“Spirits of High Adventure”
Clan Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
Sprits of High Adventure
Sprits of High Adventure
India Program
Nepal Adventure Options
Travellers Information
Client Testimonials
I visited Nepal in September 2006 for the purpose of trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary area. I was introduced to Clan Treks and Bishwa Chapagain by a mutual friend from the United Kingdom.
The level of service I received from Clan Treks was second to none, in fact a close friendship has developed as a result of the 10 days we spend trekking in the Sanctuary...
Ian Harries Grantham,
Lincolnshire , UK
Mount Stok Kangri Trekking/ Climbing:
A Beautiful peak and excellent trekking from Spiti to Karzok( 6085m)
Duration: 18 days
Best time: July, August
Stok Kangri Top: 6123m
Base Camp: 5230m
Technical difficulty: Low-angled snow or straight forward scrambling on rocks; ropes/crampons are usually required; previous climbing experience is especially essential.
To join the expedition you need the following special equipment:
Ice Axe, Crampons, Harness, Plastic or Leather Mountaineering Boots, 4 Season Sleeping Bag etc
Mount Stok kangri is one of the main peaks of the Zanskar series, situated in the enchanting region of Laddakh. The South Ridge provides an exhilarating climb in these fantastic surroundings. Although straightforward, the route is challenging and interesting, providing amazing views of the KarakoramRange, and on a clear day views of Mount. K2 in the far distance.
Day to Day Outline Itinerary
| Day 01. | Arrive Delhi; assistance on arrival and transfer to domestic airport for flight to the next day to Leh, the capital of Laddakh. |
| Day 02. | Fly Delhi - Leh: Early morning flight to Leh; the flight takes you over the Greater Himalayas and makes an exciting landing at one of the highest airports in the world. If weather permits, you can get excellent views of Stok Kangri as you fly in, and on a clear day it is possible to see the great peaks of the Karakoram Range to the north. From the airport you are escorted to the hotel, Kang Lha Chen or similar. The rest of the day is at leisure. Leh is at an altitude of 3500m. and you can expect to feel the effects of the unique atmosphere. For the first few hours, you may experience breathlessness and even a slight headache. These symptoms of altitude sickness are usual- and usually disappear quickly; however, everyone is advised to take it easy for one or two day. Any strenuous activity (push-ups, hill sprints) is tabooed. |
| Day 03. | Explore Leh: Entirely one day is required you to relax and stroll around town and to allow the effects of the altitude to drive away. This is an important period, which provides the body to acclimatize for the trek ahead. There are plenty of distractions in Leh from visual (colorful town and inhabitants) to sensual (smells and sounds of Leh) and savoury (Ladakhi cuisine). |
| Day 04. | Leh - Lamayuru: The drive to Lamayuru is an experience to itself and takes about 4hrs. The road follows the Indus for some time and then rises to the series of charming bends before dropping down to the small village of Lamayuru. Enroute you can visit Alchi, a "World Heritage Site". After some refreshments at Lamayuru, you set off the trek to Wanla. Moving from the village, you pick the way through fertile fields that surround Lamayuru and leave the valley, past some Chortens, into a dry gorge which has the beauty of its own. Then follow the gorge to the top of Prinkiti La (3725m); it is a fairly short, steep ascent to the summit of the pass La and can be reached soon if maintained 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 you follow the valley and arrive at the campsite. Trek: about 3hrs; overnight in camp. |
| Day 05. | Trek up the Ripchar Valley: You leave Wanla and follow a broad route that runs along one side of the valley, until you reach the village of Phenji. From here, you turn up Ripchar Valley and follow the path along the irrigation ditches. You go through the villagers working in the fields and their scattered houses, all the time gradually climbing higher. After walking in the warm morning sun, you take a break for lunch in the shade of trees that grow along the valley. After lunch, you continue to climb until you reach the village of Hinju. The campsite (3800m) is little bit far. Beyond Hinju there is a very pleasant meadow. Trek: about 6hrs; overnight in camp. |
| Day 06. | Cross Konse La: You leave early and follow the easy path until you are at the foot of Konse La (height just less than 4950m). The walking at this point gets more strenuous, but the effort is soon forgotten once you reach on the TOP. From this vantage point, the views are wonderful. The descent is as swift as it is steep, but as it eases you pass a number of shepherds' huts where you may be offered fresh curds (yoghurt). The campsite (4100m) is reached after about one hour's descent from the pass. Trek: about 5hrs; overnight in camp. |
