Spituk to Stok Trek – Trek No. 1

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Trip Overview


Spituk to Stok Trek

The Spituk to Stok Trek is a thrilling and picturesque adventure located in the Ladakh region of northern India, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas, serene landscapes, and an enriching cultural experience. Spanning over a period of 4 to 5 days, this trek takes you from the Spituk monastery to the Stok village, providing an incredible journey through the heart of Ladakh's stunning terrain. The trek begins in Spituk, a village near Leh, where you visit the ancient Spituk Monastery before setting off on your expedition. The trail takes you through diverse landscapes, including barren mountains, lush green valleys, and challenging rocky terrains, providing an exhilarating mix of adventure and natural beauty. As you trek through this region, you'll encounter charming hamlets, interact with the warm and hospitable local Ladakhi people, and witness their unique way of life. You may have opportunities to engage in cultural exchanges, gaining insights into their traditional customs, beliefs, and practices.

Summiting Stok: A High-Altitude Adventure in Ladakh

One of the highlights of the trek is crossing the Stok La Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass at an elevation of approximately 4,900 meters. This part of the journey is also both challenging and rewarding, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of the region. The Stok Kangri Base Camp is also another significant stop along the route, where you can acclimatize and enjoy the scenic surroundings before heading to Stok Village. The descent to Stok is relatively easier, allowing you to soak in the stunning landscapes and appreciate the rugged beauty of the Ladakh region. In Stok Village, you can also explore the local culture, visit the Stok Palace, and perhaps interact with the locals to understand more about their daily lives and heritage. The trek also culminates in Stok, providing a sense of accomplishment and an opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey you've undertaken.

Conclusion and Summary

Overall, the Spituk to Stok Trek is a mesmerizing adventure that combines physical challenge, cultural immersion, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. It is a must-do for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking an unforgettable trekking experience in the heart of the Himalayas.

Trip Highlights


  • Scenic Flight from Delhi to Leh to Delhi.
  • Visit one of the Highest Airport of the World: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport of Leh, India.
  • Trek on of the most isolated regions in India
  • Trek through one of the most beautiful treks in Ladakh
  • Traverse through Colourful mountains, Beautiful Hemis National Park with plenty of wildlife all add to the surreal beauty of this trek.
  • Stunning Views of Stok Kangri (6153m) and Kang Yatse (6496m) from Rumbak Valley
  • Learn the culture and Lifestyle of nomadic people living in valleys followed by this trek
  • High Chances of Altitude Sickness during the Trek
  • Requires High Level of fitness and experience for higher altitude
  • Shop for souvenirs and handicrafts in Delhi’s bustling markets
  • Get the opportunity to explore the beautiful Rumbak Village
  • Enjoy once in a lifetime wildlife expedition
  • Cross through the magnanimous Stok la pass
  • Admire the amazing views of the south face of Stok Peak from the summit.
  • Lose in the beauty of historically steeped Stok palace
  • Home to numerous species of wildlife including the wild Ass Kiang, Himalayan Marmot, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Antelope, and Himalayan Ibex and Birds like Horned Lark, Seed-eating Finch, Brown Headed Gull, Brahminy duck and The Bar Headed Goose

Itinerary


Day 01 Arrival Leh and Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival Leh airport, pick-up and transfer to hotel. After tea/coffee rest in hotel to get acclimatization. Evening walking walking tour in Leh bazaar. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 Spituk to Zingchen to Rumbak 5 hrs 

After having the breakfast drive from Spituk to Zingchen and start walking through Zingchen Gorge. There is a restaurant where one can stop for tea and snacks. As we continue trekking further, the gorge gets narrower and rugged. On the way one might see snow leopard signs along the valley bottom of the side valleys if you are trekking during winter or early spring/fall. As you approach Rumbak fields the valley suddenly opens up with snowcapped mountains in the background. From the fields the path turns left eastwards for the Rumbak village, where Home stay is available.

Day 03 Wildlife viewing

After the breakfast proceed for full day wildlife viewing along with a trained local guide. Wildlife viewing possibilities are Blue sheep, the Great Tibetan sheep or the Argali, various mountain and migratory birds, high altitude flora and occasionally a Tibetan Wolf or a Snow leopard if luck favors. Ask your Home-stay operator for a local guide or village resource map to show directions for possible options. Overnight in Home Stay.

Day 04-05 Rumbak to Stok to Leh 8 hours

When you walk up the Rumbak River, the valley will get narrower. When you reach Rumbak Valley, the valley will get wider again. You have to cross the same river now and then to arrive at the Rumbak Village. If you don’t want to cross barefoot, use slippers with good grip. If you are lucky, you will see foxes, blue sheep or snow leopards on the way. Remember to click pictures of the Lato, also known as the valley’s protector, with colourful prayer flags surrounding it. When you reach the Rumbak Village at 3800 metres or 12,470 feet, you will see a parachute café that is run by the local women. Feel free to buy the pretty souvenirs these women make from sheep or yak wool. You can enjoy your lunch here or continue walking along the left valley. Visit a local house if you have time and interact with the family while sipping on hot tea! The small village of Rumbak is famous for organising snow leopard safaris during winters. The actual climb starts after you leave Rumbak and after an hour of walking towards the east, you will reach your camp. Enjoy some hot tea or refreshing juice when you reach the camp. It will be at the base of the pass towards Stok La at 4500 metres or 14,760 feet.

On day 5, you have to start early in the morning and slowly climb towards Stok-la Pass. The trail will begin with a charming and gently sloping valley, but a very tough and steep path will come up which you have to follow till you reach the Stok-La at 4800 metres or 15,750 feet. Admire the amazing views of the south face of Stok Peak from the summit. Then, you can enjoy a light snack on the top. You have to descend from Stok-la along a steep path that will take you to Lchangma. You can enjoy your lunch there and get some refreshing colas from the parachute café too. It is here that you will see the river which descends from the Stok-Kangri at 6153 metres. After resting here for a while, descend along this river’s left bank till you reach the summer pastures owned by the Stok inhabitants. Click photos of this lovely village with the Ladakh range in the backdrop. You might see vegetables, wheat and barley being grown in the fields here. The path becomes easy after that. After you reach the Stok Village, you can take a tour of the Stok Palace, which was built in 1814. The King of Ladakh currently resides here. The museum in the palace has a unique collection of jewels, ornaments of the royal family, traditional clothing, and thangkas. You can then drive back to Leh from Stok.

Day 05 Departure

Early morning on time departure transfer to Leh airport to catch fight for onward destination.

Price Includes


  • Accommodation in Guest House and Hotel with all meals.
  • All transportation by Toyota Qualis, Innova or Scorpio.
  • Two men tent, Kitchen and dinning tents.
  • Kitchen equipments and Toilet Tent.
  • Stool, Table and mattresses.
  • Food veg and non-veg.
  • Cook, helper and guide.
  • Horses for Luggages.
  • Monument entrances, wild life fees and camping charges.
  • GST

Price Excludes


  • Any flight tickets and any Accommodation except Padum and Kargil.
  • No accommodation in Leh is included in Trekking Packages.
  • Sleeping Bags, trekking shoes and clothing.
  • Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours/Extra Meals Ordered.
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “Prices Included”.
  • Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone Calls.
  • Any Kind of Drinks (Alcoholic, Mineral, Aerated)
  • Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/ stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.
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