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Stok Kangri Summit Trek Details

Is the Stok Kangri Trek Open?

In response to Stok Kangri’s rapid degradation, the Stok Village Committee and ALTOA (All Ladakh Tour Operators’ Association) have announced a three-year ban on trekking and climbing on Stok Kangri peak. Stok Kangri will remain closed from 2020 to 2022.

What is a good alternative for Stok Kangri Trek in Ladakh?

Click here for our alternative to Stok Kangri Trek in Ladakh

What is the Stok Kangri Altitude?

Stok Kangri stands at an elevation of 20,100 ft.  & is one of the highest mountains in the Stok Range in the Ladakh region of India. The highest being Kang Yatse II.

Where is Stok Kangri located in Ladakh?

Stok Kangri peak is located in Hemis National Park, near Stok village which is around 15 km southwest of the city of Leh, the capital of Ladakh.

What is Stok Kangri famous for?

Stok Kangri is famous for being one of the highest trekkable peaks in the world, which can be climbed without any technical expertise. Although it does not require any specialized gears or skill, it is by no means an easy trek.

It is higher than the highest mountain in Europe, Mt. Elbrus at 18,510 ft and slightly higher than the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro which is at 19,340 ft.

Is Stok Kangri a tough trek?

The toughest and the only challenge during Stok Kangri Trek is the summit day, where you have to climb up to 1200 meters in a day to reach the peak. Trekkers have to start for the summit around midnight, brave cold temperatures, trek on a glacier and climb the infamous shoulder slop up to 500 meters.  After the shoulder is a walk on the ridgeline for about two hours to reach the summit.

But once at the top, the view from the summit is worth all the effort. You can see the entire Karakoram range from the Stok Summit along with the Zanskar range in a 360-degree view from the top.

Stok Kangri trek is a thrilling adventure and every trekker dreams to summit this peak once in his lifetime.

What is the best season to go for Stok Kangri trek?

The best season is from June to September with July & August as the peak summer months to plan for Stok Kangri Trek. During these months, the trail towards Stok kangri is relatively clear and easy to walk with snow visible on the peaks.

How difficult is Stok Kangri?

Stok Kangri is not an easy trek. It requires considerable fitness to climb Stok kangri.  Experienced trekkers attempt  Stok Kangri summit to check their fitness level before going for other higher altitude treks.

Is it okay for a beginner to attempt a trekking expedition to Stok Kangri?

Prior experience is preferable but not mandatory for Stok Kangri Trek. Even first-time trekkers can summit Stok Kangri provided they have a high level of fitness. Youngsters who pursue some other high endurance outdoor sports like running, swimming or playing football are known to have reached Stok Kangri Peal in the first attempt.

How many days does the Stok Kangri trek require?

Stok Kangri Trek requires a total of 9 days Leh to Leh. Here is a brief itinerary of the trek.

  • Day 1: Arrive in Leh
  • Day 2: Acclimatization in Leh
  • Day 3: Leh (11500 ft.) to Chang Ma (13087 ft.) via Stok Village (11800 ft.)
  • Day 4: Chang Ma (13087 ft.) to Mankorma (14200 ft.)
  • Day 5: Mankorma (14200 ft.) to Base camp (16300 ft.)
  • Day 6: Acclimatization & Practice day
  • Day 7: Base camp (16300 ft.) to Stok Kangri (20080 ft.) back to base camp.
  • Day 8: Base camp to Leh
  • Day 9: Departure From Leh

Does this trek require proper acclimatization in Leh?

Yes, you need to acclimatize for at least two days in Leh before embarking on the Stok Kangri trek. The two days acclimatization is included as part of the itinerary, which will help you deal with thin air and low oxygen at the high altitude of Leh.

How much do we trek each day, and what will be the daily altitude gain?

You will trek a distance of 5 – 6 km daily and trekkers will not climb more than 500 meters each day till they reach the base camp.

Is the Stok Kangri trek safe for girls?

Trekking in Ladakh for girls is extremely safe. Locals have the highest regard for women’s safety, and they ensure that girls are safe during the entire trek. Girls will have separate tents for themselves. If there is only one girl on the trip, then she will be provided with a single tent for herself.

How should one train for the Stok Kangri trek?

For Stok Kangri trek you need to be aerobically fit and comfortable to walk for 7 – 8 hours each day up to the base camp and over 12 hours on summit day. The best preparation for Stok Kangri trek is regular hiking in hills near to your city, particularly involving steep slopes. Brisk walks with slow jogs, cycling or swimming for 1 hour every day for four weeks before the trek is highly recommended.

Which type of shoes are recommended for Stok Kangri trek?

For Stok Kangri trek, you need waterproof trekking shoes with good soles that would let you smoothly go through the ridges and glaciers till the top. Buy trek boots one size larger than your feet size so you will feel comfortable after wearing multiple socks on summit night to deal with the cold.

Are snow boots and crampons required for Stok Kangri trek?

Depending on the snow condition on summit day, either snow boots or crampons or both will be provided to you on the final day of the Stok Kangri trek.

What is the temperature during the day and night?

In day time if the weather is clear, the temperature will be around 10-15 degrees, but in night times it gets cold, and the temperature drops up to 0 to -5 degrees. If it rains, the temperature may further dip to up to –10 degrees.

How do I protect myself from cold during the Stok Kangri trek?

We recommend to dress up I layers to protect yourself from cold after sundown. Carry full sleeves thermal innerwear as our first layer followed by a fleece and a down jacket. An outer layer of windproof jacket or raincoat is required in case of rain of heavy winds.

What kind of food is available during this trek? 

Nutritious vegetarian meals will be served during the Stok Kangri trek. You will get Breakfast, hot lunch, and dinner. We will also provide evening snacks with tea and warm water for drinking purpose. Food will be strictly vegetarian, and only eggs are available on request.

What backpack do I need to carry?

We advise trekkers to carry a backpack of 60L or below. The bag should weigh between 8-10 kgs only. Do not take books or any other unwanted stuff in your backpack. Cloakroom facility is provided n Leh for your excess baggage.

What things should I carry in the backpack?

  • Dry fit shirts and trousers – four pairs
  • Fleece jacket
  • Balaclava
  • Hand Gloves
  • Toilet paper
  • Two one ltr water bottles
  • Lip Balm
  • Torch with extra batteries
  • Water purification solution/tablets
  • Body Moisturizer,
  • Body Powder / Anti-Fungal (feet and body)
  • Warm socks (3 pairs)
  • Water and windproof jacket
  • Thermal inner wear – two pairs
  • Daywear shirts
  • 3 Underwear
  • Sun cap,
  • Sunscreen lotion,
  • Sunglasses
  • Head torch with extra batteries
  • Toiletries
  • Small light towel and napkin
  • Personal medications
  • Rain cover for your bags

You may also like:

Kang Yatse 2 Trek Expedition guide

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