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STOK KANGRI TREK
- Region - Uttarakhand
- Base Camp - Gangpochey
- Duration 9 Days
- Altitute 4900m
- Stay Rooms/Tents
- Difficulty Expedition
Detail itinenary
First 2 days are planned with the sole intention of getting everyone acclimatised well. First day we will almost do nothing but sit in the hotel and sip on tea/coffee this is done to ensure that we acclimatise well as this is the most important component of this adventure trip. On Day 2 one can choose to do their own thing. Today one can go on a sightseeing trip or check out the local market or just relax at the hotel. If required we can make arrangement for the sightseeing trips. Please get in touch with the trek leader for the same. We will be staying in a good quality, neat and clean hotel with all basic amenities in Leh on the first 2 nights.
Having acclimatised well for 2 days we set out towards Stok Kangri. After a short drive from Leh we reach Matho, starting point of the trek. Today’s hike to Gangpochey is a gradual uphill hike with 2-3 river crossings as well. If lady luck is taking the trip with you then you might spot a Blue sheep or a Snow leopard. It will take us 5 to 6 hrs to reach Gangpochey. Overnight in tents
This is another beautiful day of trekking where we cross over Mathola pass (4900 m) to reach Mankarmo. This day involves gradual uphill walk and will take around 4-5 hours. This is a good day for acclimatising too as one experiences an environment close to 5000m. Overnight in the tents
From Mankarmo there is a steep ascent to reach the base camp for Stok kangri. This is an easy hike and will give you enough time to relax at the camp and get ready for the summit day. On arrival we will set campsite for overnight stay. Overnight in the tents.
On this day we will climb the ridge on top of the base camp. This is a short and steep climb and will help us tremendously in getting acclimatised. For most part of the day we relax at the campsite. We will have an early dinner and go to bed as we need to wake up at around midnight for our climb
We will start very early (around 1 a.m) from the base camp with our head lamps showing us the route for a couple of hours till the sun breaks out. From the base camp there is a steep climb to the ridge just above the camp and this will set the tone for the climb to come. From the first ridge we move to a big glacier which we negotiate carefully and from here we find our way up to the final ridge which will lead us to the summit. The final stretch is quite steep and the thin air makes it even more challenging. Early on in the season (May – June) there is lots of snow on this stretch while in July and August there is comparatively lesser snow making the climb easier. This is a very interesting though tiring stretch as we move through a typical high altitude terrain which has boulders, scree laden ridges, glaciers and high snow capped mountains all around. The summit rewards us with wide open views of the Karakoram and 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. Enjoy the feeling of having achieved a difficult task of climbing a 6000m+ peak and take a few pictures before climbing down to the base camp. The climb to the top will take anywhere between 6 to 8 hrs while the return trip will take us around 4 hours. Overnight in tents
Today we trek back to the Stok village from the base camp. From here we drive for an hour to Leh and check in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel
Trip ends after breakfast
Stok Kangri Trek
9 DAYS - For Safe Climbing & Better Acclimatization
Whenever people think of trekking or outdoors adventure in India, the location that pops up in the mind are the Himalayas. The Himalaya has mesmerised mountaineers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts for centuries. One popular trek in the Himalayas is the Stok Kangri trek. Stok Kangri is the highest peak in the Stok Range of the Himalayas located in the Ladakh region of North-west India.
At 6153 metres (20,080 ft), Stok Kangri is assuredly the best peak for novice mountaineers and non-mountaineering trekkers to ascent a 6000 metre mountain definitely a feather in anyones cap. In the last few years trek to Stok kangri has gained phenomenal popularity as most trekkers who want to ascent 6000 metres but do not want to do technical climbs have turned their attention to this beautiful mountain. This trip is about making a 6000 metre ascent. People from round the world flock to ascent this peak. We have planned the Stok Kangri Trek with just this and your safety in mind - everything else is secondary. It is 24 kms from the Leh region.
Do be mindful, even though the trek is an inviting one, it is by no means a relaxed trek. You need to be considerably fit for this, which you can achieve with a fair bit of training before the trek. Once you have signed up our team of experts can let you know how you can train for this. This trek is measured as a difficult one because of the height of the destination, which is nearly 70% of the Mt. Everest.
