Markha valley trek & Stok Kangri climb (6153m)

Accomodation
3 star hotel
Arrival City
mumbai
Guide
guided
Maximum Altitude
8483cc
Insurance Coverage
yes
Tour Availability
Available
Wifi
Yes
Walking Hours
4 to 5 hours
Admission Fee
No
Best Season
Autumn
Departure City
Kathmandu
Free Cancellation
Yes
Hotel Transfer
Available
Language
English
Meals
Breakfast
Meeting Point
Hotel
Mineral Water
Available
Payment Method
VISA
Transportation
Taxi

Markha valley trek & Stok Kangri climb (6153m)

Duration: 12 days
Difficulty: level 5
Distance: 117 km
Max elevation: 6153m
Elevation gain / loss: +5753m / -5343m

Stok Kangri has been closed since 2020. This measure has been taken in order to protect the glacier which is the main source of water for Stok village. As of now, there is no confirmation whether the peak will reopen in 2025.

The Markha valley trek is a very famous trek and all the villages in the valley offer homestay which is a nice opportunity for travelers to catch a glimpse of the daily lives of the villagers. The Markha valley is part of the Hemis National Park, home to snow leopard and other wild animals.

Stok Kangri is a relatively “easy” 6000m+ peak, perfect for a first mountaineering experience in the Himalayas. The climb does not require special mountaineering skills; the major challenge comes from the very high altitude.

Day 01 :

Chilling - Skiu

Time: 2-3 hrs
Distance: 6.9 km
Elevation gain / loss: +189m / -18m

after crossing the Zanskar river, the trail leads to the beautiful Markha valley
homestay is available in Skiu

Day 02 :

Skiu - Markha

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 21.2 km
Elevation gain / loss: +451m / -57m

the trek from Skiu to Markha follows the river and passes through small villages
the village of Markha consists of around 20 households, it is the biggest village in the valley
spend some time visiting the ancient gompa and the ruined fort above the village
homestay can be arranged in Markha

Day 03 :

Markha - Hankar

Time: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 11.2 km
Elevation gain / loss: +305m / -35m

the trail follows the river
visit the small but impressive cliff-side monastery of Techa located a few kilometers before Umlung village
if you want to experience village life, you can stay in homestay in Hankar

Day 04 :

Hankar - Nimaling

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 10.7 km
Elevation gain / loss: +836m / -25m

continue your trek to the plateau of Nimaling which is the summer pasture for the livestock of Markha valley
from Nimaling, you can hike to the base of Kang Yatse glacier in a few hours

Day 05 :

Nimaling - Kongmaru La - Chogdo

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 12.2 km
Elevation gain / loss: +425m / -1362m

cross the Kongmaru La which offers excellent views of Kang Yatse and Karakoram peaks
from the pass, it’s a steep and long descent towards the Shang gorge. There are several river crossings before reaching the village
homestay possibility in Chogdo

Day 06 :

Chogdo - Gyuncho La - Shang Phu

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 10.0 km
Elevation gain / loss: +793m / -324m

the trail heads toward west into a tributary valley
gradual climb to the Gyuncho La before reaching Shang Phu

Day 07 :

Shang Phu - Shang La - Gangpoche

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 11.4 km
Elevation gain / loss: +563m / -509m

cross the Shang La, descend to the Tokpo river and follow it until Gangpoche

Day 08 :

Gangpoche - Matho La - Mankarmo

Time: 4 hrs
Distance: 8.0 km
Elevation gain / loss: +416m / -464m

cross the Matho La from where you will have a nice view of Stok Kangri
descend into the valley and walk to the shepherd settlement at Mankarmo

Day 09 :

Mankarmo - Base Camp

Time: 2-3 hrs
Distance: 3.4 km
Elevation gain / loss: +589m / -0m

-	from Mankarmo the trail ascends the valley and you will have a clear view of Stok Kangri
-	you may need to cross the river a couple of times before reaching the base camp

from Mankarmo the trail ascends the valley and you will have a clear view of Stok Kangri
you may need to cross the river a couple of times before reaching the base camp

Day 10 :

Rest day and time for final preparations

Day 11 :

Base Camp - Stok Kangri Summit - Base Camp

Time: 8-11 hrs
Distance: 9.1 km
Elevation gain / loss: +1184m / -1184m

the climb to the summit starts very early before dawn. It takes a few hours to reach the glacier. Keep going up on the steep path until you reach the ridge leading to the summit. The view from the summit is spectacular; you can see the snow-topped peaks of the Himalayas, Karakoram and Zanskar ranges. On a clear day, you can also see K2 in the distance

Day 12 :

Base Camp - Stok

Time: 3-4 hrs
Distance: 12.4 km
Elevation gain / loss: +0m / -1366m

walk through the valley of multi-coloured rocks before reaching Stok village

FAQs

Expand all

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

Markha valley trek & Stok Kangri climb (6153m)

Markha valley trek & Stok Kangri climb (6153m)

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map