P.O. Box 446, Bartlett, NH 03812 USA
Telephone 603/374-2438
Fax/Voicemail 413/280-0083
E-mail: info@adventuroustrekker.com

Stok Kangri & Markha Valley Trek
A Classic Trek in Ladakh's Markha Valley and Non-Technical Climb of Stok Kangri 20,075 ft., with Incredible Views of the Karakoram & Tibet from the Summit!
2 Nights in Delhi / 5 Nights in Leh
16 Days Trekking / Total 21 Days in Ladakh

INDIA

Only open to tourism since 1975, the Ladakh region of India is reminiscent of Tibet before the Chinese invasion. A 700-year-old paternal link with the monasteries in Tibet ended with the Chinese invasion, along with the caravan trade that had lasted 1000 years. But unlike Tibet, the practice of Buddhism has flourished and beautiful monasteries and gompas can be seen high above the villages. The people in this area are primarily Tibetan and Dard, which originated from the Gilgit valley of Pakistan.

Ladakh is located in the far northern area of India, sandwiched between two vast mountain systems - the Himalaya to the south and the Karakoram to the north. Its location helps keep the area extremely dry, with a vast arid landscape. The barren landscape and sharp rocky peaks give this area a moonlike feel, but off in the distance are the white snowcapped mountain peaks providing a contrast that leaves the adventurer yearning to seek them out.

Our adventure will start in the Indian city of Delhi. Everyone will be met at the airport and escorted to the hotel. Dinner will be a get-together to discuss the details of your trip. The next morning, you should be ready to take the short flight from Delhi to Leh, where the real adventure will start.

Leh is the capital of Ladakh and is nestled in the low hills along the Indus River. For centuries, it has been a resting place for merchants and traders making the long trek over the mountain pass to Tibet. Of course, now it is a hub for trekkers and people wanting to get away from the heat of Delhi. Once we get situated at our hotel, you'll be free to wander around and check out the many stores here. During your second day in Leh, a sightseeing tour is planned and you'll visit the majestic Leh Palace, as well as a few of the monasteries. If anyone needs to rent their equipment for the climb, we'll help you with this in Leh.

Prominently in the southern sky near Leh stands Stok Kangri (20,076 ft.), which is one of the highest peaks among the Zanskar and Ladakh mountain ranges. Our trek will be exhilarating, exposing you to Buddhist monasteries and unsurpassed views across the peaks of the Karakoram. As we leave Leh, we'll drive over the highest driven pass in the world: the Khardung La. Our trekking route leads through several remote and picturesque villages and monasteries, and reaches the Nimaling Plain below the imposing peak of Kang Yatze. Inpreparation for our climb of Stok Kangri, we'll continue onto the Markha Valley trek -- one of the most popular treks in the area. A three day approach to base camp will include a rarely traveled route through villages in the east and areas near Tibet and the Karakoram.

The actual climb of Stok Kangri is both challenging and rewarding. The views from the summit are some of the best in this area, with K2 visible on a clear day. This is a great climb for anyone who has used crampons and an ice axe before. It's also the ideal choice for your first Himalayan peak. This climb is considered non-technical, with no major obstacles except high altitude and a steep slope. Ample time will be given to climb Stok Kangri, with plenty of acclimatization days, as well as a spare day for bad weather. Our itinerary is set up for success.

Once finished with our climb, we'll head back to Leh and the flight to Delhi.

Click on photo to enlarge.

WHY YOU SHOULD CLIMB STOK KANGRI WITH THE ADVENTUROUS TREKKER:

1. Unlike most of our competitors, we allow you adequate time to acclimatize for this climb.

2. Our climbing Sherpas are experienced professionals, having climbed most major peaks in Nepal and India (including Stok Kangri) many times.

3. We spend more time getting you ready, both mentally and physically, for the climb.

4. We carry the latest in high
altitude safety equipment.

5. Each group is equipped with a state of the art water purifier, instead of taking the chance with boiled water.

6. Our pricing is inclusive, which means you pay one price which includes virtually everything (except what is on the "What isn't Included" list).

7. We can arrange discounted international airfare at no extra charge.

8. The right staff can make all the difference in your trek. Our staff is incredibly dedicated, most of them have been working with us for six to eight years. All of our guides are highly trained to understand western standards and needs. They have all been trained and certified as professional guides.

9. Safety is our first concern. That is why we keep our group sizes small, so no one who may not be feeling their best gets overlooked. We always bring enough staff to assure that if you're not feeling well, you'll be assigned a highly trained person to stay with you and attend to your needs. We never leave our members alone during a trek. If at any time you don't feel up to continuing with the group, you'll be kept comfortable and safe by your assigned staffmember, and either catch up when you can or we'll try to meet you on the return trip. You will never be left alone and unattended on an Adventurous Trekker trek.