Stok Kangri Peak (6120M) 2 to 16 September 2018 Explore the Hidden Kingdom of Ladakh with Stok Kangri Peak
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Stok Kangri Peak (6120m) 2 to 16 September 2018 Explore the hidden kingdom of Ladakh with Stok Kangri Peak Stok Kangri is a perfect objective for fit trekkers without climbing experience, and is one of the few achievable Himalayan peaks. It is one of the dominant peaks in the Zansker range, situated in the fascinating region of Ladakh, north India. This high and arid landscape has captured the imagination of travellers since it first opened to visitors in 1974. The expedition travels through remote valleys, scattered high villages and past hilltop monasteries to the base of the mountain. The South Ridge provides an exhilarating climb in these fantastic surroundings. Although technically straightforward, the route is challenging, giving spectacular views of the Karakoram Range and on a clear day, even K2 in the far distance. One of the highlights of the trip is the exciting flight into Leh, and spending time exploring the ancient capital of Ladakh. The regal air of the city, with its 'potala-like' palace and the charm of the friendly and traditionally dressed Ladakhi people, all contribute to the experience of this breath-taking expedition. Detailed itinerary 2 September: London to Delhi 6 September: Leh to Shang Sumdo 8 September cont. Depart London on overnight flight to Delhi. 4hrs trekking (3800m) We climb gradually to reach the Shang La After breakfast a transfer to Shang Sumdo pass at 4800m passing scrubs and wild 3 September: Delhi to Leh (3800m) via Thiksey monastery which is rose bushes and may see Himalayan We connect with our flight to Leh, the perched on the summit of a sugarloaf Marmots. From the pass there is a capital of Ladakh. We fly over the Greater mountain. For further acclimatization, we tremendous view of the route ahead with Himalaya before landing at one of the walk from camp up towards Chuskyurmo Stok Kangri getting quite close. We highest airports in the world. We can hope and return to Shang Sumdo for our first descend to the Tokpo River, and the to get excellent views of Stok Kangri as we night in camp. afternoon is spent crossing wonderful fly in, and on a clear day the great peaks of ridges to drop to our camp under the the Karakoram are visible to the north. 7 September: Shang Sumdo to Shang Phu shadow of the Matho group of Peaks. Upon arrival in Leh at 3505m we will be 6-7hrs trekking (4350m) Overnight camping. met and transferred to our traditional After breakfast we start our trek through Ladakhi-style hotel. The remainder of the stonewalled fields and irrigation channels 9 September: Mathophu to Smankarmo day is best spent relaxing and of Shang village. As we go further up the 5-6hrs trekking (4380m) acclimatising to the rarefied air at this valley becomes narrow. A clump of juniper A steady climb this morning up to the altitude. Or you can explore the towns trees with a small shrine marks the Matho La (4965m). The first views of Stok fascinating markets and the wonderful 17th pasture. This is a typical Ladakhi pastoral Kangri (6137m) appears 150m before this century fort that dominates the skyline. setting with small stone-huts called Phu or pass, where if clear, you can see the Lunch and dinner will be provided in the Lus that serve as summer dwellings. Visit 8000m Gasherbrum peaks in Pakistan. As hotel to a shepherd camp following supper in we trek along the scenic Mathola Pass the evening. Overnight camping. Saltoro Kangri comes into view before 4 September: Leh, Acclimatisation descending into the valley to the north of Spend the day acclimatising to the altitude 8 September: Shang Phu to Gangpoche Stok Village. This lovely valley is a high and in Leh. (Matho Valley) via Shang La wild area which is visited only by climbing 5-7hrs trekking (4300m) groups and by the local people who spend 5 September: Leh, Acclimatisation Our route traverses an area rarely visited some of the summer months in A day trip to Khardungla for further and crosses many spurs and minor passes picturesque villages of stone huts, from acclimatisation. with some views northwards towards the where they tend their flocks of sheep and Indus Valley. goats. Overnight camping at Smankarmo. Detailed itinerary 10 September: Smankarmo to Base Camp 12 September cont. 14 September: Base Camp to Stok Village 2-3hrs trekking (4980m) Most of the ridge is like a steep path, so 4-5hrs trekking / Transfer to Leh A gradual climb to Base Camp. We will ropes are not usually necessary, although Today after breakfast, we will say goodbye reach camp before lunch. The afternoon is some scrambling is required. At an altitude to this magical peak. From our base camp spent checking your climbing equipment. approaching 20000ft it is extremely tiring we descend on an easy trail passing You will be given training on how to use and anybody who needs a rope will be able spectacular layered multicoloured rock crampons and ice axes and how to walk to use one. The summit is a superb reward formations into the Stok Valley and down with a rope, which may be needed. Your for your effort. From the top you get a to Stok village through fields of barley and guide will give you a small demonstration magical 360-degree view of the whole of buckwheat, where our transport will be and briefing about the summit night. Ladakh - the twin peaks of Nun (7132m) to waiting for us. We will have lunch and visit Tonight we will have an early dinner and the east, the Karakoram range to the Stok Palace before the short drive back to bed. Overnight camping. north. Leh. In the evening we will enjoy a cultural show performed by local people in hotel. 11 September: Rest day After spending some time on the top we This will be followed by our celebration Overnight at Base Camp. will descend down from same way to base dinner. Overnight in hotel. camp. The way down is very tricky so we 12 September: Summit day, Stok Kangri have to be very careful. Overnight 15 September: Leh to Delhi 11-12hrs trekking (6120m) camping. Early morning transfer to the domestic Our day begins before dawn, to give us airport for the short but spectacular flight ample time for the climb. It is most likely 13 September: Spare day for southwards back to Delhi. On arrival into that we do not need our crampons for the acclimatisation or bad weather Delhi we will connect to our day flight majority of the trek as we scramble over back to London. scree and boulders, which lead up to the south ridge. The 1500ft ridge that stretches up to the summit is exciting and superbly exposed, although never particularly steep and very straight forward. Detailed itinerary Experienced required Challenge grade Stok Kangri is considered to be a trekking Tough peak, this means that no technical climbing is involved in summiting the peak. It is an Best time of year excellent first Himalayan peak and previous July to September experience of altitude is recommended although not required. © Ultimate Challenges This itinerary is complex and subject to The expedition would appeal to those that change want to trek in the Himalayas but also want more of a challenge with a specific objective. Those that have climbed in the Alps may also feel comfortable tackling their first high altitude peak by a straightforward ascent. Participants will need a good level of fitness and hill walking/trekking experience, and be fully prepared for the extreme cold, and level of technicality of this trek. We recommend a basic knowledge of the use of ropes, ice axes and crampons. Please note the summit attempt involves walking up an exposed ridge and therefore not recommend for people who suffer from vertigo..