The best months to go for the Stok Kangri trek are July to September. The area is regularly dry in these months with a few bursts of rains in July and August. The nearest town to Stok Kangri is Leh. Leh can also be reached from Delhi by air or from Manali and Srinagar by road.
There is a distinctive flavour to this trek The trail has sections that take you through isolated villages giving you a wonderful experience of giving you a peek into the unique lifestyle of the people in the region. You also get ample occasions to interact with the locals as well as the shepherds who move around on the endless meadows along the trail.
From the Stok Kangri, there are wide open views of the Karakoram and 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. From the summit we come back to the base camp and the next day we walk down to Stok village and from there drive back to Leh where we rejoice the efficacious completion of this adventurous trek.
The climb though non technical is still challenging and requires people to be properly acclimatised and in good physical shape. The biggest challenge on this climb is for one to get used to the rarefied air at high altitudes and for this reason we have the first 3 days planned with the sole purpose of helping group members get acclimatised well. During this duration we will drive up to Khardungla the second highest motorable pass in the world at 5600 m and spend time at this altitude for our bodies to get used to thin air.
Also the itinerary for trek to Stok kangri is designed such that we take the shortest route to the summit this is done keeping in mind the combined effects of exhaustion and high altitude. We have deliberately not kept extra trekking days in the itinerary as we feel one has the best chance to summit if one is physically not very tired and has acclimatised well.
We start our climb from the beautiful Stok village a short driving distance from Leh and move up to the base camp from here. This is a short 5-6 hours stage. From the base camp to the top it is going to be a long hike (6-8 hours) and about 4 hours for the return hike. The climb involves crossing a glacier (not very difficult), climbing up long stretches (exhausting!!) and negotiating a long and steep ridge leading to the summit (can be tricky!). Depending on the month snow conditions will vary. Early on (May-June) there is going to be lots of snow which starts melting by July starting.
You are sure to feel a tremendous sense of achievement on reaching the top of a 6153 m peak in the Himalayas. One is going to be further rewarded with scintillating views all around. There are wide open views of the Karakoram and 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. From the summit we return to the base camp and the next day walk down to Stok village and from there drive back to Leh where we celebrate the successful completion of this adventurous trek.
The Stok Kangri takes you in the lands of mountain climbing. At such a high altitude (6,153 m, that is, 20,182 feet), the weather is a challenging one, so the physical fitness of trekkers is of utmost importance for the successful Stok kangri Trek. Another issue is the acute Mountain Sickness caused by the swelling of the brain tissue due to the lack of oxygen. Please remember on this trail one is not required to have any knowledge of climbing/mountaineering skills but one should have experience of trekking at altitudes upwards of 4000 4500m.
For Stok Kangri trek cost- GIO Adventures offers the most discounted prices while maintaining the quality standards high. We assists you with professionally qualified expert guides. Our guides will run a small course on climbing techniques to get you to know more about the sport and get comfortable with.
Sketch Itinanery
Day 1 - 2 : Arrival, Acclimatisation & Exploration In And Around Leh (3500m)
Day 3 : Leh Matho And Trek To Gangpochey (4300m) (Drive / 45 Mins) (Trek / 5 - 6 Hrs)
Day 4 : Gongpochey - Mankarmo (4400m) (Trek / 4 - 5 Hrs)
Day 5 : Mankarmo - Stok Base Camp (4900m) (Trek / 3 - 4 Hrs)
Day 6 : Base Camp Acclimatization And Height Gain
Day 7 : Base Camp - Stok Kangri (6153m) - Base Camp
Day 8 : Stok Base Camp (4900m) - Stok Village (3650m) (Hike / 4 Hrs) - Leh (Drive / 30 Mins)
Day 9 : Leh Departure
Detail itinenary
First 2 days are planned with the sole intention of getting everyone acclimatised well. First day we will almost do nothing but sit in the hotel and sip on tea/coffee this is done to ensure that we acclimatise well as this is the most important component of this adventure trip. On Day 2 one can choose to do their own thing. Today one can go on a sightseeing trip or check out the local market or just relax at the hotel. If required we can make arrangement for the sightseeing trips. Please get in touch with the trek leader for the same. We will be staying in a good quality, neat and clean hotel with all basic amenities in Leh on the first 2 nights.
