Trek Grade
Moderate to Difficult
Highest Altitude
20,100 ft
Base Camp
Leh
Best Time
May, June, July, Aug, Sept to mid-oct
The closure of Stok Kangri began in 2020 to protect the glacier that supplies water to Stok village. Presently, it remains uncertain whether the mountain peak will resume operations.
Stok Kangri Trek
Stok Kangri’s peak is one of the world’s highest; its highest peak is at an elevation of 20,100 feet. It can be considered the crown jewel of India; the trek is challenging. The enthralling rise offers a panoramic view of the Karakoram and Zanskar ranges. While trekking towards the Stok Kangri peak, the trekker sees Zanskar and the Indus Valley. The landscape looks fantastic as it looks uninhabited, and the trail is filled with plenty of ridges. As the trek begins, you will be enthralled by the magnificent views of Leh, which is a perfect combination of natural aesthetics with cultural beauty till Stock Village, along with natural majestic views of dark green trees. You will also see beautiful glaciers and some steep slopes on this trek. Trekkers can also visit colourful monasteries and their extravagant natural beauty. The mountains in these parts change colour from organic brown to shimmering coral or iridescent purple depending on the sun’s light falling on the hills.
Trek Cost
- Stay will be on a twin-sharing basis in tents
- + 280 Trek Insurance (Mandatory)
Fix Diparture Dates
Stok Kangri Trek Videos
Videos by experts watch these videos to prepare well for a Successful Trek
Want To Trek Like Pro?
Check out the following videos if you want to trek like a pro trekker and improve your skills. These videos contain helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to help you trek like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these videos can provide valuable insights to enhance your trekking experience. So, watch the videos below by Trekup India experts to take your trekking skills to the next level.
Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.
Day Wise Detailed Itinerary of Stok Kangri Trek
Day 1: Arrive Srinagar and Drive to Sonamarg
- Stay – Overnight stay at the guest house/ hotel.
- Meal – Dinner
- Altitude – Leh (11,560 ft / 3520 meters)
- Trek Grade – by road
This day marks the first day of your journey when you arrive in Leh, and there are many transport facilities by which you can come, like bus, train, flight, or by one’s vehicle. As you would be coming from low to high altitude, the trekker would need to adjust to such a high altitude. You could use this day to explore the nearby places and learn about the culture & traditions. Upon your arrival, you will be met by a Trekup India representative who will drop you off at your guesthouse or hotel.
Day 2: Rest Day at Leh
- Stay – Overnight stay at the guest house/ hotel.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Altitude – Leh (11,560 ft / 3520 meters)
This day would be used to rest and get your body acclimatized, and your body needs to adjust to the lower temperature and less oxygen at higher altitudes. Mobile network facilities are available in Leh; also, you could take this day to visit the beautiful sights Leh has to offer, like temples, monasteries, palaces, and various others. After exploring all the places during the day, you will return to the guest house or hotel to rest for the night.
Day 3: Leh to Stok Village by Road, Stok Village to Chang Ma by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – Leh to Stok Village by Road (13 km), Stok Village to Chang Ma by Trek (5 km)
- Time Taken – Leh to Stok Village by Road (approx. 30 min), Stok Village to Chang Ma by Trek (approx. 4 hrs)
- Altitude – Leh (11,560 ft / 3520 meters), Stok Village (11,800 ft / 3597 meters), Chang Ma (12,890 ft / 3929 meters)
- Altitude Difference – Leh to Stok Village (240 ft / 77 meters), Stok Village to Chang Ma (1090 ft / 332 meters)
- Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate
Today’s journey would begin with a short drive and trekking in the second half. After the warm breakfast, you will prepare for the day’s excursion. You would be driving through the deserted mountains, enjoying the scenic vistas of the Rocky Mountains. From Stok Village, you would begin your trek, which is not difficult, but as this is the first day of your trek, it will be a little challenging. You would walk through dirt trails with less vegetation and small streams. It is a short trek, after which we would reach the campsite at Chang Ma, where we would rest for the night.
Day 4: Chang Ma to Mankorma by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 4 km
- Time Taken – approx. 3 hrs
- Altitude – Chang Ma (12,890 ft / 3929 meters), Mankorma (14,250 ft / 4343 meters)
- Altitude Difference – 1360 ft / 414 meter
- Trek Grade – Gradual
The second day of the trek would begin by walking up in the morning with a cold breeze. Today, the hike will be easy; you will cross a few streams. On today’s trek, you will be mesmerized by the natural beauty of Ladakh. The trail would lead through the barren gray landscape and sneak through some streams. The trekker would finally reach our campsite in Mankorma, where the trekker would be sleeping under the starry sky.
