Stok Kangri Mountain Charity Challenge

Ascend one of India's highest Himalayan peaks (6,114m)

This outstanding trek to the summit of India's magnificent mountain, Stok Kangri, (6,114m/20,130ft) is the perfect challenge for trekkers who want to summit an Indian Himalayan Peak. It is one of the main peaks of the Zansker range, situated in the fascinating region of Ladakh. This high and arid landscape has captured the imagination of travellers since it first opened to visitors in 1974. The expedition travels through remote valleys, scattered high villages and past hilltop monasteries to the base of the mountain.

Your trekking adventure begins at Leh where you will have plenty of time to acclimatise to the high altitude. This stark region of high passes and wild mountains is softened by the immense charm of the Ladakhi villages and their inhabitants. You will spend several days acclimatising by visiting the colourful monasteries at Shey, Thikse and Hemis and visiting the world highest motorable road at Khardungla before setting off on the memorable trek to Stok Kangri.

Your route leads through the village of Stok, where you will visit the Stok Palace the current home of an Indian Prince, Prince St Namgyal the Ladakhi prince and great grandson of King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal. This approach to the mountain allows you to gain altitude steadily and acclimatise to the conditions before reaching Stok Kangri.

You will trek for between 10-15kms per day and although the route is very safe and technically straightforward (involving low-angle scree and easy snow slopes), the climb up Stok Kangri is both challenging and interesting. The climb affords stunning views extending across Ladakh to the Karakorams, the Himalayas and into Tibet.

Despite the climb being non-technical, you will be shown how to use crampons and an ice axe, and occasionally conditions will demand the use of rope as well.

On completion of your challenge you will head to Agra for a final celebratory meal and to spend your final day exploring the Taj Mahal – one of the greatest monuments to love ever built.

+44 208 557 0000

Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Depart from London to Delhi, India
You will be flying from London Heathrow direct to Delhi. Our Charity Challenge representative will be at the airport to assist you with the check-in and any last minute questions. Flight times to be confirmed.

Day 2: Arrive Delhi. Sightseeing in Delhi
After landing at Delhi you will be met at the airport by a Charity Challenge local agent who will transfer you to your hotel to freshen up and rest before some sightseeing in Delhi. You will have a chance to look around India's bustling capital, with its labyrinth of streets and markets, crowded with exotic produce and a bewildering mix of people. You can take in Delhi's sights including Jami Masji, Qutab Minar and The Lotus Temple before returning to your hotel from where you can shop at the famous Connaught Place. Dinner & overnight at a local hotel in Delhi.

Day 3: Fly Delhi to Leh, Ladakh (3,200m)
After an early morning breakfast you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport, and board a small aircraft for the sweeping panoramic flight to Leh (1hr). The flight takes you over the Greater Himalaya and makes an exciting landing at one of the highest airports in the world. You can hope to get excellent views of Stok Kangri as you fly-in. Once in Leh you will have gained an altitude of almost 3,200m and so can expect to feel the effects of the rarefied atmosphere. The expedition is tailored in a way that you have the first few days in your programme to relax and to see how you feel physically as flying straight into 3,200m from sea level is not something you will do often in your lifetime! Today, you can take it easy & relax in the hotel area. Ladakh's landscape, rosy cheeked locals, and Zen everything make it quite a place to visit. The region's landscape is rugged, situated amidst multiple-hued mountains on the fringe of the life-giving Indus River. After lunch, depending on how you feel, you can take a slow walk around the local bazaar in order to get used to the area, altitude and climate. A memorable sight, the bazaar hosts traditionally attired women selling fruit & vegetables and spinning & knitting whilst exchanging gentle banter between themselves and with passers-by. Overnight in a hotel in Leh.

Day 4: Leh sightseeing & 3-4hrs acclimatisation walk
Amidst starkly beautiful and majestic mountains, gradually merging into an oasis of green fields, Leh is situated on the banks of the Indus. With a population of 10,000 people, mainly Buddhist, some Argoos (Muslim descendants of Yarkandi traders) and a small Christian community, Leh bears the distinct stamp of its history as the commercial and cultural capital of Ladakh. This morning you will take a sightseeing tour of the area beginning with Shey monastery. Until the 16th century it was the royal residence; Kings of Leh were supposed to be born in the monasteries. This Palace Monastery has the largest statue of Maitreya Buddha (Buddha to come) in Ladakh. From there you will visit Thikse monastery, an imposing monastery and one of the finest examples of Ladakhi architecture. The sightseeing will continue on to Hemis monastery, one of the richest, biggest and most famous gompas in Ladakh. Built in 1630, it belongs to the red sect. Its popularity stems from the major annual festival held during the summer in honour of their Guru Padma Sambhava's birth anniversary. Hopefully whilst visiting one of these beautiful monasteries you will have the opportunity to witness a Buddhist prayer ceremony. You will then have lunch and take a warm up hike visiting Leh Palace & Tsemo Gompa. A miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa, Leh Palace is one of the major attractions in Ladakh. The palace was built in the 17th century and had nine storeys, but it is now dilapidated and deserted. It was the home of the royal family until they were exiled to Stok in the 1830s. The palace built for King Singge Namgyal, now houses the Ladakhi branch of the Indian Government's archaeological conservation organisation. After this you will go on to visit Tsemo Gompa. The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa was built in 1430 by King Tashi Namgyal on Namgyal Tsemo Peak overlooking the town. The monastery contains a three-story high solid gold idol of Maitrieya Buddha (future Buddha also called laughing Buddha) and a one-storied statue of Avaloketesvara and Manjushri along with ancient manuscripts and frescoes. The fort above this gompa is in ruins, but the views of Leh from here are breathtakingly beautiful. If you are feeling capable after this, you can continue on to Sankar monastery and to the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Overnight in a hotel in Leh.

