Stok Kangri Trek from Altitude Adventure India
Stok Kangri Trek Update – In response to Stok Kangri’s rapid degradation, the Stok Village Committee and ALTOA (All Ladakh Tour Operators’ Association) have announced a three-year ban on trekking and climbing on Stok Kangri peak. Stok Kangri will remain closed from 2020 to 2022.
Click here for our alternative to Stok Kangri Trek in Ladakh
Stok Kangri Trek s getting immensely popular with experienced as well as novice trekkers.
Starting from Leh, it takes just nine days to reach the summit and back including two days of acclimatizing in Leh. Some trekkers do it in lesser days but nine days is highly recommended to deal with the high altitude thin air and lack of oxygen in Ladakh.
Stok Kangri trek is a good challenge for seasoned trekkers to test their limits up to 6000 meters and also a great introduction to high altitude trekking for lesser experienced trekkers.
The climb to Stok Kangri peak is entirely non-technical and hence can be attempted by seasoned as well as new trekkers. It demands endurance and stamina to walk for 12 hours and climb approx.ly 1200m/3900ft from the base camp, only on the summit day. Rest all days it is only 3-4 hours of a daily trek with a maximum altitude gain of 500 meters till you reach the Base Camp.
Day 1: Arrive in Leh
Day 2 : Acclimatization in Leh
Day 3: Leh (11500 ft.) to Chang Ma (13087 ft.) via Stok Village (11800 ft.)
Day 4: Chang Ma (13087 ft.) to Mankorma (14200 ft.)
Day 5: Mankorma (14200 ft.) to Base camp (16300 ft.)
Day 6: Acclimatization & Practice day
Day 7: Base camp (16300 ft.) to Stok Kangri (20080 ft.) back to base camp.
Day 8: Base camp to Leh
Day 9: Departure From Leh
How safe is the Stok Kangri Peak Expedition?
a. While our itineraries are designed to allow for adequate acclimatization, most treks in the Indian Himalayas climb quickly, which is called forced ascents. Unavailability of camp sites and the Indian Himalayan terrain are the reasons for this. There are chances that you will feel the effects of altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation while on this trek. Please be aware that your trek leader may deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, and arrange for you to descend to a lower attitude.
b. Our trek leaders will conduct routine health checks at all camps to measure oxygen saturation, pulse and blood pressure. Altitude Adventure reserves the right to exclude any trekker from climbing higher on the trek without refund if the trekker’s vital readings are below accepted norms for that altitude. These norms are available with Altitude Adventure trek leaders.
c. This is a high altitude trek with rough, rocky and snowy terrain. It is important that you are a fit and confident walker in mountain terrain, able to manage ascents and descents by yourself within a reasonable time. Altitude Adventure reserves the right to send a trekker back if, in the opinion of our trek leader, they are unable to complete the itinerary without requiring exclusive assistance. Please realistically self-assess your fitness and suitability for this trek before registering.
The Trip Cost Includes
- Cost includes GST of 5%Camping during the trek and Guest House/Hotel Stay on twin sharing basis in Leh (Day 1, Day 2 & Day 8).
- Trek Meals (Starting Lunch on Day 3). 4 meals during Trek.
- First aid medical kits.
- Qualified & experienced Guide and Support staff.
- Transport from Leh to Road head and return.
The Trip Cost Excludes
- Meals during Hotel Stay in Leh.
- IMF Permit Fee for Foreign Nationals (approximately USD 75 per person).
- 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.
Bare necessities
- Trekking shoes: You will need trekking shoes with good grip. Sports shoes will not be comfortable enough.
- Backpack (40-60 liters): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for backpack is essential.
Clothes
On a trek, carry fewer clothes than you would normally need. Do not pack for ‘what if situations’. That will only add to the weight of your backpack and not be used on the trek. Once your clothes get warmed up on a trek, you will not feel like changing. Just maintain personal hygiene.
- Four warm layers: On the pass crossing day, you will need at least four warm layers (two lights layers such as fleece, one light sweater and one padded jacket) for this trek.
