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INDIA: Himalaya: Ladakh & Kashmir
Summit Ascent Mt. Stok Khangri (6121 m above sea level) with Markha-Trekking
• 18 days / 17 nights • 10-day trekking • 4-9 hrs. walking time/day • physically very challenging • trekking path, open terrain, scree slopes, snowfields • overnight in tent & permanent accommodation (3 - 4 x) • average altitude: 4500 m up to max. 6121 m above sea level • Accompanied by: trekking guide, kitchen staff / porters / pack animals (pony / dzo / dzomo)
Introduction
Surrounded by the mightiest mountain ranges of the world, located in the northernmost province of India, and rather difficult to access, is Ladakh one of the highest inhabited regions on earth. An unique, highly civilized and Buddhist-influenced culture has developed in the sparsely populated valleys at an average altitude of 3500 m. Like oases seem the quaint mountain villages of Ladakh, which are bordered by a mosaic of green fields in the vast, spectacular and barren mountain desert of the Himalayan high plateau. On many hilltops of this moon-like, solitary and magnificent landscape are castle-like monastery settlements. Sky Blue lakes contrast with white peaks, vast plains with high mountain passes and deep canyons.
Ladakh features probably with the exception of the Spiti region in Himachal Pradesh, the most spectacular landscape of the Indian subcontinent. The Tibetan cultural heritage has been able to assert itself here till today and one finds - unlike in Tibet itself - many well-preserved and much-used monasteries. The deep roots in Tibetan Buddhism characterise the spirit of the amiable Ladakhi, and are also reflected in their close connection with nature. The mountain world and also the amazingly diverse birdlife in this fascinating region in the Indian Himalayas reveal themselves best during a trekking.
The ascent of Mount Stok Khangri which, technically though not very demanding, however requires a very good condition, impeccable health and proper alpine experience due to the high altitude, is not only symbolically the highlight of this trip, and will truly be the crown of your bridge into this part of the world.
Highlights
- Insight into a peaceful, Buddhist high culture.
- Unique, untouched mountain landscape and impressive panoramas over splendid high mountain valleys.
- Summit ascent of Mount Stok Kangri.
- Visits: Leh, the village of Chilling, monastery and old castle in Markha, museum and castle Stok.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Delhi. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 : Onward flight to Leh (3500 m above sea level), the capital of Ladakh. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 : Sightseeing in Leh. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 : Drive to Chilling (3850 m above sea level). Overnight as a house guest at a homestay.
Day 5 : Continuation to Skiu (3500 m above sea level.). Overnight at the camp.
Day 6 : 1st day of trekking, walking time 7 hours to Markha (3850 m above sea level.), Sightseeing. Overnight at the camp.
Day 7 : 2nd trekking day, walking time 4 hours to Hankar (4000 m above sea level). Overnight at the camp.
Day 8 : 3rd day of trekking, walking time 4 hours after Nimaling (4650 m above sea level). Overnight at the camp.
Day 9 : 4th day of trekking, walking seven hours over the Kongmaru La - mountain pass (5150 m above sea level) to Chogdo (4000 m above sea level) Overnight at the camp.
Day 10 : 5th day of trekking, walking time 6-7 hours to the Gyuncho La - mountain pass (4600 m above sea level). Overnight at the camp.
Day 11 : 6th day of trekking, walking six hours over the Shang La - mountain pass (4800 m above sea level)
to Matho Phu (4350 m above sea level). Overnight at the camp.
Day 12 : 7th day of trekking, walking seven hours over the Mato La - mountain pass (4820 m above sea level)
to the Stok Khangri base camp (4700 m above sea level). Overnight at the camp.
Day 13 : 8th day of trekking, rest and acclimatization day at the base camp. Overnight at the camp.
Day 14 : 9th day of trekking, walking time 8-9 hours, climb to the summit of Stok Kangri (6121 m above sea level). Overnight at the camp.
Day 15 : 10th day of trekking, walking time 5 hours to Stok castle, sightseeing.
Drive back to Leh (3500 m above sea level). Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16 : Rest day in Leh with sightseeing and market visits. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 : Flight to Delhi, sightseeing. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 18 : Home or onward flight.
Best Travel Period
Ladakh can be travelled throughout the year, this Trekking Travel Module however is only recommended for the
rather warm, mostly dry summer season from June to September. From the end of September first snowfalls set in, that make many mountain passes impassable over the winter.
Tags: visit ladakh, himalayas, tibetan buddhism, mountain villages, ladakhi people, ladakhi culture, stok khangri