Located in the beautiful Hemis National Park in Ladakh, the Stok Kangri Trek is the highest trekkable peak in India (20,180 feet). While you don’t need any advanced training or professional mountain climbing skills, it is still very difficult because of freezing weather, a very long final hike to the top, and a lack of oxygen at high altitudes.
The Stok Kangri trek is a dream come true for anyone who wants to experience an unforgettable hike in the Himalayas. Rising to a massive altitude of 6,153 metres, this mighty mountain is a dream come true for bold adventurers. It is a bucket-list challenge for experienced trekkers aiming to cross the 6,000-metre mark without needing technical climbing skills. This special journey will take you through quiet valleys and rocky paths and will test your fitness and mind.
What Makes the Stok Kangri Trek a Must-Do
The Stok Kangri trek in Ladakh is one of the most thrilling mountain adventures. It is located in a beautiful region, which is known for its kind and supportive people. The amazing scenery and unmatched views of the Zanskar and Indus Valleys make it a top destination for trekking in India and attract travelers from all over the world.
- Highest Trekkable Peak in India: At 20,180 ft., it is the highest peak in India that you can actually walk up to the top of. The best part is that it is even taller than the tallest mountains in Europe and Africa.
- No Special Climbing Skills Needed: It is a non-technical trek, which means you don’t need to know how to use ropes, ice axes, and other professional rock climbing skills to reach the top.
- Epic Views: When you reach the top, you get the chance to enjoy 360-degree views of the huge Karakoram and Zanskar mountain ranges. If you’re lucky enough, you can even see the famous K2 mountain on a super clear day.
- Great Practice for Bigger Climbs: It is the perfect training hike for trekkers who want to challenge themselves and build up the stamina and confidence needed to climb even bigger mountains in the future.
Stok Kangri Trek: Your Step-By-Step 9 Day Itinerary
Stok Kangri Trek is higher than Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro and Europe’s Mount Elbrus. You don’t have to be a climbing expert to complete this trek. The best part is that once you reach the top, you get to see unmatched views. However, before planning for this high-altitude trek in the Indian Himalayas, you should know the basic details so you can easily plan your itinerary. It is always advised to plan this trek with experts or regional service providers who conduct group treks.
| Day | Start Point | End Point | Max Altitude | Distance / Duration |
| Day 1 | Arrival | Leh | 11,500 ft (3,500 m) | Rest & Get Used to High Altitude |
| Day 2 | Leh | Leh | 11,500 ft (3,500 m) | Local exploration |
| Day 3 | Leh | Chang Ma | 13,087 ft (3,989 m) | 15 km drive / 5 km trek |
| Day 4 | Chang Ma | Mankorma | 14,200 ft (4,328 m) | 4 km trek (approx. 3 hrs) |
| Day 5 | Mankorma | Base Camp | 16,300 ft (4,968 m) | 4 km trek (approx. 4 hrs) |
| Day 6 | Base Camp | Base Camp | 16,300 ft (4,968 m) | Technical Training |
| Day 7 | Base Camp | Summit -> Base | 20,182 ft (6,153 m) | 14 km trek (12–14 hrs) |
| Day 8 | Base Camp | Leh | 11,500 ft (3,500 m) | 13 km trek / 15 km drive |
| Day 9 | Leh | Departure | 11,500 ft (3,500 m) | Fly home |
Day 1: Arrival in Leh
Altitude: 11,500 feet (3,500 meters)
Your thrilling Stok Kangri trek adventure starts with your arrival in Leh. This beautiful region is located at a height of 3,500 meters. It is best to take a flight from your location and land at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. After landing, check into your hotel and spend the day completely resting to avoid AMS.
You must make sure you carry photocopies of your ID and two passport-sized photographs. If you are a foreign national, it is best to carry your passport and visa copies. You must know in advance that ATMs and gear rental shops are available in the town. But make sure you don’t smoke or drink alcohol a day before you start the hike.
Day 2: Acclimatization and Leh Sightseeing
Altitude: 11,500 feet (3,500 meters)
You should spend your day 2 of the Stok Kangri trek exploring the local culture. You can visit the famous monasteries, like Shey, Thiksey, Sangam, or Hemis. You can also enjoy walking around the local market. Make sure you don’t do any physically demanding activities like river rafting before the trek.
You must not travel to very high passes or locations on day 2, as this day must help you adjust to the thin mountain air. It is best that you preserve your energy and spend another night resting at your hotel before the trek.
Day 3: Drive to Stok Village & Trek to Chang Ma
Altitude: 13,087 feet (3,980 meters)
On day 3, your trekking journey will start with a short 15 km drive to Stok village. You will reach the Stok Village from Leh within 35 to 40 minutes. Next, you will start a 6 km uphill trek to Chang Ma. You will reach the Chang Ma campsite after 4 to 5 hours of climbing. You will spend your first night on this journey sleeping outdoors inside a tent.
Day 4: Trek from Chang Ma to Mankorma
Altitude: 14,200 feet (4,328 meters)
On day 4, you need to cover a short 4 km hike, which will take about three hours. This path will go up gently by 400 meters, and you will finish at 4,400 meters. This easy trail to Mankorma will help your body get used to the high altitude. You will get to enjoy beautiful views of unique rock formations. Once you arrive at the campsite, you can enjoy lunch and a relaxing dinner, and you need to stay overnight in your tent.