Having acclimatised well for 2 days we set out towards Stok Kangri. After a short drive from Leh we reach Matho, starting point of the trek. Today’s hike to Gangpochey is a gradual uphill hike with 2-3 river crossings as well. If lady luck is taking the trip with you then you might spot a Blue sheep or a Snow leopard. It will take us 5 to 6 hrs to reach Gangpochey. Overnight in tents
This is another beautiful day of trekking where we cross over Mathola pass (4900 m) to reach Mankarmo. This day involves gradual uphill walk and will take around 4-5 hours. This is a good day for acclimatising too as one experiences an environment close to 5000m. Overnight in the tents
From Mankarmo there is a steep ascent to reach the base camp for Stok kangri. This is an easy hike and will give you enough time to relax at the camp and get ready for the summit day. On arrival we will set campsite for overnight stay. Overnight in the tents.
On this day we will climb the ridge on top of the base camp. This is a short and steep climb and will help us tremendously in getting acclimatised. For most part of the day we relax at the campsite. We will have an early dinner and go to bed as we need to wake up at around midnight for our climb
We will start very early (around 1 a.m) from the base camp with our head lamps showing us the route for a couple of hours till the sun breaks out. From the base camp there is a steep climb to the ridge just above the camp and this will set the tone for the climb to come. From the first ridge we move to a big glacier which we negotiate carefully and from here we find our way up to the final ridge which will lead us to the summit. The final stretch is quite steep and the thin air makes it even more challenging. Early on in the season (May – June) there is lots of snow on this stretch while in July and August there is comparatively lesser snow making the climb easier. This is a very interesting though tiring stretch as we move through a typical high altitude terrain which has boulders, scree laden ridges, glaciers and high snow capped mountains all around. The summit rewards us with wide open views of the Karakoram and 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. Enjoy the feeling of having achieved a difficult task of climbing a 6000m+ peak and take a few pictures before climbing down to the base camp. The climb to the top will take anywhere between 6 to 8 hrs while the return trip will take us around 4 hours. Overnight in tents
Today we trek back to the Stok village from the base camp. From here we drive for an hour to Leh and check in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel
Trip ends after breakfast
Price Info
Accommodation on sharing basis as per the package taken
- Day 1 : Overnight in Hotel ( Leh)
- Day 2 : Overnight in Hotel (Leh)
- Day 3 : Overnight in Tents (Gangpochey)
- Day 4 : Overnight in Tents (Mankarmo)
- Day 5 : Overnight in Tents (Stok Base Camp)
- Day 6 : Overnight in Tents (Base Camp)
- Day 7 : Overnight in Tents (Base Camp)
- Day 8 : Overnight in Hotel (Leh)
Good Quality of Camping Arrangements. The following equipment is provided on the trek:
- Good quality of alpine tents
- Fresh and clean Sleeping bags of very good quality
- Comfortable camping mattresses
- Mess Tent
- There will be 2 toilet tents [separate for gents and ladies] having portable toilet seats
- First Aid / Medical kit
Meals
- Day 1 : No meals
- Day 2 : No meals
- Day 3 : Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4 : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5 : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6 : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7 : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8 : Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 9 : No meals
- Professional guide(s) to ensure high safety and more information and personal attention which are necessary to appreciate a trek. All our guides are professionally trained and have many years of relevant experience in guiding treks.
- Porter / Mule charges for carrying camping equipment & rations
- Forest entry charges, permits & Camping fee
- Basic first aid for the group
- 1 Big Oxygen Cylinder of 15 liters
- Accommodation in any other location not mention above
- Porter/mule charges to carry your personal bag
- Any meals/services not mentioned above
- Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, etc.
- Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
- Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
- Insurance
- GST 5%
Departure Dates
Departure Dates
Reviews
PAYMENT TERMS & CONDITIONS
- All payments for the trips, transfers, porterage, etc. should be made in full before the trip starts.
- Cancellation Policy: In the event that you need to cancel your booking due to any avoidable or unavoidable circumstances:
- We must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive the request in writing. Any cancellation sent on a Sunday or any National Holiday(s), will be considered on the next official working day.
- Payment for this trip will not be adjusted towards any future trip(s)
- In the event of any cancellation(s) after trip commencement, there will be no refunds and any costs incurred due to this cancellation will be borne by you.
