Flying into the Ladakhi capital of Leh, the shapely peak of Stok Kangri (20075ft.) is prominent on the southern skyline. Spending several days acclimatizing, we visit the colorful monasteries at Shey, Thikse and Hemis before setting off onthe lovely trek through the Markha Valley. Our route leads by way of several remote and picturesque villages to the high Nimaling Plain below the imposing peak of Kang Yatze. Crossing the Kongmaru La, we then follow an unusual high route to Stok Kangri Base Camp, a 3-day approach to the mountain, which includes superbly located campsites and far-reaching views towards Tibet and the eastern Karakoram. Although objectively very safe and technically straightforward (involving low-angle scree and easy snow slopes), the climb on Stok Kangri is both challenging and interesting. This is a wonderfully varied trip, perfectly suited to someone seeking his or her first Himalayan summit.

ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival Delhi
Up on arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and then transfer to airport.

Day 02: Delhi to Leh (3500 mts/11480 ft)(Complete Rest in Leh for acclimatisation)
Take the morning flight for Leh. Check into the hotel and relax the whole day. This is necessary for getting acclimatised. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Leh – Shey – Thiksey - Hemis
On this day you will go a sightseeing trip to some ancient monasteries in this area.

Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and

Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17’Th century AD. Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Dresthang Gompa.

Thiksey Gompa, close to Shey is about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order.

Hemis, about 45 kms south of Leh it is one of the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh. It belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17’Th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04: Drive - Lamayuru (3600 mts/11810 ft) via Alchi (15O kms/ 4-5 hrs)
In the morning after breakfast drive Lamayuru via Alchi. Visit the oldest Alchi Monastery and Lamayuru. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.

Day 05: Lamayuru - Wanla over Prinkti La (3800 mts/12465 ft)5 hrs
From Lamayuru monastery descend towards the village, cross the stream, ascend gradually upward the Prinkti la (3800 m) descend into the gorge, arrive at Shilla, crossing the bridge and reached at Wanla.

Day 06: Wanla - Hinju (4 hrs)
Now follow the Yapola River on the left and after 2 hours arrive at Penjila. Continue up to the valley, leading off at right angles, after one hour trekking leave the valley on the left, and after one hour arrives at Hinju.

Day 07: Hinju - Sumda over Konzke La (4950 mts/16235 ft) 7 hrs
The trail goes through the Hinju village, crossing the Hinju valley; leave one more valley on the left and ascent to the pass. Last ascent is steep. Again from the summit of the Konzke La, long descent to the pastures, follow the trail on the left bank along the mountain side. Here path gets lost, rather close to the river. There are circular walls. Before Sumda there is a glocked cave, so many nice campsites at the edge of the river, but continue along the left bank along the mountainside till Sumda.

Day 08: Sumda - Base of Dundunchenla (4200 mts/13775 ft) 3 hrs
This is short day to reduce a long exhausted trek between Sumda to Chilling. A short Steep trail for 1.30 hours. and than gradual walk till the campsite at base of pass.

Day 09: Base - Chilling over Dundunchenla (4700 mts/15416 ft) 6 hrs 2 hours trek till the pass
After descending the pass south side, slope is steep and continue towards a valley which gets narrower and narrower, in the end it opens out at Chilling. Up to Chilling there is not much of water. Chilling is a village of craftsmen, here Peoples work with metals like copper, tin, silver and make ladles Tchang pots, tea pots etc. Day 10): Chilling - Shingo (5 - 6 hrs)From Chilling follow the Zanskar river upstream for about ½ km., then cross it in a cable car (by paying fee) then there is a well defined path, Sakaya is 2 hours from the river crossing .After some distance from Skaya, the trail joins with the Markha valley trek. From here, Shingo with 2-3 houses is 3 hours away. Camp here for the night.

Day 11: Shingo - Ganda La (4700 mts/15416 ft) 4 hrs
Ascent to Ganda la, it is two hours, easy climb descent into a beautiful valley and after passing Yurutse village (with beautiful houses), cross the river on right bank, cross an escarpment which leads into the valley of Rumbak Gompa. From Rumbak Gompa, there is a route joining Spituk via Zingchan. No pass in between, all easy going.

Day 12: Rumbak - Stok base (4300 mts/14105 ft) over Stok La(4900 mts/16072 ft) 7 hrs
After passing this beautiful stopping valley, Three hours steep climbing to the top of the pass. Descend to the base camp and further trek toward the base of Stok Kangri.

Day 13 – 15: Climbing Stok Kangri (6130 mts/20107 ft)
This is one of the easiest peak declared as trekking peak in Ladakh region, one can climb from Lower base directly or well shift the camp to higher base camp. It takes almost 10 hours from base camp to base camp, minimum climbing equipment is required.

Day 16: Descend to Stok (5 - 6 hrs)
In the morning after breakfast trek down to Stok, visit Stok palace, evening drive to Leh, and overnight stay in hotel

Day 17: Leh
The day is for relaxed. Overnight stay in guest house.

Day 18: Leh - Delhi
In the morning transfer to the airport to catch flight for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi take a half day guided sightseeing. In the evening transfer to International airport to catch onwards flight.

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