- Three trek pants: Wear one pair and carry two pairs. Denim/jeans and shorts are not suitable for trekking.
- Three collared t-shirts: Carry light, full sleeved t-shirts that prevent sun burns on the neck and arms. Again, wear one and carry two. Let one of these be a dri-fit t-shirt. It will dry quickly in case you are trekking on a rainy day. A common mistake that trekkers make is not changing their tshirts often enough. Regardless of how cold it is, the body tends to sweat a lot. Trekkers who don’t change to fresh clothes after reaching the campsite fall ill due to wet clothes and are often unable to complete their trek.
- Thermals (Mandatory): Those who are more susceptible to cold can carry thermals to wear at night.
Accessories
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. These are more important in June. There might be snow at the upper campsites regardless of the season. So carry a pair of sunglasses.
- Suncap: The sun is intense at higher altitudes and a sun cap is absolutely essential to keep your face and neck safe from sun burns.
- Synthetic hand gloves: One pair of fleece or woolen hand gloves. One pair of water proof gloves.
- Balaclava: You may use woolen scarves instead as well.
- Socks (2 pairs): Apart from two sports socks, you can take a pair of woolen socks for the night.
- Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory
Others
- Daypack (20 litres): If you are offloading your backpack, you will need a smaller backpack to carry water, medical kit and some light snacks.
- Toiletries: Sunscreen, moisturiser, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser. Do not carry wet wipes since these are not biodegradable. If you do happen to use wet wipes to clean up after a trek, make sure you bring them back with you. The same holds for used sanitary napkins. Carry a zip lock bag to put used wet tissues and napkins. Bring this ziplock bag back with you to the city and do not dispose wet tissues and sanitary napkins in the mountains.
- Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. We insist on trekkers getting their own cutlery for hygiene reasons.
- Two water bottles: 1 litre each
- Plastic covers: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalise things and carry few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.
Mandatory Personal Medical Kit
- Diamox – 10 tablets (to prevent AMS)
- Dexamethasone – one strip
- Nifedipine – 5 tablets
- Crocin – 6 tablets (fever)
- Avomine – 4 tablets (motion sickness)
- Avil 25mg – 4 tablets (allergies)
- Combiflam – 4 tablets (Pain killer)
- Norflox TZ & Lomofen– 6 tablets each (diarrhea)
- Digene – 10 tablets (acidity)
- Omez/ Rantadine – 10 tablets (antacids)
- Crepe bandage – 3 to 5 meters
- Gauze – 1 small roll
- Band aid – 10 strips
- Cotton – 1 small roll
- ORS – 10 packets
- Betadine or any antiseptic cream
- Moov spray (aches, & sprains)
- Knee cap, if you are prone to knee injury
- Anti fungal powder
Mandatory Documents
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (driving license, voters ID, etc.)
- Medical Certificate (first part to be filled by a doctor and second part by the trekker) – Download PDF
- Disclaimer form (to be filled by the trekker) – Download PDF
A high altitude trek in the Himalayas requires considerable fitness. Your body needs to train itself to process more work with lower levels of oxygen. Cardiovascular training before a trek is critically important. Training must include strength and flexibility workout. We have laid out the eligibility criteria here. Registering for the trek is an understanding that you will undertake the mandated fitness training. Altitude Adventure has the right to reject candidates who do not meet our eligibility requirement at the base camp.
Cardiovascular endurance – Target 10 km in 60-70 minutes before the start of the trek. You can begin by jogging everyday. Start slow and increase your pace everyday. Swimming, cycling and stair climbing without too many breaks in between can help too.
In order to be prepared for a high altitude trek, you should have a combination of distance and speed targets.
Here’s a fitness routine that works:In case you’re just starting with a regular fitness routine, phase out your distance targets in the following manner –
–>Target completing 5 km in 35 minutes when you begin. –> Gradually increase your pace by running 4 times a week and bring it down to 5 km in less than 35 mins. –>If you are above 45 years and is comfortable with brisk walking, then target covering 10km in 90 minutes.
