Markha Valley + Stok Kangri, Independent style trek, 2nd - 17th Sept 2016
Nitish Waila
Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh
2nd - 9th September 2016
One of the most popular treks in Ladakh and is one of the rare tea-house treks in India, which makes it perfect for solo trekkers or self organised groups to go on the trail even without guides but definitely with some experience. And this is exactly why we are heading out on this adventure. It is a perfect combination of beautiful trans-himalayan landscape with ladakhi villages. There are good chances to spot some high altitude wildlife as well as experience the life of nomadic families as they herd their yaks in these big and beautiful valleys. It involves crossing of high passes - Kongmaru La 5274 mts, Gandla 4878 mts and walking on the banks of the Markha River. Kang Yatse peak (6400m) can be approached from this route as the base camp is on the plains of Nimaling.
Stok Kangri Summit, Ladakh
10th - 17th September 2016
(This trek is a continuation of Markha Valley Trek, we won’t take people specially for Stok Kangri unless you are a part of the former group)
One of the best trekkable 6000+ mtrs peak in India which has been there in the bucket list of so many of us. The Stok range lies on the southern skyline of Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and Stok Kangri is the highest mountain in the range. Crossing steep and vast ridges just below the summit and many such challenges makes this trek a fairly exciting one. Taking up this challenge is definitely rewarding when you get to see the wide panoramic view of himalayan ranges from the summit.
We are going solo or self organised for both of these treks and I will be glad to invite like minded experienced trekkers to join us on this beautiful journey.
Duration: 16 days
Grade: Moderate to Challenging
Trek Itinerary:
Day 01 (2nd Sep) - Fly to Leh (3500m) and stay at Leh for the whole day.
Day 02 (3rd Sep) - Drive to Spituk, Trek to Zingchan (3380m) 4-5 hrs
Day 03 (4th Sep) - Zingchan - Ganda La Base (4380m) 6-7 hrs
Day 04 (5th Sep) - Ganda La Base - Skiu (3400m) crossing Ganda La (4850m) 6-7 hrs
Day 05 (6th Sep) - Skiu - Markha (3700m) 5-6 hrs
Day 06 (7th Sep) - Markha - Thachungtse (4150m) 5-6 hrs
Day 07 (8th Sep) - Thachungtse - Nimaling (4720m_ 3-4 hrs
Day 08 (9th Sep) - Nimaling - Shang Sumdo - Leh, crossing Kongmaru La (5130m)
Day 09 (10th Sep) - Rest day at Leh and taking permits for Stok Kangri
Day 10 (11th Sep) - Drive from Leh to Stok Village - Chang Ma (3989m) trek
Day 12 (12th Sep) - Chang Ma - Mankorma (4328m)
Day 12 (13th Sep) - Mankorma - Stok Base Camp (4968m)
Day 13 (14th Sep) - Acclimatisation day, we will walk to a high camp and return
Day 14 (15th Sep) - Summit day, Base - Stok Kangri Summit - Base
Day 15 (16th Sep) - Stok Base Camp - Leh
Day 16 (17th Sep) - Fly back to your Home
Trek Fees:
This is an alpine style trek, we will take care of everything on the go. Total cost will be shared equally amongst all. Since we are not going with any guide or organised groups, we don’t have a fixed cost here. Although we might hire a guide for Stok depending on the conditions there.
Accommodation and food will be available in Homestays or Tea houses on the route. If you wish to stay in the 5 million star hotels (commonly called as Tents) then you are more than welcome to bring your tents or we can rent them from Leh as well.
Gaiters and Crampons are a must for Stok Kangri. We can take tents and Crampons on rent from Leh but you must get your own pair of Gaiters that fits you well.
Inclusions:
- A great company of trekkers and interesting people with their crazy mountain stories.
- Prospective climbing/trekking partners
- Splendid ladakhi landscape for a nature lover
- Cultural widespread throughout the route, meeting the locals and immersing yourself into their part of the world
- Company of an adventure photographer who might not even take your photos but would love to capture the memories throughout the journey :)
- Company of an experienced and certified mountaineer who has his own climbing stories that will definitely give you goosebumps
Trekking guidelines/ instructions:
- Never throw any garbage en-route or in the campsite. Collect all waste in the garbage bags & bring it back to the base.
- Alcohol, Smoking and any type of intoxication is prohibited during trekking program.
- Do not collect any souvenirs such as plants or animal parts from the forest.
