Twin Peaks: Stok Kangri & Golep Kangri | Ladakh| UFO Adventure Travel
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Difficulty

Very Tough/Grueling

Max. Altitude

6150m

Duration

10 Days

Best Time

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept,

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You can download our complete tour details and guide for TWIN PEAKS: STOK KANGRI & GOLEP KANGRI. Also, you can schedule a callback from UFO Adventure Travel.

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Tour description

Flying in to the Ladakhi capital of Leh, the shapely peaks of Stok Kangri (6153m) and Golep Kangri (5950m) are prominent on the southern skyline. This initiative provides you with a chance of being part and supporting important social issues of our times. Additionally it will also give you the opportunity to make ascents of these technically straightforward peaks as a climax to a superb week of exploration and trekking in Ladakh. The Team Up for Change initiative wants to bring focus on traveling responsibly and call to action for keeping our environment clean and the impact climate change has been having on our mountains. During the holiday, we will explore Leh valley and surrounding monasteries in the first few days to acclimatize. To reach our climbing objective we trek on a high-level trail, to reach Stok Kangri Base camp. The ascent of Stok Kangri is objectively very safe and is technically uncomplicated, involving easy-angled scree and snow slopes with a short section of ridge climbing, to a perfect summit dome, bedecked with prayer flags and with wide ranging views. The climb to Golep Kangri summit has a little technical patch towards the peak but is a pretty straight forward high altitude climb till the top. This is a superb climbing holiday, perfectly suited to someone seeking their first Himalayan summits or for those who want a 6000 meter climbing holiday in the summer and also support important social issues. Team up with UFO as we bring a change in the attitude and focus with regards to our environment. We don't want to change or save the world. But we certainly will try and change our approach and thinking towards this planet.


Virtual tour of
TWIN PEAKS: STOK KANGRI & GOLEP KANGRI

Is this Holiday for you ?

After spending 3 days acclimatizing to the altitude in Ladakh (3500 meters), during which time we will explore Leh, the time that we actually spend trekking and climbing will be 6 days. The approach to our base camp traverses a wild area where trails are not always well-defined. In normal conditions, the ascent of both peaks Stok Kangri and Goleb Kangri involves no technical climbing. It may be necessary to rope up to cross a small glacier before starting the ascent which will mainly be over easy-angled scree and boulder slopes. The final 100 - 200 meters of both the peaks may require the use of crampons on snow slopes up to about 35 degrees and along a short rocky ridge where the guides may use safety ropes depending on the conditions on the day. Although this is not a technically demanding climb, at an altitude of over 6000 meters, it will be physically demanding. Previous crampon experience is preferable but not essential. A good level of fitness will be important in attempting 2 peaks back to back and will help you enjoy this holiday better. Focus on cardio, core and breathing exercises for at least a month.

Initiative to focus on cleanliness and climate change issues

Clean up drive in Leh city and till Stok Kangri basecamp

Double summit of Golep kangri and Stok Kangri





  • 10 Days, 4 nights hotel, 5 nights camping
  • 9 breakfasts, 6 lunch, 9 dinner
  • max group size: 10
  • On the high plateau of Ladakh, the maximum daytime temperature low down on our trip (and at Leh) will be around 15°C, with night-time lows below 0°C. Summit nights will go well below -10°C. At high altitude, the sun has a very strong effect and at the height of the day it will feel hotter than the indicated temperatures. Ladakh is not adversely affected by the monsoon and we can usually expect stable, weather. However, mountains do generate their own weather systems and some rain or wind cannot be ruled out at anytime.

Please contact [email protected] for quotes.