If you are somebody you prefers cycling over running, then try to cover 22 km in 60 minutes.How to send us a proof of your fitness routine?Record your run on an app like Nike Run. Start recording your run when you start running. At the end of your run, hit the stop button.Take a screenshot of the summary of your run. We will need a detailed split of each kilometer of your run. This is usually integrated in all running apps.Note: Make sure your GPS is on when you record your run. If the GPS is off, we will not accept the screenshot.Upload two screenshots 10 days prior to the start of the trek — one of you covering 5km in less than 35 mins along with your picture and the other with splits of your run.
Strength – Target 4 sets of squats with 20 in each
This is another area you should work on. There is a lot of trekking distance that you will cover in high altitude carrying your backpacks. You have to walk on uneven terrain during the trek. It could be taxing for your legs. For this, strengthening your legs will help. You can do some squats to strengthen them. Start with 3 sets of squats, with 8 squats in each set and work towards reaching your target in 3 weeks.
Flexibility
Another aspect that will help you trek comfortably is flexibility. For this, you can do some stretching exercises – stretch your hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, lower back muscles and shoulders regularly. On your trek, it is important that you arrive on the slopes with your muscles relaxed. Carrying a backpack, however light, can become a strain after a while. These exercises will help you to be in good shape before the trek.
- Cancellation: If a trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rains, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc), Altitude Adventure will issue a trek voucher for the full amount. The voucher can be redeemed for the same trek or another trek in the next one year.
In case, you wish to cancel your trek, please fill the cancellation form and cancel. Cancellation requests will not be taken over phone or email.
The cancellation charges are as under.
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the trek — full refund.
- Cancellation between 30 days and 20 days to the start of the trek — 50% refund.
- Cancellation less than 20 days to the start of the trek — no refund.
Please note: In case of refund, there will be a deduction of 4% (cancellation charges) from the total fee you have paid. Also, if you have opted for a trek insurance, the amount will not be refunded.
2. Backpack offloading: Altitude Adventure expects all trekkers to carry their own backpacks. All common gear will be carried by the support team. If for some reason a trekker is unable to carry his or her backpack, he/she can offload the same by paying an additional charge.
Backpack offloading charges – Rs 1,650 plus GST of 5%. Charges for last minute offloading during the trek will be Rs. 375 per day inclusive of tax. Partial offloading is not allowed. The backpack cannot weigh more than 9 kg. No suitcases/trolleys/duffel bags will be allowed.
Online offloading in advance is possible up to two days prior to the trek start date.
- Emergency during trek: In a trek a medical emergency or any other emergency may arise. If for any reason you are sent down from the trek then Altitude Adventure will make arrangements for your return to the base camp or nearest road head. A staff will accompany you. He may not be a trained personnel.
Evacuation or dealing with emergencies is extremely difficult in the mountains. It is time consuming as well. A normal trek of 2 hours may take 6 hours in an emergency (a sick person is not easy to evacuate). Doctors do not go along with a team. Doctors are not available at the base camp or nearest road head either. Altitude Adventure trek leaders are trained to administer first aid and know how to deal with issues related to the mountains. However, they are not doctors.
4. Non-liability: Altitude Adventure is not responsible for any loss/damage of your gears/equipment or other belongings on the trek.
5. Payment: Payment for the trek can be done online through credit/debit card or net banking. Cheque/draft or cash is not accepted.
6. Drinking and smoking: during the trek is strictly prohibited. If found flouting the rules, your participation on the trek will be cancelled with immediate effect.
You have to reach Leh, which is the capital city of Ladakh, situated in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, India.
Leh can be reached by Road and by Air.
Reaching Leh by Road: You can reach Leh by road from Manali or Srinagar. These roads are closed due to the snowfall on high altitude passes in winter but they are open in summer starting from June upto September. In winter the only way to reach Leh is by flight.
Reaching Leh by Air: Leh Airport is situated few kms on the outskirts of Leh city. All flights to Leh arrive in the morning.
Prepaid Cabs are easily available once you are out of the arrival gate. Mention the name of your guest house/hotel and the cab will drop you there.
Frequently asked Questions
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.
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 really become difficult because of the snow.
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 one of the toughest treks as temperature wise also.