Day 5: Khardung La Pass (5,605m)
Today you will take jeeps (39kms / 1.5-2hrs) to Khardungla, the highest motorable road in the world where you will spend some time on the top for acclimatisation purposes (NB: cold winds blast across this point so please take warm clothes). Khardung La, La meaning pass in Tibetan (the local language), is the route between Leh and the Shyok and Nubra valleys. The Khardung La can be termed the gateway to the Karakoram or the land of black gravel. The Siachen Glacier lies partway up the latter valley. Built in 1976, it was opened to motor vehicles in 1988. Maintained by the Indian Army's 14 Corps, the pass is strategically important to India as it is used to carry essential supplies to the Siachen. Khardung La is historically important as it lies on the major caravan route from Leh to Kashgar in Chinese Central Asia. During World War Two there was a futile attempt to transfer war material to China through this route. About 10,000 horses and camels used to take the route annually, and a small population of Bactrian camels can still be seen in the area north of the pass, mute witnesses to history. This afternoon you will take the jeeps and return to Leh (1hr) where you will enjoy a warm up walk to Shanti Stupa. The view from the stupa is spectacular taking in the town of Leh, the Indus Valley and River and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Overnight in a hotel in Leh.

Day 6: Drive to Chilling (3,200m)
This morning you can take an optional excursion to white water raft along the Indus River (USD$60 to be booked and paid locally). You will raft for 3hrs on grade 2 rapids from point to point ending just after the confluence of River Indus and River Zanskar. Here you will have a hot lunch and then this afternoon, drive (70kms / 3-4hrs) to Chilling and the start point of your trek! The road travelled is set within the confluence of River Indus and River Zanskar and is rough all the way. If you choose not to raft, you will depart with you support team this morning from Leh and drive straight to Chilling in time for lunch. On reaching the camp you can visit the small village of Chilling famous for its copper work. Overnight camping.

Day 7: Crossing Zanskar River & trek to Skiu (3,500m) & 5hrs
This morning you will rise early from your first night's camping and begin your trek. You will cross over the Zanskar River and trek to Skiu. The frigid Zanskar River originates from the high altitude plateau of Sarchu on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Originally known as the Tsarap the river gorges a path out of the rocky mountains of the western Himalayas, dropping in a continuous torrent of class 5 rapids. The river then eases into the forbidden Kingdom of Zanskar and slowly flows past the capital at Padum. Here it joins with the Stod River which flows down from the Pensi La pass on the road from Kargil to Padum. It is from this confluence of the Tsarap and Stod rivers that the mighty Zanskar takes birth. You will cross the Zanskar River by way of a box and cable bridges and meet your trekking team on the opposite riverbank for the trek to Skiu in the Marka Valley. Overnight camping.

Day 8: Skiu to Ganda La Base Camp (4,100m) - 4-5hrs
The trek today is through a narrow valley with a gradual ascent as some of the valleys in this region are small and narrow and it can be very hot in the day time. You will walk slowly, criss-crossing small streams with trees overhead to sheild you from the heat of the blazing sun. Ladakhi scenery is exceptional as wherever there is a water source or small stream there is beautiful green vegetation. When you look up, you will see barren hills and looking down into the valley you can see trees and green pastures, home to grazing animals. As you see the village of Shingo ahead you will know that your camp is not far away. You will camp just beyond the village at the base of Ganda La base camp. Overnight camping.

Day 9: Trek to Rumback via Ganda La (4,980m) - 4hrs
The trek starts today with a gradual ascent towards Ganda La. The views from this pass are excellent, taking in the whole of the Indus valley with a fantastic view of Stok Kangri and its other peaks including Gulab Kangri and Kangyantse. On a clear day you should have an excellent view of the entire mountain range from the top so if you are feeling up to it, you can take an extra walk (1hr) over the ridge for more great views from a higher point. You then follow an easy descent towards the base of the mountain, passing through the beautiful valley and Yurutse village. You will continue to trek until you reach Rumback village. Overnight camping.

