When it comes to explore the untouched beauty of nature, nothing is better than the Himalayan Range. This range is located across the North-Eastern border of India. China and Nepal also shares a major part of this range. If you have gone for a few mountain treks during your adventure holidays, then you can plan your next trekking trip to Stok Kangri. Stok Kangri expedition is not for the faint-hearted people as it takes loads of energy and physical strength to complete the route.
Why To Choose Stok Kangri?
Cradled amidst the majestic mountain passes of the Himalaya and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Stok Kangri is a spectacular place as your next adventure holiday destination. Located at a height of about 6153 metres above the sea level, Stok Kangri is the highest point in Stok range of the Himalaya. Steep elevation of Stok Kangri comprises a significant part of Everest's height and thus making your expedition strenuous and difficult too. At Stok Kangri trek, you will be able to explore the serenity of rocky mountains of Ladakh along with the culture and heritage of local people.
How To Reach There?
You need to start your Stok Kangri expedition at Leh. From there you have to trek through the nearby areas to be acclimatized. In between the months of May to September, Leh can be accessed both by road and air. There are frequent flights between New Delhi and Leh airport. For a road trip, you have to take the route via Manali which can be accessed from Delhi as well as from Chandigarh. It takes usually 2-3 days to reach Leh during summer by road.
Ideal Time To Visit
The Stok Kangri trek takes at least a week to complete the route. You may need to spend first 2-3 days of your trek in Leh to get accustomed with the weather conditions of high elevations. Because of high elevation, temperature at Stok Kangri frequently goes below the freezing point. Summer is the best time to plan your journey. From May to September, weather conditions remains pretty perfect to kick start the journey. During the months of October and November, climate becomes a little unstable for trekking. In remaining months of the year, Ladakh and Leh is not at all suitable for trekking.
Permits for Stok Kangri Trek
Stok Kangri trek requires permits from the government authority and you have to pay the camping charge for your trek. You need to keep your valid ID cards with you like Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Passport or driving licence coupled with a few passport size photographs. You also have to produce a medical certificate confirming your physical fitness to go for the trek and a Disclaimer Certificate to affirm your voluntary participation in the trek. All participants of this trek have to get the climbing permits issued by the Office of Indian Mountaineering Foundation in Leh. The climbing permit takes one day to be issued.
Few Advices
The Stok Kangri trek is ideal to enjoy the ethereal beauty of the Himalayan range while forwarding through challenging situations and harsh climatic conditions. This trek is paired with hard level of difficulty. You should prepare your body and mind well in advance about the hardship you have to go through during the trek. Get well-equipped with proper clothing and protective items. Take a good care of your trekking gears during the trek and keep essentials like dry socks, wind jackets and caps ready in hand. Invest in a pair of good quality and right kind of trekking shoes in order to escape frostbites.
Attractions in Stok Kangri Trek
Best part of Stok Kangri trek is that you can witness and explore many beautiful places during your journey. Leh is a traveller-friendly place that offers you spectacular view of enchanting landscapes dotted with Buddist Stupas and small villages. You will also cover the Khardung La Pass which is known as the 'Pass of Lower Castle'. This offers breath-taking view of snow-covered peaks of the Karakoram Range. Stok village is also a beautiful place from where you can start your trek. It is the home of royal family and you can spot the Stok Palace here which is 200 years old.
Martin Wynn
Nguyen An Tra My
