Trek difficulty
Moderate - Difficult
Trek duration
9 Day Days
Trek altitude
20180 Ft.
Group size
6-12
Trek distance
40 Km
Basecamp
leh
Best Time
July to September
Pickup Point
leh
Overview
Stok Kangri trek is one of the highest trekkable peaks in the world. It stands at an elevation of 20,100 ft. and is higher than the highest mountain in Europe, Mt. Elbrus at 18,510 ft and although marginally, it is even higher than the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro at 19,340 ft. It beats two of the highest mountains across two different continents and is, without a doubt, a crowned jewel of India. The biggest and the only challenge during Stok Kangri trek is the summit day, where you have to brave sub-zero temperatures, trek on a glacier for about 6-7 hours at night, and walk on the ridgeline for about two hours to reach the summit. Although Stok Kangri does not require any technical experience, by no means it is meant for beginners. The view from the Stok Kangri summit is worth all the uphill battle. You can see even Karakoram range from the Stok Summit along with the Zanskar range.
Highlights of Stok Kangri Trek
1.The Mind-Blowing Summit Views
Reaching up to the summit of Stok Kangri, being over 6,150 meters, is something that just won't fade away from memory in a hurry. From that altitude, you have a near-miraculous 360-degree view of the mountains. There are jagged peaks of the Zanskar Range on one edge while on the other stands the huge Indus River Valley. The air is so crisp and clear, and somehow everything feels wide and close to infinite. It's the moment you just stand there and ingest the beauty, realizing how small you are in this large and gorgeous world.
2.Changing Views That Never Let You Down
The trek begins in the Stok village, a reclining place surrounded by greenery and the warm essence of the Ladakhi culture. But up higher, the scenery changes fast. Green fields become theorems for rocky, barren slopes covered with loose stones and some snow patches. From above 4,500 meters onward, it feels like you're in a world of its own- almost a high-altitude desert where plants and animals exist in their toughest forms. That changing scenery kinda keeps the curiosity alive and lets you feel a little bit of connection with nature along every step.
3.Subtle Signs of Life in the High Mountains
Despite whatever the condition might be rugged or wild, life does find a way here. Beside the village, at the lower mezzanine, you might see a smattering of colorful wildflowers blossoming in the summertime. Perhaps if fortune favors you, there will be a brief sighting of mountain-dwelling creatures: nimble Himalayan ibex or the distant movement of blue sheep pacing gracefully along the opposite slopes. Vultures are just part of the show for nature if you can spot birds circling above-the renowned Himalayan griffon vultures.
4. The Ultimate Physical Challenge
The trek is hard. It challenges you far and beyond your physical limits, especially the last ascent to the summit. The track gets more steep and rocky; some sections require you to scramble within loose gravel or to loose snowy patches. Most trekkers camp just below the summit at nearly 5,000 meters to rest as they make an early morning final push towards the summit. Definitely hard, I tell you- but that satisfaction feels great on every step once you hit the summit.
5. Peace and Culture Along the Way
While a greater number of tourists find their way to Stok Kangri nowadays, the trek remains quite serene. You get long stretches of serenity, with some of the most pristine landscapes ever. The journey is not just about nature; you'll go past Stok Monastery, an attractive Buddhist site where you can learn local culture or observe monks chanting prayers. It is a soothing balance for your adventure.
Day 1- Arrive in Leh(3,500m / 11,500 ft)
Day 2- Acclimatization in Leh (3,500m / 11,500 ft)
Day 3 -Leh to Stok Village (3,400m / 11,150 ft) → Trek to Chang Ma (3,980m / 13,050 ft)
Day 4 - Chang Ma to Mankorma (4,350m / 14,270 ft)
Day 5 -Mankorma to Stok Kangri Base Camp (5,000m / 16,400 ft)
Day 6 -Acclimatization and Training at Base Camp (5,000m / 16,400 ft)
Day 7 -Summit Day! Base Camp → Stok Kangri (6,153m / 20,187 ft) → Return to Base Camp
Day 8 - Base Camp to Stok Village (3,400m / 11,150 ft) → Drive to Leh (3,500m / 11,500 ft)
Day 9 -Departure from Leh (3,500m / 11,500 ft)
The best time to do this trek is from June to September, when weather is kinder and the trails are clear of heavy snow. These months see flowers blooming in the lower valleys and mostly clear blue skies overhead. Outside these months it's much colder and made more tricky by recent layers of ice and snow: better left for seasoned mountaineering folks. But whenever you do get to it, the mountains do mark you one way or the other.