Day 5: Mankorma to Stok Kangri Base Camp by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 4 km
- Time Taken – approx. 4 hrs
- Altitude – Mankorma (14,250 ft / 4343 mtr), Stok Kangri Base Camp (16,300 ft / 4968 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 2050 ft / 625 meter
- Trek Grade – Moderate to Difficult
Today’s trek will be tricky, as the trekker will be coming close to Stok Kangri. The trail would be through green grass meadows and a few water bodies, and also be seeing Gulap Kangri and Parcha Kangri along with others. As you reach the base camp, you might experience difficulty breathing due to a lack of oxygen and high altitude, for which you need to get your body acclimatized. The trekker would also experience a chill in the air, for which the trekker must carry warm clothes. The trekker would also get to see the beautiful lake along with freezing weather and the picture-perfect views of the snow-capped mountains. After walking through the rugged terrain, you would finally reach Stok Kangri Base Camp.
Day 6: Rest Day at Stok Kangri Base Camp
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Altitude – Stok Kangri Base Camp (16,300 ft / 4968 meters)
The trekkers will be using this day to prepare for the next summit. The Trekup India team will brief you on the use of technical equipment. As the trail passes through the snow fields, you can use this day to adjust your body to adapt to the trek ahead. Our Trekup India trek leader would take you on short treks, getting you accustomed to high altitude and so tired that you would have a good night’s sleep. You would also be guided on how to walk past the challenges faced on the snow-covered trail. Once the day ends, you will return to your campsite where you will be welcomed by a delicious dinner and sleep well at night.
Day 7: Stock Kangri Base Camp to Summit and then back to Base Camp by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 7 km from Base Camp to Summit
- Time Taken – approx. 13 hrs
- Altitude – Stok Kangri Base Camp (16,300 ft / 4968 meters), Stok Kangri Summit (20,100 ft / 6126 meters)
- Altitude Difference – 3800 ft / 1158 meter
- Trek Grade – Moderate to Difficult
This day marks the primary day of the trek, where the trekker will climb the summit; today’s trek will be tricky. The trekker would be walking past glaciers and climbing a steep ascent, giving trekkers a 360-degree view of the area. The trekker would see the Karakoram ranges in the north touching the sky and the Zanskar ranges in the south. You would pass a few glaciers along the way and other ample opportunities that the Indian Himalayas offer. Also, on a clear day, the trekker could catch the sight of K2. On this trek, the trekker would pass through scenic, beautiful, high-altitude deserts. After spending some time on the top and enjoying the picturesque views, you would start descending towards the base camp, where you would rest for the night.
Day 8: Stok Kangri Base Camp to Stok Village by Trek, Stok Village to Leh by Road
- Stay – Overnight stay at the guest house/ hotel.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – Stok Kangri Base Camp to Stok Village by Trek (13 km), Stok Village to Leh by Road (15 km)
- Time Taken – Stok Kangri Base Camp to Stok Village by Trek (approx. 6 hrs), Stok Village to Leh by Road (approx. 30 min)
- Altitude – Stok Kangri Base Camp (16,300 ft / 4968 meters), Stok Village (11,800 ft / 3597 meters), Leh (11,560 ft / 3520 meters),
- Altitude Difference – Stok Kangri Base Camp to Stok Village (4500 ft / 1371 meters), Stok Village to Leh (240 ft / 77 meters)
- Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate
On the last day of your trek, you will enjoy the scenic, beautiful views of the snow-clad mountains. You will begin your journey for the day by starting the descent from Stok Kangri Base Camp towards Stok Village. The downhill climb would be challenging, and the trekker should be extra careful while climbing the rough terrain. After reaching Stok Village, the trekkers would begin a short drive to Leh. Once you reach Leh, you will sleep at the guest house or hotel.
Day 9: Departure from Leh
- Meal – Breakfast
- Altitude – Leh (11,560 ft / 3520 meters)
Trekkers would leave Leh by their means the next day and return to their respective places. Many transport facilities like cars, buses, trains, or flights exist. The Trekup India Team will bid them farewell at the hotel, and then they will begin their journey home. They could also spend another day exploring Leh and Ladakh alone.
