Trekking in Himalayas is perhaps the first destination that comes to your mind when you think of trekking in India. There is nothing mightier than the Himalayas because these mountain ranges have lots of trails that encompass spectacular natural beauty and bigger challenges. Leh, Ladakh, Nepal and Kashmir are where the most popular trekking expeditions originate. There are many easy and challenging summits in the Himalayas but amongst all of them is the most popular and elusive Stok Kangri Trek that stands miles apart. Stok is by no means an easy trail. It is immensely challenging and glamorous simply because it is elusive and meant only for experts.
Knowing Stok Kangri
Stok Kangri Trek is the most challenging trekking trails in Himalayas. Located at 20,500 feet above sea level, the Stok Kangri is the highest trekkable summit in India. It is almost impossible for inexperienced trekkers to conquer this summit. If weather and climatic conditions are favorable; the trek can be completed in a week but requires tremendous strength, acclimatization and energy to reach the summit. Originating in Ladakh, the Stok Kangri trek poses numerous challenges like highly volatile weather conditions, rapid gain of altitudes, snow storms and other conditions of the mind and body.
Tips to trek on the Stok Kangri trail
Trekking to the Stok Kangri is no easy ordeal. Acclimatization is always a big problem in this trek and hence completing them in 5 days is not what trekkers can do. Oxygen levels come down significantly as you climb higher. Your body will have to be prepared for volatile changes Stok throws at you. July to September is usually the best time for trekking to this summit. The climb can get extremely exhausting if you do not prepare for the summit properly. Altitude sickness, as it is termed can make trekking in Himalayas, especially in high altitudes like that of the Stok very difficult and sometimes unattainable. Hiring professional tour operators with profound expertise and experiences is important in these terrains.
The Base Camp is approx 16,300 feet above sea level and this is where you get to see a number of colorful tents stationed with trekkers from across the world strategizing the climb ahead. One of the most scenic trails; the path to the summit has more breathtaking views your mind can capture. There are number of pristine spots you pass through and each of them are exotic in their own ways making trekking to Stok Kangri the most memorable and uniquely charming.