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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Departure. Check out from the hotel and transfer to the Delhi International Airport to catch flights to respective destinations.
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.
Suitable for families with young children
Highest Point (Max altitude)
Stok Kangri 6153 metres
Fitness Grade
Moderate and strenuous 6-8 hours activity per day with occasional longer days on peaks or high passes. Expect high altitudes, difficult terrain and changeable weather patterns. Previous experience desirable but not vital, good physical fitness and preparation recommended.
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