DESCRIPTION ITINERARY GALLERY
DESCRIPTION
One of the most popular treks in Ladakh, the proximity to Leh brings a lot of people in the Markha valley. It offers beautiful landscape and there are good chances to spot some high altitude wildlife. We traverse from the Markha valley to the Stok valley over 4 successive passes and by the time we reah the Stok Kangri base camp we would all be quite tired. We have almost 48hrs at the base camp to rest and recuperate before we set off for the climb. Stok Kangri (6153m) is not a difficult peak to climb, classified as a trekking it is probably one of the easiest 6000m mountain in the Himalayas.
QUICK ITINERARY
Day 1: Fly Delhi – Leh (3500m). Rest and Acclimatize
Day 2: Sightseeing around Leh
Day 3: Drive Leh to Chilling and trek to Skiu (3400m)
Day 4: Trek Skiu to Markha (3700m)
Day 5: Trek Markha to Thachungtse (4150m)
Day 6: Trek Thachungtse to Nimaling (4720m)
Day 7: Trek Nimaling to Shang Sumdo(3660m) over the Kongmaru La (5130m)
Day 8: Drive Shang Sumdo to Stok Village
Day 9: Trek Stok Village to Mounkarmo (4380m)
Day 10: Trek Mounkarmo to Stok Kangri Base Camp (4975m)
Day 11: Rest day at Base Camp
Day 12 & 13: Climb Stok Kangri and back to Base Camp
Day 14: Trek to Stok Village and Drive to Leh
Day 15: Onward flight from Leh
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Fly Delhi – Leh (3500m). Rest and AcclimatizeThe flight takes us over the Greater Himalayas and makes an exciting landing at one of the highest airports in the world. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing around Leh Visit the famous monasteries of Shey & Thiksey. Back to hotel for lunch. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Drive Leh to Chilling and trek to Skiu (3400m) The trail goes through a flat and desolate plain along the river Indus and swings into the mountains along the pretty, willow-lined Zingchan gorge. Overnight Camp.
Day 04: Trek Skiu to Markha (3700m) The trail to Markha is not too strenuous, rising about 300m across 22km, crossing the Markha river a couple of times. Markha is a substantial village, complete with a derelict fort on the hillside and a small village monastery. Overnight Camp.
Day 05: Trek Markha to Thachungtse (4150m) Kang Yatse (6400m), a magnificent snow-clad mountain commands the views for the next two days. A popular place to spot herds of blue sheep slide up and down the steep cliffs with incredible agility. Overnight Camp.
Day 06: Trek Thachungtse to Nimaling (4720m)ou pass several mani (stones with prayer inscriptions) walls and suddenly come across a small lake. The view is wonderful from here - both of Kang Yatse, whose bulk gets reflected in the still waters of the lake, and also of the Markha Valley which we are now well above. Overnight Camp.
Day 07: Trek Nimaling to Shang Sumdo(3660m) over the Kongmaru La (5130m) As we climb the last short but steep slope to the top there are good views over the Zanskar range and of the vertical ice walls on the north face of Kang Yatse. The trail eases out to reach the river bed at Shang Sumdo. Overnight Camp.
Day 08: Drive Shang Sumdo to Stok Village Get into vehicles to go to Hemis Monastery . Continue onwards to reach the Stok village. Wash up & the spend the afternoon exploring the Stok village. Overnight Guest House.
Day 09: Trek Stok village to Mounkarmo (4380m) 6-7hrs We walk along the Stok river coming from the Stok glacier. Depending on the water level we will need to cross the stream a couple of times. It’s a gradual uphill walk all the way till Mounkarmo. Overnight Camp.
Day 10: Trek Mounkarmo to Stok Kangri Base Camp (4975m) It’s a short day as we follow the busy trail which gradually ascents and leads up to the base camp of the Stok Kangri. The base campsite is on a huge meadow and is usually quite full with trekkers from all parts of the world. Overnight Camp.
Day 11: Rest at Base Camp Relax at the base camp which also houses one of the biggest camp; best stocked parachute cafés on the trek. Overnight Camp.
Day 12-13: Climb Stok Kagnri and base to Base CampWe have reserved two days for the climb which would allow for contingencies due to bad weather. Fluttering with prayer flags the summit rewards with wide open views, the Karakoram range & Ladakh range on the north, the Zanskar range on the west and a bird’s eye view of the Indus valley and the Leh city. Later descend to base camp. Overnight Camp.
Day 14: Trek to Stok Village and drive to LehWe exit out of the Stok valley at Stok village and then drive for another 1hour to Leh. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15: Onward flight from Leh Early morning transfer to the airport to take the onward flight. Trip ends!