Click here to reserve your spot online with a $250 deposit.

High mountain adventure reminiscent of Tibet, with optional non-technical climb of Stok Kangri (20,076 ft.)

Only open to tourism since 1975, the Ladakh region of India is reminiscent of Tibet before the Chinese invasion. A 700-year-old paternal link with the monasteries in Tibet ended with the Chinese invasion, along with the caravan trade that had lasted 1000 years. But unlike Tibet, the practice of Buddhism has flourished and beautiful monasteries and Gompa’s can be seen high above the villages. The people in this area are primarily Tibetan and Dard, which originated from the Gilgit valley of Pakistan.

Ladakh is located in the far northern area of India, sandwiched between two vast mountain systems - the Himalaya to the south and the Karakoram to the north. Its location helps keep the area extremely dry, with a vast arid landscape. The barren landscape and sharp rocky peaks give this area a moonlike feel, but off in the distance are the white snowcapped mountain peaks providing a contrast that leaves the adventurer yearning to seek them out.

Our adventure will start in the Indian city of Delhi. Everyone will be met at the airport and escorted to the hotel. Dinner will be a get-together to discuss the details of your trip. The next morning, you should be ready to take the short flight from Delhi to Leh, where the real adventure will start.

Leh is the capital of Ladakh and is nestled in the low hills along the Indus River. For centuries, it has been a resting place for merchants and traders making the long trek over the mountain pass to Tibet. Of course, now it is a hub for trekkers and people wanting to get away from the heat of Delhi. Once we get situated at our hotel, you'll be free to wander around and check out the many stores found in Leh. During your second & third day in Leh sightseeing tours are planned and you'll visit the majestic Leh Palace, as well as a few of the monasteries.

Prominently in the southern sky near Leh stands Stok Kangri (20,076 ft.), which is one of the highest peaks between the Zanskar and Ladakh mountain ranges. Our trek will be exhilarating, exposing you to Buddhist monasteries and unsurpassed views across the peaks of the Karakoram. As we leave Leh, we'll drive 1 hour to the village of Spitok. Our trekking route leads through several remote and picturesque villages and monasteries, and reaches the Nimaling Plain below the imposing peak of Kang Yatze. In preparation for our climb of Stok Kangri, we'll continue on to the Markha Valley trek -- one of the most popular treks in the area. A three day approach to base camp will include a rarely traveled route through villages in the east and areas near Tibet and the Karakoram.

The actual climb of Stok Kangri is both challenging and rewarding. The views from the summit are some of the best in this area, with K2 visible on a clear day. This is a great climb for anyone who has used crampons and an ice axe before. It's also the ideal choice for your first Himalayan peak. This climb is considered non-technical, with no major obstacles except high altitude and a steep slope. Ample time will be given to climb Stok Kangri, with plenty of acclimatization days, as well as a spare day for bad weather. Our itinerary is set up for success.

2 Nights in Delhi / 5 Nights in Leh / 16 Days Trekking

(Total 23 days)
USA-to-USA: 26 days

Arrival/Departure City: Delhi, India

Final Destination City: Leh, Ladakh

See flight section for details on getting to Leh and our “Optional Travel Plans to Leh” section for alternatives.

LAND COST: $2672 per person
Single hotels and tent: $290

DOMESTIC AIRFARE TO LEH not included:
Delhi/Leh/Delhi – These seats book early, so advanced booking is needed.

COMBINATION FLIGHT & BUS SERVICE OVERLAND TO LEH not included:
Flights from Delhi to Srinagar or Jammu depart daily. These fares are very inexpensive. You will need to take another flight into Leh, or two-day jeep ride.

Optional Travel Plans to Leh
If you’re not able to book a flight directly from Delhi to Leh, then there are a couple of different options available to you.

1) Fly Delhi – Srinagar – Leh (limited departures)

2) Fly Delhi – Jammu – Leh (limited departures)

3) Fly to Srinagar and two day jeep drive, or tourist coach to Leh (Least problems)

4) Fly Dehli to Kullu, near Manali and two day jeep, or tourist coach ride to Leh.

If you plan to try one of these options, please let us know so we can advise you on how to go about this process.

2008 Dates
August 06 – 28 (Lead by Becky Harrison)
August 4 – 30 (if taking jeep Srinagar/Leh)

Click here to reserve your spot online with a $250 deposit.

GROUP SIZE: min 2 pax/max 12 pax
Can be done as a customized or private trip, additional cost would apply.

STYLE OF TREK: Camping during trek with lodges in Leh

DIFFICULTY & TECHNICAL ABILITY: MODERATE/STRENUOUS

The trekking portion of this trip will be challenging, you’ll need to be in excellent health and fitness to participate. Each participate must have extensive hiking experience. The climbing is considered Strenuous, due to the high altitude and steep ascent of Stok Kangri (20,076 ft.). No technical experience is necessary to climb Stok Kangri, but knowledge of basic winter mountaineering would be helpful.

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For more information, or to book your very own Eastern Mountain Sports adventure, call our travel guru Becky Harrison at
888-755-8735
or e-mail us at becky@emstrek.com.

Call 888-755-8735 / Contact Us