India Ladakh - September 2010 Trip Notes

Stok Kangri is an elegant and majestic mountain, which is an ideal peak for mountaineers looking to develop their Himalayan experience.

What, when and how much? This trek will provide any competent trekker, with some experience of walking at altitude and using ice axe and crampons, with a challenging but attainable summit. The trek includes excellent acclimatisation, as we will trek over many passes on our way to the base camp for Stok Kangri. The summit of Stok provides a tough but non-technical climb, a challenge for the experienced walker who wants to tackle something exceptional. You will have the opportunity to trek on a relatively quiet trail and ascend a true Himalayan summit.
On our trek we will be accompanied by a local trekking guide, a superb cook and pony men with ponies who will help us transport our equipment up the mountain.
“I would like to invite you to an informal meeting and presentation on Friday 5th FEBRUARY 2010 at 19.30 in the Victory Hall, Aboyne to give you the opportunity to hear details of the expedition, be inspired, ask any questions and to enable you to book on to this exciting venture. I look forward to meeting you then, regards, Alan Melrose.”

The expedition will take place from Fri 3rd Sept 2010 to Mon 20th Sept 2010, incl.

The cost for this expedition is from £2329

Itinerary

Fri 3rd Sept 2010 Fly to Delhi Possible overnight hotel if flight times dictate.
4th Fly to Leh – depart around 06.00 hrs. Hotel in Leh.
5th Rest, acclimatise explore Leh. Meet staff. Hotel in Leh
6th Half day walk to acclimatise further. Hotel in Leh

Start of trekking phase of the expedition

7th: Leh - Zingchan (3900 m): 5/6hrs
We take a one hour drive to Spituk, the closest road access to Stok Kangri. We then start our trek with an easy introductory walk of four hours until we reach Zingchan. Overnight camp.
8th: Zingchan - Stok La (4400 m): 6/7 hrs.
Trek Zingchan to the base of Stok La, a pass below the mountain. Throughout the trip, we are trekking through the barren lunar landscape of Ladakh. The weather is hot during the day and cold at night. Reach Stok La and have a well earned hot meal and good night's sleep.
9th: Stok La - Mankorma (4900 m): 5/6 hrs
Trek over the Stok La Pass and camp at Mankorma. The pass offers great views of Stok Kangri and the route to the summit from the base camp.
10th: Mankorma - Base Camp (5000 m): 4/5 hrs
We make an early start and reach base camp with still most of the day to rest. We have lunch and then take a short climb from base camp to better acclimatise.
11th: Base Camp – High Camp (5400 m) 3 hrs
Opportunity to rest or prepare for the summit attempt
12th; High Camp - Stok Kangri (6150 m) - Base Camp (5000 m): 8 hrs
We start climbing in the early hours of the morning to avail of the best weather conditions and a possible sunrise at the summit. First we climb onto a ridge, which leads to a large glacier. After crossing the glacier we ascend steeply to the summit. This last leg is the most difficult and takes a lot of physical and mental strength. The panoramic view from the summit is second to none. To the north-west the Karakoram Range, including K2 (8611 m), seems endless. One can also see the Zanskar Range and view Tibet in the distance, an outstanding vista of snow-capped peaks.
13th: Spare Summit Day
14th: Base Camp - Stok village - Leh (3500 m): 8 hrs
From base camp we descend all the way to Stok village. This is a great walk passing by numerous ruins of old forts and castles. It takes about six hours to reach Stok village where we are met by waiting vehicles. We then drive two hours back to Leh enjoy a meal and some well earned drinks at the hotel.

Start of R/R phase of the expedition

15th; A rest day in Leh. Shopping etc. Stay at hotel
16th: Leh - Khardung La - Leh (40 kms/2 hrs)
In the morning drive for the Khardung - La Pass. This is the ultimate challenge of the trip. It is the highest motorable road in the world taking you to a dizzy 5,600m! The view from the top is spectacular, stretching from the Indus valley in the South over the endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range to the giants of the Sesser Massif in the North. You can feel proud of a true achievement as you finish the trip with your final satisfying descent. Evening back to Leh for dinner and overnight stay
17th; Fly from Leh to Delhi. Check into hotel. Afternoon shopping. Evening visit to the Red Fort for the Sound and Light Show
18th: Morning drive to Agra. En route visit to Mathura – birthplace of Lord Krishna, possible visits to Red Fort or drive to the deserted city of Fatekpur Sikri
19th: Morning visit to Taj Mahal then drive to Airport.  Fly from Delhi to UK.
20th: Arrive UK

Grade This expedition is graded Strenuous.

Accommodation We will be using selected hotels in Leh, Delhi and Agra as well as camping on the trek.

Whats Included?

Before the expedition
A training weekend to allow you to assess your own fitness and build a training regime and also to meet the rest of the Team.
A comprehensive preparation Handbook detailing information on; health and hygiene fitness, equipment kit list, administration incl. passport and visa requirements, inoculations and exact expedition itinerary.

ALL costs from Heathrow to Heathrow (including food, water, accommodation, transport, and trekking support team), e.g.
Transfers from London Heathrow to Leh via Delhi,
Return flights
Entrance to Taj Mahal
Trekking Costs, support team, cooks, horses, food and water
Hotels in Leh, Delhi and Agra

Whats not Included

Transfer from home to London Heathrow
Ancillaries such as refreshments, gifts and tips for local guides, approx £80.
Personal Travel InsuranceInoculations
Visa
Fuel surcharges

This activity will be led by.. Alan Melrose and Alice du Preez

Photo Gallery

Testimonials
We will look after you to the highest possible standards, caring for all your needs whilst on the expedition. Alan and Alice.

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