The trail joins the Markha River and will follow it for a few days.
The trek is quite easy but numerous times, you will need to cross the river from left to right and back, this depending on the season and weather conditions.
From now onwards, you will follow a new and rarely travelled route through the valleys to the east of our objective.
The trail leads towards the west into a tributary valley that leads after a long and gradual ascent to the Gyuncho La. You will descent a few meters below to establish our campsite.
You will cross many spurs and minor passes with occasional views northwards towards the Indus valley and the peaks beyond. We climb up to the Shang La and then descend to the Tokpo River.
Our route initially crosses spree and boulder slopes, and then leads to easy angled snow slopes, which require ice axe and crampons. The route is not difficult but at this altitude, it will be strenuous.
From the summit of Stok Kangri (6116m), we should see as far as the Karakoram, the Pamirs and Tibet. If it’s warm enough you will rest and recover some energy on top before descending to base-camp.