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Day 1: Arrive in Leh(3,500m / 11,500 ft)
Land in Leh and check into your hotel,Take complete rest to help your body adjust to the sudden altitude,Keep the day light – no heavy activities
Day 2: Acclimatization in Leh (3,500m / 11,500 ft)
Spend the day exploring Leh town and its colorful markets ,Visit nearby monasteries or local cafes if you feel comfortable,Focus on hydrating and preparing your body for the trek
Day 3: Leh to Stok Village (3,400m / 11,150 ft) → Trek to Chang Ma (3,980m / 13,050 ft)
Drive about 30–40 minutes (15 km) to Stok Village, the trek’s starting point.Begin your first trek towards Chang Ma, covering around 5–6 km.The trail is gradual, giving you a good warm-up for the journey ahead
Day 4: Chang Ma to Mankorma (4,350m / 14,270 ft)
Trek about 4 km from Chang Ma to Mankorma,The route offers stunning views of surrounding peaks,Mankorma is a beautiful campsite with open spaces and mountain views
Day 5: Mankorma to Stok Kangri Base Camp (5,000m / 16,400 ft)
Trek 4–5 km uphill to reach Base Camp,Enjoy the first glimpse of Stok Kangri from here,Spend the evening resting and preparing for the coming days
Day 6: Acclimatization and Training at Base Camp (5,000m / 16,400 ft)
Take a short acclimatization hike to higher altitude points,Learn techniques and tips for the summit push,Rest well, as tomorrow will be your most challenging day
Day 7: Summit Day! Base Camp → Stok Kangri (6,153m / 20,187 ft) → Return to Base Camp
Start your climb around midnight or early morning,Ascend steadily through steep slopes, glaciers, and ridges,Reach the summit of Stok Kangri and soak in breathtaking 360° views,Descend carefully back to Base Camp for rest and recovery
Day 8: Base Camp to Stok Village (3,400m / 11,150 ft) → Drive to Leh (3,500m / 11,500 ft)
Trek downhill from Base Camp to Stok Village,Drive back to Leh and check into your hotel,Enjoy a relaxing evening after the tough adventure
Day 9: Departure from Leh (3,500m / 11,500 ft)
Transfer to Leh airport for your onward journey,Take with you unforgettable memories of the Stok Kangri summit
Inclusion
During The Trek
Exclusion
Not necessarily, but having some prior experience with high-altitude trekking or multi-day hikes would hurt. The trek introduces risks of altitude sickness and difficult sections where knowing some basic trekking skills and how your body reacts to altitude would make your trek much safer and more rewarding.
The best season to go for the trek if it has to be a choice season? July to September is the prime time to take up Stok Kangri trekking. The weather stays fairly steady during this period; snows have melted for the most part and routes remain opened. June-July would be preferable for trekking in agreeable temperatures whereas July to September is when the valley rejoices in full bloom.
At present, the Stok Kangri trek has been put under temporary ban for environmental restoration and to limit the number of trekkers at any one time for safety considerations by the local authorities. It would do you well to check from some trustworthy source about the present status before making any plans as it is subject to change.
This is a hard trek only because it is so high and the approach to the very summit involves some very steep terrain. This trek requires very good physical fitness, good acclimatization, and, at the very least, a little experience walking on rough rocky, and sometimes snowy trails. It is not an amateur-level trek but one that is worth a massive reward for anyone able to do it.
