Stok Kangri Trek 2020, Ladakh

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best time to go for Stok Kangri trek?

   July - August are the best months to plan a Stok Kangri Trek. During this time, the peaks are snow clad and the trail offers a beautiful striking, rocky side of the mighty Himalayas.

2. What is the level of fitness expected from the participants?

   It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on a climbing holiday getting some additional exercise. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. For this trip you need to be aerobically fit and also comfortable with walking for 7 - 8 hours each day over several days. The best preparation for a trip of this nature is regular hiking in hill or back country, particularly involving sections of steep terrain. Previous experience of walking in crampons is useful if you have the opportunity although instruction in all necessary techniques for the climb will be given at Base Camp.

3. What are the clothing and equipments that need to be carried from our end?

   As the temperature is cold throughout the trek with the possibilities of rain, we recommend that you carry woolen clothes, which can be full sleeves woolen sweater, thermal inner wear, windproof jacket, etc. along with a raincoat.

4. Which type of shoes should I carry?

   For Stok Kangri trek, you would need good and comfortable trekking shoes that would let you easily go through the ridges and glaciers till the top. The rough roads would hamper your normal shoes and before you buy trekking shoes, be very careful. The boots with thicker and aggressive out-soles can be used for longer treks like Stok Kangri. Select the right type of shoes is essential- for summer season, use low-ankle hiking shoes but if you go on cold conditions, then buy trek boots with industry accredited material used in their build. Waterproof and breathable fabric would be the best. Buy trek boots one size larger than your feet size so you will feel comfortable after wearing multiple socks during winter treks.

5. What kind of food will be provided during this trek? What about safe drinking water?

   There are proper meals with subsequent nutritional values planned for the people coming in for the trek. From dinner on Day 1 to Breakfast on the last day, all meals will be provided. This would include nutritional vegetarian meals, 7 Dinners, 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, with the addition of tea and coffee during breaks.

6. How much weight will I have to carry?

   It is advisable to carry a 6L backpack, weight to be carried will depend on your requirements and capacity.

7. What will be the highest elevation we will trek?

   The stunning Stok Kangri Peak displays multiple thrills along the way and towers at a height of 6,000m. The highest altitude will be at 6153m.

8. Does this trek require proper acclimatisation?

   The Stok Kangri trek does come along with some challenges, some of them being dealing with thin air on high altitudes. For this very reason, the first three days are reserved for acclimatisation. The route taken to the summit is among the shortest.

9. What sort of weather will be there during Stok Kangri trek?

   In day time weather is clear, the temperature is around 11 degree, but in night times it gets cold and temperature drops up to 0 to -6 degree. This is a toughe treks as temperature wise also.

10. What is the difficulty level of Stok Kangri trek?

    Stok Kangri is not a simple trek it’s an expedition where experience trekkers can check their fitness level and it is one of the dream trek of every trekkers. Stok Kangri trek is a difficult trek, and it gets harder with the snow.

11. How much do we have to trek each day?

    Average walking distance is 10- 12 km each day and trekkers mostly in 5-7 hrs. Just enjoy it, don’t be disheartened.

12. Is it a safe trek for girls?

    For girls, trekking is extremely safe. Vendors have highest regards for women safety and will ensure that they're safe during the entire trek. If there is only one girl in the trip, then she will be provided with single tent to sleep alone. If there are more girls, then they can sleep under one tent. Always make sure that you are never left on your own. Understand your pace and be with the group.

13. Are there any chances of sudden weather changes during the trek?

    Mountains do generate their own weather systems and some rain or snowfall cannot be ruled out. Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes

14. Is the region terrorist prone?

    No, trekking is extremely safe. Vendors have highest regards for your security. It is not a terrorist prone zone and we will ensure that you are safe the entire trek.

15. What all things I should carry for the trek?

    Day pack (25ltrs) Dry fit shirts and trousers 4 pairs Fleece jacket Balaclava and Buff Gloves Toilet paper Two 1 ltr water bottles Pee bottle Lip care Torch with extra batteries Water purification solution / tablets Body Moisturizer, Body Powder / Anti-Fungal (feet and body) Down booties Boots, Camp shoes / Sport sandals Warm Socks (lots of extra pairs) Water and wind proof jacket and trousers Thermal top and bottom 3 pairs Day wear shirt x2 or 3 Underwear 5-7 Sun cap, Sun screen lotion, Sunglasses Head torch with extra batteries Toiletries Small light towel and napkin Personal medications Rain cover for your bags

16. What all medicines I should carry? Can I take diamox?

    Carrying medicines is important while trekking anywhere in the world. Your first-aid should have anti-diarrhea medicine such as loperamide but make sure that you don't take it unless getting to a toilet isn't an option. During the trekking you may not have access to pharmacies. So it’s better to have medications ready. Yes, you can carry diamox and can be taken too if having sickness/nausea.

17. How cold does it really get on the Stok Kangri trek?

    During day time, the weather is clear and warm at Stok Kangri and the temperature would be around 11 degree Celsius. As the night approaches, the temperature drops down to 0 to -6 degree Celsius. But the weather at high altitudes is highly unpredictable too. Hence be prepared with multiple layers of jackets, clothes, socks and gloves.

18. Is the water on the trek safe?

    Yes. The water you will get during the trek will be clean and safe as the Himalayan water is considered to be the best with a lot of minerals. But for the safety of our bodies, many recommend to have boiled water or chlorine tablet. You can seek help from the tour guide or leader to fill water bottles.

19. Who all can go for trekking at Stok Kangri?

    The Stok Kangri Trek is definitely for all the daredevils as the highest summit is almost 20500 feet high. As the altitude is too high breathing in oxygen is get a little difficult and people suffering from breathing problems should avoid this trek as it might even get fatal for them. Rest of you are physically fit and love trekking then this is indeed a doable trail and extends exceptional views of nature. The trek begins from the Stok village and from there it takes nearly 9 days to complete the entire 40 km trek.

20. How will we go Stok Kangri from Leh?

    Stok Kangri trekking route is quite a simple one. You begin from Leh and then drive to the Stok village after which the actual trekking begins. The route to be followed is Stok Village - Chang Ma - Mankorma - Base camp - Stok Kangri. With every next destination the altitude keeps on rising and the hike becomes even more difficult. The entire trek almost takes 9 days to complete and the final summit is 20,500 feet high that is Stok Kangri. The weather conditions can get really worse so make sure you carry proper body suits to settle in the same.