- Irrespective of when a trip is booked, the above condition will hold true
- Cancellation charges will be as follows
- >45 Days: Full refund (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel bookings, transport, etc.)
- 30-45 Days: 75% of trip cost will be refunded (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel bookings, transport, etc.)
- 15-30 Days: 50% of trip cost will be refunded (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel bookings, transport, etc.)
- <15 Days: No refund
VITAL INFORMATION
WEATHER DETAILS
This snow trek is organized between Dec & mid-March when the region has had good snowfall. Contrary to the popular belief winters is a good time to be in the mountains if one is equipped properly. Most locals inhabiting higher reaches of the mountains don’t mind the problems associated with snowfall and seem to have a good time during these months. Also there are lots of local festivals in these months. In these months weather is generally clear most of the days. Day time is normally pleasantly warm with one getting to enjoy sitting out in the sun. Temperature would be around 12-17 °C. Evenings are quite cold and one would need to be inside a tent/room or sitting outside next to fire with proper winter clothes. The evening temperatures will be around – 3 to 5 °C. Nights can be very cold with temperatures in the range of – 8 to 0 °C.
Please keep in mind that the above information is not exact and does not account for sudden changes. Whatever the temperatures and conditions rest assured we will be prepared to handle it with ease as we use equipment of very high specifications.
LIST OF ESSENTIALS
It is very important for this adventure trip that you need to be equipped properly and with a bit of back up. Mountain/adventure travel requires one to be adequately equipped with the right kind of personal gear. Since one is travelling in the wilderness there will be hardly any opportunity to buy anything once you hit the trail so we urge you to carefully pack everything into your bags.
- T-shirts (Full) – 2/3
- Warm shirt/light micro fleece pullover/full sleeve T shirt
- Trekking Pants (water resistant/repellent & having inside lining for extra warmth) - 2
- Windproof/water resistant outer shell (jacket) of good quality (no flimsy wind cheaters please!) with a proper hood
- Down jacket with min 600 fill power rating
- Thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater
- Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
- Woollen cap (Balaclava)
- Inner fleece gloves
- Outer water proof gloves
- Thick woollen socks & regular socks (4 – 5 pairs)
- Scarf/muffler (optional)
- Comfortable waterproof (Goretex) Trekking/Hiking shoes (shoes with a thick sole and high ankles are recommended)
- Camp shoes (these can be easy to slip in sneakers/sport shoes)
- Gaiters
- Raincoat / Poncho
- Small light weight towel
- Insulated water bottle & hydration pack (optional)
- Cap / floppy hat to keep the strong sun away from your face
- Sun glasses with UV protection and ability to cut the glare (imp when traversing through snow)
- Sturdy walking stick / Trekking pole
- Sunscreen Lotion
- Lip Balm
- Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
- Personal toiletries
- Book, if you like reading
- Day pack/small bag which you will carry on your back every day and keep your essentials in it
- Carry rain cover for your bags
- Keep a few poly bags or waterproof bags in your bag in which if required you can put your belongings in case of heavy rain
- Camera if you like (with fully charged batteries)
- …LOADS OF ENTHUSIASM!! AND A PLEDGE TO LEAVE NO TRACE
Carry your stuff in a duffel bag, soft shoulder bag or a rucksack. Avoid suitcases, trolleys or any other hard luggage. As you will be walking long distances carrying a rucksack, avoid bringing unnecessary items on the trek. Please avoid carrying expensive watches, jewellery and electronic items on the trek.
NOTE: In case you are planning to put your bag on a mule or taking a porter please get a duffel bag or rucksack and keep it in mind that there is a possibility that the bag at times might brush against a rock or a tree and get slightly damaged so don't get very expensive bags. Also in case of damage we shall not be held accountable.
TRANSPORT OPTIONS (DELHI – DEHRADUN – DELHI)
For travel to Dehradun/Haridwar/Haridwar, one can choose between air, rail & road. For air travel, the closest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) and is well connected to Delhi and other parts of the country by Air India, Jet Airways, GoAir & Spice Jet. Train travel is highly recommended with enough options being there. For train details, you could log on to www.indianrail.gov.in and for online railway ticket bookings you could log on to www.irctc.co.in.
