Stok Kangri Expedition

Stok Kangri Expedition

Duration
15 days
Group size
Unlimited People
Country
India

Stok Kangri Expedition Overview

A classic trek to a spectacular 6000m peak in Ladakh. The Stok range lies on the southern skyline of Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and Stok Kangri is the highest mountain in the range. During the first two days set aside for...

A classic trek to a spectacular 6000m peak in Ladakh. The Stok range lies on the southern skyline of Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and Stok Kangri is the highest mountain in the range. During the first two days set aside for acclimatisation we visit the colourful monasteries of Shey & Thiksey and checkout the charming market in Leh. We set off on our 4 day acclimatization trek to the Base Camp starting from Matho Village and then over the Matho La. The climb up to the summit is technically straightforward and safe of any objective dangers. On the summit stretch, we cross a glacier and then a steep climb on to the south ridge from where it is an exposed walk right up to the summit. It’s a challenging climb even for the fittest of the climbers and is a great adventure in Himalayan mountaineering.

Key highlights of the Stok Kangri Expedition

Itinerary

  1. Today, arrive at Leh, Ladakh where our representative will meet you at the airport, and then he will transfer you to the hotel.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)
    On foot
    None, arrival day
    Night in
    Hotel, Leh
    Meals
    None
  2. The day will be spent on acclimatizing. No strenuous activity shall be done today. The day will be doing sightseeing in the significant areas around Leh like the Shey, Thiksey, Sangam, and Hemis. The monasteries are located around the city premises so you won’t have any trouble to go around.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Leh
    Meals
    Breakfast
  3. Today will also be spent on acclimatization. We visit the major landmarks of Leh like the Hemis monastery and the Leh Palace. In comparison to many Ladakhi monasteries, the Hemis Gompa is set into a cliff-backed valley rather than on top of a crag. The monastery is a combination of vibrant colors, and it enthralls anyone who wishes to venture in its lap of wisdom. You can observe the monks busy in their prayers and work. Visit the Leh Palace which strikingly resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The palace dates back to the 16th century, and its summit provides a picturesque view of Leh and the surrounding areas, and you can see the Stok Mountain range in the Zanskar mountain range.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Leh
    Meals
    Breakfast
  4. After having a delightful breakfast, we head towards the Khardungla Pass on a jeep. It is the highest motorway pass in the world, and it takes about 2 hours to reach there. The road is a mixture of rugged terrain, rough roads that overlooks the snowy Himalayas. The drive represents the beauty of the icy abode of India. After the visiting head back to your hotel.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)
    On foot
    None, 4 hr round-trip drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Leh
    Meals
    Breakfast
  5. Today, you’ll drive to Shang Sumdo on a jeep, and from there the trek to Chogdo village begins. Follow the Shang river upstream through a beautiful gorge, and then come out Chogdo.

    Altitude
    3,800 m (12,470 ft)+300 m
    On foot
    3–4 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Chogdo
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  6. From Chogdo, we turn towards the direction into a tributary valley which leads after a long and gradual ascent to the Gyuncho La at 4700 meters. Descending from the pass, we make camp at Shang Pu at an altitude of 4365 meters.

    Altitude
    4,365 m (14,320 ft)+565 m
    On foot
    6–7 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Shang Phu
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Today will be a bit tough day, as we have to do some heavy trekking. Today we’ll have to cross many spurs and minor passes that are rarely visited. These crosses provide a picturesque view of the Indus valley and the peaks that lie beyond the horizon. We will climb to cross the Shang La pass and then descend to the Tokpo river for lunch. After lunch, we generally trek downhill, by going around spurs and over a pass to reach the camping place at Matho Phu.

    Altitude
    4,400 m (14,440 ft)+35 m
    On foot
    7–8 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Matho Phu
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Our day commences by climbing the Matho La, and then we descend into the valley to the north of Stok village. The Stok valley is filled with wilderness, and you have to take care while visiting here. Interact with the locals here, and spend some time to visit the picturesque villages of stone huts. Watch as the farmers tend their flock of sheep and goats.

