Adventure AsiaAI-assisted
India9 days

Stok Kangri: High-Altitude Ascent in Ladakh — 9 Days

A 9-day mountaineering expedition to 20,128 feet in the Ladakh Himalayas, with acclimatization days in Leh and a summit climb along the southern face of Stok Kangri.

Stok Kangri, at 20,128 feet, is the highest peak in the Stok range of the Ladakh Himalayas. This nine-day expedition combines high-altitude trekking with technical rock climbing, beginning in Leh and progressing through five established camps before a final summit bid and descent. The route crosses alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and narrow rocky terrain with a 75-degree gradient on the approach to the summit. Two acclimatization days in Leh precede the trek, and a full rest day at base camp allows trekkers to brief with guides on safety protocols and snow conditions. The expedition includes tent camping from Day 3 onward, with support staff managing logistics and a qualified lead guide managing the climb itself. Trekkers should have prior high-altitude experience; the physical demand increases significantly from Day 5 onward.

Best time to go: June to September

Highlights

  • Leh acclimatization and cultural exploration — visit the 14th-century Stok Monastery and former royal residence at 11,800 feet
  • Trek from Stok village through high-altitude Ladakhi valleys to Gangpochey (13,087 feet), crossing multiple river systems
  • Mankorma high-altitude camp (14,200 feet) — a flat desert-terrain site where the Orion arm of the Milky Way is visible at night
  • Alpine lakes and glacial terrain on the ascent to base camp (16,300 feet), with views of surrounding snow-covered peaks
  • Technical summit climb along the southern face of Stok Kangri (20,128 feet) — a 75-degree rocky slope requiring careful footwork
  • Views of the Karakoram Range to the north and Zanskar Mountains to the south from the summit

Day by day

1Arrival in LehLeh
Multiple transport options lead to Leh, the administrative center of Ladakh. Travelers may arrive by air from New Delhi, by train to Jammu followed by road, or by road directly from New Delhi. Upon arrival in Leh, accommodation is arranged and the day is reserved for rest and initial adjustment to the region's altitude and climate.
2Acclimatization in LehLeh
This day is dedicated to acclimatizing to Leh's high altitude, cold temperatures, and lower oxygen levels. Self-directed exploration of the town is available, including visits to local markets, Buddhist stupas and monasteries in the surrounding area, and observation of the Ladakh plateau terrain. An overnight stay in Leh continues.
3Leh to Stok Village and Trek to GangpocheyStok village · Gangpochey · Leh to Matho · Stok village to Gangpochey
A morning drive from Leh to Matho passes through the Himalayas along roads lined with birch trees, with views of mountains and cultivated fields. Upon arrival at Stok village (11,800 feet), one of Ladakh's oldest inhabited settlements, the expedition formally begins. Stok is the former residence of the Ladakhi royal family, with a museum displaying royal possessions and the 14th-century Stok Monastery. The first trekking stage leads through the mountains to Gangpochey, crossing 2-3 rivers amid high peaks. The trail takes 5-6 hours to complete. Wildlife in the region may include blue sheep and snow leopards. Overnight accommodation is in tents at Gangpochey (13,087 feet).
4Gangpochey to Mankorma: High-Altitude TrekGangpochey to Mankorma · Mankorma · high-altitude Ladakhi mountain valleys
This day involves a 4-5 hour trek on terrain with steady elevation gain. The route winds through high-altitude Ladakhi mountain valleys, passing small streams. The landscape transitions from grey tones at lower elevations to purple-hued mountains as sunlight conditions change with altitude. Mankorma sits at 14,200 feet on flat terrain with sparse vegetation. A narrow stream flows near the camp, providing fresh water. At nearly 5,000 meters, this day serves an acclimatization function, allowing adjustment to extreme altitude before further ascent. Overnight accommodation is in tents.
5Mankorma to Stok Kangri Base CampMankorma to Stok Kangri Base Camp · Stok Kangri Base Camp
The ascent from Mankorma to base camp at 16,300 feet involves continuous altitude gain with decreasing oxygen levels. The route follows rocky, narrow mountain trails requiring careful footing. Alpine lakes appear along the way, and mountainous meadows with grazing sheep are present. Base camp sits on relatively flat terrain at 16,300 feet with a narrow brook flowing through the area. Green ground cover is visible on slopes. Snow remains visible on surrounding peaks in most seasons. Upon arrival, lunch is provided. The remainder of the day is available for rest and acclimatization. Overnight accommodation is in tents at base camp.
6Base Camp Rest, Acclimatization, and Summit BriefingBase Camp
No hiking occurs today. Your guide or team leader will brief you on the challenges and hazards of the summit push, terrain specifics, and required equipment. Proper snow boots fitted for soft snow conditions are essential. After the briefing, the day is available for rest and acclimatization at your pace. Overnight accommodation is in tents.
7Stok Kangri Summit Climbbase camp · Stok Kangri's summit · southern face of Stok Kangri
A long mountaineering day begins with ascent from base camp toward the glacier. The first three-hour section involves a sharp climb followed by gentler slopes as the route approaches the glacier. From the glacier, the climb to Stok Kangri's summit begins along the southern face. The ascent involves technical rock scrambling with steep gradient sections and uneven terrain of small rocks and boulders. After approximately one hour through the rocky section, the gradient moderates and terrain becomes less steep. The summit is marked with Buddhist prayer flags. Views from the top include the Karakoram Range to the north and the Zanskar Mountains to the south. Time at the summit allows for rest and photography. The descent requires active management of pace and footing to ensure safe passage. Return to base camp at 16,300 feet occurs by evening. Overnight accommodation is in tents at base camp.
8Base Camp to Stok Village and Descent to Lehbase camp to Stok village · Leh · Stok village to Leh
A 12-kilometer trek leads from base camp down to Stok village. A vehicle provides transport from Stok village to Leh. Transfer to accommodation in Leh and overnight rest conclude the high-altitude phase.
9Departure from LehLeh airport · New Delhi
Morning transfer to Leh airport for onward flight, or overland departure to New Delhi by road.

Included

  • Accommodation. (Camping) and Leh guest house (Day 1, Day 2 and Day 8 according to Itinerary)
  • Trek equipments.(sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses and Tents)
  • All meals from Day 3 till day 8
  • First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
  • Qualified & experienced trek Leader, Guide and Support staff to help trekkers.
  • Good quality of alpine tents
  • Fresh and clean Sleeping bags of very good quality
  • Comfortable camping mattresses
  • There will be toilet tents
  • First Aid / Medical kit

Not included

  • GST @ 5%
  • Air/Train fare
  • Anything not mentioned under the head inclusions.
  • Meals during the stay at Leh Hotel
  • Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary / stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, road blocks and / or any factors beyond control.
  • Food/Meal in Leh
  • Mules to carry personal luggage 400 per day
  • Pick & drop from airport
  • IMF Permit
  • Extra cost for Adventure insurance 2000/- wild life fee 800/- and Enviornment fee 100/-

Activities: Trekking

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