Stok Kangri expedition

THINGS TO DO, LADAKH Updated : Jul 27, 2016, 05.12 PM IST

Shubham Mansingka

Shubham Mansingka is a full time traveller who has been to more than 15 states of India and zipped across Singapore, Thailand & Malaysia. He has extensively slow travelled across the Himalayas, Rajasthan, Goa, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, among other states.\nHis expertise lies in writing guides on offbeat destinations, food guides, trekking routes, adventure related content, budget travel guides and unique content on popular, touristy destinations. Other than Happytrips, he runs a very successful travel blog at www.Travelshoebum.com/.

Photo courtesy: Shubham Mansingka
There are varied starting points of this trek; it can start from Rumbak, Matho or Stok. At the end of Stok village is the starting point of the trail. Stok is also the seat of the royal family of Ladakh. Visible from most of Leh, Stok-Kangri (6120 m) is known to be the easiest peak above 6000 m in the world. The trail starts climbing the steep winding trail up to the Stok La at 4890 m. And thereafter it is a big mind battle and even more so if the weather is a challenging one. Physical fitness and prior acclimatisation of the trekker is of utmost importance for a successful summit of Stok Kangri.

Route: Stok – Mankarmo - Stok La - Stok Kangri Base Camp - Stok
Landscape: The trail traverses Indus Valley, part of the Stok chain. A 6000 summit is by always a big challenge and other than the implied acclimatisation and absence of vertigo, proficiency with crampons and ice axes is a requirement for this trek.
Best time to go: From the beginning of July to the end of September
Difficulty Level: Technically it is an easy climb but as a sub 6000 m peak, it is not meant for faint hearted and is classified as a difficult trek.

Permit Requirement: To climb the Stok Kangri peak at 6120 m, you need a valid permit from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. Currently it costs around 2500 Rs. per person.
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