  • Local guide and kitchen team
  • Airport transfers as described
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary
  • All accommodation as described
  • Meals as per the Meal Plan
  • All permits and entrance fees in the itinerary
  • All costs are applicable for double occupancy
  • Oxygen tanks (for descent only)
  • Private group toilets
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Some meals as per the Meal Plan
  • Airport transfers other than those described
  • Tips for local staff including the local guide and drivers
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.
  • Personal gear
  • Flights and airfare
  • Meals will be a mix of local and comfort food. Breakfasts will consist of bread, cheese, honey, jams, fruit, tea and Nescafe along with eggs, paranthas, etc. For lunch there will be a variety of momos, thukpas, and other dishes from which we can select, or a full packed lunch. Dinner will usually be a soup followed by lentils, vegetable curry and meat as available. Vegetarians can be catered for
  • A single group transfer will be arranged from Leh Airport to the hotel in Leh. This transfer will meet the arrival of the flights from Delhi at 1030hrs. At the end of the trip there will be a single group transfer from the group hotel to Leh Airport at 8 am. This transfer will be after breakfast on Day 10 of the trip itinerary. A representative of our local agent will assist with the transfers between the airport and the group hotel. If the arrival transfer does not work with your flight, you will need to make your own transfer arrangements at Leh Airport. Should you require an airport transfer, these can be arranged by the hotel reception staff or alternatively please contact the UFO office.
  • During this trip the group will spend 4 nights in Leh and 5 nights camping.. All accommodation is allocated on a twin sharing basis. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. All accommodations used by UFO adhere to hygiene and comfort norms. For Hotel prices and single supplement costs please contact UFO office.
  • Day will start with a hot cup of tea served to you in the tent at around 7 am. At around 8 a.m. breakfast will be under way and by 8.30 we should be back on the trail to our next camp. You will have plenty of time to get up and pack your trek bag which will be transported safely to the next camp on mules. Please make sure you fill you water bottles for the trek ahead. After breakfast, you can pick your packed lunch prior to setting off. Usually, our route will involve a mix of walking through rugged terrain and scrambling over loose rocks. Be prepared for some uphill climbing every day. We will pick a beautiful spot with some shade for Lunch. Usually we walk for around 5-6 hours every day. On arrival at camp, we can relax in our mess tent and take tea or coffee. Dinner is ready at around 7 p.m. in the mess tent. This is a great time of day for reliving the events of the trip so far and for general socializing. After dark, the temperature starts to fall and everyone will soon be tucked up in their sleeping bags.

ITINERARY FOR THE TREK

DAY 1

MEET AT THE GROUP HOTEL IN LEH (3500m). TRANSFERS FROM AIRPORT ARE PROVIDED.

Meet at the group hotel in Leh. A single group transfer at 10.30 am from Leh Airport to the group hotel  is provided. The first day is reserved for acclimatization and you will be advised to rest and drink water as much as possible.  A group meeting at the hotel will be held and the itinerary and activities will be spelled out in detail.



  Accommodation
Hotel
  Meals
Dinner

DAY 2

EXPERIENCE LEH. CLEAN UP DRIVE IN LEH CITY.

After tea and a filling breakfast, we will explore Leh city and also set out for our first day of cleaning up a part of Leh city. We will assemble at a given place and instructions will be given to you with the other people in the initiative for the same.  Snacks and juice will be distributed during the day. We will probably start by 10-11 am and finish by 2 pm. After noon is all about rest  or going for a walk to Shanti Stupa or Tsemo Gompa. Evening at leisure.



  Accommodation
Hotel
  Meals
B D

DAY 3

EXPERIENCE LEH. CLEAN UP DRIVE IN LEH CITY.

Today is the second day of clean up drive in the city and we will be cleaning up a different part of the city. In keeping with the process  of acclimatization, you can we will go scrambling near Leh or  a session at a  climbing cafe that  will help us end the day on a high. 



  Accommodation
Hotel
  Meals
B D

DAY 4

DRIVE TO TREKKING POINT AND WALK TO SMANKARMO (4500m)

We get up early and after tea and good breakfast, head out to the trekking point in Stok Village. Our cleaning activity all the way till the base camp will start as we leave the trekking point for Smankarmo camp. You will be provided with gloves and garbage bags to collect and clean the trail as much as possible. The group will fan out to cover as much ground as possible. Watch out for Chukar partridges and Bharal (Blue Sheep) on the way.



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
BLD
  Time
5-6 hrs walking(8-10 kms)

DAY 5

SMANKARMO TO BASECAMP (5000m)

We leave for the base camp after a  hearty breakfast. Our main aim today again will be to clean the trail as much as possible. Make it a point to walk slow and steady as you want to get used to the thin air at 5000m. You will spot marmots as you approach the base camp and if luck, a Tibetan Fox.  Himalayan Griffon Vultures and the gigantic Lammergeier  can be spotted high up in the sky.   Reaching the base camp by lunch, we will rest a bit and then plan our cleaning drive for the next day. 



