly 19700 feet in just 10 days, so this route takes you for a few days trekking through a pass to give you time to acclimatize.

It’s also one of the most popular high altitude treks in the Himalayas, and brings climbers from around the world every year.

The first couple of days are spent acclimatizing in Leh, visiting the local markets and the famous monasteries, after which you’ll set off for a week-long trek. The day of the summit attempt starts off in the middle of the night, with other trekkers from other teams, and you’ll trek in darkness for the first few hours.

Note: Unless you are in good physical shape, you will NOT be able to summit on the final day, as it involves 12-15 hours of trekking to the top and back.

Destination

Stok Kangri trek presents a challenge to even the fittest of trekkers. It’s not a technically complicated trek, but the altitude and unpredictable weather can make it difficult.

Climbing to the summit involves climbing a steep slope covered in scree, and walking over a sharp rocky ridge. Depending on the weather conditions, you may see some snow or ice at the top of the mountain.

From the top, one gets an absolutely stunning view of the Zanskar Range and the Karakoram Range, as well as the Saser Kangri.

Destination highlights

Earn the bragging rights of having climbed Stok Kangri, one of the toughest treks in the Himalayas | Experience trekking in the dark with dozens of trekkers from around the world as you all attempt to summit | Camp at beautiful high-altitude locations with spectacular views | See the sights of Leh and its monasteries and markets

15826

20172

11480

61 km

38 hrs

12 km

Leh Airport

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Leh Airport

Non AC private vehicle

Rumbak

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10:00

10:00

Participants meet at Leh airport and are transferred to the hotel for welcome drinks followed by breakfast. Today is meant for acclimatising, so you'll spend most of the day at leisure. You're welcomet to go out exploring, but make sure you're well rested and hydrated. Overnight at the hotel.

Hotel accommodation.

Sleep in clean and comfortable rooms on sharing basis.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg

Day 1 Milestone

Delhi

Leh

10:00 AM

Spend the day visiting Shey and Thiksey monasteries around Leh. Return to hotel for lunch and spend the day exploring the Leh market. Overnight at the hotel.

Hotel accommodation.

Sleep in clean and comfortable rooms on sharing basis.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg

Day 2 Milestone

Leh

Leh

06:30 AM

Today the team takes a 2-hour drive to Zingchen, passing Leh airstrip, the Spituk Gompa, and going over the Indus river. There is a bumpy section to Zingchen from where the trek begins. The trail leads along a stream, crossing the pastures of Rumbak and onward to the campsite. This 4-5 hour trek helps acclimatising. Overnight at the campsite.

Tented accommodation

Camp in sturdy tents in the Himalayan wilderness.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg

Day 3 Milestone

Leh

Rumbak

06:30 AM

Today's climb takes you into higher altitudes, and you'll start to feel it. The trek has a steep section winding up to the Stok La pass, but it is followed by a descent into Stok Valley. The campsite is close to Mounkarmo, where you will spend the night.

Tented accommodation

Camp in sturdy tents in the Himalayan wilderness.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg

Day 4 Milestone

Rumbak

Mounkarmo

06:30 AM

Today is a rest and acclimatisation day as you're in fairly high altitudes right now. You'll join the group in a short climb of about 3 hours into a side valley, which will give you some experience with heigh gain. Return to camp by late afternoon in time for a hot lunch. Spend the rest of the day relaxing. Overnight at camp.

Tented accommodation

Camp in sturdy tents in the Himalayan wilderness.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg

Day 5 Milestone

Mounkarmo

Mounkarmo

06:30 AM

Today you'll follow the trail up to Stok Kangri base camp. This is a busy trail ending in a big meadow where other climbers from around the world are preparing for their climb too. It's a great place to feel the pre-summit buzz and excitement. After lunch, the team will do a short steep hike to gain some altitude experience and keep you in fighting form for the rest of the trekking. Overnight at camp.

Tented accommodation

Camp in sturdy tents in the Himalayan wilderness.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg

Day 6 Milestone

Mounkarmo

Stok Kangri Base Camp

06:30 AM

Today the first half of the day is spent checking your gear and prepping for the next day's climb. The team will check your equipment and make sure you have everything you need for the summit attempt. You'll be departing for the summit in the dark hours of the morning, so you're advised to get some rest and go to sleep early.

Tented accommodation

Camp in sturdy tents in the Himalayan wilderness.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg

Day 7 Milestone

Stok Kangri Base Camp

Stok Kangri Base Camp

06:30 AM

Today is the toughest day of the trip! With a good 12-15 hour trek ahead, this day can really test your endurance. The climb starts in the middle of the night, in darkness. You'll set out in the dark, along with other trekkers, ascending steeply until you cross the glacier. From here, it's another steep climb to summit ridge. You'll have to scramble over rocks and moraine until the summit of Stok Kangri. There are stunning views at the top, but the real thrill is reaching the summit with other trekkers, after the long climb you've made. You'll rest for some time, celebrate your victory, and then begin the descent back. You can imagine the mood at the campsite at night.

