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Chamba Camp, Thiksey introduced by ‘The Ultimate Travelling Camp’

Stok Kangri Peak in Ladakh

Get Stok-ed! – Stok Kangri Trekking Tour

Main Tour (5 nights / 6 days) + Extension Stok Kangri (6 Nights / 7 Days)
Total duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days
Stok Kangri Trekking Tour - Day 1
Day 01:Arrive into Leh * Check into the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
This morning, following your arrival into Leh, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your residence, The Chamba Camp, Thiksey. You will be guests of the Thiksey Monastery. Soak in the serenity of the surroundings as you are accorded the traditional welcome of Ladakh. You will be accompanied to your well appointed luxury tents, where the check-in formalities will be completed by our Guest Relations hostess.

There will be no activity on your day of arrival as it is medically mandated that you relax and undergo minimal exertion to enable you to acclimatize to the rarefied oxygen levels at this high-altitude. At your convenience, the Excursion Specialist at Chamba Camp, Thiksey will meet with you to discuss the itinerary suggested and help you plan your excursions and make changes if required, as the excursions mentioned in the program can be customized to suit your interests, choices and leisure.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Stok Kangri Trekking Tour - Day 2
Day 02:Unravel the treasures of the old city
Today brings a late start, leaving the morning free for you to enjoy a languid breakfast and walk around the camp site, taking in the sights and the atmosphere where each tent opens out on to alfa-alfa pastures with a view of the willow trees as the wind gracefully brushes the branches and the rustling sound of the poplar trees creating an aura of unmatched beauty and serenity, making you naturally unwind and relax.

Or, if you are an early riser, may we suggest setting out on our optional bird watching sojourn, with our camp naturalist, spotting and identifying a variety of birds of the Trans-Himalayan region.

This afternoon, following lunch proceed on a gentle orientation tour of Leh, located approximately 19 kilometres (1 hr) from your camp. Visit popular landmarks which include the magnificent Leh Palace. Built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century, the palace has nine storeys’, some of which are in ruins. Some of the sections display fine traces of Ladakhi architecture. From the palace continue by foot to the LAMO [Ladakh Arts & Media Organisation] Centre on a short walking tour passing some enchanting old houses. The centre is housed in one of the most important heritage houses, Munshi (Togoche) House situated at the foot of the Leh Palace. Following a tour of the house there will be a short presentation by a Ladakhi scholar on the architectural heritage of the old city. Enjoy a view of the old city from the terrace of the Munshi House as you sip the special Ladakhi tea with light snacks. The Heritage exploration continues from Munshi House through the old city ending in the bazaar.

End your tour at the Shanti Stupa, perched upon a great vantage point over Leh, with spectacular views of the stone strewn landscape, as you relish a hot cup of traditional Ladakhi butter tea watching the setting sun.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Stok Kangri Trekking Tour - Day 3
Day 03:Discover hidden relics of Thiksey monastery and explore the Hemis Monastery
An early morning start with tea and coffee followed by a visit to the Thiksey monastery, which stands about a kilometre from your camp. This beautiful monastery houses a two storey statue of the Maitreya Buddha seated on a lotus and boasts of a spectacular view of the valley. At the monastery, you will have the privilege to participate in the morning prayer ceremony at sunrise. Continue on a guided tour of the monastery, visiting the beautiful prayer room which has many handwritten and painted books as well as the temple dedicated to goddess Tara with her 21 images placed in glass-covered wooden shelves. You will also see small shrines devoted to the guardian divinities including Cham-Sing, the protector deity of Thiksey.

Return to the camp for a leisurely breakfast. The rest of the morning is free, allowing you time to relax and take in the pristine beauty around you. Or you may like to indulge in our optional cycling trip in the vicinity of the Thiksey village and its surroundings. Or you could also choose to drive to the Saboo village for a séance session with the Oracle [Note: This optional excursion will be confirmed a day prior subject to the oracle willing to give an audience]

This afternoon, proceed to explore the jewel in the crown of the Drukpa lineage, the Hemis Monastery, the oldest monastic institution of Ladakh, situated about 20 kilometres (1 hr) from Thiksey. Built in a secluded valley, the monastery belongs to the Drukpa School or the Dragon Order of Mahayana Buddhism. Explore the many interesting facets of this institution, established under the patronage of King Senge Namygal in the 13th century, where young lamas are taught literature, history, philosophy, yoga and tantra. The monastery halls are adorned with beautiful statues and mural paintings.