Testimonials
Radandi Shashank
“You are not just a mountain trek guides, but a true guardian of the journey. Your unwavering loyalty to our team, the mountains, and safety itself is extraordinary. Every step felt secure because of your dedication, integrity. And stayed committed to every trekker, through every challenge, with patience, care, and honesty. Huge respect to Subodh Jii n Aditi Mam!! Thank youu @thinairexpedition It was wonderful experience!!❤️❤️
67D3_KALYAN
Completing the Kedarkantha trek at an altitude of around 12,500 feet was not just a trek for us, it was a life-long memory, and a major reason for this unforgettable experience is our guide Shubhod Sir. From the very first day till the summit, Shubhod Sir guided us with immense patience, discipline, and genuine care. At every difficult patch, when our legs were tired and breathing became hard, his calm words, constant motivation, and confident leadership gave us the strength to keep moving forward. He never rushed anyone and always made sure that every member of the group was safe, comfortable, and mentally strong. Shubhod Sir’s knowledge of the mountains, weather, and high-altitude conditions was truly impressive. More than a guide, he felt like a protector and mentor who treated everyone like family. His positive attitude and humble nature created a sense of trust and confidence among all of us. We are also thankful to Atidhi Madam for her support and cooperation during the trek, which added to the smooth experience. Because of Shubhod Sir’s guidance and dedication, we successfully reached the summit with confidence and joy. We will always remember this trek with gratitude and respect. Truly blessed to have a guide like him. 🙏⛰️
Arvind Sahu
Wonderful experience totally worth it. At those price they provided services that no one could provides really enjoyed ❤️🎉
Kolanu Anirudh
This is my first trek in Uttarakhand(Kedharkanta) and Thin Air Expedition made it a memorable one Thanks for everything subodh bro you made it so special.
kanica kandpal
Completed the Gaumukh–Tapovan trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. Instead of opting for a fixed-departure model, we chose a personally curated itinerary, as this was our first trek—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The team was extremely thoughtful in planning each day’s distance, ensuring we were comfortably challenged without ever feeling overtired or exhausted upon reaching the campsites. Every campsite was carefully selected, offering not just safety and comfort but also breathtaking views that made each halt truly memorable. What stood out most was the level of personalization. The itinerary was clearly tailored to our pace and comfort, and the trek leader constantly shared insightful facts about the region, its geography, and cultural significance, adding depth and meaning to the journey. Overall, Thin Air Expedition delivers a highly personalized, well-paced, and enriching trekking experience. I would highly recommend them, especially for first-time trekkers looking for a safe, informative, and thoughtfully curated adventure.Sen
Raj Bahadur
I booked my trek with Thin Air Expedition on a friend’s recommendation, and it turned out to be a great decision. They managed travel and accommodation very smoothly, and everything was well organized throughout the journey. The team stayed in regular coordination, ensuring that stays and drivers were properly arranged each day. The entire trip was timely, hassle-free, and also pocket-friendly. I would definitely recommend Thin Air Expedition—you can trust them completely with your travel and trekking plans.
sachin aulakh
I recently completed the Kedarkantha Trek with ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was outstanding. The coordination, communication, and arrangements were excellent. The trek leaders were experienced and friendly, the support staff was humble, the stay was comfortable, and the food quality in such high altitude conditions was truly impressive. Their focus on safety and responsible trekking made the journey even better. I would definitely choose them again for my next Himalayan adventure! 🏔️✨
Aman rai
I recently completed a trek with the help of ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was very comfortable. From stay arrangements to travel from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, everything was well managed. The driver was extremely polite, supportive, and made the journey smooth and stress-free. Overall, a great experience and I would definitely recommend them.
Nitya Jaiswal
Kedarkantha was not just a trek, it was an experience that helped me reconnect with myself. Thanks to Thin air expeditions , I felt safe, cared for and encouraged at every step. The sunrise at the summit, the laughter around the campfire and the kindness of the guides will stay with me forever. If you're looking for a company that treats you like family on the mountains, this is the one.
Biswajit Sahoo
Subodh Sir making the trek so much of fun and intresting .. Awesome Experience with Subodh Sir
Anmol Verma
Overall trekking and accommodation was a very smooth experience. Our trek leader Mr. Ramesh was amazing and very helpful. He managed to make the trek look easy. Overall experience was 10/10. Would highly recommend.
Rishabh Singh Rana
Trek Guide Mr. Ramesh Ji is a very cool & good person. Trek journey became beautiful with the group and overall it became my one of the best experience.
aditi vaidya
I recently went on a trek with Thin Air Expeditions, and I can't get over the experience I had! I did the Phulara Ridge trek with Subodh sir, and it was an incredible experience. What made it even more special was that Subodh sir made sure I could bring my dog, Flake, a toy pom. His team and him took such great care of us, and it was clear that they truly care about their guests, human or canine! The group was amazing too. I met some wonderful people along the way, and we formed lifelong bonds. The whole experience was beautiful – from the breathtaking views to the friendly, supportive environment. I’ll cherish these memories forever! If you're looking for a SAFE, well-organized, fun, and caring trekking company, Thin Air Expeditions and Subodh sir are the ones to go with!