Tented accommodation

Camp in sturdy tents in the Himalayan wilderness.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg

Day 8 Milestone

Stok Kangri Base Camp

Stok Kangri Base Camp

06:30 AM

Today you'll leave Stok Valley behind and trek to the village where vehicles await. A short drive later, you'll be checking into your hotel. You can wash up and head out for some last minute shopping if you like, or just take it easy. Spend the night in the hotel, where you'll be glad to have a pillow and mattress.

Hotel accommodation.

Sleep in clean and comfortable rooms on sharing basis.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg

Day 9 Milestone

Stok Kangri Base Camp

Leh

06:30 AM

Participants head to Leh airport and catch morning flights for their return journey.

Trip ends before nightfall.

Food

Breakfast

Veg

Day 10 Milestone

Leh

Delhi

06:30 AM

Includes / Excludes

Includes

  • All travel from arrival at Leh airport on Day 01 till drop at Leh airport on Day 10
  • All arrangements for staying and camping while on the trip
  • Accommodation on twin share basis in tents/rest houses/hotels
  • Meals a specified
  • Professional guide fee, sanctuary fee/royalty/permits where applicable
  • All trekking arrangements with India’s most experienced guiding team, camp staff, cook etc

Excludes

  • Delhi-Leh-Delhi airfare
  • Railway station/airport transfers in Delhi
  • Any stay and meals in Delhi
  • Sleeping bag
  • Items of personal clothing
  • Beverages at the Leh hotel
  • Individual climbing equipment
  • Expenses of a personal nature like laundry, phone calls, alcohol, cigarettes, insurance, camera fee
  • Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.
  • Personal climbing equipment can be hired in Leh ( Budget on spending Rs 3000/- on rental)
  • Jain food can be arranged if advance request is given.

What to Wear

What to Wear

  • Regular clothes for the trip
  • Thermal innerwears/long Johns (Upper + lowers)
  • Quick dry trousers shirt/t-shirt
  • Warm fleece/jacket
  • Insulating layers
  • Down clothing (optional)
  • Wind protection and rain protection gear
  • Hands (gloves – 2 pair woollens + 1 pair with hard shell)
  • Feet (socks – 1/2 pair nylon + 2/3 pairs cotton/woollen)
  • Head (balaclavas / woollen, sun hat, bandana etc.)
  • Not to wear - Jewellery and expensive gadgets
  • Brand new shoes (Can cause severe blisters)

What not to Wear

  • Loose clothing that will tangle around you while swimming
  • Restrictive clothing
  • Flip-flops

Equipment / Gear

We Provide

  • All camping arrangements
  • Tents on twin sharing basis
  • Rubber sleeping mats/Karri mats
  • Mess tents

You need to get

  • A day pack which one needs to carry oneself
  • A tough duffel bag/rucksack/soft travel bag which gets loaded on mules
  • Sleeping bag (-5 deg C or lower)
  • Ankle high trekking/climbing boots (which can take crampons) – [Important]
  • Sunglasses
  • Sandals for the camp
  • Headlamp/torchlight
  • Trekking poles
  • Water bottle – should have atleast 2 lts for the summit attempt
  • Personal toiletries: toothbrush, comb, sunscreen, lip balm etc.
  • Personal recreation-camera and film, books, music, cards etc.

Medical Kit

  • Please carry specific personal or prescribed medication, personal first-aid kit.

Cancellation policy

Please note that the following charges will apply on cancellation:

If cancellation takes place more than 45 days prior to departure, your full deposit will be returned except a processing charge of Rs. 5000

If cancellation takes place between 45 and 30 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour price will be forfeited

If cancellation takes place less than 30 days prior to departure, 100% of the tour price will be forfeited.

Rules on trip

Aquaterra Adventures India Pvt. Ltd. reserves the right to cancel any expedition prior to departure, in which case participants will be given a refund in full.

Aquaterra Adventures Pvt. Ltd. strongly recommends that you buy travel insurance including cancellation insurance upon booking.

The trip leader's decision is final.

Participants have to respect local culture and should not litter or deface natural structures/monuments.

Additional instructions, booking policies, terms and conditions

The trek takes place in remote areas where there is little or no access to normal medical services or hospital facilities for serious problems. Where necessary, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive. Medical and evacuation expenses will be the responsibility of the participant.

In the event of a change, postponement or delay, participants have no right to refund of the tour price (in whole or in part) or other compensation for any injury, loss or damage.

Participants will have to sign an Indemnity form before starting this trip.