Stok Kangri Summit Trek

Today is dedicated to acclimatization and exploring the cultural treasures of Leh. We will start with a visit to Shey Palace, once the summer capital of Ladakh, where we can admire the giant Shakyamuni Buddha statue and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Next, we head to Thiksey Monastery, often compared to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. This beautiful monastery offers a deep spiritual experience and insight into Buddhist practices. Afterward, we will visit Sangam, the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers, where the contrasting colors of the rivers provide a striking sight. Our final stop is Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest in Ladakh, known for its annual festival and rich collection of ancient artifacts. While river rafting on the Zanskar River is tempting, it’s best saved for after our trek.

Altitude: Leh: 3,500 m / 11,500 ft | Stok Village: 3,497 m / 11,470 ft | Chang Ma: 4,000 m / 13,200 ft Distance: Drive 15 km (35 minutes) | Trek 6 km (4-5 hours) The real adventure begins with a scenic drive from Leh to the picturesque Stok Village, followed by an enjoyable trek to Chang Ma. Stok Village is known for its royal palace and museum, which houses artefacts from the Namgyal dynasty, offering a glimpse into Ladakh's regal past. From here, we embark on a 6-kilometer trek to Chang Ma, ascending to 13,200 feet. As we trek through this enchanting village, we are greeted by the sight of dark green trees and scenic vistas that captivate our senses. The moderate ascent takes us through lush landscapes and colorful meadows, home to wild roses and alpine flowers. The trail that follows the Stok River is surrounded by rocky mountains that are full of mineral sediments. The landscape looks as beautiful as a painting on a canvas. We will enjoy a hot lunch at our campsite as soon as we reach Chang Ma. After a small acclimatization walk, we will settle in the camp, surrounded by the tranquillity of nature.

Altitude: Chang Ma: 4,000 m / 13,200 ft | Mankorma: 4,400 m / 14,400 ft Distance: Trek 4 km (3 hours) Get ready to experience the actual beauty of Ladakh as it begins to reveal itself from this day. We will begin the day with morning PT, followed by a hearty breakfast. We will embark on a fairly easier ascent from Chang Ma to Mankorma, a picture-perfect campsite at 14,400 feet, known for its peaceful ambiance and breathtaking vistas. The 4-kilometre hike takes about 3 hours to complete. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, adorned with blue poppies, edelweiss, and other high-altitude flora. Our campsite at Mankorma is an ideal spot to connect with nature. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch surrounded by the cascades of mighty mountains. The rest of the day is parked for games and exploration. At night, we will gather again for storytelling and stargazing.

Altitude: Mankorma: 4,400 m / 14,400 ft | Base Camp: 5,000 m / 16,350 ft Distance: Trek 5 km (6 hours) Wake up to a mesmerising sunrise and begin your day with a rejuvenating yoga and meditation session with the trek leader. He will also brief you about the day ahead. Our goal for today is to hike from Mankorma to the base camp of Stok Kangri. The 5-kilometre trek, which takes around 6 hours, involves a moderate to difficult ascent. Along the way, you will encounter dwarf junipers and a number of water bodies in the form of lakes and streams. The path lies on a grassy patch that is a testament to nature's resilience. The first half of the trail offers water sources from the river, but the second half does not, so we need to plan accordingly. Soon, you will find yourself at the base camp that provides a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, instilling a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the summit.

Altitude: Base Camp: 5,000 m / 16,350 ft At high altitudes, you must take the acclimatisation process very seriously. Our body needs to adapt to the new climate in order to scale new heights. The more we are specific about the discipline, the better the mountain experience becomes. We will dedicate this day to training, which is mostly a series of team-building exercises, equipment training, and group tasks. We will begin the training early in the morning with warm up, stretching, and power yoga. During an insightful session on mountain behaviour after breakfast, we will inform you about the dos and donts in the high altitude, which will keep you safe and healthy. Our expert trek leaders will brief you about the technical equipment necessary for the summit and guide you on how to use it. Post lunch, there will be a detailed briefing and planning session for the summit push. Eat and stay hydrated throughout the day and rest for a good time to conserve your energy. Dinner will be served early today at 6 pm so that you have enough time to relax. At around 10 PM, we’ll gather again to start the summit trek.

Altitude: Base Camp: 5,000 m / 16,350 ft | Summit: 6,155 m / 20,190 ft Distance: Trek 14 km round trip (12-14 hours) This is the time we’ve been waiting for. With the start of the seventh day of our adventure, we will already be walking under the starry night to conquer the majestic Stok Kangri peak, which stands at 6,155 metres (20,190 feet). The round trip is 14 kilometres and takes 12-14 hours. The ascent involves several stages, each with its own set of challenges. The route starts with a steep ascent to the first rest point for about 45 minutes, followed by a gradual ascent to Advance Base Camp. We will then cross a glacier with almost flat terrain before tackling another ascent to the base of the ridge. The most challenging part comes at the southern ridge, which involves a steep, non-technical climb. Admire the gorgeous view of the upper Himalayas as we reach the summit at the break of dawn. Watching the sun rise amidst snow-clad mountains is an exhilarating experience. The summit of Stok Kangri offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, a true reward for our efforts. Towards the north is the Karakoram range, with the mighty Saser Kangri dominating the sky, and the enchanting Zanskar ranges in the south. After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, we will descend back to the base camp for a hot lunch and much-needed rest.

Altitude: Base Camp: 5,000 m / 16,350 ft | Stok Village: 3,497 m / 11,470 ft | Leh: 3,500 m / 11,500 ft Distance: Trek 15 km (6 hours) | Drive 15 km (35 minutes) Today is the last day of the trek, and we will engage ourselves in activities that will make our journey even more meaningful as well as memorable. Wake up early, and let's join hands to ensure the area is free of trash before we leave. The nuture has given us everything in abundance. Unless we take the initiative to preserve it, it will soon perish. After a delicious breakfast, we will begin our descent from the base camp to Stok Village. The 15-kilometre trek takes around 6 hours to complete. At around 1 pm, we will halt at a resting point for lunch break while reflecting on our journey. Upon reaching Stok, we will board the vehicle that will drive us back to Leh, where the comfort of our hotel and the amenities await us. In the evening, we celebrate and enjoy a nice dinner, reminiscing about the incredible experiences we’ve shared.

Today marks the end of our adventure. It is always hard to say goodbye to our beloved trekkers after the adventure is over. But life goes on and there is always a new adventure that awaits. As our trek concludes, we carry with us unforgettable memories and a deep sense of accomplishment, ready to share our stories and adventures with others. 

With the hope to meet soon again for another incredible mountain experience, we will drop you at the airport after breakfast. If you choose to extend your stay with us to explore the remarkable destination of Ladakh, we would love to assist you further.

This day is set aside as a buffer in case of any unforeseen circumstances preventing us from summiting on Day 7. If we don’t need this extra day for the trek, we can use it to explore the delights of Leh and its surroundings. Leh offers a myriad of activities, each providing a unique way to experience the beauty and culture of Ladakh. Options include rafting on the Zanskar River, mountain biking, a motorcycle tour, visiting Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, a one-day trip to the stunning Pangong Lake, full-day sightseeing, or even trying the thrilling zip line.