Stok Kangri Summit

Scale India's highest trekkable peak in Ladakh

India’s highest trekkable summit, the Stok Kangri ridge is a challenge for the experienced climber – and can prove a training ground for high altitude treks. Yet it needn’t be just for hardcore trekkers. Take in Stok Kangri on a 3-4 day trail or on a 9-10 day rigorous trek.

The Stok Kangri peak is located in the Hemis National Park near Leh. The approach to the base camp passes through picturesque villages, sheep or yak encampments, high-altitude pastures, giddy gorges with en route camping sites. During your trail, there are good chances of spotting Ladakh’s wildlife like snow leopards, blue sheep, Ladakhi urial, arghali, Tibetan wolves, red foxes, marmots, mountain hares, lynxes, among other. Along the way, one can stop off at warm, charming teahouses run by the villagewomen, or stop off for a snack break on summer pastures dotted with miniscule blossoms. Camp under starry skies in pastures of tiny wild flowers.

For the summiteers, the Stok Kangri peak at 6150 metres offers spectacular views across the Matho La pass and the Matho gorge with its beautifully banded purple-and-green schist rock formations – and culminates with a visit to the Matho monastery.

Image Credits: Jern Eriksson (CC-BY)