This evening enjoy a drink as the sun dips under the horizon, casting exquisitely colored shadows on the snow-capped peaks surrounding the camp.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Stok Kangri Trekking Tour - Day 4
Day 04:Walk in the Footsteps of Buddha
Embark on an exploration of the monastic treasures of Ladakh. Driving through picturesque landscape along the River Indus, arrive at the fabled Alchi Monastery, built in the 11th century. Founded by Ringchen Zangpo, the Great Translator, the Alchi Gompa displays a Kashmiri influence in its art and architecture. Within the monastery you will see beautiful Tibetan and Gandhara style murals of Ladakh, frescos and images of the Buddha. Relish a picnic lunch in a picturesque setting. On your way back from Alchi, you will stop by at the Basgo fort, built in the 16th century. Basgo, literally “Bull’s Head” in the local language, was the center of power and politics in this region at one point of time and houses a copper-gilt Buddha statue in one of its prayer halls. The ruins of the fort bear the horrific evidence of the invasions of the Mongols.

Alternatively combine your visit to Alchi with our optional rafting excursion. The day begins with a drive through the pastoral countryside, arriving at the put-in point. Take a gentle rafting trip down the Indus River, floating past traditional Ladakhi villages, enjoying the mesmerising views, and the contrast between the greenery of the Nimoo village on one bank and the stark barren landscape of the other. Following a picnic lunch continue to the fabled Alchi Monastery.

On your return to the camp, later in the evening, as the sun sets on varied mountain hues amidst the rustic landscape with the Thiksey Monastery standing tall as a monumental back drop, you will be enchanted by a cultural dance performance, Zyabro.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Stok Kangri Trekking Tour - Day 5
Day 05:A day at the Sport of the Royals
This morning, after breakfast, you will drive 20 kilometres (1hr) to visit the Stok Palace, across the River Indus. Take a walk through the Palace, a beautiful medieval fortress, serving as the residence of the Queen Mother and Prince of Ladakh. A section of this Palace has been converted into a museum which houses some of the most interesting and priceless collections of the Royal family. Admire some of the exquisite royal perak (headgear) embedded with priceless coral and turquoise. The museum also exhibits Royal costumes, coins, photographs and paintings. Continue onwards to the Stok village. Explore the rustic beauty of the village as you walk down the narrow lanes, catching a glimpse of local village life, culminating at a quaint Ladakhi house, where you can enjoy a nice cup of tea.

Return to the camp for lunch.

Late this afternoon, you will drive a short distance from your camp to witness the traditional fanfare and glamour associated with the game of Polo. Polo originated in the Western Himalayas in the kingdoms of Baltistan and Gilgit. King Singge Namgyal, whose mother was a Balti princess, was impressed with the thrill of the sport and introduced it to the region of Ladakh in the 17th century. Each team consists of six players and the game is fast and furious in this rugged terrain. The excitement builds up as goals are struck by both sides; each goal accompanied by a burst of song and music from the surna and daman, traditional ladakhi musical instruments.

*Polo excursions are available only on the dates given below. Please plan your visit accordingly to the thrilling Polo experience!

