Stok Kangri Expedition

A classic trek to a 6,000 m peak in Ladakh. The Stok range lies on the southern skyline of Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and Stok Kangri is the highest mountain in the range.

Duration
15 days
Group size
No limit
Country
India

Stok Kangri Expedition Overview

A classic trek to a 6,000 m peak in Ladakh. The Stok range lies on the southern skyline of Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and Stok Kangri is the highest mountain in the range.

A classic trek to a 6,000 m peak in Ladakh. The Stok range lies on the southern skyline of Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and Stok Kangri is the highest mountain in the range. During the first two days, set aside for acclimatisation, we visit the monasteries of Shey and Thiksey and the market in Leh. We then set off on a 4-day acclimatisation trek to Base Camp, starting from Matho village and crossing the Matho La. The climb to the summit is technically straightforward and free of objective dangers. On the summit day we cross a glacier and then climb steeply onto the south ridge, from where an exposed walk leads to the summit. It is a challenging climb even for very fit climbers and a good introduction to Himalayan mountaineering.

Key highlights of the Stok Kangri Expedition

Itinerary

  1. You arrive in Leh, Ladakh, where our representative meets you at the airport and transfers you to the hotel.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)
    On foot
    None, arrival day
    Night in
    Hotel, Leh
    Meals
    None

  2. Today is an acclimatisation day, with no strenuous activity. You visit the main sites around Leh, including Shey, Thiksey, Sangam and Hemis. The monasteries are close to the city, so they are easy to reach.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Leh
    Meals
    Breakfast

  3. Today is also an acclimatisation day. We visit the main landmarks of Leh, including Hemis Monastery and Leh Palace. Unlike many Ladakhi monasteries, Hemis Gompa is set in a cliff-backed valley rather than on top of a crag. The monastery is brightly decorated, and you can watch the monks at prayer and at work. Leh Palace closely resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa. It dates from the 16th century, and from the top there is a view over Leh and the surrounding area, including the Stok range in the Zanskar mountains.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Leh
    Meals
    Breakfast

  4. After breakfast, we drive by jeep to the Khardung La, the highest motorable pass in the world. The drive takes about 2 hours on rough, rugged roads with views over the snow-covered Himalaya. After the visit, you return to your hotel.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)
    On foot
    None, 4 hr round-trip drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Leh
    Meals
    Breakfast

  5. Today you drive by jeep to Shang Sumdo, where the trek to Chogdo village begins. You follow the Shang river upstream through a gorge and reach Chogdo.

    Altitude
    3,800 m (12,470 ft)+300 m
    On foot
    3–4 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Chogdo
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. From Chogdo, we turn west into a side valley, which leads after a long, gradual ascent to the Gyuncho La at 4,700 metres. After descending from the pass, we camp at Shang Phu at 4,365 metres.

    Altitude
    4,365 m (14,320 ft)+565 m
    On foot
    6–7 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Shang Phu
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Today is a demanding day of trekking. We cross several spurs and minor passes that see few visitors, with views of the Indus valley and the peaks beyond. We climb over the Shang La and descend to the Tokpo river for lunch. After lunch the route is mostly downhill, around spurs and over a pass, to the campsite at Matho Phu.

    Altitude
    4,400 m (14,440 ft)+35 m
    On foot
    7–8 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Matho Phu
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. The day begins with the climb to the Matho La, after which we descend into the valley north of Stok village. The Stok valley is remote, and care is needed here. You can meet local people, visit villages of stone houses and watch farmers tending their sheep and goats.

    Altitude
    4,340 m (14,240 ft)−60 m
    On foot
    5–6 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Mankarmo
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. We reach Base Camp by lunchtime. The trek is only 4 km, but the pace is slow because of the increasing altitude. We walk for at least 3 hours, and then camp overnight.

    Altitude
    4,980 m (16,340 ft)+640 m
    On foot
    4 km, 3–4 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Stok Kangri Base Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Today we walk up towards 5,100 metres, a distance of about 4 km. The walk takes about 3 hours. In the afternoon we rest and take short walks nearby to complete our acclimatisation. We also practise using crampons.

    Altitude
    4,980 m (16,340 ft)
    On foot
    4 km, 3 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Stok Kangri Base Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. We leave shortly after midnight and walk for 3 hours to High Camp, then cross the glacier and climb up to the col. From here the route is steep, and we rope up and climb steadily to the summit, which is marked with prayer flags (4 to 5 hours from High Camp). We descend by the same route or, if conditions allow, directly down the scree slope. Return to Base Camp. Total distance 10 km, about 13 hours.