Stok Kangri Trek Route Map
We’ve prepared a comprehensive Trek Route Map for your upcoming adventure to Stok Kangri Trek, which outlines the entire journey including all stops and trails. This map provides detailed information on the terrain, distance between points of interest, and estimated travel time to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trek. We’ve carefully curated the map to ensure that you have all the necessary information at your fingertips. Please take a moment to review it thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Stok Kangri Trek Altitude Chart
The Trek Altitude Chart is a useful tool for Trekkers to monitor their altitude changes during their rides, allowing them to plan their routes more efficiently and track their progress over time. This Stok Kangri Trek chart is beneficial for both casual and experienced Trekkers, helping them make the most out of their Trek experience.
Trek Cost Inclusions
- Stay 6 Nights in tented accommodation at respective campsites of Trekup India on a sharing basis and three days in a hotel or guest house.
- Meals: Trekup India provided cooked meals during the trek, starting with Dinner on Day 01 to Breakfast on day 9 (Meals are simple, nutritious, and vegetarian and non-repeated meals)
- Transport: Leh to Stok Village and Stok Village to Leh by road.
- Trek Insurance (Optional): Trekup India recommends that all trekkers consider getting trek insurance. This is optional, but highly recommended. Trek insurance covers unexpected events that may occur during your trek. The cost of the insurance starts from INR 210. Please read more about what is included in the coverage and why it is mandatory on treks.
- Trek Equipment: Sleeping bag, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tent, Dining tent, Toilet Tent.
- Amenities: All utensils, sleeping mattresses (Black foam mats), Crampons, and Gaiters for snow.
- Health & Safety: First Aid Box, Oxygen Cylinders, Stretchers, Oxi meters, BP Machines, health.
- Permits: Forest Permits and Camping Permission Fee
- Trek Crew: High Altitude Chef, Helpers, Trek Leader & Guides, and other support teams.
- Potters & Mules: Potters and Mules are to carry all trekking equipment, ration, and vegetables.
Trek Cost Exclusions
- GST 5% (it is Mandatory)
- Any Meals/accommodation beside the itinerary or not mentioned in the program.
- Any Bus / Airfare to/from trek start/end point
- Personal Medical expenses do carry your medication.
- Any personal services such as Laundry, phone calls, liquors, mineral water, etc.
- Any still / video camera fee
- Any Entrance fee Monuments, Monasteries, Museums, Temples – Pay directly on the spot.
- Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage (Offload Charges for bag 365 per day, per bag if paid online (at base camp 2,550). Note: Bag weight should not be more than 10 kg.
- Any emergency evacuation charges
- Any services that are not mentioned in the cost inclusion section.
What should you pack for the Stok Kangri Trek
Stok Kangri Trek is a high-altitude trek. The trekking gear you have to have for this particular trek differs from normal treks. Thus, read this whole segment. There is an important question that the trekker who is doing trek asks, like what all things to carry while trekking. Below, we have provided the details on everything you should take; an easy way to remember is by Head to foot or foot to head. We have prepared from Head to foot.
Head Gears
When trekking it's important to carry headgear to protect your head and face.
Heading out for a trek? Don’t forget to carry headgear to protect your beautiful face and head from the sun, wind, and dust! It’s an essential accessory that keeps you safe and comfortable throughout your adventurous journey. So, make sure you pack it before you step out into nature!
- Head Lamps – When trekking at night, headlamps are essential to illuminate your path while keeping your hands free. Headlamps come in different sizes and lumens, so it is essential to choose one that suits your needs.
- Hats or Cap – Caps or hats are also necessary when trekking in different weather conditions. Caps protect your head from the wind and freezing temperatures at night, while hats provide shade and protection from the sun during the day. It’s essential to ensure that your hat has a strap to prevent it from being blown away by the wind.
- Sunglasses – Sunglasses are also essential for trekking. Your sunglasses should protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and fit your face perfectly to avoid falling off while climbing, jumping, or crossing obstacles. The glass of your sunglasses should also be designed for different weather conditions to provide optimal visibility.
- Buff / Balaclava – Lastly, a buff or balaclava is a must-have to protect your mouth or neck from extreme temperatures and keep them warm. Buffs and balaclavas come in different materials, thicknesses, and designs, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs and preferences. Depending on the weather conditions and your activities, you can wear them as neck warmers, face masks, or headbands.
Clothes
When trekking in high altitudes, prepare for cold weather by wearing layers. Layering traps heat, keeps you warm, and allows you to easily adjust your clothing as temperatures fluctuate.