    Altitude
    4,340 m (14,240 ft)−60 m
    On foot
    5–6 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Mankarmo
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  9. By lunch, we would have reached the Basecamp, and it is just a 4 km trek. As the altitude keeps on rising, the walking pace is a bit slow. We trek for at least 3 hours, and then we camp overnight.

    Altitude
    4,980 m (16,340 ft)+640 m
    On foot
    4 km, 3–4 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Stok Kangri Base Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  10. Today we take a walk towards 5100 meters, which is about 4 km. In the afternoon, we rest and take excursions around to acclimatize fully. We practice the use of crampons as well. The trek lasts for about 3 hours.

    Altitude
    4,980 m (16,340 ft)
    On foot
    4 km, 3 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Stok Kangri Base Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  11. We will leave a little past midnight - 3 hrs to high camp and then we trek across the glacier and climb up to the col. From here it’s steep, and we will rope up and climb steadily to the summit marked with prayer flags (4 - 5 hrs from High camp). Either descend via the same route, or if the conditions are fine, we can slide direct down the scree slope. Return to Base Camp. Total trek 10 km of 13 hours

    Altitude
    6,153 m (20,190 ft) at the summit+1,173 m
    On foot
    10 km, 13 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Stok Kangri Base Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  12. Today will be a spare day that will be used in case the weather is terrible.

    Altitude
    4,980 m (16,340 ft)−1,173 m
    On foot
    Optional 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Stok Kangri Base Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  13. Today, you’ll descend to the village of Stok, and it takes about 5 to 6 hours. At Stok, we’ll visit the Stok Palace Museum. The vehicles will be available there to drive you to Leh, and then to Pangong.

    Altitude
    4,250 m (13,940 ft)−730 m
    On foot
    5–6 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Pangong
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  14. Today, you’ll drive from Pangong to Leh, which is about 140 km and it takes 4 hours. Overnight in Leh.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)−750 m
    On foot
    None, 4 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Leh
    Meals
    Breakfast
  15. Today will be the last day of the trek, and you will fly to Delhi, and then combine with another trip to Heathrow.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)
    On foot
    None, departure day
    Night in
    No overnight
    Meals
    Breakfast

What's included

  • Khardungla transport in tempo travellers, transport from arrival in Srinagar until -Leh in tempo travelers (mini coaches), transport to and from trek point in tempo travelers,
  • Sightseeing in Leh on acclimatization day
  • Ponies to carry luggage, full trek services -
  • Two people in one Tents, mattress, hire of crampons, ice axe, boots (subject to size),
  • Meals, services of 2 cooks, helpers, Experienced climbing Sherpas to guide climb, -Emergency oxygen cylinder.
  • Khardungla day trip
  • Mountain Peak fees payable at base camp
  • Transport costs for Pangong day trip (Innova).
  • Environment fee.
  • An Inner line permit fee for foreigners, applicable as the district authorities have just announced this.
  • Sleeping bag and Down Jackets, Duffle Bag(returnable)

Not included

  • Airfares International and Domestic,
  • Items of any personal nature such as drinks, etc.
  • Extra costs incurred due to roadblocks, landslides, flight cancellations, rescue & evacuation, insurance

Photos

A look at the trail, the villages and the mountains.

Reviews

5.0 0 reviews
The trip of a lifetime

Everything was handled for us from the moment we landed. Our guide read the group perfectly, slowed the pace when we needed it, and knew every village along the way. I never once worried about logistics.

Sarah M. AustraliaOctober 2025
Felt looked after the whole way

We travelled as a couple and the small group made all the difference. Comfortable lodges, honest advice about the altitude, and a team who clearly loved the mountains. Booking on our own dates was easy.

James & Kate United KingdomMay 2025
Well organised and genuinely local

You can tell this is run by people from here, not a call centre abroad. The itinerary had proper rest days built in, the food was better than I expected, and the whole thing ran to time.

Daniel R. CanadaMarch 2025

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15 days

$1,380 per person

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