Day 10: Trek to Mankarmo via Stok La (4,800m) - 5-6hrs
Today's trek follows on through the valley and ascends towards Stok La via a very steep and zig-zagging path for about 3hrs. The path uphill can be tiring as the ground consists of soft sand and one step up and may be two steps down! But keep looking down and sideways for the views of the spectacular rocky and eroding valleys on the way to Stok La. Nature does wonders as the fabulous view from the top of the Indus valley keeps you motivated. Again, you can carry on up the ridge to even get better views. After the pass you will continue to trek with a gentle descent towards Mankorma, the summer shepherds' encampment. Overnight camp at Mankarmo.

Day 11: Trek Mankorma Valley to Stok Kangri Low Base Camp (4,900m) & 2.5hrs
After breakfast you will start walking to Low Base Camp. Today you will take it slowly as every step is ascending and you are trekking above 4,000m so will need to take is easy. You will reach Low Base Camp by lunchtime and have a rest and stroll in the afternoon. Overnight camping.

Day 12: Trek to Advanced Base Camp & Acclimatisation (5,200m) & 2.5hrs
Today you will trek to Advance Base Camp where you will spend the remainder of the day resting before your summit attempt tomorrow and have the opportunity to sort out your climbing equipment and be shown by our experienced team how to use it. You can also take an optional acclimatisation walk. This trek should increase your chances of reaching Stok Kangri summit and give you time to get used to your climbing gear. Overnight camping.

Day 13 / Day 14: Summit Stok Kangri (6,114m) and return to Low Base Camp & 10-13hrs
or Contingency Day
Today is your very early morning summit of Stok Kangri and back to Low Base Camp. Your journey will take 6-7hrs tough trekking to reach the top. Once at the summit you will feel as if you are on the top of the world, with the majestic peaks of the Karakoram Range surrounding you. The summit is a superb reward for your efforts, giving magnificent views in every direction. The city of Leh is so small that you can barely see it. After a rest and photo opportunity, you will begin your descent back to (3-4hrs) Advanced Base Camp where celebratory refreshment will be served! You will then make the return trek back to (1-2hrs) Low Base Camp where you will have an early dinner and overnight at the camp.
If the weather is poor on Day 13 or you are personally unable to summit, Day 14 has been left free to provide the opportunity for a second summit attempt. If a second attempt is not needed, you will return to Leh one day early to rest and relax after your challenge.

Day 15: Low Base Camp to via Stok Leh & 4hrs
Today you will take your final trek out of the valley and back to Stok village. The trek down hill to Stok village will take nearly 4hrs. The walk has good views of the valley and you will following a path beside the stream with plenty of chances to see blue sheep, ibex & marmots. After reaching the summit of Stok Kangri walking down hill to Stok village will be child's play and having been more than nearly a week above 3,500m you will have become very fit and should feel as if you can walk for hours as your trekking challenge ends. Your vehicles will meet you at the end of the trail and will drive you to Leh (45mins). Once back in Leh you can check into your hotel and have a well deserved hot shower and relax. Overnight in a hotel in Leh.

Day 16: Fly to Delhi, transfer to Agra. Celebration!
This morning you will fly back to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi airport you will be transferred straight to Agra. You can witness in comfort the bustling culture of daily Indian life. Your hotel in Agra has a swimming pool, so after the days of walking in the Himalayas you can enjoy a swim. Tonight you will enjoy a celebratory meal as a reward for all your hard work. Overnight in a hotel in Agra.

Day 17: Taj Mahal
You final day brings its rewards for all your hard work with a trip to the Taj Mahal. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, it is the most extravagant monument ever built for love by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631, in memory of his beloved wife. This afternoon you will drive to Delhi for dinner and overnight before your return flight to the UK tomorrow morning.

Day 18: Arrive UK
Your international flight to UK will arrive back in the UK in the afternoon.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Thu 22 July 2010 - Sun 08 August 2010

self funder payment option
deposit + balance
£575 + £1833 (including £100 towards your chosen charity)

minimum sponsorship payment option
deposit + minimum sponsorship
£575 + £3850

flexi payment option
deposit + balance + minimum sponsorship
£575 + £575 + 2575

Thu 04 August 2011 - Sun 21 August 2011

self funder payment option
deposit + balance
£575 + £1616 (including £100 towards your chosen charity)

minimum sponsorship payment option
deposit + minimum sponsorship
£575 + £3375

flexi payment option
deposit + balance + minimum sponsorship
£575 + £575 + 2095

+44 208 557 0000