Day 5: Trek from Mankorma to Stok Kangri Base Camp
Altitude: 16,300 feet (4,968 meters)
On day 5, you will face a steeper and more challenging climb as you move toward the Stok Kangri base camp at 5,000 m. This 5 km journey will take around 6 hours to complete. Once you reach the campsite, you will enjoy amazing views. Once you set up your camp, you can enjoy a comforting lunch and dinner and spend the night in your tent.
Day 6: Rest and Technical Training Day
Altitude: 16,300 feet (4,968 meters)
Your day 6 in this amazing trekking journey will be all about resting and learning basic climbing skills. Your guide will give you your technical gear and teach you how to use it on the snow. You will also get to learn safety rules and then plan for the final climb. Make sure to rest and sleep well in the afternoon, so you will be fully prepared for a midnight departure.
Day 7: Base Camp to Stok Kangri Peak and Back
Altitude: 20,182 feet (6,153 meters)
Your guide will wake you up between 9:30 PM and 11:00 PM to start the climb to the Stok Kangri peak under the stars. You will trek 7 km each way, and this will take 12 to 14 hours in total. The trail starts with a steep climb to a resting spot, and then it becomes an easier walk to the Advanced Base Camp. Then you have to cross a flat glacier before making the final climb up the ridge to reach the top between 6 and 8 AM.
Make sure you carry hot water, as the glacier point is freezing cold. You will get to enjoy incredible views of the Karakoram range and the Zanskar mountains. After enjoying and resting, your trek to Base Camp will start, and you will reach your destination by noon.
Day 8: Base Camp to Stok Village and Drive to Leh
Altitude: 11,500 feet (3,500 meters)
Your journey back to Leh will begin with a long 15 km downhill walk to Stok village. This trek takes about 6 hours. After enjoying your lunch, you will start your drive back to Leh. By around 5:00 PM, you will reach Leh. Then, you can check into your hotel and enjoy a warm shower and a comfortable dinner.
Day 9: Departure from Leh
Altitude: 11,500 feet (3,500 meters)
Day 9 will end your thrilling trekking adventure in Leh, and after you have your breakfast, you need to drive to Leh airport. However, make sure you keep an extra day in your itinerary, as bad weather and other situations can make it difficult for you to reach the Stok Kangri peak on day 7. However, if you successfully reach the summit as planned, you can use an extra day to enjoy other adventures in Leh, like rafting on the Zanskar River, mountain biking, or taking a trip to Pangong Lake.
What Is the Eligibility for the Stok Kangri Trek?
You must be at least 16 years old and have experience in Himalayan treks above 14,000 feet for the Stok Kangri trek. Although no special skills are required for this trek, it is always advised that beginners should not attempt this summit.
- Altitude History: You must have completed at least 10 to 15 days of trekking in the Himalayas. If you have experience in treks above 15,000 ft, you can easily complete the Stok Kangri trek.
- Technical Skills: You must have basic knowledge and comfort using an ice axe, crampons, and other tools.
- Physical Fitness: You must be able to jog 5 km in under 25 to 30 minutes or walk continuously for 10 km on plain terrain.
- Breath Control and Stamina: You should be able to hold your breath for at least 40 seconds. Trekkers should practice by hiking with an 8 to 10 kg backpack.
- Age: Minimum age is generally 16 years, while some operators put the upper limit around 50–57 years. However, whether you are eligible for this journey or not depends on your fitness level.
Note: You might need to provide a medical fitness certificate, signed, or other permits before the climb.
How to Reach Leh for Stok Kangri Trek
To reach Leh, which is the base for the highest trekkable peak in India, you can fly into Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport or travel by road. Once you arrive in Leh, it is best to spend at least 2 days adapting to the new weather and plan for your journey ahead.
| Mode of Transport | Routes & Origin Points | Duration | Details |
| By Air (Recommended) | Flights to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) from Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, Jammu, and Chandigarh. | 1.5 to 2.5 hours | The most convenient way to travel, but it requires 2 to 3 days of acclimatization in Leh (11,500 ft) before the trek. |
| By Road (Highway) | Manali-Leh Highway (via Rohtang, Tanglang La) or Srinagar-Leh Highway (via Zoji La). | 2 Days | Scenic, thrilling routes perfect for road trips. Ideal for gradual acclimatization. Highways typically open between late May and early October. |
| By Bus | Bus services depart from ISBT Kashmere Gate (Delhi) or Manali via Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). | 30 to 36 hours | A budget-friendly option, but the journey can be very exhausting and is dependent on weather-friendly road conditions. |
Plan an Unforgettable Himalayan Adventure
Reaching the top of the Stok Kangri Trek is a dream for many. The highest trekkable peak in India tests your body and mind. If you love big adventures, this trek will help you make many beautiful memories. However, to complete this trek, you need good physical fitness, careful planning, and expert local guides. So, before you try this trek, you must make sure you are ready for this big challenge.
The joy of reaching the top will be magical, but you must place your safety first and then your passion for adventure. The Stok Kangri trek is currently closed, as LAHDC and local village authorities have banned the route to protect the local glaciers. Until no official dates are announced for its reopening, you can explore the other options, like the Kang Yatse 2 peak and Mentok Kangri. You can confirm directly from a trusted local operator whether you can still legally book and complete the lower valley and Base Camp trek.
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