June 2014
  • 19
  • 23
  • 27
July 2014
  • 19
  • 23
  • 27
  • 31
August 2014
  • 04
  • 08
  • 12
  • 16
  • 20
  • 24
  • 28
September 2014
  • 01
  • 05
  • 09
  • 13
  • 17
  • 25
  • 29

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Extension
Get Stok-ed! – Stok kangri
Get Stok-ed! – Stok-Kangri is the highest peak of the Stok mountain range of the Himalayas, locally known as ‘Kanglachan’ – ‘view of all the mountains’. Stok-Kangri is a popular peak to climb as an initial foray into high altitude mountaineering being technically not too difficult and requiring no special mountaineering skills despite its elevation (6150 meters). The summit provides spectacular views of the Karakoram Mountains. The feeling of having conquered a mountain higher than any other European peak is tremendously satisfying. Time to Get Stok-ed!!!
Zingchen to Rumbak
Day 06:Thiksey-Zingchen-Rumbak
This morning we recommend a hearty breakfast before you leave the camp as you have much walking ahead. You will be driven to Zingchen, an hour from Leh. Zingchen is an oasis of just 2 homes. You will walk from here to Rumbak, a delightful climb by the side of a river. You are now in Snow Leopard country and other animals in this Hemis National Park include the Himalayan Blue Sheep, Ladakhi Urial (a type of goat), Arghali (Great Tibetan Sheep), Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf etc. You get glimpses of the magnificent Stok peaks till we finally reach Rumbak, a magical village with some closely-packed traditional homes at a height of about 4000 meters.

Overnight at a tented camp at Rumbak
Stok La
Day 07:Rumbak to Mankarmo via Stok La (4800 meters)
After breakfast you proceed from Rumbak to Mankarmo to the base of Stok La (4800 meters).Standing at the pass you have stunning views of the Indus River valley and of the strikingly beautiful, multi-hued rock formations all around, making the hard trek well worthwhile.

From Stok La you descend to a pasture area used by the people of Stok. The rest of the day is spent at the camp enjoying the scenery and relaxing.

Overnight at the tented camp at Mankarmo (4200 meters)
Stok Kangri
Day 08:Mankarmo to Stok Kangri Base Camp (5200 meters)
After breakfast continue your Stok trekking and climb higher into a desolate area, only inhabited by marmots and blue sheep. At an altitude of 5200 meters you will spend time to get acclimatized to the altitude before your push onto the summit of Stok Kangri early tomorrow morning. Surrounded by high mountains and exquisite natural beauty you will prepare mentally and physically for the big day.

Overnight at Base Camp
Stok Mountain Range Himalaya
Day 09:Rest day
Overnight at Base Camp
Stok Kangri Trekking
Day 10:Base Camp to Summit (7 hours) and back (3 hours)
Depending on weather conditions, you will leave early, around 0100 or 0200 hours. Usually conditions are better in the night or early morning as it is colder and the snow is harder, making it easier to walk on. You will walk using torches to guide you but if the moon is bright, it will light the way, bathing everything around in a dream-like, silvery glow. It is a strenuous walk, and in the last part you will most likely use not only ice axes, but also crampons and maybe rope, depending upon the conditions.

However, as you get closer to the summit of Stok Kangri, you are surrounded by the beautiful panorama of snow-covered Himalayan peaks set aglow with the light of the slowly rising morning sun. It is an exhilarating moment and one feels like one is on top of the world and you forget your weariness and the difficulties of the ascent. If weather conditions are favourable, you can see the Saser group in the Great Karakoram Range, where K2, the world’s second highest peak, lies. To bring good fortune, we leave our Khatag – a religious scarf – on the mountaintop with prayer flags.

You begin your descent to base camp and as you get closer all you can think of is getting into your sleeping bag and getting some well-deserved rest!

Overnight at Base Camp
Base camp to Stok
Day 11:Base Camp to Stok (4 hours)
This morning you have a relaxed morning and as you have breakfast you realize that you have scaled a higher peak than any in Europe or North America!

Following breakfast you begin your descent into the village of Stok. The walk is an easy one and a feast for the eyes as you encounter more of Ladakh’s majestic beauty. At the road-head your vehicle awaits to take you back to the Chamba Camp (20km, 40 mins).

Arrive at the camp in time for a hot lunch. You have the rest of the afternoon at leisure or you may head out to Leh for last minute shopping of traditional fabrics and handicrafts.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Stok Kangri Tour Day 12
Day 12:Bid farewell to the land of the lamas
Today you bid farewell to the enchanting and breathtaking mountainous and rugged terrain of Ladakh, as you transfer to the Leh airport and board your flight to your onward destination.
 

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