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onMay 5, 2025

Stok Kangri Trek – A High-Altitude Highlight of Your Ladakh Trip

Leh-Ladakh

5 min read

Rising dramatically above the town of Leh, the Stok Kangri peak (6,153 m) dominates the southern skyline like a silent sentinel of the Himalayas. For decades, it stood as the highest non-technical trekking peak in India, inviting adventurers and thrill-seekers to test themselves in Ladakh’s raw, high-altitude wilderness.

Though recent conservation efforts have led to temporary restrictions on summit attempts, the trail to Stok Kangri Base Camp remains a stunning addition to any Ladakh itinerary, 6 Days Ladakh Tour Package Itinerary offering a challenging and rewarding experience for well-prepared trekkers.

If you’re planning a Ladakh trip that goes beyond road trips and monastery visits, and you’re ready to step into the world of alpine expeditions, Stok Kangri offers a glimpse into the untamed spirit of this Himalayan kingdom.

In This Blog

Where is Stok Kangri?

Region: Ladakh, India
Range: Zanskar Range (Trans-Himalayan belt)
Base Village: Stok Village (approx. 17 km from Leh)
Altitude: 6,153 meters (20,187 ft)
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 days

Located just a short drive away from Leh, Stok Kangri rises steeply in a region that offers some of the most visually dramatic and ecologically delicate terrain in Ladakh. The trail from Stok village to Base Camp winds through arid gorges, high-altitude meadows, and glaciers — a perfect addition for trekkers building an advanced Ladakh itinerary that includes adventure, endurance, and solitude.

Why Choose Stok Kangri on Your Ladakh Trip?

It’s one of the few accessible 6,000 m summits that non-technical trekkers could attempt (when open).
Offers a genuine high-altitude mountaineering experience without ropes, walls, or ice axes (though conditions may vary).
Provides unparalleled views of the Zanskar Range, the Karakoram, and even distant peaks in Tibet and Pakistan.
An excellent trek to add to a Ladakh itinerary focused on adventure and personal achievement.

Is It Open in 2025?

As of recent updates, Stok Kangri has been closed since 2020 by the Ladakh administration to allow the region to recover from excessive tourism and trekking activity. While the summit is off-limits, the base camp trek is still accessible, and just reaching there is a stunning experience in itself.

Always check the current status with local trekking agencies or the Indian Mountaineering Foundation before planning your ascent.

Stok Kangri Trek Itinerary Overview (4–5 Days)

Day 1: Leh to Stok Village – Trek to Mankarmo (3,980 m)

Distance: ~9 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs

Start your adventure from Stok village, a quiet hamlet known for its royal heritage and traditional Ladakhi homes. The trail climbs steadily along the Stok River gorge, with colorful rocks, occasional ibex sightings, and surreal, Mars-like terrain. Mankarmo, a high-altitude pasture, is your first campsite.

Tip: Spend 2–3 days in Leh before beginning this trek — proper acclimatization is critical for preventing AMS during your Ladakh trip.

Day 2: Mankarmo to Stok Kangri Base Camp (4,980 m)

Distance: ~4 km | Duration: 3–4 hrs

Today’s trail is shorter, but you’ll feel the altitude. The path rises gradually through dry moraine landscapes to a natural bowl beneath Stok Kangri — the Base Camp. This is your home for the night and, for many trekkers, the high point if the summit remains closed.

Optional: Spend an additional day at Base Camp for acclimatization. This greatly increases your chances of summit success and helps avoid symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness, a common concern in many high-altitude segments of a Ladakh itinerary.

Day 3: Summit Attempt (6,153 m)

Distance: ~13 km (round trip) | Duration: 10–14 hrs

Currently closed for summit attempts — for reference only.

This day starts between midnight and 2 AM. You’ll begin the ascent under starlight, cross scree fields and snow slopes, and navigate a glacier section where crampons or ice axe support may be needed. The final ridge to the summit is narrow and steep.

Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a 360° view across Ladakh, including the Karakoram Range, Zanskar mountains, and possibly even the outline of K2 on the Pakistan border. Most describe this moment as emotional, humbling, and unforgettable.

Day 4: Base Camp to Stok – Return to Leh

Distance: ~8–9 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs

A leisurely descent back through the gorge to Stok village, followed by a transfer back to Leh — the trek ends, but the memory stays with you. You’ve now added one of Ladakh’s most physically and spiritually significant adventures to your itinerary.

Trek Essentials at a Glance

Feature	Details
Duration	4–5 days
Level	Difficult (altitude, terrain, long summit day)
Max Altitude	6,153 m (Stok Kangri)
Distance	~34 km
Best Time to Go	Mid-June to September
Permit Required	Yes (check status via local authorities)
Recommended for	Experienced high-altitude trekkers

How to Prepare for Stok Kangri on Your Ladakh Trip

Acclimatize in Leh for 2–3 days.
Follow a high-carb, light diet and avoid alcohol/smoking.
Include short hikes to Shanti Stupa, Khardung La or Hemis in your acclimatization phase.
Train physically for a month before — cardio, hikes, and strength exercises are essential.
Travel with a certified Ladakhi guide and carry portable oxygen, especially during summit attempt.

AMS & Responsible Trekking

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is the biggest threat on this trek. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. If not managed, it can escalate to HAPE or HACE, both potentially fatal.

Tips to stay safe:

Hydrate (3–4 L/day)
Ascend gradually
Listen to your body — never push through severe symptoms
Carry Diamox (consult your doctor before use)
Avoid solo trekking

Is Stok Kangri Right for Your Ladakh Itinerary?

Include Stok Kangri if you’re:

Looking for a serious adventure challenge in Ladakh
In excellent shape with high-altitude trekking experience
Planning a 2-week Ladakh trip with acclimatization buffer days
Prepared to take the ecological and physical aspects seriously

If you’re new to trekking in Ladakh, consider starting with Markha Valley, Sham Valley, or Nubra trails, which are scenic yet easier.

Conclusion: A Peak of Self-Discovery in the Himalayas

The Stok Kangri trek is not just a trail. It’s a threshold — between the known and unknown, between endurance and euphoria. Even if the summit stays off-limits in the coming years, walking the route to Base Camp still gives you a glimpse of what Ladakh truly is: untamed, humbling, and transformative.

If your Ladakh itinerary includes more than sightseeing — if you’re looking for a test of strength and a deeper connection with nature — then Stok Kangri belongs on your map.

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