Stok Kangri and Ladakh Trek
A wonderful opportunity to explore the Buddhist Ladakh region of North India and attempt a 6000m trekking peak.
Culturally Ladakh is part of the former Guge kingdom of Western Tibet and still has strong affinities with Buddhist culture - monasteries, chortens and prayer flags fill the stark and startling landscape. The mountain scenery is equally dominant, this region being known as the Trans 'Himalaya, with innumerable 6000m peaks sandwiched between the Great Himalayan Range and the Tibetan Plateau. This is high altitude desert, beyond the influence of the Indian monsoon. The winters are long and cold with temperatures reaching -40 deg C; the summers hot and rainless, save for the occasional storm bringing snow to the mountains. The region was virtually self -sufficient until about 25 years ago when new air and road connections brought in tourists and money. Leh, the ancient capital, has naturally changed the most although the legacy of its isolated past is still very apparent. In many of the outlying villages and settlements little has changed and the barley crop is still the fulcrum around which life revolves.
To the south of Leh and high above the Indus Valley stands the 6000m peak of Stok Kangri. This short but adventurous trek takes us into the heart the Trans 'Himalaya for an attempt on this non-technical trekking peak. Our route is challenging but not difficult and there is plenty of time to acclimatise in and around Leh and on the walk in. The peak is entirely optional and there are many excellent walks from the base camp with equally rewarding views. In our view, this is the perfect first 6000m peak for the enthusiastic walker with experience at higher altitude.
FULL SERVICE TREKS
You only carry a day pack for items you need during the day, such as your camera, water bottle and sun cream. The main baggage is carried by pack horses or porters.
You usually arrive at the next camp site by 4pm. Camp will already be set up by the time you get there, and tea/coffee and biscuits will be ready to welcome you. Supper will be ready just before dark, and will be served in the dining tent. The standard of cooking on trek is both varied and excellent, with the style of cooking being a compromise between local and western food. Menus vary from day to day, but typically we start with soup. The main course is often a rice-based meal with meat stew or mild curry, plus separate vegetable and salad dishes. A sweet dish is provided after the meal. Our meal is finished with tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
Recommended travel guide books: The India Lonely Planet Guide and the Rough Guide to India.
For further information please telephone 01225 868544 or email info@essential-india.co.uk
Trek Grade: D (climb E but non-technical) 8 days walking. Max Alt 5240m or 6114m with climb. Average c. 4000m
With over 25 years in the trekking business we have listed a selection of stunning treks for the outdoor enthusiasts.
If you wish to pay for all or part of your holiday, please use our new ONLINE PAYMENT SYSTEM or phone us directly on 01225 868544
Scheduled Departure Information
Duration: 17 Days
Dates: Friday 24.07.09 until Sunday 09.08.09 , Mid range accommodation: Deposit: £300 per person
Cost: £1875 Airline: British Airways or Virgin Atlantic Land only: (excluding flights on BA or Virgin Atlantic) £1395
Car Supplement Cost: N/A
Domestic Flight Cost: N/A
- The listed price is per person for our scheduled departures in twin sharing accommodation.
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- Prices include all Indian Government luxury taxes. If you are a single person booking onto one of our treks or special interest holidays, you do not have to pay a single room supplement. This is only payable if you wish to have a hotel room or a tent (or both) to yourself throughout your tour. The single tent supplement is £40 for the duration of any trek.
- Top range prices are based on your staying in Government approved 5 and 4 star hotels and Mid range prices are based on your staying in 4 star and 3 star en-suite accommodation.
- Train travel is in 1st Air-con carriage (fifties style 4 & 6 berth compartments) or the best available.
- During Christmas and the New Year period, many hotels charge a peak season rate. You also need to be prepared to join in (and pay for locally) any entertainment that may be arranged.
- The busiest periods for the airlines are Christmas/New Yearand Easter, July and August. If you take your holiday during these periods then please book your tour as early as possible.
- Our escorted (Delhi to Delhi) special interest/trekking holidays are based on a minimum of 4 people. The maximum number is 16. If the minimum number is not met then your tour will be led by our qualified English speaking guides and tour leaders in India. We can tailor trek departure dates for a minimum of 2 people travelling together. Details of our trek grading can be found on the 'Indian Himalayas' page of our website.
- We can offer group discounts for six or more people booking together on our fixed departures.
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- The meal plan is based on B&B and full board on our treks and culinary tours.
