STOK
KANGRI LADAKH - 6123 mts/ Grade 1 A
A fine trekking peak in Ladakh and an excellent
introduction to climbing in the Himalaya.
Destination:Leh-Lamayuru-Ripchar Valley-Kangri
Duration: 18 days.
Best Time: July through to September.
Stok Kangri Top: 6123mts.
Base Camp at: 5230mts.
Technical Difficulty:Low-angle snow or straightforward
scrambling on rocks. Ropes/crampons are not usually
required. Previous climbing experience is not essential.
Fitness: Good basic fitness, Average rucksack
weight 5/6 kg.
To join the expedition you need the following
specialist equipment: Ice Axe, Crampons, Mountaineering
Boots, 4 Season Sleeping Bag
Stok Kangri is one of the main peaks of the Zansker
range, situated in the fascinating region of Ladakh.
The South Ridge provides an exhilarating climb in
these fantastic surroundings. Although straightforward,
the route is challenging and interesting, providing
stunning views of the Karakoram Range and on a clear
day, even K2 in the far distance.
Expeditions Itinerary:
international airport, assistance on arrival and
transfer to the domestic airport for flight to Leh,
the capital of Ladakh.
Day 2: Fly to Leh, the capital of Ladakh.
Early morning take the flight to Leh, the capital
city of Ladakh. The flight takes us over the Greater
Himalaya and makes an exciting landing at one of
the highest airports in the world. We can hope to
get excellent views of Stok Kangri as we fly-in
and, on a clear day, the great peaks of the Karakoram
are visible to the north. We are met at the airport
and taken to the Kang Lha Chen. The rest of the
day is at leisure. Leh is at an altitude of nearly
11,000ft, and you can expect to feel the effects
of the rarefied atmosphere. For the first few hours,
you may be a little breathless and perhaps have
a slight headache. These symptoms of altitude sickness
are mild and usually disappear quite quickly, however,
everyone is advised to take it easy for the first
day or two. Press-ups and hill sprints are definitely
taboo!
Day 3: Exploring the city of Leh. Today is
your own to relax and stroll around Leh, to allow
the effects of the altitude to wear off. This is
an important period, which allows the body to acclimatise
in preparation for the initial trek. There are plenty
of distractions in Leh, varying from scenic and
cultural to gastronomic.
Day 4: Drive to Lamayuru. The drive to Lamayuru
is an experience in itself and takes 4 hours. The
road follows the Indus for some time and then climbs
ever upwards through a series of spectacular bends
before dropping down into the small village of Lamayuru.
There is a stop en route to visit Alchi, a "World
Heritage Site".
Once at Lamayuru, after some refreshment, we leave
on trek for Wanla. Leaving the village, you pick
your way through the fertile fields that surround
Lamayuru and leave the valley by some Chortens into
a dry gorge, which has a beauty of its own. We follow
the gorge to the top of the Prinkiti La (3,725m).
It is a fairly short, steep ascent to the summit
of the La (pass), but it is soon gained if you maintain
a steady pace. The path then gradually descends
a narrow gorge until Mani Wall and Chortens herald
your arrival in the Wanla Valley. The ochre monastery
in Wanla can be glimpsed through the trees. From
this point, the valley is followed and the campsite
soon reached (3 hours).
Day 5: Trek up the Ripchar Valley. We leave
Wanla and follow a broad trail that runs along the
side of the valley until we reach the village of
Phenji. From here, we turn up the Ripchar Valley
and follow the path that contours the irrigation
ditches. We pass by many villagers working in the
fields and scattered houses, all the time gradually
climbing higher. After the walk through the warm
morning sun, lunch is taken in the shade of the
trees that grow along the valley. After lunch, we
continue to climb until we reach the village of
Hinju, where it is possible to buy a most welcome
bottle of pop. The campsite is some distance beyond
Hinju in very pleasant meadows. Total walking approximately
6 hours, altitude 3,800m/12,000ft.
Day 6 : Cross Konse La. We leave early and
follow an easy path until we are at the foot of
the Konse La (height just under 4,950m/16,000ft).
The walking at this point gets more strenuous, but
all of the effort is soon forgotten once the top
is reached; from this vantage point, the views are
amazing. The descent is as swift
as it is steep but as it eases, we pass a number
of shepherds' huts where we may be offered curd.
The campsite is reached after about one hour's decent
from the pass. Total walking about 5 hours, altitude
of the campsite approximately 4,100m/13,500ft.
Day 7: Trek to the village of Sumdochenmo.
From the campsite, the trail descends gradually,
criss-crossing a pleasant stream. After a time,
we leave this and follow a path adjacent to a water
channel until the village of Sumdochenmo is reached.
At the village, it is possible to obtain tea and
there is a small monastery, which provides a short
distraction. After the village, the path contours
high above the valley bottom until it drops to a
junction of several valleys. Here we find some welcome
shade where we may take our lunch. Until this point,
we have been descending gradually. In front of us
is a climb separating us from our campsite. At a
steady pace, the high point can be reached in about
an hour before a gradual descent leads to a dusty
but pleasant campsite with spectacular views. Approximately
4 hours of walking, altitude of campsite about 3,900m/13,000ft.
Day 8: First views of Stok Kangri from Dungduchenia.
We leave our camp and pass some herdsmans' huts
on our way to the top of a pass. The path is obvious
and delightful views of the mountains are afforded
(great place for echoes near the top). The top is
reached within two hours. The Dungduchenia is at
an altitude of about 4,450m/15,000ft and from here,
if the weather permits, excellent views of Stok
Kangri are had. The way down is most pleasant to
begin with, but a steep descent into a gorge heralds
the start of a slog if the weather is hot. Fortunately,
the campsite at Chilling makes up for the hard work.