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
BLD
  Time
3-4 hrs walking(5-6 kms)

DAY 6

CLEAN UP DRIVE AT THE BASECAMP . LEAVE FOR GOLEP KANGRI SUMMIT (5950m). RETURN TO BASECAMP (5000m)

After breakfast, we fan out and clean the basecamp till lunch as much as possible. Small teams will be divided and tasks assigned to them. This will also help us in our acclimatization in the thin air. We have early dinner by 6 pm and rest for our summit attempt of Golep Kangri at midnight.  We get great view s of the Karakoram range and also of Stok Kangri from the summit.



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
BLD
  Time
9-10 hrs walking(9-10 kms)

DAY 7

ASCENT OF STOK KANGRI (6153m) & RETURN TO BASE CAMP(5000m)

We return back from our summit attempt to Golpe kangri by mid morning. After a heave breakfast , we rest the whole day and get ready for the attempt of Stok Kangri. From base camp the trail climbs over a ridge then follows the glacier at first beside the moraine and finally across rubble-covered ice to the lower slopes of the mountain. In normal conditions, much of the climb involves walking across scree and boulder slopes. The final 100 - 200 meters will involve the use of crampons on snow slopes up to about 35 degrees and along a short rocky ridge where the guides may use safety ropes depending on the conditions on the day. At any time of the year but especially late in the season, the snow may extend to the glacier in which case we may use ropes to cross and crampons will be worn for the whole of the climb. Once on the summit beside the cairn and streaming colorful prayer flags, the views are spectacular and extensive, stretching from the Karakoram peaks to the north to a number of almost unknown 6000 meter peaks in Tibet to the north-east, and including a bird’s eye view of the Indus Valley and Leh below us to the north. Having taken our photographs, we make the descent by the same route back to the glacier and across the ridge to reach the base camp.



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
BLD
  Time
10-12 hrs walking(10-12 kms)

DAY 8

CONTINGENCY DAY FOR POSSIBLE DELAYS, OR REST AT BASE CAMP (5000m)

This is a day  reserved in case we run into bad weather or the team wants a break between the two summit attempts.. Our guide will also give basic instruction on the simple techniques we will require for the climb. Afterwards there will be opportunities for walks above the campsite. The small col directly above to the north west provides a striking view of our objective.



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
BLD

DAY 9

TREK DOWN TO STOK VILLAGE (3595m). DRIVE TO LEH

From our base camp, we will descend directly to the upper reaches of Stok Village, with its fields of barley and buckwheat. We have time to look around the village. At Stok, we will meet our transport and make the relatively short drive back to our hotel in Leh.



  Accommodation
Hotel
  Meals
BLD
  Time
5-6 hrs walking(12-13 kms)

DAY 10

TRANSFER TO AIRPORT.

After an early breakfast we will be transferred by private vehicle to the airport. If you want to extend your stay to visit  Pangong Tso , Nubra Valley or Tso Moriri, please contact our staff.

 



  Meals
Breakfast

Why trekkers love us?

The most amazing thing about UFO was the flexibility shown to accommodate very quick changes to the itinerary. Instead of going to Nubra Valley as per the itinerary, we decided to go to Pangong and requested them to make the change the same morning we were supposed to leave for Nubra. Their response time to make the change was just 10 minutes. We had an amazing trip with UFO and will look forward to another holiday with them.

Suyash Kundlia

Fantastic 2 days spent in Doon Valley on the Benog Tibba trek, with some great camping experience, views of the Himalayas. UFO Team was extremely warm, helpful and professional. This was our daughter's (who is 9 years old) first camping experience, she rated this one of her best trips. Thanks UFO Team

Shantanu Singh

We had a great trek with UFO on the Mardi Himal trail in Nepal. The arrangements of the pickup, hotels and lodges were top notch. We could follow our pace and make slight changes to the plans which helped us pace our trek and save an extra day. I would highly recommend UFO for your trekking adventures. This was our second trek after Kashmir Great Lakes in Kashmir.

Atul Goyal

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Frequently asked questions

How do we travel to Ladakh?

There are three ways to reach Ladakh- a) you can take flight from Delhi to Leh from major airlines such as Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Indigo and Go Airlines. b) You can take road journeys either from Manali or Srinagar. It takes 2 day journey (474 kilometers) from Manali to Leh with a night stopover in Sarchu. On the other hand, Srinagar to Leh will take 2 days (434 kilometers) with a night halt at Kargil. All the roads remain open from May to October.

What are the symptoms of High Altitude sickness? How long does it take to get acclimatize in Ladakh?

