• Drive to Nimmo, where the Zanskar River meets the Indus.
  • You will follow the left bank of the Zanskar River through a gorge to Chilling. This village has gold smiths famous for local golden jewellery.
  • Today you will cross the Zanskar River by way of a box and cable bridge and meet our trekking team on the opposite riverbank.
  • 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.
  • Visit the Markha monastery
  • Many monasteries are spread along our route today.
  • After the Umlung monastery, the valley narrows and we stop to camp at the foot of Kang Yatse (6400 m).
  • Today you will be trekking in valley in direction of the Zalung Karpo and the Rupshu.
  • You will go through Tahungtse pasture and start our gradual ascent towards the wonderful high valleys of Ladakh.
  • Climb to the summer pastures of Nimaling, used by the shepherds of Hankar and Markha and then follow the hedge to the top.
  • The Kongmaru La pass commands a beautiful view of the Kang Yatse north face (6400 m), the Ladakh ranges and the Indus valley.
  • 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.
  • The trail leads downhill to a nice camping place.
  • Stok Kangri Base Camp (4700 m) in 5 hours.At the pass, colourful prayer flags flap in the wind, with the Zanskari range in the background.
  • Descend steadily along the Jingchen River. You will get great views towards the Stock summit and the Stock Kangri (6121m).
  • Day at leisure. Acclimatisation day at Base Camp
  • 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.
  • Leh (5 hours walk to Stok)All downhill and through wild gorge scenery.
  • An hour’s drive across the Indus valley to the comforts of the civilization in Leh. Upon arrival continue on your own with all the beautiful memories.