Layering is important for different seasons when trekking. When planning a high-altitude trek, it is important to prepare for the cold weather. Wearing layers is the best approach as it provides both protection and flexibility when the weather changes frequently in the mountains. Layering helps to trap heat and keep your body warm, while at the same time allowing you to easily adjust your clothing as the temperature fluctuates. By wearing layers, you can enjoy your trek comfortably and stay safe in the unpredictable mountain weather
- For spring, summer, and monsoon treks, consider wearing three layers: a woollen sweater, a fleece, and a padded jacket.
- For autumn treks, add one more fleece layer to make it four layers.
- For winter treks, you may need five layers with thermals, a woollen sweater, two fleeces, and a padded jacket.
- T-shirt/sleeve shirt– Bring three T-shirts and two quick-dry trek pants, wearing one and carrying the others. Long sleeve shirts help to protect from sun UV rays. We recommend synthetic T-shirts as they get dry quickly when they get wet.
- Hiking / Trekking Jacket– down jackets (-5 to-10 C) or two-three-layer jackets.
- Thermals– at least two pairs of thermals help keep the body warm during cold weather.
- Undergarments– you can carry them according to your habitual and hygiene requirements.
- Gloves– 1 pair of gloves will keep your hand warm and nice.
- Trek Pants– Bring 2 to 3 comfortable trekking pants. Trekking pants play a significant role, as they are designed for comfort and mobility, making trekking easier. It should be Synthetic so that it gets dry quickly when wet.
- Rain Wear– you can carry a raincoat or Poncho. During long rains and snowfalls, the waterproof jackets start leaking. Still, the Poncho and raincoats keep you dry, so choose accordingly.
Tip: If you choose a raincoat on your trek, carry a small waterproof cover so things inside your backpack can’t get wet. If you carry a Poncho, you don’t need to worry. It protects both you and your backpack.
Foot Gears
When it comes to planning a trek, one of the most important aspects is to ensure that you have the right kind of foot gear.
- Trekking shoes which are waterproof and have ankle support. Walking / Hiking sandals which can be used off the trek, i.e., in the morning and evening hours when you reach the campsite, basically to get your feet rest from heavy boots, sometimes used for crossing streams and rivers, it’s more comfortable and safer than crossing barefoot or wetting your shoes. Sneakers (Optional) can be worn for normal driving days or used around the camp.
- Socks– you should at least carry 3 to 4 pairs.
- Microspikes & Gaitorswill be provided by Trekup India when required. You don’t have to carry them.
Personal First Aid Kit
Don't forget to pack your personal first aid kit! It's always better to be safe. So, make sure you're prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
Below are some common medicines generally required/used during your adventure trip; however, please consult your doctors prior.
- Antiseptic towel or water syringe (to clean the wound)
- Butterfly bandage for a small cut
- Cotton and elastic bandages and sterile gauze pad for larger wounds
- Latex gloves are used when the wound bleeds.
- Medicine for Diarrhea (Upset stomach)
- Medicine for cold, flue/fever, headache
- Some pain killers
- ORS pouches
- Quick pain relief spray (External use)
- Any personal medicine prescribed by your doctor
- Dimox / Similar for high altitude sickness
- Bug Repellent
- Carry some nutria/energy bars and drinks (non-alcoholic)
- Note: Kindly consult your doctor before purchasing or taking any medicine.
Gadgets and Other Items
You might also consider bringing a camera, binoculars, portable charger, and snacks. Be well-prepared and tackle any trail with confidence.
- Trekking Poles
- Mobile phone
- Camera
- Spare batteries for phone and camera, power bank
- Lightweight flashlight or headlight
- A waterproof bag made of plastic is used for the camera.
- Plug/converter for electrical items
- 1-litre water bottle
- A journal with a pen would be a good idea to keep your notes.
- Some book of your interest for the ideal time
- Get into the habit of maintaining a Map and guidebook of the region.
Hygiene & Personal toiletry
Remember to pack hygiene and personal toiletry items such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and toilet paper.
- Sunscreen with UV protection to shield your skin from harmful rays
- 1 or 2 small quick-drying towels to help you dry off quickly in case of rain or sweat
- Toilet paper, tissues or wet wipes for maintaining hygiene while on the trek
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouth freshener to keep your mouth clean and fresh throughout the journey
- Deodorant or talcum powder to help you stay fresh and odor-free, especially during hot and humid climates
- Shampoo to keep your hair clean and healthy
- Sanitary pads or tampons (for female trekkers) to manage menstrual cycles
- Lip-gloss or salve to protect your lips from dryness and chapping
- Bio-degradable soap to keep yourself clean and hygienic while on the trek
- Nail clipper and other personal items that you use daily