Another Stok Kangri Post

SethL

Hey guys,

I have seen a couple posts about this trek but really wanted some more advice before heading off. I am planning to leave for Stok Kangri in two days and just wanted to make sure I am not making a terrible mistake. I have not done any mountaineering, but I am told this isn't a problem. From other posts, it seems that the biggest problem on this trek is the altitude. We are planning for five days: first night at Mankarmo, second night at Base Camp, the third night at Advanced Base Camp and heading up to the summit at 2am that morning and back down to Mankarmo. I have not done any high altitude trekking of this sort, just Pindari/Khafni Glaciers earlier this trip. I did, however, do the drive from Manali to Leh, sleeping at Sarchu, without any problems. I have absolutely no problems turning back if it seems it is out of my reach but I just wanted to get a couple of other opinions first. All the trekking companies I talked to in Leh said it wouldn't be a problem for me, but I don't really consider them reliable sources as they are more interested in my rupees than my well-being. Thanks for your help.

Cheers,
Seth

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Larsuld

It's a high mountain and every high mountain has risks, even though this has few for being a 6100+ peak. No one can guarantee anything 100%. But if you trust your guide, and have good, warm boots, gloves, etc, and equipment such as crampons and an ice-axe or walkingpoles - perhaps a rope too, in case of bad conditions, and know the basics of how to use it, and how to behave on a mountain, then it can't get any safer.

But be sure to read the recent posts on this forum, some had important information about weather conditions - for instance that there was alot of snow, and as far as I remember, that only in the past week did someone manage to summit. As some said, it is still early in the season, and I guess that means it is probably more difficult now than it would be in 2 months.

Also, I would have preferred a bit more acclimatization than it sounds like you have got. But it may not be necessary. Maybe head up a day in advance of the others?

If you go ahead I wish you a happy and safe climbing!
Lars

AvidTrekker

If you are flying into Leh, then acclimatize for two whole days minimum.

For two whole days just laze around doing nothing in Leh, walk around the bazaar etc.

You might be able to pull it off, (without acclzn), but then there are exceptions to every rule.
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aman_pruthi

Hello,
I might be a lill(or very :d) late in replying...just got back from Stok Kangri...made the summit ...it was awesome...lots of snow...mildly technical after the ridge...ropes, carabiners, ice axe and crampons necessary...and abt acclimatization...we too took the zingchen rumbak stokla manokarmo route and would recommend the same for acclimatization after atleast a day rest in Leh or if you wanna follow the stok village route then maybe as Avid says...2-3 days in Leh before starting

aman_pruthi

this might help too but I am not sure if its very true
http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts...angri/6day/mid

ozman

I think there could big problem with high altitude but then it depends on person to person, its not a bad idea to lay around for day to be safe but if you are a runner 6-8 miles/hr 4 times wk, then it should not be a problem, good luck, looking forward to hear details of your trip.

bruce

Just to be clear, altitude sickness has nothing to do with one's fitness. Having great cardiorespiratory system does not lead to lower risk of AMS/HACE/HAPE. Just know the symptoms and get down if you experience them.

SethL

thanks for the replies everyone...i made it and lived to tell! i had a mild headache upon arriving at base camp which cleared up in a day. went straight from base camp to summit back to base camp. was absolutely wonderful!

shahronakm

Congrats SethL on your summit climb. Please post in detail about your experience & cost part etc., Also the pics from the summit.

Ronak.

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bruce

SethL,

Congrats on climbing a 6000+ peak. Details please. I am going to be doing it in 3 weeks. Can you answer these?

1) Is it doable without a guide?
2) How much snow was there? Did you require crampons and ice axe?
3) How long did it take you to go BC to summit and what was your start time?
4) how cold and windy was it on the way and on the summit? We plan to stay the night at the advanced basecamp.

Thanks

Bruce

ozman

congratulations details please and the picture