spacerMany climbers are always longing for higher peaks to conquer. The beautiful Alps rise only until the 4.810m summit of the Mont-Blanc, so it is natural to look farther; and of course, no matter how far you look, the highest mountains of the planet rest on the Himalayas, the roof of the world. The Stok Kangri, with its 6.154m, is an ideal entry-level peak, “easily” conquerable by not so technical climbers.

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The Stok Kangri is technically simple, but its height makes it nevertheless challenging.

ATTENTION: You should read this as well!

 

Facts about Stok Kangri

Difficulty: technically one of the easier peaks – but any 6k summit is by default a challenge for the body, and therefore must not be underestimated. A previous and good adjustment to height is essential.

Ascent requirements: other than the implied sure-footedness and absence of vertigo, a proficiency with crampons and ice axes is expected/recommended. The terrain is quite steep and the ridge is very exposed. Loose stones make the climb more difficult. The last 100m before the peak you will have to cross steep icy terrain.

Height: 6.154m (this is the official value, although there are many sources that point 6.120m; on Google Earth the value is instead “only” 6.060m ;))

Location: Ladakh, Indus Valley, part of the Stok chain, easily reachable from Leh.

Ascent duration: Usually 3-4 days (depending on physical condition and acclimatization). It can be combined with trekking routes of varying length in the Hemis National Park, since these also need a previous height adjustment.

Best season to climb: from June to the end of September (always depending on weather conditions).

Note! Permit: To climb the Stok Kangri you need a valid permit from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. You can get one in Leh or even at the base camp. Currently it costs 30€ / person.

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Ascent route of Stok Kangri (6.154m) from base camp.

Ascent in 4 days

 

Day 1: Stok-Smankarmo

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Elevation Profile (Click for enlarged view)

Leh is about 15km away from Stok and the trip by car takes approximately 30 min. Stok is also the seat of the royal family of Ladakh (it is a de facto royalty, devoid of political power). The palace is worth a short visit. At the end of the village is the starting point of the tour. First, a slow walk uphill along a glacial stream. After a while, it is necessary to overcome a small but steep pass. The route goes by impressive rock formations in the Stok Valley. Then it goes downhill until the creek, which we follow all the way to the night camp in Smankarmo. Smankarmo serves the people of Stok as summer pastures for their animals.

The maximum inclination on this day is about 40%, with an average of only about 10%.

Distance: 9 km.

Walking time: 4-5 hours.

Height of the camp: just below 4.400m.

Height difference: + 900 / -125m.

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On the way to Stok Kangri. Photo: Josef Reifenauer

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The way to Smankarmo goes over a small pass. Photo: Josef Reifenauer

Day 2: Smankarmo-Basislager

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Elevation profile (click for enlarged view)

The second day is a short one. We leave the campground and say “Julley” to the shepherds of the Stok grasslands. The route goes then uphill to the high valley, and past some stone huts belonging to the shepherds. The road is steep, but after approximately 3 hours we reach the base camp, just below 5,000m. From here we can see the glaciers of Golep Kangri, the smaller brother of Stok Kangri. At the same time, one can look down into the Indus and its green oases. For a better height adjustment and as preparation for the next day, a further increase in altitude is recommended before the short night’s sleep.

Max. Inclination: 44%, with an average of 18%.

Walking time: about 3 hours.

Height difference: + 623m / -23,3m.

Sleep height: 4.970m

Day 3: Ascent of Stok Kangri

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Elevation Profile (Click for enlarged view)

The night is very short, because we start to climb again when it is still dark – usually around 2am. With clear skies and good moonlight it is possible to go on without a head lamp. The route is also a bit steep at the start. It crosses a pass and rises steadily until you reach the Advanced Base Camp (ABC at 5.300m). After that, it’s time to walk over a flat glacier. Rope is usually not a must, since there are hardly any gaps, but it may be necessary to put the crampons on. Finally, we reach the long summit slope. We climb steeply, until about 5.700m, and branch off towards the summit ridge. Then we follow the ridge over several short steep sections until the top of the Stok Kangri at 6.154m (or less ;)). For this last bit, the use of ropes and crampons is also an option. In good weather, the summit offers a panoramic view of the mountains of Stok-, Ladakh and Zanskarkette, and the peaks of the Karakoram to the north. After a short break, the route goes the same way back to the base camp.

Max. Inclination: 84%, average 23.5%.

Walking time: 10-12 hours.

Height difference: + 1.130m / -55m.

 

 

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Sunrise at Stok Kangri

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The panoramic view of the surrounding mountains from Stok Kangri makes up for the hardships of the climb.

 

Day 4: Back to Stok

The way back to Stok follows the same route, if downhill and in opposite direction. After arriving in Leh, a celebration is in order (over a bottle of Godfather or Kingfisher, maybe?).

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A last look at the Stok Kangri before heading back to Leh.

 

Some of our expeditions

Of course there is more possible. These are only a few possibilites. If you intend to climb another peak, simply write to us: daniela@gesar-travel.com or tashi@gesar-travel.comspacer


[tg_program title=”Two sixthousanders in a row” place=”Expedition with climbing of two 6000ers“]If you need a challenge and want to climb not one but two six-thousanders, this is exactly the right trip for you. You will cimb two mountains in the Mentok range at Tsomoriri lake.[/tg_program]

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(c) Barbara Esser[tg_program title=”Stok Kangri in 2 weeks” place=”Expedition to a 6000er“]We offer you a two-weeks tour with ideal preparation for the ascent of Stok Kangri (6.154m), you get acclimatized by daily hikes and a short trek before our endeavor starts. So we are perfectly prepared and our chances are higher to summit the six-thousander at the end of our trip![/tg_program]

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(c) Markus Brixle

[tg_program title=”Sky of the nomads” place=”Trekking & Expedition in Changthang“]On this tour we fly at higher game: the nine-day-trek leads you through the the Tibetan High Plateau. And then you even climb a six-thousander.[/tg_program]

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