For those who either plan to climb Stok Kangri but are not confident or for those who have bit less time but want to experience trekking amidst the beautiful landscape of Ladakh, the trek to Stok Kangri Base Camp is a very good option.
Such a case was mine during my visit to Ladakh we were having a plan to visit some offbeat places of ladakh but due to territorial disputes we were aborted before Chusul and our visit for Hanle, Demchok and Unming La just became a dream which was unfulfilled.
But being an avid trekker i always used to study various maps and trek details. So while having a time of three to four days extra i decided to trek Stok La and Stok Kangri Basecamp.
It was month of October when the sky is blue and there was a few shops in leh market which was open. I was wandering for a guy who will know the route and guide me up. And atlast found one. My guide was an aged person but have a huge knowledge in trekking various parts of Ladakh, Zanskar and Spiti.
Okk!!! Leave all those stories . Lets jump into the main itinerary:
The plan was such that :
Day 1: From Leh we will move to Zinchen. Then to Heusing . And then trek to Rumbak Village.
Day 2: We will trek high up to the Stok La pass skipping stok La base and will reach the same day to Mankorma Campsite/Stok Kangri Basecamp.
Day 3: Trek back from Mankorma to Stok Village. And back to Leh.
Lets now get into the story.
Started my journey from Leh and passing through arid landscapes moved towards Zinchen. It is a base for Trekking in Hemis National Park.
Yeah !!! U read it ri8 its under Hemis National Park. The abode of Grey Ghost: " The Snow Leopard". Unfortunately found none. After reaching Heusing started the trek for stok La .... After walking two hours we reached the beautiful village of Rumbak.
As soon as i entered the village arena found some Chukar running up and down the uncultivated fields. The season of crops ended so all the lands are barren and is ready to receive the snowfall. Reached Rumbak about half past three in the clock. We can see some snow capped peaks. Phuntsok Ji arranged a homestay for a decent value and we stayed there the night. The night was too cold but the delicious soup and some food made my body warm . Rested the whole night thinking of the long route tomorrow.
Next day early morning after the daily rituals we went for a tibetian breakfast with some pancake like food and peanut butter with honey. The food was quite new to me but it tasted heavenly.
We then started our trek towards Stok La. As soon as we left the village steep route started. Arranged a bottle of chang for Phuntsok ji and started hiking up. The road was more or less easy but due to its height, my heart was panting faster. Its really magical. Ladakh is really a mystery to everyone with each curve and bends one can explore some new colors and formations of nature.
Suddenly Phuntsok ji pointed towards a knife sharp ridge and said we have to cross it to reach the other side of the valley. We were now walking through the Rumbak valley and we have to reach the Stok Valley. The trek was unending suddenly reached near a small campsite. This is the base for Stok La. Stok La(4900mts) is a high altitude pass which connects the Rumbak and the Stok Valley. The trek was becoming ardrous by time. But with each and every folds there was a new canvas painted for us. But the beauty faded when the last steep inclination started . It was miserably steep. Walking 10-15 steps was difficult at a breathe. Slowly and calmly with a tortoise pace we climbed up stok la arround 12:00 in afternoon. Had our lunch at the top of the pass. And then moved downwards slowly towards Stok Kangri Basecamp.
The descent was through loose soil and scree but anyhow mananged down huddling through the dusty path. It was just awesome experaince. After a decent of 1-2 hrs reached the main path of the well known Stok Kangri Trek. After walking some 15 minutes spotted a group from Bangslore who were there for Climbing Mt. Stok Kangri. If anyone has never seen the Grand Canyons one must visit this place . We were walking through grand canyon of Ladakh. The weathered rock formation was just having its own WOW!! factor. After a long trek of more than 10-12 hrs reached Stok Kangri Base at night. It was too cold but the man at the base welcomed us with some hot tea. And a plate of maggi. It was utter dark with low visibility of the peak.
We took a tent and made our way inside for a comfy sleep. It was too tiring day. Walking for 10-12 hrs was not a joke. Our legs were paining but we slept off without having our dinner. Suddenly the sleep broke at midnight. Moved out of the tent. There was no wind but the area was totally clear with huge galaxy above and Mt. Stok Kangri in front. The landscape was astonishingly beautiful and crossing over of Stok La added ruggedness added good difficulties to the trek. The altitude of the trek goes as high as 5000 meters and is no joke. I was feeling good thinking about the trek and enjoying the nightscape. It was just ❤.
Next day the the sleep broke with the call of Phuntsok Ji. He stated today we have to walk down a long way upto Stok village. I understood it was another 10 hrs journey but we made it in 6 hrs to Stok Village. Morning greeted us with beautiful views of Mt. Stok Kangri.
I understood it was another 10 hrs journey but we made it in 6 hrs to Stok Village. The trek was just out of book. It was so magical. The one and only word that describes ladakh flavour is its colours. I have never seen such shades of color. Its beyond ones imagination. We moved down and down. Sometimes going switch back we reached a flat ground from where the village could be seen. Actually it will be wrong if we say that we trekked down. Its running down actually.
Had some rests at between and moving down we reached the beautiful Stok Village. Where a golden buddha statue was standing as a protector. Phuntsok Ji was a resident of Stok Village so he welcomed us to his home. I was treated in a kingly manner. Had lunch at his home and then slept a bit at his Laadkhi dining. After some rest his boys came and took me and Phuntsok ji to my hotel in his car. It was just an awesome experaince. Not only the trek. But betwixt the Nature, i was glad to see the warm welcome and culture tradition of the ladakhi homes And peoples .The best thing i loved is there kitchen. Its something different.
The day ended with a beautiful sunset on way to Leh. Hope we again go back to the place for exploring something new something better and something more adventurous.
“Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast."
~ If there is a heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here..