Stok Kangri Trek
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Brief Description
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Brief Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Leh
The most convenient way to reach Leh is by Air. But this has to be followed by at least 2 days of acclimatization in Leh before you head out for a trek like Stok Kangri. You can also reach Leh by road but this option requires at least 2-3 days of travel on the road. You will receive the detail of accommodation in Leh through an email from us. After reaching Leh check into the Guest House/Hotel. Have some rest and acclimatize as Leh is at the height of 11500 ft. above sea level. The evening can be utilized to explore the Leh market.
Day 2
Acclimatization in Leh
Explore the cultural and natural beauty of Leh. This will make you familiar with the town and also help in acclimatize to the weather. Leh is the center point of Ladakh and also a major town from where all expeditions begin. It is also a culturally rich place. There are dozens of monasteries and ancient temples that you can go around. They are located in and around the town. Enjoy the local cuisines which are a major attraction for travellers.
Day 3
Leh (11500 ft.) to Chang Ma (13087 ft.) via Stok Village (11800 ft.)
This is the day when we would enjoy a great drive and have an enjoyable trekking experience. If you haven’t trekked in Ladakh before this day will come as a surprise. The beautiful landscapes of the region will give you an out of the world feeling. The rocky mountain peaks all around look so perfect as if they have been painted on a canvas. The day will be difficult mostly because it is your first day of walking in this region. Over the next few days as your body will get acclimatized you will feel much better while hiking. At the start of the drive from Leh, we would go through many exotic and beautiful scenes. The drive to the Stok village is an adventurous one and is full of natural beauty with the sight of lush green trees. The weather is generally fine in the summer season. The Stok village lies to the south of Leh and it is well known for a royal palace. Inside the palace, there is a small museum which has beautiful and religious artifacts. We will set up camp as soon as we reach Chang Ma. We will settle in camps after a small acclimatization walk.
Day 4
Chang Ma (13087 ft.) to Mankorma (14200 ft.)
Today is a fairly easy trek along a river. We will cross water streams a couple of times. The real beauty of Ladakh will start showing today. Mankarmo has a big Parachute café. We will pitch camps & settle in after a short acclimatization walk. Camping in Mankarmo is a lovely experience.
Day 5
Mankorma (14200 ft.) to Base camp (16300 ft.)
After a few hours trek from Mankorma, we reach the base camp. It’s a grassy patch of land with a number of water bodies in the form of lakes & streams. Utilize the day to walk up to the upper area to enjoy the surrounding views. In sight are some beautiful peaks like Gulap Kangri, Parcha Kangri, and many others. You would get sufficient time to get acclimatized to this altitude. This is very important as in the coming days, you would find a drastic increase in the altitude and experience thin air and lack of oxygen. Keep yourself warm with proper clothing as the temperature can be very low here.
Day 6
Acclimatization & Practice day
It is essentially a day to prepare you for the summit day. You will understand the possibilities and challenges involved. You will be briefed about the technical equipment. A basic training would be imparted on the usage of equipment such as Ice Axe, Crampons, Rope etc. Techniques like ascending & descending in the snow, Self-arrest using an ice axe will be covered in the training session. Today we go to bed early as we will start the summit attempt at mid of night.
Day 7
Base camp (16300 ft.) to Stok Kangri (20080 ft.) back to base camp.
Wake up call would be at 12:30 AM. Get ready for the summit attempt. Technical gear will be distributed. Start walking at 2:00 AM. The route goes through glaciers and then comes to steep slopes to the summit ridge. This is a long climb. It would take somewhere between 9 to 10 hours. The summit offers a 360-degree view of the region. The wide view and open surroundings give you a royal feeling. Towards the north is Karakoram range. The Saser Kangri dominates the sky in the north along with the Karakoram, and the Zanskar ranges in the south. Descend to the base camp. Overnight stay in Camps.
Day 8
Base camp to Leh
With a 6000M peak up your sleeves today's trek will be a joyous experience. We start early for Stok Village. Return trek can be a little difficult & be extra careful on downhill slopes. From Stok village we start the road drive for Leh. The drive back can be a nostalgic experience as you recount the precious experiences from your days on the expedition. We will reach Leh by evening. Check into the Guest House/Hotel.
