High Altitude Trekking and the Kingdom of Ladakh 

Ladakh, ‘the land of high passes’ is sandwiched between the great mountain ranges of the Himalaya and the Karakoram. It offers a wonderful opportunity to explore this predominantly Buddhist region in the extreme north of India, close to the Tibetan border, and attempt a fantastic 6000m trekking peak.

Culturally Ladakh is part of the former Guge kingdom of Western Tibet and still has strong affinities with Buddhist culture - monasteries, chortens and prayer flags fill the stark and startling landscape. The mountain scenery is equally dominant, this region being known as the Trans-Himalaya, with innumerable 6000m peaks. This is high altitude desert, beyond the influence of the Indian monsoon, the summers warm and rainless, save for the occasional storm bringing snow to the mountains. The region was virtually self-sufficient until about 25 years ago when new air and road connections brought in tourists and money. Leh, the ancient capital, has naturally changed the most although the legacy of its isolated past is still very apparent. In many of the outlying villages little has changed and the barley crop is still the fulcrum around which life revolves.
To the south of Leh and high above the Indus Valley stands the 6000m peak of Stok Kangri. This relatively short but decidedly adventurous trek takes us into the heart of the Trans-Himalaya for an attempt on this non-technical trekking peak. Our route is challenging but not too tricky and there is plenty of time to acclimatise in and around Leh and on the walk in. The final push to the peak is optional and there are many excellent walks from the base camp with equally rewarding views. Ice axe and crampons are required for the summit day and are provided. In our view, this is the perfect first 6000m peak for the enthusiastic walker with some experience at higher altitude.  Please note that the actual walking route into the mountain may vary depending upon local conditions especially concerning availability of water.

Accommodation and Itinerary

Day 1 Depart London. 2 Arrive New Delhi. 3 * hotel.  3 Spectacular early morning flight to Leh; afternoon at leisure to acclimatise and explore this ancient capital of Ladakh. 3* hotel for 3 nights. 4/5 Two fascinating days exploring the cultural history and landscape in and around Leh. We visit nearby monasteries and include short walks to continue acclimatisation. Visit Tikse and Shey Gompas, Hemis and Leh Palace. 6 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. 7 Walking through the Ladakhi landscapes of the upper Shang valley. Overnight camp. 8 A tougher day; ascend the pass of Shang La (4968m) with views of Stok Kangri and Matho peaks in front and Parcha Kangri behind. Camp near Gyang Poche (4145m). 9 A shorter day, to the base of Matho La (4297m) with an optional afternoon hike along the slopes of the Kangri Massif to altitudes of 5800m. Views of the Karakoram and distant Tibetan plateau. Overnight camp. 10 Another tougher day crossing the Matho La at 4907m. Stok Kangri peak looms ahead. Camp with views of Gulep Kangri. 11 Establish a base camp in preparation for the summit tomorrow. The more energetic can attempt some of the nearby ridges or simply relax at the campsite. 12 Summit Day. This is a long day (at least 12 hours) and begins before dawn. The ascent is non-technical but does involve an exposed ridge and some snow. From the summit of Stok Kangri (6114m) a panorama of Himalaya extends in every direction - the Great Himalaya, the Ladakhi range, the Karakoram and the distant Tibetan Plateau. For those not wishing to attempt the peak there are plenty of good walks with excellent views around the base camp. 13 Easy day returning down the Stok Valley to Stok and transport to Leh. 3* hotel accommodation for 2 nights. 14 A day relaxing in and around Leh. Optional jeep trip (not included) to Khardong La (5602m) the highest motorable road in the world. 15 Early morning flight to Delhi. Independent sightseeing or at leisure in Delhi in the afternoon. 3* hotel.
16 At leisure in Delhi. Late afternoon departure for the airport. 17 Arrive London.

Sherpa Notes

Grade
Challenging Plus. The climb to the summit is a long hard day of about 12 hours but is non-technical. The trek is at high altitude but with enough time for most to acclimatise. You should however be aware that some people have difficulty with altitudes of this magnitude.

Max Altitude
Max 5240m (base camp). 6144m (with climb to summit).

Support
This is a fully serviced trek, you need to carry a daypack with your own essential items.

Trek Crew
Experienced Trek Leader.

Accommodation and Meals
Bed and breakfast is included on all nights spent in hotels. All meals are provided on trek. Hotels are all 3* (Indian classification).

Travel
Fly to Delhi. *Domestic return flight between Delhi and Leh.

*Local payment. Due to civil aviation regulations the domestic flights between Delhi and Leh must be paid for locally, the cost is approx. £318

Sherpa Expeditions, 131a Heston Road, Hounslow TW5 0RF, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 8577 2717 Fax: +44 (0)20 8572 9788
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