Duration : 08 Days.
Highlights : Mountains, landscape, villages, monasteries, people and the Himalayan panorama.
Focus : Stok Kangri peak, Hemis and Thikse monasteries, Tibetan village and Stok Palace.
Peak Altitude : 6121 meters above sea-level.
Trek Grade : Strenuous as it involves climbing.
Best Time : Mid June to September.

Details:

Day 1: Arrive in Leh:

You will be met at the airport upon your arrival in Leh. Our Representative will then escort you to your pre-booked hotel situated in the central part of the city. The day will be spent in complete rest to acclimatize you in this high altitude region. In the evening you will take a light stroll to the market.

Day 2: In Leh:
Breakfast at the hotel.

We visit the ancient monasteries of Shey, with its enormous statue of the Buddha and Thikse Monastery, known as one of the most important Gompas known in Central Ladakh. The monastery has some beautiful paintings and gilded statues of the Buddha. In the afternoon we drive down to the most wealth and famous monastery known locally as Hemis. Built in the 17th century, the monastery is tucked away in a secluded grove of poplars and is known for its interesting architecture and wall studded murals. We return back to the hotel in the evening.

Day 3: In Leh:
Breakfast at the hotel.

We will do some morning sightseeing by visiting the famous monastery of Phyang. Located in a small village around thirty kilometers from Leh, the monastery is famously associated with the Red Hat sect of the Buddhist religion. Surrounded by a village the monastery looks dazzling and striking like a medieval castle with gilded rooftops and large horns. We later drive back to Leh and visit a small yet a beautiful monastery located in Samkar on the outskirts of the city. After attending the religious ceremonies we will walk up to a beautiful Pagoda known famously as Shanti Stupa. From here we will have some beautiful views of the Indus valley and the Stok Kangri range. Evening and overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Leh to Stok and trek to Advanced Base Camp:
Breakfast at the hotel.

We begin the day with a small tour to the Tibetan village located on our way to the Stok Trekking point. Settled in the early 1970’s in a small village, the Tibetan settlement for children is now a large base for the many orphans who have fled from Tibet and are now living under the protection of the Dalai Lama and the Indian Government. With a big school, prayer hall, community kitchen and large homes that can accommodate around 10 to 20 people headed by a matron (lady), the village acts independently like all TCV villages in the country. From here we will continue our drive to the Stok point where we meet the expedition staff and continue walking towards our destination. After a 6 hrs trek across the high Himalayan valley, you will arrive at your first camp of the day. The evening will be spent in a spectacular view of the summit, with brightly glowing stars in the blue sky.

Day 5: Attempt Summit:
Breakfast at the camp.

We trek today to attempt the summit. From the base camp we climb straight up the moraine, which stands immediately above our camp. We access the glacier using our crampons if the need arises and cross a few crevasses and melting water streams to arrive at the high camp. After a few minutes of rest, we will begin our ascent, as we scramble over scree and boulders, that lead up to the south ridge. The 1,500 ft ridge that stretches up to the summit is exciting and superbly exposed, although never particularly steep and very straightforward. Most of the ridge is like a steep path, so ropes are not usually necessary, although some scrambling is required. At an altitude approaching 20,000 ft it is extremely tiring and anybody who needs a rope will be able to use one. The summit is a superb reward for your effort, giving magnificent views in every direction. The city of Leh is so small that you can barely see it. After taking photographs and perhaps a bite to eat, we set off back down the hill. The route taken depends on the leader, but it is usually a reversal of the way we went up. We return all the way back to base camp.

Day 6: Summit Reserve Day:
Breakfast at the camp.

We will attempt the peak if we have not made it to the summit yesterday. The day is also spent in exploring the other smaller peaks and passes.

Day 7: Advance Camp to Stok and Leh:
Breakfast at the camp.

We will begin our journey back to Leh from the base camp. Arriving at the village in the afternoon we will spent an hour visiting the Royal Palace and its small museum, full of armaments, clothes, jewelry, religious paintings and other murals and frescoes. Later we will drive back to Leh. The evening will be spent in taking a stroll in the market, wherein you can shop for trinkets and souvenirs to take back home.

Day 8: Leh departure:
Breakfast at the hotel.

You will be transferred in time to the domestic airport for your flight to onward destination.

For details on what is included and excluded please see our frequently answered Questions (FAQ’S) or contact us directly.