Stok Kangri and Markha Valley Trail

Ladakh, India

Stok Kangri and Markha Valley Trail

Journey deep into the Indian Himalaya and to the summit of Stok Kangri (6,121m/20,082ft), one of Asia’s most fascinating mountains. This unique climb is a perfect follow-on for those who have climbed a high altitude trekking peak such as Kilimanjaro, introducing you to basic snow and ice climbing. The walk-in, via the famed Markha Valley trail, is beautiful.

Outline Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrive Delhi; afternoon sightseeing in and around Old Delhi

    You will be met on arrival in Delhi and transferred to your centrally-located hotel to freshen up and rest. Later this afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Old Delhi by metro or cycle rickshaw.

  2. Day 2: Fly Delhi to Leh, Ladakh (3,200m)

    After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport and board a small aircraft for the flight to Ladakh (1 hour). The short but scenic flight takes you over the Greater Himalayas before landing at Leh, one of the highest airports in the world. On a clear day, you can expect marvellous views of Stok Kangri as you fly in.

  3. Day 3: Leh Sightseeing and acclimatisation walk

    Leh is situated on the banks of the River Indus, amidst the stark beauty of the Himalayan mountains. It has a small population of approx. 10,000 people – predominantly Buddhist, but some Islamic Argoos and a small Christian community – yet stands as the trading and cultural capital of Ladakh.

  4. Day 4: Khardung La Pass (5,359m)

    Today you drive 39kms (1.5-2 hours) to Khardung La, the highest motorable road in the world, stopping briefly to acclimatise and enjoy the views (NB: cold winds blast across this point so please take warm clothes).

  5. Day 5: Drive to Chilling (3,200m)

    Depart Leh this morning with your driver and journey to Chilling, a drive of approx. 70kms (3-4 hours) on rough terrain.

  6. Day 6: Crossing Zanskar River & trek to Skiu (3,500m)

    Rise early this morning after your first night camping and begin your trek, crossing the Zanskar River and following the well-trodden trail to Skiu.

  7. Day 7: Skiu to Ganda La Base Camp (4,100m)

    Today’s trek is through a narrow valley with a gradual ascent profile. In the summer, the track can be dry and dusty and the temperature high. Keep to a steady pace as you proceed up the valley, criss-crossing small streams along the way.

  8. Day 8: Trek to Rumback (4,050m), via Ganda La (4,980m)

    This morning’s trek begins with a gradual climb towards Ganda La Pass. The views from this pass are exceptional, taking in the whole of the Indus valley and its many peaks, including Stok Kangri, Gulab Kangri and Kangyantse. On a clear day you can expect to see the entire Stok range from the top of the pass.

  9. Day 9: Trek to Mankarmo (4,330m), via Stok La (4,900m)

    Your trek continues through the Indus valley and up a high ridge towards Stok La Pass. You’ll start today on a steep and zig-zagging path for about 3 hours. This is a tiring walk on soft sandy terrain, but with impressive views towards Stok La and into the rocky and eroding valleys on either side of the ridge.

  10. Day 10: Trek Mankorma Valley to Stok Low Base Camp (4,900m)

    Pack up camp after breakfast tand continue along an undulating trail to Low Base Camp.

  11. Day 11: Trek to Advanced Base Camp & Acclimatisation (5,200m)

    This morning you trek the short distance to Advance Base Camp, where you spend the remainder of the day resting before your summit attempt tomorrow.

  12. Day 12-13: Summit Stok Kangri (6,120m) and return to Low Base Camp – or Contingency Day

    Today is the big day – in which you tackle Stok Kangri’s summit before returning to Low Base Camp. Rising early morning, your journey to the summit will take 6-7 hours, and require you to walk on snow and ice with the aid of crampons and ice axe.

  13. Day 14: Low Base Camp via Stok Village to Leh

    Pack up camp after breakfast and trek out of the valley and back to Stok village. The trek downhill to Stok village will take nearly 4 hours and offers exceptional views of the valley.

  14. Day 15: Day of leisure in Leh or Low Base Camp via Stok Leh

    Today will either be a day of leisure in Leh for those who summited on Day 13.

  15. Day 16: Fly to Delhi

    Take the morning flight back to Delhi, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to a centrally-located hotel.

  16. Day 17: Fly to UK

    After breakfast transfer to Delhi Airport for your flight back to the UK.

Price guide

Please contact the office for more information

Botswana Family Safari

Many thanks for arranging such a memorable trip for us.

Stephen and family