About the trek
As you stand at the base of Stok Kangri, the sheer scale of the mountain looms over you, a sentinel of the Himalayas. The air is thin, the path steep, and the challenge ahead is as much mental as it is physical. This is not just a trek; it's an ascent to a 6,153m summit, one of the most accessible 6,000m peaks in the world. You'll traverse through alpine meadows, cross glacial streams, and navigate rocky terrains. The best moments? Reaching the high camp at 5,300m, where the night sky is a canvas of stars, and finally, standing atop the summit, where the entire Zanskar range and the Karakoram peaks lay beneath you. This trek suits those with a thirst for high-altitude adventure and a spirit undeterred by challenge. Expect to be tested, to push your limits, and to emerge with a profound sense of achievement.
Key Facts
Why Trekkers Love It
- 01The most accessible 6,000m summit in the world.
- 02Panoramic views of the entire Zanskar range and the Karakoram peaks.
- 03Traverse through diverse terrains from alpine meadows to glacial zones.
- 04Experience the thrill of high-altitude camping at 5,300m.
More Photos
Photo Gallery
5 photosDay by Day
The Route
Route & Itinerary
Leh
🚩 Starting Point
Stok Village
Waypoint 1
Mankorma
Waypoint 2
Stok Base Camp
Waypoint 3
Stok Kangri Summit
🏁 End Point
Altitude
Elevation Profile
Leh
3,500m
Stok Village
3,600m
Mankorma
4,100m
Stok Base Camp
4,900m
Stok Kangri Summit
6,153m
Start
3,500m
Peak
6,153m
Total Gain
+2,653m
When to Go
Monthly Climate Guide
Best months to trek: Jul, Aug, Sep. Avoid Jan, Feb, Dec — heavy rainfall makes trails risky.
Jun
NOWPeak Season
5–22°C
Jul
BESTWarm & Dry
8–25°C
Aug
BESTWarm & Dry
8–24°C
Sep
BESTCrisp & Clear
5–18°C
Getting There
How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh, 20 km
Nearest Railway
Jammu Tawi Railway Station, 700 km
Flight to Leh, 1.5 hrs, ₹8,000–₹15,000
Train to Jammu, then road to Leh, 24 hrs, ₹2,000–₹4,000
Direct bus/car, 24 hrs, ₹1,500–₹3,000
Flight to Leh via Delhi, 4 hrs, ₹12,000–₹20,000
Train to Jammu, then road to Leh, 36 hrs, ₹3,000–₹6,000
Bus/car via Manali, 48 hrs, ₹2,500–₹5,000
Flight to Leh via Delhi, 5 hrs, ₹15,000–₹25,000
Train to Jammu, then road to Leh, 48 hrs, ₹4,000–₹8,000
Bus/car via Manali, 72 hrs, ₹3,500–₹7,000
Last Mile to Base Camp
Shared jeep from Leh to Stok village, 1 hr, ₹300–₹500
Pro tip: Carry sufficient cash as ATMs are scarce beyond Leh.
Costs
Budget Breakdown
Trek costs ₹15,000–₹35,000 depending on your style and whether you hire a guide.
Mid-Range Trek
Guide + porter, comfortable guesthouses
per day
₹3,500 – ₹4,500 per day
Prices are estimates for 2025–26. Costs vary by season and group size.
Preparation
Pack & Stay Safe
What to Pack
gear
- Mountaineering boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag -20°C
clothing
- Expedition-grade down jacket
- Full thermal system
- Waterproof hardshell
- Balaclava
- Insulated gloves
essentials
- Altitude meds
- Rescue insurance
- Satellite communicator
Safety Tips
- 1Acclimatize 2 days in Leh before starting
- 2Requires crampons and ice axe experience
- 3Sun is extremely intense at this altitude — cover up
Permit & Entry Info
Inner Line Permit required for foreign nationals from DM office Leh.
Emergency Contacts
SNM Hospital Leh
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The Stok Kangri Trek is challenging, involving steep ascents, high altitude, and rugged terrain. Daily distances range from 6-10 km with significant altitude gain.
The best months are July, August, and September when the weather is stable, and the trails are clear of snow.
Costs range from ₹15,000 to ₹35,000, depending on transport, accommodation, food, permits, and guide fees.
Yes, a permit is required, which can be obtained from the Ladakh Tourism Department in Leh.
No, it's not recommended for beginners due to its challenging nature and high altitude.
The max altitude is 6,153m. Altitude sickness is a risk; acclimatization is crucial.
Essentials include warm clothing, sturdy trekking boots, a sleeping bag rated for -10°C, a hydration system, and high-energy snacks.
The nearest city is Leh. From Leh, take a shared cab or bus to Stok village, followed by a short trek-in to the base camp.
The total distance is approximately 45 km, with daily distances ranging from 6-10 km.
It's not recommended to attempt this trek without a guide due to the high altitude and challenging terrain.
Daytime temperatures range from 10-20°C, while nights can drop to -5°C or lower.
Mobile network is unreliable, and there are no ATMs at the base camp. Carry sufficient cash.
Have more questions? Use the AI planner above for personalised answers.
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