Day 9
Departure From Leh
You will be required to check out from the Hotel at 10:00 AM.
What's Included
- Camping during the trek and Guest House/Hotel Stay on twin / triple sharing basis in Leh (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 & Day 8)
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification & customized rescue course from NIM
- Trek Meals (Starting Lunch on Day 3). 4 meals during Trek
- Technical equipment - as required, depending upon snow conditions
- Trek Permit Fee / ALTOA Fee (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder
- Qualified & experienced Guide and Support staff
- Transport from Leh to Road head and return
What's Not Included
- Meals during Hotel Stay in Leh
- IMF Permit Fee for Foreign Nationals (approximately USD 75 per person)
- Environmental Fee & Wildlife Permit Fee
- Meals during road journeys
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of Insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusions
Are you Eligible for this Adventure?
BRS Level Required
This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 5 on the BRS. The altitude, the terrain and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of skill and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of high altitude environment.
If you do not know what level of BRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:
we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
Packing List
This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
Trekking Gear
- Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
- Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
- Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
- U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
- Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each
Footwear
- Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
- Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1
Clothing
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
- Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
- Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
- Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
- Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
- Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
- Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
- Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
- Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
- Woolen cap. Qty-1
- Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1
Toiletries
- Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
- Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
- Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1
Utensils
- Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
- Plate. Qty- 1
- Spoon.Qty-1
- Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1
Miscellaneous
- Camera (Optional)
- Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
- Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
Before attempting Stok Peak you should have an experience of at least 10 – 15 trek days in the Himalayas, at least one Moderate Plus category trek, the experience of trekking at altitudes higher than 4700 - 5000 mts, medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
How to use an Ice Axe
How to use Climbing boots & Crampons
How to rope up & follow queued climbing/descending
How to self-arrest using an ice axe
Knowledge of Basic First aid
How to use Climbing boots & Crampons
How to rope up & follow queued climbing/descending
How to self-arrest using an ice axe
Knowledge of Basic First aid
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) - You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
- Hold your breath for 40 seconds
- 3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch, Push Ups – 10, Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets
Stok Kangri Trek - Ladakh
Trekking to one of the highest trekkable peaks in the country is every adventure lovers dream. Stok Kangri trek should be on your bucket list if you are also an adventure junkie. Attaining a maximum altitude of 20,100ft this trek is not for the faint-hearted. Only experienced trekkers should attempt the Stok Kangri expedition.
Best time to summit Stok Kangri peak is June-September.
Stok Kangri trek begins from Leh in Ladakh. The best travel option around Leh is by air.
By air: Jet Airways, GoAir, and Air India provide daily flights from New Delhi to Leh. It is recommended that you make your flight bookings well in advance not only to save on the price but also for a confirmed seat. You can also take an alternate flight route to Srinagar. Fly to Srinagar from Delhi and then drive to Leh from Srinagar. The 10-hour road journey from Srinagar to Leh can be covered by hiring a shared taxi which will cost you around INR 3000-4000. The drive route from Srinagar to Leh is scenic. For coming back, you can either take a direct flight from Leh to New Delhi. Or take the same route via Srinagar. Flights from Srinagar to Delhi are cheaper than Leh-Delhi.
By road: You can take the route from Manali to Leh. Travel from Delhi to Manali by a HRTC Volvo bus. From Manali get a seat in a shared taxi (INR 2500-3500). If you are on a tight budget, There is also a bus from New Delhi to Leh (via Manali) with one side fare of INR 1365. The bus journey begins at 2:30 pm from Delhi ISBT reaching Keylong next day at 1:30 pm. After an overnight halt at Keylong, it reaches Leh the next day. The another route to Leh can be taken through Srinagar. There are shared taxis from Srinagar to Leh available at cost of INR 3000-4000. If you are an ardent biker, you wouldn’t mind taking a bike trip from Delhi to Leh and back.