    Altitude
    6,153 m (20,190 ft) at the summit+1,173 m
    On foot
    10 km, 13 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Stok Kangri Base Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. This is a spare day, used if the weather is bad.

    Altitude
    4,980 m (16,340 ft)−1,173 m
    On foot
    Optional 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Stok Kangri Base Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  13. Today you descend to Stok village, which takes about 5 to 6 hours. At Stok we visit the Stok Palace Museum. Vehicles meet you there to drive you to Leh and then on to Pangong.

    Altitude
    4,250 m (13,940 ft)−730 m
    On foot
    5–6 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Pangong
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  14. Today you drive from Pangong to Leh, about 140 km, which takes 4 hours. Overnight in Leh.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)−750 m
    On foot
    None, 4 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Leh
    Meals
    Breakfast

  15. This is the last day of the trip. You fly to Delhi and connect with your onward flight to Heathrow.

    Altitude
    3,500 m (11,480 ft)
    On foot
    None, departure day
    Night in
    No overnight
    Meals
    Breakfast

What's included

  • Transport by Tempo Traveller (mini coach) for the Khardung La trip, from arrival in Srinagar to Leh, and to and from the trek start and end points
  • Sightseeing in Leh on the acclimatisation day
  • Ponies to carry luggage and full trek services
  • Tents shared by two people, mattresses, and hire of crampons, ice axes and boots (subject to size)
  • Meals, 2 cooks, helpers, experienced climbing Sherpas to guide the climb, and an emergency oxygen cylinder
  • Khardung La day trip
  • Peak fees payable at Base Camp
  • Transport for the Pangong day trip (Innova)
  • Environment fee
  • Inner Line Permit fee for foreign nationals, recently introduced by the district authorities
  • Sleeping bag, down jacket and duffel bag (to be returned)

Not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Personal expenses such as drinks
  • Extra costs arising from roadblocks, landslides, flight cancellations, rescue and evacuation, and insurance

Reviews

Exceptional5.0 out of 5Reviews from Tripadvisor
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Showing 10 reviews from 901 on Tripadvisor

Experience with earthbound!!

August 2026, Tripadvisor

Thanks to Rajan G for organizing such a wonderful team and for taking such good care of all of us throughout the journey. The arrangements, food, hospitality, and support were excellent. Thank you, Ram G for always being there to help, especially when I wasn’t feeling well. Your kindness and support were greatly appreciated. Aarjun as well. You are truly an inspiration to the younger generation. your positive attitude, and the way you support your dad are admirable.

Chandrika PRead on Tripadvisor

Excellent and memorable kailash yatra 2026

August 2026, Tripadvisor

Rajan ji and their team provided excellent guidance on how to complete the yatra. They were monitoring all essential health vitals and providing full support and planning during and after yatra . I would recommend the hard working team for all mountain expeditions . Great job Deepak Mehta & Monica Mehta

D MRead on Tripadvisor

Kailash Mansarovar Trip

August 2026, Tripadvisor

Amazing team of professionals who are meticulous and methodical in their approach and make your trip memorable! They are lead by an exceptional leader Rajan Simkhada. The team includes wonderful human beings Arjun, Ramji, Narayan and Tarkela to name a few. From pick up to accommodation and food is carefully crafted! I recommend them highly!

SubhRead on Tripadvisor

Kailash Yatra

July 2026, Tripadvisor

A friend referred me to the Earthbound Expedition. Before I signed up, Rajan ji was available all the time whether on call or Whatsapp chat in answering any queries. The planning was spot on whether the paper work or to get the approvals for visas which reduced a lot of waiting time at the immigration. We are a group of 19 and the supporting staff were 10. The food arrangements were great mostly Indian type and accommodation at various places were good. The supporting staff was very curtious through out the yatra and the every day plan was communicated up front. This is a group yatra and our group is right up to the optimal size and very supportive of each other in completing the yatra together. Sriram Ji led this group along with Kedar Ji and thanks to the entire Earthbound Expedition team for the great experience - Nepal, lake Manassarovar and Mount Kailash. Om Namah Shivaya!

Santosh AOrlando, FloridaRead on Tripadvisor

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