There are frequent Public Transport buses including Volvos available from Delhi to Dehradun that cost about Rs. 300 - 800 per person. These buses depart from Delhi ISBT every 30 mins to 1 hr or so and take about 4/5 hrs to cover the distance. The same is also applicable on the return journey. A private vehicle could also be arranged for if you require the same.
OUR TREKKING CODE
We are mountain lovers and have pledged to bring no harm to them in our pursuit of running organised wilderness travel in the Himalayas and seek your assistance too in this regard. We are more than convinced that one can have more fun on a trip if we go about it in a way that no harm is caused to the ecology. In this regard we have a set of guidelines that we adhere to based on the tenets of 'Leave No Trace' & 'Tread Light' policies. These guidelines are very simple and emphasise on travelling in small groups, better planning, understanding impact of camping, proper waste disposal, respecting local cultures, sensitivity towards wildlife and so on. We have a complete section on our trekking code in the 'GIO trekking Manual'. This manual will be couriered to you once you confirm a trip with us.
ACCLIMATISATION & HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS
This is one of the most important aspects of traveling in the high Himalayas and cannot be ignored or set aside. Acclimatization basically means our body adjusting to lower levels of oxygen (rarefied air) & reduced air pressure as me move up. In case one does not acclimatize properly there are chances of the person facing extreme discomfort and this can be fatal in extreme cases. While there is no set route to getting properly acclimatized there are general precautions and steps that one can take to initiate good acclimatization. Our trekking guides will assist you with these steps and also once you book a trip with us the 'GIO Trekking Manual' which will cover this aspect extensively will be couriered to you. This is sure to help you enjoy the trek in very good shape.
SELECTING THE RIGHT TREK & TRAINING FOR IT
Most important thing is to select the right trek keeping in mind your experience or inexperience, health, objectives & ability. Our senior team people can assist you with this, so when contacting us do mention if you need guidance on this front also refer to our trek grading system mentioned below. Once the right trek is selected comes your preparation. Once you have booked a trip with us we will courier the 'GIO Trekking Manual' to you which will have a complete practice drill explained in detail.
TREK GRADING SYSTEM
We have broadly classified our treks as below:
Easy: These treks are 3 to 5 days long and involve walking for about 3/4 hrs daily. The trail on such treks is well defined but not always flat. These are great for families and first-timers
Moderate: On these treks, one is not required to trek for more than 5/6 hrs a day. Also the terrain is not too difficult. These treks are normally a week or so long. For these treks, prior trekking experience is not necessary. Very rarely on these treks would one camp at altitudes higher than 3800m. These treks are great for first-timers or for veterans wanting to go on a trail which is relatively less demanding
Moderate+: These are moderate treks with mostly one difficult day. These trails are fine for fit beginners also.
Vigorous: On these treks one can be required to trek continuously for more than a week through remote areas and at times trekking for more than 7 hrs a day. On most of these treks one has to cross passes or areas which are snow-covered and involve camping at an altitude of more than 4000m. Fit people with some kind of hiking experience & a spirit of adventure can contemplate going on these trails.
Strenuous: These treks apart from having continuous trekking stretches are at places technical and might require assistance from trip leader/guide and other staff people. All these treks have rest days in between. Also, all of them involve crossing passes or areas having an altitude of more than 4500m. First-timers are discouraged from walking such routes.
Expedition Style: These involve long walks at high altitudes at times around 6000m. Camping can also be well over the snow line and on glaciers at times. Safety ropes, ice axes, and crampons might be required on these treks. These treks are not technically very difficult but are considerably challenging. Previous vigorous/strenuous trekking experience is required.
DISCLAIMER
Great Indian Outdoors (P) Ltd. takes utmost care to ensure the safety of its clients. However, in the case of any unforeseen mishaps, Great Indian Outdoors (P) Ltd. will not be liable for any injuries caused or for loss of life. All disputes rising due to the above are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in New Delhi/Delhi only. All participants would be required to sign an Indemnity Form before the start of the program, without which they would not be allowed to take part in the trip/program/activities.
Recognised by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India as an Approved Adventure Tour Operator
Contact Us
GIO Adventures Pvt. LtdDehradun - Uttarakhand
- +91-7895979211
- info@gio.in