Outlook Expeditions India Himalaya School Expedition
Leading a group of 17 yrs to India for a 4 week expedition including a 10 day trek culminating in an attempt on Stok Kangri (6153m) Map – See Olizane 1:150’000 for basic route information
Day 1 – Spituck - Zingchen
Drove from Leh to nearby Spituck – the start of the trek, met pony men who accompanied us on the trek. Followed a track for 3-4 hours to Runchu Dho which is at the start of the Rumback valley. From here it was 1hour to Zingchen (which has a tea tent) and camped 0.5km past the last house.
Approx Distance 10 km - Max Altitude 3380m - Sleeping Altitude 3300m
Day 2 – Zingchen - Rumback
The valley walls steepened and the team took on several small river crossings. It was 3 hours to Rumback and a further 1 -1.5 hours to Thang Tik campsite where water was available.
Approx Distance 5 km (4.5 hours) - Max Altitude 3870m - Sleeping Altitude 3870m
Day 3 Rumback - Lamlung
Today was one of the longest days of the trek. The climb was initially steady (3 hours), steepening for a final climb (1hour) up to Stok La pass (4850m). It took another 1.5 hours down to the valley/basin bottom where there were suitable spots to camp.
Approx Distance 8km (5.5 hours) - Max Altitude 4850m - Sleeping Altitude 4100m
Day 4 Lamlung – Lamlung (Acclimatisation day)
Took a day walk up to around 4600m and then returned to Lamlung. This day was designed to help acclimatise to the height and also prepare for the ascent of Stok Kangri.
Approx Distance was fairly minimal, the aim was to take a short walk but achieve a max height of 4600m. - Max Altitude 4600m - Sleeping Altitude 4100m
Day 5 Lamlung - Smankarmo
From Lamlung it was 3km (2 hours) to Smankarmo, than an early start as the rivers were best crossed first thing in the morning.
Approx Distance 3km - Max Altitude 4900m - Sleeping Altitude 4300m
Day 6 Smankarmo – Stok Kangri Base Camp
From Smankarmo it was 2km up to the 5000m base camp of Stok Kangri. Spent the remainder of the day resting at altitude. Here we met our local climbing guide who issued crampons and axes.
Approx Distance 2km - Max Altitude 5000m - Sleeping Altitude 5000m
Day 7 Stok Kangri Base Camp rest day
Spent the day resting at Base Camp acclimatising to the altitude.
Approx Distance 0km - Max Altitude 5000m - Sleeping Altitude 5000m
Day 8 Glacier Skills session
Headed up to the start of the glacier for a crampons skills session with the team along with the local guides.
Approx Distance 2km - Max Altitude 5500m - Sleeping Altitude 5000m
Day 9 – Stok Kangri Summit day
Poor weather, heavy snow precluded any summit attempt today unfortunately for the group.
Approx Distance 0km - Max Altitude 5000m - Sleeping Altitude 5000m
Day 10 Descent to Stok
Descended from base camp back down to Stok.
Approx Distance 12km
