I first experienced the thrill in climbing a mountain when I was 13. It was really a momentary incident in my life as I was not the person who was fond of traditional or nature sports. That day I had realized that this adventure would enable me to experience physical and psychological challenges through which I would be able to know much more about my personality and also learn from those experiences and become stronger.
Also, mountain climbing gave me the chance to see nature in its purest form. But I was not so pleased by the fact that I was only climbing in the Peak District which was no more new to me. But eventually when I traveled with my friends to Lake District and Snowdonia and Scotland, then I got introduced to the sheer beauty of these places which further motivated me to continue these types of adventures or traveling.
Over the years I went various countries in search of different climbing experiences. I have been to almost every continent from America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Wherever I went I was mesmerized by the sheer love and affection by the people of every culture I experienced.
From all of the places I have gone to, there is specifically one place which stands out for me as the perfect divine destination for climbers and that is India. This is the country which every adventurer desires to visit as it offers unique challenges totally different from the challenges we face in other places.
India is also a very important place for ambitious mountaineers who wish to climb the highest mountains. The north Indian region possess the mighty Himalayas weaving their way through the states of Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim in the northeast to all the way to the north western states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
One of the most fascinating regions in this entire Himalayan Belt is the Ladakh Region also dubbed as 'Himalayan Desert'. Here, a mountaineer would find his desired height of mountains and the treacherous terrain he/she craves for. A peak called Stok Kangri is a gem of a mountaineering destination. All the mountaineer requires is reliable mountaineering gear and that's it.
Way to Stok Kangri
People who are coming from abroad would have to land at Delhi Airport. You can Hire a taxi or take a Volvo bus which would take you direct to Ladakh. It is a very Long journey which takes nearly 20 hours by Bus and an hour less from a hired car. People who want to see the geographical scenery of India are recommended to take the journey through road to reach Ladakh. But for the ones who are on a short timescale, taking the domestic flight from Delhi to Ladakh would be the best option.
When I went to India I was a bit tight on my schedule so I took a flight to Leh main city of Ladakh.
After you enter the hilly region, you can see the plane taking you through the curving valleys and mountains.
Checking in at Leh
After I landed in Leh’s I saw what I had thought about the place. The airport was small, basic and friendly. I took a taxi to a hotel where I check in and took rest after traveling at the height of 3500 meters.
Next morning I was recharged and ready to go exploring the rich natural surroundings of Ladakh. I was strolling on the streets when I saw nearly every hill had Buddhist Stupas on them. I could also clearly see the Stok Kangri Peak.
The scenery is mystic and gives you the idea of how remote the place is and why do we live in cities and depend on technologies when people here are nowhere near to leading a lifestyle with technology being part of it.
I talked to some locals on during my stroll and I was flattered by their generosity and friendliness. This is the friendliest city I have ever visited. There is a huge Tibetan population in Ladakh who came here because of the Chinese treating them inappropriately in Tibet.
I always took souvenirs for my family back in the U.K. from everywhere I went. So, I went to the market to look out for some authentic and native products for souvenir and I was stunned to see the artistic talents that the people possessed. I saw people different types of finely embroidered Silk clothes, jewelry and Buddhist Sculptures at very affordable prices.
Besides, I found out that there were shops which offered mountaineering equipments and clothing. Also, some trekking agencies were there which provided logistical assistance and tour guides so that you can get much more about the local lifestyle of the people and the traditions and customs they follow.
Climbing to the Peak’s Base Camp
Taking the right trek route is the most important thing in terms of safety and time management. Choosing a path that is shorter but more treacherous than a long route, would be beneficial for professionals but is a no go for people who are not experienced mountain climbers.
I took the route which went through the Markha Valley. Beginning from a small village called Chilling, just 15 minutes from Leh, is a thrilling experience as the village is the gateway to the Markha Valley and it requires one to pass the famous Indus River through a cable bridge.
On the other side of the river, there is pony service available which charge genuine fare from you. If you are using trekking agency services, then they would make all the arrangements for you.