Anuja Vaidya
It was a wonderful experience with TAE on Phulara ridge trek, everything was on point the gears, food, trek guides and Subodh sir himself was an amazing leader who is the founder of TAE, he made sure the experience was amazing even for the first timers keeping safety the first priority. Also I took my Dog, Flake along with me for the trek and it was a great experience for her as well and her food and safety was well taken care of . 🐾 Would love to go back again with Thin air expedition. Thank you so much 🤗
Simran Samal
Phulara Ridge Trek – A Memorable Experience for me !!! Someone once told me, “Trips aren’t just about travel — they become a part of you.” I never really believed it, but this time, Phulara Ridge became exactly that for me. Our first campsite — the forest trail, the tents, the whole setting — gave me the first taste of what was to come. Everything was so thoughtfully arranged, it felt like nature itself had prepared that space for us. All thanks to our trek leader, Subodh bhai 🙌🏻. The next stop was magical in its own way. The campsite was picture-perfect, and we even ended up learning a bit of the local Uttarakhandi dance from Dev bhaiya (well… I tried to! 😄). In the evenings, we played games and spent such a good time that we forgot the weight of city life for a while. And finally, the Ridge: Honestly, we thought the weather would block the views, but Subodh bhai timed it so perfectly that the skies cleared for us. Walking on the ridge — one valley on the right, another on the left, clouds passing beneath us — felt surreal. We sat there for hours, just soaking it all in. It was pure peace. And yes, we even made tea there!!! 🫶🏻 (Of course, we made no mess, cleaned it all up, and left the space exactly the way it should be 😌). For me personally, trekking has always been like meditation — a way to quiet the noise and reconnect with myself. This trek with Subodh bhai and the team gave me exactly that: peace, perspective, memories for a lifetime, and inspiration. #SoGrateful 🙏🏻 Thank you, Subodh bhai and team, for making this such a soulful and unforgettable journey! Lastly Just one note for all: “In the end, we don’t conquer mountains; they help us discover who we truly are.” To anyone even considering it: please go with #ThinAir Expeditions to experience the rawness of trekking, the beauty of nature, and the joy of escaping city life for a while. You’ll come back not just with pictures, but with stories, stillness, and a piece of the mountains in your heart. All the best !!! ✌🏻
Netra Sharma
It was a wonderful experience with ThinAir Expedition. I went on my first trek to Phulara Ridge, and it was truly amazing. Our guide, Subodh ji, managed everything so well and remained patient throughout the trek. I enjoyed every moment and every spot. The place, the cook, and the helpers were all wonderful. The food and camps were awesome. I highly recommend joining ThinAir Expedition to experience the best of “pahadi” life!
Vaibhav Srivastava
Thin Air Expedition gave us the best experience while trekking. Everything was finely arranged and properly taken care of whether it was travel, food. Staff availablity. But the best part was free hand while trekking. Subodh led us beautifully taking in note that everyone reaches the base camp and everyone is doing well. Consulting our next phase keeping in mind the safety and gears. It was collectively very amazing. He gave us full free hand additionally it is our responsibility as well to take care of each other. We did so many activities had games and fun and he even taught us how to camp. How to set up it was fun. If it would've given me option I'll rate it 10. Thanks subodh and team and thin air expedition for such a memorable trip.
Somya Chaturvedi
I recently did the Phulara Ridge Trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was my first trek ever truly an unforgettable experience! Everything was so well managed from safety arrangements and equipment to food and stay, I never had to worry about a thing. Our trek leader, Subodh, was extremely supportive, patient, and motivating, which made a huge difference for a first-timer like me. The food was simple, homely, and very satisfying after long trekking hours. Most importantly, safety was always the top priority. For anyone planning their first or next trek, I’d highly recommend Thin Air Expedition. Professional, caring, and passionate about making the experience memorable!
We're always ready for adventure
Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.
We embrace low-noise trekking
We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.
We protect the environment
We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.
We are self-sufficient
We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.
We support each other
Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.
We are fit and prepared
We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.
