Stok Kangri

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Stok Kangri is one of the most beautiful peaks in Ladakh. The climb is technically not difficult, and requires no special mountaineering skills. It gives you a real opportunity to climb a 6150m mountain in less than a week, which is not possible in any other part of the world. The summit presents one of the most spectacular views of the Saser peak in the Karakoram Range, where the K2 lies.

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:

Leh – Stok – Mancarmo (4 – 5 hrs)

We will leave from Leh in a jeep, in the morning. At Stok the pony man will load our big backpacks on the horses that will be waiting for us. With our small daypacks we head off for Mancarmo through a beautiful valley, where there are unusual rock formations that point skywards in orange, purple and green colors. Mancarmo (4250 m) is the summer pasture of Stok villagers.

Day 02:

Mancarmo – Base Camp (3-4 hrs)

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

Day 03:

Base Camp – Summit 6150 m – Base Camp (10-11 hrs)

Depending on the weather and snow conditions, we will leave early at around 1:00 am or 2:00 am. Usually conditions are better in the night/morning, when the sky is clearer because it is colder and the snow will be harder to walk on. We will just take a cup of tea and bring our lunch bags along, before walking into the night with our torches. However, if it is a full moon night, the moon will guide us in its silvery glow. It is a strenuous walk, and in the last part we will most likely use not only ice axes, but also crampons and, maybe, even rope, depending on the snow conditions.

However, by the time we come close to the top, we will forget about the hardship as we will be surrounded by one of the most beautiful sights, 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, we leave our Khatag, a religious scarf, on the mountaintop with prayer flags. Leaving the peak, we go down to the Base Camp and by the time we arrive, the only thing running in our minds will be the thought of taking rest in our cozy sleeping bags.

Day 04:

Base Camp – Stok (4 hrs)

After breakfast we will walk down to Stok, retracing our footsteps. On reaching stok we will drive back to Leh.

Price: INR 15400 per person

Best Season to Visit

July to September

Duration: 4 Days

Highest point: Stok Kangri Summit 6150 m