Stok Kangri & Kingdom of Ladakh Booking

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Ladakh Trekking – Stok Kangri & Kingdom of Ladakh

A wonderful opportunity to explore the Buddhist Ladakh region of North India and attempt a 6000m trekking peak.

Information on Ladakh before the birth of the kingdom (10th century) is scarce. The earliest layer in the population of Ladakh was probably composed of the Dardis. Herodotus mentions twice a people called Dadikai, first along with the Gandarioi, and again in the catalogue of king Xerxes army invading Greece. Herodotus also mentions the gold-digging ants of Central Asia, which is also later mentioned in connection with the Dardi people by Nearchus, the admiral of Alexander, and Megasthenes. In the 1st century, Pliny repeats that the Dards are great producers of gold. Herrmann brings arguments to show that the tale ultimately goes back to a hazy knowledge of gold-washing in Ladakh and Baltistan. Ptolemy situates the Daradrai on the upper reaches of the Indus, and the names Darada is used in the geographical lists of the Puranas. By the beginning of the 19th century, the Mughal empire had collapsed, and Sikh rule had been established in Punjab and Kashmir. However the Dogra region of Jammu remained under its Rajput rulers, the greatest of whom was Maharaja Gulab Singh–his General Zorawar Singh, invaded Ladakh in 1834. King Tshespal Namgyal was dethroned and exiled to Stok. Ladakh came under Dogra rule and was incorporated into the state of Jammu and Kashmir in 1846.

To the south of Leh and high above the Indus Valley stands the 6000m peak of Stok Kangri. This short but adventurous trek takes us into the heart the Trans -Himalaya for an attempt on this non-technical trekking peak. Our route is challenging but not difficult and there is plenty of time to acclimatise in and around Leh and on the walk in. The peak is entirely optional and there are many excellent walks from the base camp with equally rewarding views. In our view, this is the perfect first 6000m peak for the enthusiastic walker with experience at higher altitude.

Program :

Duration : 15 Day Delhi to Delhi ( 07 days trek )

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Aarrive Delhi International airport as per your flight schedule. After clearing customs, you will be met by our representatives who will be holding a placard in the main meeting hall and transferr to your hotel.

Day 02 : Fly Delhi – Leh
Today it is an early morning flight to leh. Though early morning but spectacular over the Himalayan ranges. On arrival Leh transfer to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure to acclimatise and to explore this capital town of Ladakh.

Day 03 : In Leh
After breakfast take a small walk to Shanti Stupa on the top of a ridge. Later visir Shankar Gompa, Leh palace and explore the thriving bazaar.

Day 04 : In Leh
After breakfast visit the leading monastries of Ladakh shey, thiksey & Hemis

Day 05 : Leh to Trek point 3414 m
After breakfast drive by road to Martselang (3414m) above the Indus River for the start of our trek. The trail takes us through a gorge then climbs steadily. We camp near the traditional village of Shang. Camping.

Day 06 : Trekking
A wake up call with a cup of tea from our staff. A steady walk through the landscapes of upper Shang valley.
Camping.

Day 07 : Trekking 4145 m
After breakfast be prepared for a tough trek as we ascend the pass of Shang La (4968m) with views of Stok and Matho peaks in front and Parcha Kangri behind. We camp near Gyang Poche (4145m). Camping.

Day 08 : Trekking 4297 m
After breakfast we have to reach to the base of MathoLa ( 4297 mt )after crossing small streams.
Views of the Karakoram and distant Tibetan plateau. Camping.

Day 09 : Trekking
After breakfast another tougher day crossing the pass. Stok Kangri peak looms ahead. We camp in a basin with views of Gulep Kangri. Camping.

Day 10 : Base Camp
Here we establist our base for next days summit. A few who are more energetic can attempt some of the nearby ridges or can simply relax to energise themselves for next day summit. Camping.

Day 11 : Summit Day 6114 m
Today is the day of summit. Needs more energy and open eyes. Being a long day we start just before the dawn with a light refreshment. The ascent is non-technical but does involve an exposed ridge and some snow. While on the summit of Stok Kangri (6114m) it is a panorama of Himalaya which extends in all direction – the Great Himalaya, the Ladakhi range, the Karakoram and the distant Tibetan Plateau. Camping.

Day 12 : A great post summit day
Today it is an exciting easy day returning down the stok valley to Stok and back to Leh.

Day 13 : Leh
It is basically a spare day if we can not do summit as per schedule due to weather or any other reasons. This day one can relax free to buy souvniers etc or a day trip to Khardungla worlds highest motorable pass. Hotel.

Day 14 : Leh – Delhi
Today it is an early morning flight back to Delhi. On arrival transfer to hotel. Later tour of Delhi.
( As leh / Delhi flights are basically weather bound flights so we have kept additional day for final departure )

Day 15 : Depar Delhi
Today transfer to Int. airport for your flight as per schedule

Altitude Variation 3414 m to 6114 m