India - Stok Kangri

Introduction to the India Stok Kangri expedition

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India’s hugely varied culture, religion, geography and history all go to make it one of the most fascinating and diverse countries in the world. The Ladakh region, known as the land of high passes, is tucked away in the north of the Indian Himalaya between the Zanskar and Ladakh mountain ranges. It forms part of the Tibetan Plateau and its remoteness is reflected in a unique local culture and environment.

Ladakh is home to a mountain people with very limited communication links for much of the year and a strong Buddhist culture. Signs of the fascinating tradition and history of the area can be found in the local villages and gompas (temples) dotted over the region.

Ladakh image gallery
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Expedition summary for India Stok Kangri
  Location: India Stok Kangri in Northern India, Central Asia
Duration: 21 to 28 days
Ideal for: Fit teams looking for a demanding trekking expedition.
Highlights: Stunning but challenging trekking, Stok Kangri is a difficult and demanding high altitude trek.
 
 

After arriving in Delhi the team will head north to the region of Himachal Pradesh, through the Kullu Valley into the bustling town of Manali. In a dramatic setting of beautiful mountains and lush pine forests, there is a huge buzz in the town where eager trekkers provision and prepare for expeditions into the great Indian Himalaya. After a period of acclimatisation in ‘The Valley of the Gods’, as the Kullu Valley is locally known, the team will set out into the most remote region of the India Himalaya.

A Ladakh expedition is unique and will be both challenging and rewarding. Protected by the Himalayas, this area benefits from being out of the reach of the monsoon (which affects other trekking areas throughout the summer) and the sun shines for around 300 days of the year. Teams need to be physically fit and mentally prepared in order to get the most out of the trek. Acclimatisation is important and project work carried out in Leh will help facilitate this.

Some possible expedition objectives are given below, please note these may alter between now and your expedition. The Expedition Program Manager for India (Stok Kangri) will agree a suitable expedition itinerary for you, to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team.

India Ladakh expedition India Himalayas expeditions Stok Kangri - India expedition

Acclimatisation
There are several short treks out of Manali and Leh that can be done before the main trekking phase. They can incorporate visits to places of local cultural importance such as temples and monasteries.

Main Trekking phase
The team will have a 2 day journey to reach the town of Leh deep in the India Himalaya after travelling the second highest motorable road in the world reaching an elevation of 5578m!

Stok Kangri
This is a difficult and demanding high altitude trek. A moderate approach phase to the base of the mountain is followed by a challenging ascent of Stok Kangri (6153m). Teams will take ice axes and crampons to tackle the glacier over which they will trek to reach the summit.

Projects
Teams carry out project work around Leh. Projects are usually carried out in schools, with teams helping with maintenance work, painting murals, fixing buildings or general odd jobs with plenty of opportunity for interaction with local villagers and children.

Rest & Relaxation
Depending on the progress of the trek, the last days in India can be spent seeing some of its tourist attractions. Few people visit India without going to see the Red Fort in Delhi and the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra.

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