Stok Kangri Expedition

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The Stok Kangri Trek and Climb is one of the simpler treks for the amateur expeditors. It starts on any day of the week during the months of June, July, August, September and October and this is an ideal trek for small treks.

Stok Kangri (elevation 6,137 m (20,135 feet) is the highest mountain in the Stok Range of the Himalayas. Kangri is a fine peak for Trekking in Ladakh and an excellent opening for climbing in the Himalayas. Stok Kangri is considered to be a suitable 'starter expedition' for trekkers. It has the power of fascinating monasteries of the Indus Valley. The spectacular and great monastic Festival is celebrated at Tak Thok and one should include it in the must see list. One can also enjoy the sight of the Saser Kangri (7670mts), Kang Yatse 6400mts. and Nun Kun (7135mts), which happen to be a part of the Karakoram Range. Although straightforward, the route is challenging and interesting, providing amazing views of the Karakoram Range, and on a clear day views of Mont. K2 in the far distance.

Day 01:

Drive to Spituk and trek to Zingchan (4 hrs.)

The first day’s walk begins from Phey Village, instead of Spituk. It is a fairly pleasant walk in a south-westerly direction along the Indus on your right. It is long gentle walk before we enter Zingchen Gorge. The gorge is dotted with poplar trees and we reach Zingchen village after an hour’s walk. It is advisable to continue walking to Hemis National Park to reach the village of Sumdzom. There are nice camping options here and we will set up our camp here for the night.

Day 02:

Zingchan to Gandala Base Camp (5/6 hours):

A day is occupied for Gandala Base Camp. From Sumdzom, we walk upstream and then climb up the hill till we get to Gandala Nallah, along which a path leads to high pastures. On the east is a path that leads to Rumbak Village, which we will avoid taking. Instead we go westward following the path to Yurutse and the Kandala Base Camp. We will set up our campsite for the night.

Day 03:

Gandala Base Camp to Skiu (7/8 hours)

This day we will trek up to the Gandala Pass (4870m) which takes two hours of steady climbing from the base camp. From the pass a well-defined path leads down to Shingo. This descent needs around two hours. Beyond Shingo we will head for Skiu after crossing the Shingo Nallah. This stretch takes around three hours. Skiu is a fascinating place with ruins of ancient monasteries. Stay at campsite, which is beyond the village by the Markha River.

Day 04:

Skiu to Markha (6/7 hours)

This day requires an early start as it gets warm when it is sunny, although the walking is not very strenuous. The trail from Skiu leads to Sara where we can stop for a quick lunch. Beyond Sara the trail goes up to the village of Chalak. We will cross a river and keep going ahead for around two hours till we reach the swift Markha River. After fording across the river from the shallowest spot we will continue further to arrive at Markha Village. There are a number of options for camping here.

Day 05:

Markha to Thujungtse (6/7 hours)

The trail goes northwards up to the confluence of two rivers Luntang Chu and Nyimaling Chu. At the end of the trail we move to Thujungste village. The campsite is fabulous. This day is a moderately tough walking day, passing through the villages. Overnight stay and dinner follows in camp.

Day 06:

Thujungste to Nimaling (3 hours)

This day comes with an easy walk. The trail starts from Thujungste, which leads us to Nyimaling. It is passes through several Mani walls and shepherd camps. On the way the views of Kangyatse Peak are simply striking. Nyimaling is a beautiful place and we can spend the afternoon exploring the valley. We can spot Blue Sheep and other wildlife in this area.

Day 07:

Nimaling – Chukurmo (7 / 8 hrs)

An 8 hours drive will lead us to Chukurmo. There is a steep climb along the mountainside, then some Zigzagging up to the Kangmaru la 5200 Mts. There are brilliant views across the Stok ranges and down to the Indus valley. From here, we will move down through the steep valleys to the camping sight. Overnight stay and dinner follows at the camp.

Day 08:

Chukurmo to SHANG PHU (5 /6 hrs)

We will start early in the morning, walk behind the mountain of Shang village from where we will get a extensive view of the valley. The valley broadens into alpine meadows where Shang Phu, a summer grazing settlement is situated. Camp is set at the junction of two small Valleys.

Day 09:

SHANG PHU to SHANG LA BASE over SHANG LA (6 / 7 hrs)

A day is reserved for Shang la base. An easy ascent leads to a small stream and the trail, which goes from the head of the valley down its true left bank, through dense scrub vegetation, is one of the loveliest parts of this trek. The spring fed stream forms clear deep pools along its course and flows into the main Shang stream, a valley away to the left. A gradual ascent will lead us to Shang La, which joins the Matho valley with the Shang valley. The descent is fairly steep though not long. Camp is set on the banks of a small stream, which eventually meets the main Matho Nala.

Day 10:

SHANG LA BASE to Gangpoche ( 4 / 5 hrs)

A drive of 5 hours will bring us to Gangpoche. We will visit stone corrals and camping grounds and enter the upper Matho valley, which is heading north-west in a series of sharp ascents and descents. The trail clings precipitously to the Mountainside, crossing four large lateral streams feeding the Matho Tokpo. Camp is set further up in an alpine meadow at Gangpoche. Overnight stay follows at camp side.

Day 11:

Gangpoche to STOK KANGRI BASE CAMP (6 / 7 hrs)

We will climb up to Matho La. It is extremely strenuous and at the top, travelers are often greeted by the high wild cry of the Snow cock, a giant partridge common in these parts but difficult to see. Take a glance of spectacular view of Stok Kangri (20,200 ft/ 6,121 m) and other peaks. This region provides an interesting study for geologists – alternatively. The formation of Stream beds and passes in the less resistant red shale are worth taking notice of. There is an abrupt though not very steep descent past a spring which leads to the upper part of the main Stok Nala and follows along the true right, some 90 meters above the riverbed. The valley broadens out and a tributary stream, originating from Stok Kangri is present. This must be crossed before reaching the campsite at the base camp of Stok Kangri.

Day 12:

STOK KANGRI BASE CAMP - SUMMIT (6121 M) (8 / 9 hrs)

After breakfast, we will start walking towards the summit as it will take 9 to 10 hrs to reach the summit. Relax and take a breath on the top, feel as if you are on the top of the world, and see the other gallant peaks of the Karakoram Range. Start descent after half an hour on the top, reach to the base camp within 2 to 3 hrs, refreshments will be served at the Camp. Early dinner and overnight stay follow at the camp.

Day 13:

STOK KANGRI BASE CAMP to STOK (5 / 6 hrs)

This day is to explore the northeastern flanks of Stok Kangri before retracing the steps to the main Stok Nala. The trail moves along the boulder-strewn left bank and, enters into a gorge from where, we will ascend steeply up a left bank, enter a gorge and ascends steeply up a left bank spur marked by cairns and prayer flags. After crossing a stream draining the western side of Stok La, continue down the Stok valley via willow groves and alpine meadows. Explore an ancient Ladakh fortress – Styang La Khar. The steep valley widens and from here it takes only an hour to reach Stok village and is followed by 45 minutes drive to Leh. Overnight stay at a hotel in Leh.