Stok Kangri With Markha Valley
19 Days | Trekking 12 Days
This wonderful and varied trekking holiday perfectly suites those seeking to complete their first Himalayan summit. This trip full of excitement and eventual satisfaction from what is experienced in monasteries, gorges, mountain pastures, high passes with grandiose views while we walk, culminates in summiting Stok Kangri, at over 6,000 metres.
Tour Profile
Flying in from Delhi to the Ladakhi capital of Leh, the shapely peak of Stok Kangri (6,120m) - the goal of our tour - is prominent on the southern skyline. We spend three days in acclimatization to the high altitude, exploring Leh and the colourful Buddhist monasteries that surround it – at Matho, Thiksey and Hemis.
The trek begins with a hike through the Markha Valley, and then leads through several remote and picturesque villages to the high Nimaling Plain below the imposing peak of Kang Yatze. After trekking up to the Kongmaru La we take a little-used high-level route to Stok Kangri base camp, a two-day approach to the mountain that boasts of superbly located campsites and far-reaching views towards Tibet and the eastern Karakoram Range. Although objectively very safe and technically straightforward, involving easy-angled scree and snow slopes, yet the climb on Stok Kangri is both challenging and supremely rewarding. After descending to Stok we return to Leh for some well-earned relaxation.
Tour Highlights
- Chilling - a famous Ladakhi Village known for its silversmiths.
- Markha Valley - a picturesque trekking region.
- Nimaling - a picturesque grazing ground in the summer.
- Khardung La - the highest motorable pass in the world.
- Stok Kangri - the highest mountain in the Stok range.
Tour Itinerary
-
Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places visited, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
-
DAY 01 - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. Arrive at the international airport of Delhi at night. Get professional assistance in boarding early morning flight to Leh by company’s representative at Delhi airport. Overnight No Hotel
-
DAY 02 - Leh
Delhi – Leh (3500m). Board the early morning flight to Leh. Enjoy the overhead view of the Himalayan Range from the plane. Late in the afternoon there a gentle orientation-walk of Leh and its bazaars. Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 03 - Leh
Leh – Thiksey – Hemis – Matho – Leh. In today’s sightseeing tour in and around Leh, visit Thiksey Monastery, perched on the top of the hill; Hemis Monastery, once the biggest and the richest monastery in Ladakh; and Matho Monastery, an old monastery too. Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 04 - Leh
Walk around Leh or optional drive to Khardung La (5602m). Free day to walk around the Leh Valley to get acclimatized. Optional jeep trip to Khardung La at 5,602m, the highest motorable road in the world. Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 05 - Chilling
Leh – Chilling (40kms;2 hrs drive). Today morning drive to Chilling, a village well known in Ladakh and Zanskar for the skill of its silversmiths. This place is also the gateway to the Markha Valley. Camp at Chilling and spend an easy afternoon. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 06 - Skiu
Chilling – Skiu (3,400m;4-5 hrs). Meet the trek crew this morning by a novel box-and-cable bridge and start walking. Walk along the chortens to the Skiu in Markha Valley. Visit the local monastery in the afternoon. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 07 - Markha
Skiu – Markha (3,750m;7-8hrs). Today there is a fairly long but easy walk along the valley to Markha. The terrain is not demanding and therefore there is plenty of opportunity to admire the magnificent scenery. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 08 - Thachungtse
Markha – Hankar – Thachungtse (4,300m;6-7hrs). Just beyond Markha walk to Chacham Valley. Visit Umlung Gompa situated on the cliff. Walk to Thachungtse passing through Hankar village. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 09 - Nimaling
Thachungtse – Nimaling (4,850m;5-6hrs) Today’s climb is about 5-6 hrs to Nimaling, a beautiful valley with no permanent habitation. We gain about 550mts. In the afternoon there is an optional walk behind the camp towards Kang Yangtse, the highest peak in the Markha Valley. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 10 - Nimaling
Nimaling: Rest or Exploration. Rest day today. However, a chance to walk to High Point to have a close view of Kang Yatze (5500m). Overnight Camp
-
DAY 11 - Chuskyurmo
Nimaling – Stok – Chuskyurmo (4,000m ;5-6hrs). Trek to the Kongmaru La before walking through a long gorge to the next camp site at Chuskyurmo. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 12 - Shang Phu
Chuskyurmo – Gyuncho La (4,600m) – Shang Phu (4,350m;6-7 hrs). From Chuskyurmo follow the trail up to Gyuncho La. Descend and camp at Shang Pu. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 13 - Gangpoche
Shang Phu – Shang La (4,800m) – Gangpoche (4,300m ; 5-6 hrs). Trek through the not so used trails in this region up to Shang La (4,800m) and then descend to the Tokpo River for lunch. Further downhill to the camp at Gangpoche. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 14 - Stok Base Camp
Gangpoche – Matho La (4,850m) – Stok Base Camp (4,990m ;6-7hrs) Walk to the final pass, Matho La in the morning. Further downhill to the base camp near melted water streams. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 15 - Stok Base Camp
Stok Kangri Base Camp (4,900m). The morning is free to relax. Walk to view surrounding peaks. Rest in the afternoon and prepare for the climb in the wee hours next morning. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 16 - Stok Base Camp
Climb Stok Kangri (6,153m;at least 12hrs). A long and challenging day to climb to Stok Kangri and return. Optional side walks for those not intending to trek to the summit. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 17 - Leh
Descend through Mankarmo to Stok and drive to Leh. Easy, spectacular walk down to the valley to Stok village. Return to Leh by road by lunch time. Evening free to celebrate. Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 18 - Delhi
Fly to Delhi. An early morning transfer to the airport for the flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing or last-minute shopping. Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 19 - Delhi
Departure. Check out from the hotel and transfer to the Delhi International Airport to catch flights to respective destinations.
Send an enquiry
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