Average walking distance is 10- 12 km each day and trekkers mostly in 5-7 hrs. Just enjoy it, don’t be disheartened.
Yes. If you are having so please consult your doctor before the trek.
Always trek leads by professional Trek leader who complete Basic and Advance mountaineering course and certified in first-aid course and along with one local guide, cook, helper, porter and other staff.
We try to bring together a small group of like minded people to give them a memorable and insightful travel experience, normally we take 18 – 20 people in one batch including male and female. We need minimum 6 people to run a fix departure but for the customized trip group size doesn’t matter.
Yes definitely, Security of girls is the foremost important for us. We always create friendly environment on trek. All our guides and other support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. They are very honest and reliable, but we would also advise you to take care of your own personal belongings.
Once you made the booking our team will send you the trek essentials list according to the trek.
-
Very happy to be trekking with Altitude Adventure India and the experienced trek lead that AAI provided for the trek. A very tough Stok Kangri summit in adverse weather was accomplished by the entire team mainly due to the trek lead's perseverence and experience that he used very well to encourage the whole team. The technical decisions taken during the summit night were spot on! As far as I am aware, no other batch could mange that kind of success ratio. The support team during the trek and at the campsites were caring, flexible with alternatives and worked selflessly with the sole aim of making our experience memorable and preparing us for that summit. Many thanks trek lead sir and AAI!
-
We got a very experienced leader for this trek. Tenzing as a trek leader is brilliant. His knowledge about the area is simply phenomenal. I had heard a lot about him from fellow trekkers and he did a brilliant job to summit us to Stok Kangri. Zaheer Bhai as head cook has been beyond words for the delicious food he prepared for us. Altitude Adventure India has been my favorite and will be my first choice for hiking in Ladakh.
-
The summit to Stok Kangri trek was splendid thanks to the support from the Altitude Adventure India team. The best part was about the training we received at base camp on rest day. The entire team including the Trek leader, Trek guides and kitchen staff, worked really hard to make us feel comfortable at high altitudes. It was an amazing experience to reach stok kangri inspite of the snow. It was an awesome experience of reaching the top.
-
Altitude Adventure India offers the best of all I have seen in other organisers for Ladakh. I must admit it that for the first time in my life I did something which took me out of my comfort zone and they really made it possible for me to summit Stok Kangri. I really learned a lot about about high altitude treks from them. "The trek was really awesome. They provided us with good services, even at the time of emergencies. Also, the entire team is a group of concerned mountain lovers!”
-
I was longing for Stok Kangri for a long time. I cancelled it twice as I was not sure if I would be able to summit, however the trek turned out to be a trip of my life time. It was challenging, tough and taught me great deal of things. I could make to the summit only because of Altitude Adventure India. Thanks !!!
-
It was wonderful experience for me as it was my first ever trek above 5000metres. Trek Leader was a very nice and experienced guy. He was motivating and had lots of patience. Irrespective of the weather conditions we got out meals, soups and snack on time. The team was full of locals from ladakh and were very friendly. They shared many things about high altitude treks.
-
I loved the trekking experience from the first day at stok village till the last day when I bid goodbye to my fellow trek mates. The trek leader’s leadership during the summit enabled us all to move as a team when few members found it difficult to keep up with the average pace. He made sure that there is a member from support staff available to help them. The kitchen staff made fabulous food and fed us nutritious meals. I am very happy that I chose Altitude Adventure for my Stok Kangri Trekking experience.
-
Stok Kangri trek was absolutely wonderful. It definitely turned out a lot better than i had anticipated. Our trek leader, took care of everyone very well. He taught us how to pitch tents . The trek route on all the days was stunning. All the team members of Altitude Adventure India took very good care of us.
-
The trek was really good. The views from the top of Stok Kangri were breath taking. Entire team of Altitude Adventure India made the experience a memorable one. Trek Leader along with entire team was really helpful during the trek. Overall I would rate the experience as excellent and look forward to do another trek with Altitude Adventure India in the future.
Write a Review Cancel reply
Thank you. Your review will appear after admin approves it.
Please fill all the fields.