STOK KANGRI & THE MARKHA VALLEY TREK
(A superb trek and climb in the Buddhist stronghold of Ladakh)

Flying into the Ladakhi capital of Leh, the shapely peak of Stok Kangri (20075ft.) is prominent on the southern skyline. Spending several days acclimatizing, we visit the colorful monasteries at Shey, Thikse and Hemis before setting off on the lovely trek through the Markha Valley. Our route leads by way of several remote and picturesque villages to the high Nimaling Plain below the imposing peak of Kang Yatze. Crossing the Kongmaru La, we then follow an unusual high route to Stok Kangri Base Camp, a 3-day approach to the mountain, which includes superbly located campsites and far-reaching views towards Tibet and the eastern Karakoram. Although objectively very safe and technically straightforward (involving low-angle scree and easy snow slopes), the climb on Stok Kangri is both challenging and interesting. This is a wonderfully varied trip, perfectly suited to someone seeking his or her first Himalayan summit.

Day 1. Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi late evening and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2. Delhi - Leh (3500 m)
An early morning transfer to the domestic terminal of the airport for the flight up to Leh. This surely is one of the most sensational scheduled flights in the world, taking you right over the top of the Greater Himalaya before dropping down in a series of steep turns, to land at the small airport at Leh. Flight time approx. 1½ hours. You will be met on arrival and driven through Leh to check into the Hotel. Leh is at an altitude of 11,500ft/3,500m and therefore we recommend that the rest of the day be spent resting to help adjust to the altitude.

Day 3:AT LEISURE IN LEH.
Again take it easy today and enjoy a tour around town. Leh is very Tibetan; the national dress, 'stove-pipe' hats and felt boots with turned-up toes are much in evidence. The Royal Palace, which dominates the town, is very reminiscent of the Potala in Lhasa and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, large chortens, prayer flags and mud brick houses with flat roofs are a dramatic culture change from the hot, teeming frenetic rush of Delhi. Don't try to do too much on this first day! Visit the palace,

Day 4. Sightseeing tour, Shey, Thikse and Hemis monasteries. Return to Leh. Hotel.

Day 5. Drive up to the Khardung La (5300m) as an acclimatisation exercise. Return to Leh. Hotel.
Day 6. Drive to the village of Chilling on the west bank of the Zanskar River (3100m).

Day 7. Cross the river on a pulley bridge and trek to Skiu in the Markha Valley.

Day 8. A long day of trekking beside the Markha River to Markha Village (3800m).

Day 9. Still following the river, trek to the highest village in the valley, at Hangkar (4100m).

Day 10. Trek up onto the Nimaling Plain, to a camp (4600m) beneath the peak of Kang Yatze.

Day 11. Rest day. Explore towards Kang Yatze.

Day 12. Trek up to the Kongmaru La (5100m) and descend through a rocky gorge to Chogdo (4000m).

Day 13. Heading west through uncharted territory and crossing several passes, trek to Shang Po (4350m).

Day 14. More rugged terrain and superb treking, en route to Gangpoche. (4320m).

Day 15. Approaching Stok Kangri, descend into the Stok Valley and trek up to the basecamp at 4900 metres.

Day 16. A rest and acclimatisation day. Time to sort out equipment for the climb.

Day 17. Climb Stok Kangri (6120m). Or, possibly move to a high camp (5300m).

Day 18. Spare day for climbing Stok Kangri. Return to basecamp.

Day 19. An easy morning’s descent to Stok Village and then drive to Leh. Afternoon free. Hotel.

Day 20. Fly to Delhi, transfer to the hotel.Overnight Hotel.

Day 21. Free day in Delhi. Optional half-day sightseeing tour. Evening transfer to the airport.

Day 22. fly back home.