Lamayuru Stok Kangri

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Ladakh occupies a very strategic position in Asia, presenting itself as a frontier province of India where three international borders meet. In the past some of the busiest trade routes of central Asia crisscrossed here. Two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges: The Karakoram and the Great Himalayas surround it in the north and south respectively. Geographically it is the northwestern extension of high and dry Tibetan plateau.

Consequently, rainfall is scanty and the general terrestrial features of the area are dry and deserted. Ladakh has kept alive the dwindling Tibetan cultural heritage. Thousands of religious and cultural monuments in the form of monasteries, nunneries and hermitages dot its arid terrain. It is in Ladakh alone one can savor the variety and beauty of unique and self-contained Himalayan Civilization.

Stok Kangri is a perfect destination for climbers wishing to climb above 6000 mts. You can always have a view of this beautiful peak from Leh town. Once you are at the summit you can see the amazing views of the Saser Kangri (7670mts) in the Karakoram Range, Kang Yatse (6400mts.) and Nun Kun (7135mts)

Day 01: Leh - Lamayuru 3420m - Wanla 3250 m (3 hrs)

We will leave Leh by taxi in the morning for Lamayuru, following the Indus River through Sham Valley. After visiting Lamayuru monastery, we will pack our backpacks and set off for our first day's adventure. We will follow a stream for some time, and gradually climb up to the pass of Prinkti La (3750m). We will later pass through the small village of Shilla (3700 m) before reaching our campsite at Wanla (3250m), where we will spend the afternoon either relaxing in the sun or visiting the monastery.

Day 02: Wanla - Hinju 3720m (4-5 hrs)

Following a dusty road we will reach the small village of Phenjilla (3410 m) and the scattered village of Ursi. We will then walk through a narrow gorge until we reach a traditional Rangthak (flour mill) at the far end of the village The trail will then cut through the village of Hinju(3720 m), roughly 2 km below our campsite in a yak herder's encampment.

Day 03: Hinju - Sumda Doksa 4430m (5-6 hrs)

From the encampment, we will continue along the trail and ascend the ridge below Kongskil La (4950m). If lucky, we will get a glimpse of some of the wild animals of the area. We will then climb gradually until we reach Kongskil La, where we will be surrounded by dizzying views of the Karakoram and Stok ranges. The descent down the trail is quite steep, with loose moraine causing the difficulty. The trail then follows the left side of the valley floor, passing a yak herders' hut (4500m), before we reach our campsite. This valley is occupied mainly by the villagers of Sumda Chenmo.

Day 04: Sumda Doksa - Dung Dung Chan la base 4430m (4-5 hrs)

After a short walk and a few river crossings, we will reach the village of Sumda Chenmo. From there we head towards the true left side of the valley, which provides us a beautiful view of the village, with its lush green surroundings. Further on, the trail cuts through the valley's wild rose bushes and leads us to another river crossing (this stream originates from the high snow-capped peaks of Photoksar (5685m). Before making a steep, challenging ascent over Lanak, we will see Edelweiss and some of the other rare wild flowers of Ladakh. From the campsite, there is a splendid view of Konskila.

Day 05: Dung Dung Chan La base - Chilling 3550m (5 hrs)

We will begin the day with a straight forward climb to Dungdung Chan La (4820m), which offers views of the beautiful vistas of the Stok Range in the east, and the Zanskar Range in the south. From the pass, the trail gradually descends down a ridge toward the valley, continually tapering before reaching the village of Chilling.

Day 06: Chilling to Shingo 4125mts 6 hrs

Today we follow the Zankar upstream to the village of Skiu, where we turn away from the main river and follow beautiful gorge upto Shingo. we will camp overnight there.

Day 07: Treks to Rumbak 3800mts 6-7hrs

From Shingo we follow a long gradual ascent to the Gandala at 4850mts. We pass Yurutse and continue to our camp near Rumbak.

Day 08: Rumbak to Mancarmo 4200 m via Stok la 4900mts 5-6 hrs

The trail up to the base of Stok la (4900 m) starts fairly gradually but becomes steeper as we approach the pass. Views of the Indus valley and remarkable colorful rock formations of Stok la will diminish the hardship of our climb. We move along the mountainside up and down until we reach some stone houses, used by the Stok villagers for summer pasture. Our campsite at Mancarmo is also a first camp for the Stok Kangri approach.

Day 09: Mancarmo – Base Camp 5000mts 5hrs

Gradually we go higher into a desolate area, which is inhabited only by marmots and blue sheep. Surrounded by high mountains, we, at base camp (5020 m), will prepare our self mentally and physically for the big day.

Day 10: Base to Advance Base camp 5300mts

We can use the advanced base camp on the climb because it shortens the summit day and increases everyone's chance of reaching the summit, this tactic works well. The route starts with climbing the moraine above the base camp and then descending gently to the glacier beyond.

Day 11: Advance Base Camp – Summit 6150 m – Base Camp 7-9 hrs

Depending on weather and snow conditions, we leave early at around 3:00 am. By the time we come close to the top, you will forget about the hardships as you are surrounded by one of the most beautiful sights i.e. the Himalayas, lighted up by the slowly rising morning sun. In good weather conditions we can see the Saser group in the Great Karakoram Range, where K2 lies. To bring good fortune, leaving the peak, we go down to Base Camp and by the time we arrive, the only thing running in our mind is diving into our sleeping bags for a well deserved rest.

Day 12: Base Camp – Stok 6 hrs

This morning we will not hurry and by the time we open our eyes, you will realize that you have scaled a peak higher than any mountain in Europe or North America. After breakfast we will walk down to Stok, retracing our footsteps. Drive back to Leh.

Travel Facts:

Size of Group: Min 3

Highest Point: Stok Kangri Summit 6150 m

Duration: 12 Days