| Day 07. | Trek to the village of Sumdochenmo: From the campsite the trail descends slowly crossing pleasant stream. After sometime you leave our friendly brook, and follow a path adjacent to a water channel until you arrive at Sumdochenmo village. There it is possible to get tea, and there is also a small monastery that offers a short bend. Beyond the village, the path curves high above the vale bottom, until it drops to a junction of several valleys. Here you find some welcome shade where you may partake the lunch. Until this point, you are descending gradually; before that, there is a climb separating you from the campsite. After slow walk the high point is reached in about an hour, before a gradual descent it leads to a dusty but pleasant campsite (3900m) with panoramic views. Trek: about 4hrs; overnight in camp. |
| Day 08. | First views of Stok Kangri from Dungduchenia: You the leave camp and passing some shepherd huts on the way to the top of a pass. The trail is perceptible and affords some wonderful views of the mountains (great place for echoes near the top). The top can be reach approximately within two hours. From Dungduchenia (4450m) if the weather permits, you get excellent views of Stok Kangri. The way down is most enjoyable to begin with, but a straight descent into a gorge heralds the start of a slogged way. Fortunately, the campsite (3100m) at Chilling makes up a little bit hard work. Trek: about 5hrs; overnight in camp. |
| Day 09. | Return to Leh (drive): After completing the initial part of the expedition, you return to Leh for a comfortable breathing. The trek will take you through spectacular country, both acclimatizing you and makes you fit for the final reach to Stok Kangri. The benefits may not be immediately transparent as you shake off the celebrations from the night before, but on summit day to come, your acclimatized bodies will be more assured. After breaking camp, you drive along the banks of the Indus to Leh and on arrival settle down in the hotel for the evening. Overnight in hotel |
| Day 10. | Rest and exploration in and around Leh: The time is your own to around explore Leh. The ancient Leh Palace is situated over the town, which was once the seat of the old Ladakhi kings. Below the citadel, behind the bustling bazaars, in the narrow streets and alleys of the ancient city. Sauntering through the many, bazaars, shops and restaurants of Leh you will have a pleasant day, but do take time to look towards the south. On the horizon, rising higher than all the mountains in its vicinity, stands Stok Kangri. Don't be worried by its appearance, as it does look very clear from Leh. Just remember, that there is an easy way up to the other side, Overnight in hotel. |
| Day 11. | Matho River Valley -Stok Kangri (trek): Early morning, you drive up the Indus Valley to Matho (2hrs); the starting point of your approach to Stok Kangri. Returning once again to the barren mountain wilderness, you trek up to the Matho River Valley and camp at the place called Matho Phul (4480m), after walking several hours. After a rest in Leh and fully acclimatizing, everyone should be fit for the trek to base camp, and to climb the summit. Overnight in camp |
| Day 12. | Trek to Stok Kangri Base Camp From Matho Phul: You continue up the valley making a hard climb over a pass from which you get enthralling views of Stok Kangri. Also visible below is the Base Camp and the whole route from Base Camp to the summit can be seen out. From here, a slow descent leads to our campsite to your camp site (5000m) and settlement for the next two nights. Overnight in camp |
| Day 13. | Resting day and inspection for safety measures & for other arrangements: The expedition leader should check the route and you may join him, take short walks around, rest and prepare yourself for the next day ahead! Overnight in camp |
| Day 14. | Summit day: Your summit day begins before dawn to save the abundance time for the climb. The nature of the climbing from the Base Camp depends on present snow capped. It is most likely that you do not need the crampons for the most parts as you scramble over the boulders, which lead you up to the south ridge. The 4450m ridge that stretches up to the summit is extremely exposed, although not so steep straightforward. Most of the ridges are like a easy path, so ropes are not usually necessary, although some scrambling is required. At an altitude approaching 6000m it is extremely cumbersome, therefore, you may use a rope if feels the need for it. The summit is a gorgeous looking which provids magnificent views in every direction. Leh appears like a tiny speck, barely visible. After taking photographs you set off downhill to the Base Camp. The route taken depends on the leader, but it is usually the reversal of the same way that you went up. The dinner can be enjoyed as occasional celebration. Overnight in camp |
| Day 15. | Base Camp - Stok: From Base Camp you trek down the valley for the village -Stok. This is a long but pleasurable time, passing through several homesteads and ruins of numerous old fortresses. You reach Stok after about 6-7 hours' walk, from where you drive back to Leh. Overnight in hotel |
| Day 16. | Fly Leh - Delhi - Drive Agra: After the over viewing flight, you return to Delhi and drive to Agra (about 5hrs). Night halt-age |
| Day 17. | Agra (sightseeing) - Delhi: Morning sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, which is among the Seven Wonders of the World, setting within the paradise gardens; return to hotel and after the breakfast visit grand Agra fort. Return to Delhi. And transfer to hotel where you can rest, for wash and refreshing till 1800hrs. After dinner, transfer to the airport for return flight |
| Day 18. | Departure: Early morning fly back. |