By air: Jet Airways, GoAir, and Air India provide daily flights from New Delhi to Leh. It is recommended that you make your flight bookings well in advance not only to save on the price but also for a confirmed seat. You can also take an alternate flight route to Srinagar. Fly to Srinagar from Delhi and then drive to Leh from Srinagar. The 10-hour road journey from Srinagar to Leh can be covered by hiring a shared taxi which will cost you around INR 3000-4000. The drive route from Srinagar to Leh is scenic. For coming back, you can either take a direct flight from Leh to New Delhi. Or take the same route via Srinagar. Flights from Srinagar to Delhi are cheaper than Leh-Delhi.
By road: You can take the route from Manali to Leh. Travel from Delhi to Manali by a HRTC Volvo bus. From Manali get a seat in a shared taxi (INR 2500-3500). If you are on a tight budget, There is also a bus from New Delhi to Leh (via Manali) with one side fare of INR 1365. The bus journey begins at 2:30 pm from Delhi ISBT reaching Keylong next day at 1:30 pm. After an overnight halt at Keylong, it reaches Leh the next day. The another route to Leh can be taken through Srinagar. There are shared taxis from Srinagar to Leh available at cost of INR 3000-4000. If you are an ardent biker, you wouldn’t mind taking a bike trip from Delhi to Leh and back.
BSNL has the best connectivity in Leh-Ladakh region followed by Airtel. However, all the mobile networks like Idea and Vodafone also work in Leh. Please note that only postpaid numbers work in J&K state, prepaid connections will cease to work as soon as you enter Ladakh region. On & Off network coverage is available throughout this trek (BSNL mostly) and sometimes (if you are lucky) you can even get network from the summit of Stok Kangri! Yes! Believe it or not.
There are so many enchanting places to visit in Leh-Ladakh. During your acclimatization period, you can roam around the town and visit the monasteries; Diskit Gompa, and Lamayuru Monastery. Drive up to the Magnetic Hill and experience the crazy magnetic phenomenon on the hill. The picturesque Nubra Valley will take your breath away. The green oasis villages, the monasteries, the ruined palaces- Turtuk and Bordang; there is a whole different culture in this place. It is 150 km away from Leh. You can take a shared taxi to this route. How can you leave Ladakh without seeing Pangong Lake, the sapphire blue lake? Also, visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib and Leh Royal Palace. To know more read Places that you must visit in Leh Ladakh
The minimum age limit to summit Stok Kangri peak is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied by their parents or guardians.
If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
When you arrive in Leh, your stay will be made at local guest house/hotel. The rooms will be provided on twin or triple sharing basis. You will receive the details of your accommodation through email few days prior the trek.
On trekking days, all the trekkers will be accommodated in twin or triple sharing tents. Along with this, there will be also be a toilet tent and a dining tent installed at every campsite as we roll.
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accommodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks.
Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees Celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius.
If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek. These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable.
There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
You will be provided with the good quality of gaiters, crampons, and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice ax.
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the participants.
There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item.
Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food.
The meals consumed on the journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack.
During the day, the temperature will range from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. The nights will get cold dropping the temperature to 0 to -9 degrees Celsius. The higher the altitude you gain, the colder it gets. For more details follow Stok Kangri temperature chart
You can expect snow on Stok Kangri Trek throughout the year. June to October is likely to receive good amount of snowfall. During the other months, the snow accumulation is high and therefore the trek is not feasible.
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack.
In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek.
We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Yes, trekking pole is necessary. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Yes, there are stores/shops in Leh from where you can buy necessary stuff. Though it is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
The hotel at Leh is the pick up point from which we drive to Stok village.
The dropping point remains the same.
Expect to reach Leh late in the evening where hotel arrangements would be made by us. Make sure your flight/bus bookings from this point to your respective destinations are in the morning the next day post 10:00 Hrs.
ID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried), Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) and Photocopy of ID Proof are the mandatory documents required for the trek.
Why Bikat?
Small Group Size
Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek. As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.
Qualified Trek Leaders
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures
Guided Progression
Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.
Equipment Quality and Check
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
Support Systems
Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.
Communication
Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.
What our customers Say
Cancellation Policy
Cash refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date
Voucher refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date
Please Note:
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
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