STOK KANGRI & THE MARKHA
VALLEY TREK
(A superb trek and climb in the Buddhist stronghold of Ladakh)
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 on the 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.
Day 1. Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi late evening and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2. Delhi - Leh (3500 m)
An early morning transfer to the domestic terminal of the airport
for the flight up to Leh. This surely is one of the most sensational
scheduled flights in the world, taking you right over the top
of the Greater Himalaya before dropping down in a series of steep
turns, to land at the small airport at Leh. Flight time approx.
1½ hours. You will be met on arrival and driven through
Leh to check into the Hotel. Leh is at an altitude of 11,500ft/3,500m
and therefore we recommend that the rest of the day be spent resting
to help adjust to the altitude.
Day 3:AT LEISURE IN LEH.
Again take it easy today and enjoy a tour around town. Leh is
very Tibetan; the national dress, 'stove-pipe' hats and felt boots
with turned-up toes are much in evidence. The Royal Palace, which
dominates the town, is very reminiscent of the Potala in Lhasa
and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, large chortens, prayer flags
and mud brick houses with flat roofs are a dramatic culture change
from the hot, teeming frenetic rush of Delhi. Don't try to do
too much on this first day! Visit the palace,
Day 4. Leh Sightseeing
Sightseeing tour, Shey, Thikse and Hemis monasteries. Return to
Leh. Hotel.
Day 5. Leh - Khardung La - Leh
Drive up to the Khardung La (5300m) as an acclimatisation exercise.
Return to Leh. Hotel.
Day 6. Leh - Chilling
Drive to the village of Chilling on the west bank of the Zanskar
River (3100m).
Day 7. Chilling - Skiu
Cross the river on a pulley bridge and trek to Skiu in the Markha
Valley.
Day 8. Skiu - Markha
A long day of trekking beside the Markha River to Markha Village
(3800m).
Day 9. Markha - Hangkar
Still following the river, trek to the highest village in the
valley, at Hangkar (4100m).
Day 10. Hangkar - Nimaling
Trek up onto the Nimaling Plain, to a camp (4600m) beneath the
peak of Kang Yatze.
Day 11. In Nimaling
Rest day. Explore towards Kang Yatze.
Day 12. Nimaling - Chogdo
Trek up to the Kongmaru La (5100m) and descend through a rocky
gorge to Chogdo (4000m).
Day 13. Chogdo - Shang Po
Heading west through uncharted territory and crossing several
passes, trek to Shang Po (4350m).
Day 14. Shang Po - Gangpoche
More rugged terrain and superb treking, en route to Gangpoche.
(4320m).
Day 15. Gangpoche - Base Camp
Approaching Stok Kangri, descend into the Stok Valley and trek
up to the basecamp at 4900 metres.
Day 16. In Base Camp
A rest and acclimatisation day. Time to sort out equipment for
the climb.
Day 17. Climb Stok Kangri
Climb Stok Kangri (6120m). Or, possibly move to a high camp (5300m).
Day 18. In Stok Kangri
Spare day for climbing Stok Kangri. Return to basecamp.
Day 19. Stok - Leh drive
An easy morning’s descent to Stok Village and then drive
to Leh. Afternoon free. Hotel.
Day 20. Leh - Delhi flight
Fly to Delhi, transfer to the hotel.Overnight Hotel.
Day 21. In Delhi
Free day in Delhi. Optional half-day sightseeing tour. Evening
transfer to the airport.
Day 22. Delhi Departure
fly back home.