After crossing the river, route leads you from the mesmerizing Markha Valley to the village named Skiu. Till this village it would take you around four hours to come from Leh. The Village has nice camping site and various royal bungalows and cafes. One take rest here and move ahead the next day.
The next village is Shingo which has unusual scenic beauty. After crossing Shingo, the challenge begins as the track moves upwards towards the Ganda La Pass. One may experience Fatigue as there is oxygen shortage at the height of 4900 metres.
From the Pass, you get on to a steady track which leads you descending to Rumbak located at the height of 3800 meters. It would almost take you Ten hours to reach there from Shingo. This is the point from where you detour towards the Stok Mountain range.
The detour would lead you to the south east direction where the Stok Mountains stand. You first reach at Stok La situated at a height of 4850 meters. The track is tiring and treacherous with the oxygen level at very low percentage.
After crossing the Stock La, you would reach the village of Stok. You can either camp at the village and see the ceramic nature all around or rather continue with climb and reach the peak of Stok Kangri.
Reaching the Base Camp
The base camp at Stok Kangri is fairly Satisfying in terms of facilities they provide. The region is arid and offers only the basic necessities.
To enjoy more scenic beauty you can follow the track leading to the Advanced Base Camp from where you can see the glacier and upper sections of the mountains. Though camping at this place is restricted.
After a night’s stay or more according to your schedule, you can plan for the ascent. Deciding the time of departure has to be in tune with the time you need to catch your flight back to U.K.
The Return
Following the path going out of the site of Advanced Base Camp I witnessed a descending path which led to the glacier. I initially was getting uncomfortable as I was not able to climb in a rhythm until I started climbing from the naturally made slope patterns. Sometimes there may be snow on the mountains and it is very important to watch your step and every move you make as it would be dangerous.
I climbed nearly hundred meters towards the usual line of attack which lead me back to the southern ridge from where I could straight away head towards the summit. The rocks were loose and particular you need to be careful of where you are placing your foot, but if you are confident and sure footed you’ll find this section passing quickly. After the treacherous climbing on the edge of the glacier I finally reached Stok Summit.
After this tiresome adventure I wanted some rest after which I had to plan my returning back to Leh.
Back to Leh
After taking adequate rest at the base camp I took the quickest route which took 5 hours. Strolling down this route I witnessed the beautiful flora and fauna of the area with animal species like Bharal, Blue Sheep and Marmots. You would get all the photogenic moments at this stretch so keep your cameras ready. As you reach the Stok village you can take the pony straight back to Leh.
Things to figure out before packing your bags –
What is the most Favorable season to go to Ladakh?
In Ladakh, the trekking season starts around the middle of June till the beginning of July and until the end of August. The best time to be there would be the period around July to September. The weather at this time is favorably good and things start to quieten both in the mountains and in Leh. This also the time when the Ladakh’s annual festival is organized.
How much it would cost you to go to Ladakh from U.K.?
Tourists from UK should get down at Delhi. It would cost you around £500-600 for a direct flight. After reaching Delhi the best way to reach Leh is by flight. The flight would take you their in 1hr 30 minutes. The expedition organizing agencies charge around 150-170 Pounds which is quiet affordable. It is convenient and conventional for a outsider to hire a expedition or trekking agency so that you does not get to face any problems regarding the local language and the knowledge about the terrain and the routes to reach your desired destination.
Where Do I Stay?
There are so many hotels in Delhi which offer excellent facilities at very low prices. After you leave to Leh you can check in to a guesthouse. The guesthouses there are really simple but that is the specialty of them as there are beautiful scenic view from each room which makes you forget everything and keeps you fresh all the time.
Should I hire a Trekking Company?
There are agencies there in Leh with very professional and experienced people who provide you the best equipments and guides and make arrangements for transportation and accommodation during the trek.
Which trekking company is best to use?
Adventure India (Only Adventure - Nothing Else) is an tour & travel operators Company providing the Trekking in India service for tourists. Full details can be found on http://www.adventureindiagroup.com/or +91-97361 02222 call to book your Trekking tour.
All in all going to Stok Kangri would be a life time experience and would leave you mesmerized and amazed by the sheer mightiness of The Himalayas. You may even plan to stay their forever.