Sometimes beer is available as well as rum for the
more discerning. About 5 hours walking, altitude
of campsite, about 3,100m/10,200ft.
Day 9: Return drive along the banks of the Indus
to Leh. We make a leisurely start to the day,
so as to relax after completing the initial part
of the expedition. The trek will have taken us through
spectacular country whilst improving our fitness
and acclimatisation, to the altitude and to the
culture of the people of Ladakh. The benefits might
not be immediately apparent, as we shake off the
celebrations from the night before, but on summit
day to come our acclimatised bodies will be more
assured. After packing up the camp, we embark by
road for the return drive along the banks of the
Indus to Leh. We settle back in to our hotel for
the evening.
Day 10: Rest and exploration in and around Leh.
The time is your own to rest and explore Leh.
The great palace commands the city, which was the
seat of the old Ladakhi kings. Beneath it, the streets,
alleyways and tunnels of the ancient city are intriguing
to explore, and many of the local people still wear
the traditional Tibetan-like costume. There are
many shops, bazaars and restaurants among which
you can spend a very pleasant and restful day. On
the horizon, to the south, one mountain rises higher
than all around - Stok Kangri. You may find its
appearance somewhat alarming, as it does look very
steep from Leh. Just remember that there is an easy
way up the other side!
Day 11: Begin trek up Matho River Valley to Stok
Kangri. Leaving early in the morning, we drive
up the Indus Valley to Matho (2 hours), which is
the start of our approach to Stok Kangri. Returning
once again to the barren mountain wilderness, we
trek up the Matho River Valley and set up camp after
several hours' walk, at a place called Matho Phul
(4,480m/14,700ft). After our rest in Leh and with
everybody fully acclimatised, everyone should be
fit and in good shape for the trek to base camp
and climb.
Day 12: Trek to Stok Kangri base camp. From
Matho Phul, we continue up the valley making a steep
Climb over a pass from which we get more super views
of Stok Kangri. Also visible below is base camp
and the whole route from base camp to the summit
can be pointed out. From here, a steady descent
leads to our base camp and home for the next two
nights (altitude approx. 5,000m/16,000 ft).
Day 13: A rest day and time for final preparation.
The expedition leader checks the route and you
may wish to join him, talk short walks around, rest
and prepare yourself for the big day ahead! camp.
Day 14: Summit day.Our summit day begins
before dawn, to give us ample time for the climb,The
nature of the climb from base camp depends on the
snow cover. It is most likely that we do not need
our crampons for the most part as we scramble over
scree and boulders, which lead up to the south ridge.
The 1,500 ft ridge that stretches up to the summit
is exciting and superbly exposed, although never
particularly steep and very straightforward. Most
of the ridge is like a steep path, so ropes are
not usually necessary, although some scrambling
is required. At an altitude approaching 20,000 ft
it is extremely tiring and anybody who needs a rope
will be able to use one. The summit is a superb
reward for your effort, giving magnificent views
in every direction. The city of Leh is so small
that you can barely see it. After taking otographs
and perhaps a bite to eat, we set off back down
the hill. The route taken depends on the leader,
but it is usually a reversal of the way we went
up. we return all the way back to base camp,. The
evening meal is be accompanied by a wee dram to
celebrate the occasion!
Day 15: Trek to Stok from base camp. From
base camp we trek directly down the valley towards
the village of Stok. This is a delightful long walk,
passing several homesteads and numerous ruins of
old fortresses. We reach Stok after about 6/7 hours
walking, from where transport meets us and take
us back to the Hotel in Leh.
Day 16: Fly from Leh to Delhi to Agra. After
another spectacular flight, we return to Delhi and
drive about 5 hrs to Agra. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 17: Agra Sightseeing, drive back to Delhi:
Early morning sunrise visit to Shahjan's Taj
Mahal build for his beloved queen- Mumtaz, set within
the paradise gardens, return to hotel for breakfats
and after breakfats visit to the grand Red fort
and then continuee driving back to Delhi. Arrive
Delhi where we have rooms available just for wash
and Change till 1800hrs. After dinner transfer to
the airport for your return fligh
Day 18: Departure: Early morning fly back.
Cost for 2005.
For 2 Pax USD: 1250 nett Per Person on twin sharing
basis.
For 3/ 4 Pax USD: 1120 nett Per Person on twin sharing
basis.
For 5/7 Pax USD: 990 nett Per Person on twin sharing
basis.
For 8/10 Pax USD: 950 nett Per Person on twin sharing
basis. (half tour leader free).
Cost includes only:
Accommodation in Delhi and Agra with breakfast and
all other locations on full board basis, airfare
from Delhi/Leh/Delhi by economy class, all arrival
departure transfers sightseeing and overland journey
in Delhi and Agra by A/C car/ mini bus, and in Leh
by jeep/s, entrance fees, all trekking arrangements,
like Alpine style tents, horses for luggage, all
meals, service of Cook/ helper and trek guide, and
Climb Guide for Stok Kangri, assistance on all arrival
and departure transfers, Guided sightseeing in Leh,
Delhi and Agra.
Hotesl used or similar:
Leh/ Spik N Span, A class Ladakhi style hotels with
garden.
Agra/ Howard's Plaza, A 3 star hotel with small
garden and swimming pool.
Delhi/ Ashok Country Resort ( Wash & Change):
3 star hotel near airport with swimming pool and
Garden.
During trek/ Alpine style "A" shape comfortable
tents, with mattresses.