Some common symptoms of high altitude sickness include giddiness, loss of appetite, lack of sleep and difficulty in breathing. The best way to acclimatize in Ladakh is a natural rest for at least 48 hours, keep yourself well hydrated and eat well. Even then it depends from person to person as to how long it takes to acclimatize before trekking in the Himalayas.

Am i fit enough for an adventure in Ladakh?

Anyone with an enthusiasm for the outdoors, different cultures and overseas travel and is prepared to be open minded and flexible. Our trips are fun and informal and attended by a wide range of people. We offer a range of trips which are all graded for difficulty to help you choose your holiday, if you would like advice please get in contact us at [email protected]. You will always enjoy your trekking holiday in Ladakh better if you have a good level of fitness. Running, cardio vascular exercises or playing sports always helps.

What kind of food is provided during the trek?

We provide clean , hygienic and tasty food during treks and climbs. Below items will give you an idea with regards to the meals:

Breakfast: Porridge, Cornflakes, Muesli, Bread, Apricot Jam, Honey, Butter, Peanut Butter, Cheese, Pan-Cake, Omelet, Tea and Coffee.

Lunch: (You will have Packed Lunch while trekking mostly) Sandwiches, Boiled Eggs, Boiled Potatoes, Fruit Juice, Chocolate Bars, Biscuits,etc

Tea Time: Instant Noodles, Popcorn, Pakoda, Tea & Coffee with Biscuits.

Dinner: Soup, Rice, Curry (Veg. Mushroom, Paneer, & Dal) Noodles (Thukpa & Chowmien) Veg Momos, Pasta, etc and desserts.

Please Note: All of the above items are served different on different days, and the items are subjected to the availability in the market. Meals can be customized according to clients and private groups.

Which treks should be considered in Ladakh?

Ladakh has a wide array of treks and climbs of different grades. Treks with multiple high altitude passes, average camping altitude and remoteness determine the toughness of the trek.

Easy treks: Markha valley trek,Sham Valley trek, Lamayuru to Chilling trek

Moderate Treks: Phyang to Hunder, Tsokar to Tsomoriri

Challenging treks: Rumtse to Tsomoriri, Chadar Trek

Which are the famous mountaineering peaks in Ladakh?

Stok Kangri(6150m) is the highest walking peak in India and draws a lot of climbers due to its height and non technicality. Kang Yatse (6400m), Mentok Kangri (6210m),Golep Kangri (6000m) and Nun (7135m) Kun (7085m) are other famous mountaineering peaks.

Why our some treks more expensive than others?

If we have to organize a trek near Leh, the transportation cost and carriage cost is less expensive. Markha Valley trek is more accessible from Leh than the Rumtse to Tso moriri trek, therefore it will be cheaper than it. Horses to carry your luggage also play an important component to trek cost. Ultimately though, it is the services that the client or the groups require and want i.e accommodation, food, experiences, etc that will determine your trek or adventure cost.

What kind of accommodation is available in Ladakh?

There are various price points in Ladakh for accommodations. From homestay/guesthouses to boutique hotels to luxury hotels and camps, travelers can pick and choose according to the budget. We usually choose an A class and luxury hotels with their facilities and services comparable to any 3-4 star hotel. Hotels in Ladakh are designed with traditional architecture of the region and feature big rooms equipped with modern amenities.

How difficult is the Twin Peaks : Stok Kangri & Golep Kangri climb?

Stok Kangri is the highest walking , non technical peak in India. Any high altitude above 12,000 feet can induce AMS symptoms and the Stok Kangri base camp itself is at 16,300 feet. The Stok summit stands at 20,100 feet tall! High altitude plays a very important role in creating difficulties with the thin air and low of oxygen levels (almost 50% less than sea level) taking a toll on your body and mind. The summit day can easily range from 8 hours to 15 hours according to your fitness levels and how well you have acclimatized. The gradient on the climb at 70 degrees till the 'Shoulder' (summit ridge) is a considerable challenge. Needless to say the weather plays a big part. On a good day the temperatures are below freezing in the night and bad weather with chilly winds and snow only makes the climb more difficult. Golep Kangri stands at 5900m but has a ice wall that needs to be tackled before the summit. The average summit attempt ranges from 8-10 hours and you need to use your crampons and ice axe for the climb.Climbing these high peaks back to back is a big challenge and you have to really train for at least 2-3 months for this climb.This is a tough challenge. However, you can also choose to do only one climb depending on how you feel your body react to the high altitude.
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