About the trek
As you stand at the base of Stok Kangri, the sheer scale of the peak rising above you is both awe-inspiring and daunting. This 9-day expert trek in Leh, Ladakh, is not for the faint-hearted. The Stok Kangri Trek demands not just physical endurance but also technical climbing skills as you navigate the challenging terrain to summit this 6153m giant. The trail takes you through high-altitude desert landscapes, past shimmering glacial lakes, and into the realm of perpetual snow. Each day brings a new set of challenges—steep ascents, rocky outcrops, and the ever-present specter of altitude sickness. But the reward is unparalleled: standing on the summit, with the wind whipping around you and the entire Ladakh range laid out below. This trek is for those who seek not just a hike, but a true mountaineering adventure.
Key Facts
Why Trekkers Love It
- 01Summit a peak over 6000m with technical climbing sections.
- 02Navigate through high-altitude desert and glacial terrain.
- 03Experience the thrill of camping in the shadow of a giant.
- 04Encounter unique Ladakhi wildlife adapted to extreme conditions.
More Photos
Photo Gallery
5 photosDay by Day
The Route
Route & Itinerary
Leh
🚩 Starting Point
2 nights acclimatisation
Stok Village
Waypoint 1
Trek head, permits
Stok Base Camp
Waypoint 2
High camp for summit push
Stok Kangri Summit
▲ Highest Point
Highest trekking peak in Ladakh
Stok Village
🏁 End Point
Descent to base
Altitude
Elevation Profile
Leh
3,500m
Stok Village
3,600m
Stok Base Camp
4,900m
Stok Kangri Summit
6,153m
Stok Village
3,600m
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 Airport, Leh, 20km
Nearest Railway
Jammu Tawi Railway Station, 700km
Flight to Leh (2hrs, ₹8,000), then shared cab to Stok (1hr, ₹500)
Train to Jammu (20hrs, ₹1,500), then bus to Leh (24hrs, ₹1,000)
Direct bus to Leh (48hrs, ₹2,000)
Flight to Leh via Delhi (6hrs, ₹15,000)
Train to Jammu (48hrs, ₹3,000), then bus to Leh
Not recommended due to distance
Flight to Leh via Delhi (6hrs, ₹20,000)
Train to Jammu (60hrs, ₹4,000), then bus to Leh
Not recommended
Last Mile to Base Camp
Shared jeep from Leh to Stok village (1hr, ₹200), then 2km trek-in
Pro tip: Carry extra layers as temperatures drop sharply in the evening.
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
clothing
- Heavy down jacket (−20°C rated)
- Multiple thermal base layers
- Waterproof shell jacket & pants
- Insulated gloves + liner gloves
- Balaclava & woolen cap
- Neck gaiter / buff
footwear
- High-altitude mountaineering boots
- Crampons (mandatory)
- Gaiters
- Woolen socks × 5–6 pairs
- Camp sandals
equipment
- 60–70L backpack
- Sleeping bag rated −15°C to −20°C
- Trekking poles (mandatory)
- Ice axe
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Insulated water bottles 3 L
essentials
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (mandatory)
- Altitude medication (Diamox)
- Comprehensive first-aid kit
- Energy bars & trail mix
- Water purification tablets
- Lip balm with SPF
Safety Tips
- 1Technical climbing skills required
- 2Proper acclimatization mandatory
Permit & Entry Info
Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for Nubra, Pangong, and Hanle areas. Obtain from DC office in Leh or online at lahdclehpermit.in. Foreigners need Protected Area Permit (PAP).
Emergency Contacts
Leh Police Control Room
SNM Hospital Leh
High Altitude Rescue Leh
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The Stok Kangri Trek is an expert-level trek with significant altitude gain and technical climbing sections. Daily distances range from 4-7 km, with steep ascents and rocky terrain.
The best months are July, August, and September when the weather is stable, and the trail is accessible. July offers the best snow conditions for the summit push.
Costs range from ₹15,000 to ₹35,000 depending on transport, food, permits, and whether you hire a guide and porter.
Yes, a Inner Line Permit (ILP) and trekking permit are required. These can be obtained in Leh for a nominal fee.
No, this trek is not suitable for beginners due to its technical difficulty, high altitude, and demanding terrain.
The max altitude is 6153m. Altitude sickness is a risk; acclimatize properly and know the symptoms.
Essentials include a good quality sleeping bag, technical climbing gear, high-altitude clothing, trekking poles, and a first aid kit.
The nearest city is Leh. From Leh, take a shared cab or bus to Stok village (20km), then trek-in 2km to the base camp.
The total distance is 40 km, with daily treks ranging from 4-7 km.
Not recommended. The technical sections and high altitude make a guide essential for safety.
Day temperatures in July-September range from 10-20°C, while nights can drop below freezing.
Mobile network is unreliable beyond Leh. Carry enough cash as there are no ATMs at the base camp.
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