Though peaking at an impressive 6153 m, Stok Kangri is not a serious challenge for the amateur climber. It is not a technical climb and in season requires no advanced mountaineering equipment. The only difficulty with this climb may be the altitude. The view from the top is one of the best in the Himalaya offering great views of the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges including K2 (8611 m), the second highest peak in the world.
Best Season: June- September
Difficulty: Strenuous due to high altitude
It’s another steady climb in the morning, this time up to the Matho La (4,965m). From just before the pass we have our views of Stok Kangri. When it is clear, it is also possible to see the 8,000m Gasherbrum peaks 210 km away in Pakistan. Kashmir is in the narrow gap in the foreground. At the Matho La pass, we can walk 100m southwest on the top of the ridge, just past the first small hill for views of Saltoro Kangri. We then descend into the valley to the north of Stok Village. This lovely valley is a high and wild area, which is visited only by climbing groups and by the local people who spend some of the summer months in picturesque villages of stone huts, from where they tend their flocks of sheep and goats. We camp near Shepherds huts at
Smankarmo (4,380m) after 4 to 5 hours of walking.
Rafting in Zanskar river to go for another trek.
We require climbing permits from the Office of Indian Mountaineering Foundation, Mentokling Complex, Chanspa, Leh. It takes one day and we need your Passport and Visa number + 1 photograph. Permit costs 2000 INR per person (appro 30 euro).
Traditional Ladakhi village & culture, ancient monasteries, snow capped mountains in both Himalayan and Zanskar ranges, wild marmot and birds, incredible Himalayan scenery, beautiful campsites in villages & remote location.