trek Stok Kangri at a glance trip highlights

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Erica Kennedy
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Stok Kangri actionchallenge on stands magnificently at 6153m, towering over the Stok range in the Indian Himalayas.

Your challenge starts in the enchanting town of Leh with its Tibetan influences, in Northern India s Ladakh region.

the local bazaars and streets of this bustling gateway to the Himalayas.

On our tough summit night, our trek takes us across the glacier to a steep ridge and we make a scramble to the top.

After taking it all in, we descend down to celebrate our incredible achievement together, with some free time in Leh and Delhi to get a taste of what Northern India has to offer.

15-25 trip highlights Summit India s highest, trekable peak Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas Take on this non-technical mountaineering climb Experience the culture of the

1 Stok Kangri actionchallenge on stands magnificently at 6153m, towering over the Stok range in the Indian Himalayas. This is our latest opportunity to take on a new trekking peak in high altitude with Action Challenge. Your challenge starts in the enchanting town of Leh with its Tibetan influences, in Northern India s Ladakh region. Landing in Leh at 3500m will take, over the first few days we take time acclimatising to the altitude visiting the historic and religious sites of the region as well as exploring the local bazaars and streets of this bustling gateway to the Himalayas. We trek steadily on our way to the summit of as we reach higher altitude, passing through gorges, criss-crossing the Markha River before the path steepens. On our tough summit night, our trek takes us across the glacier to a steep ridge and we make a scramble to the top. After all the effort, we are rewarded with breathtaking views as the sun rises, and we are surrounded by the Himalayan peaks all the way to the horizon. After taking it all in, we descend down to celebrate our incredible achievement together, with some free time in Leh and Delhi to get a taste of what Northern India has to offer. at a glance Activity: Trekking - at altitude Location: Himalayas, Northern India Duration: 17 days / 8 days trekking Difficulty: Tough Distance: Average 6 hrs trek / day Group size: trip highlights Summit India s highest, trekable peak Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas Take on this non-technical mountaineering climb Experience the culture of the Ladakh region Drive along the highest road in the world to Khardung La Visit beautiful, traditional monasteries, castles and stupas Explore the bustling city of Delhi Action Challenge have been leading inspirational team adventures across the world for individuals, private groups, charities and corporate clients since Our trips enable people to experience the world s most exhilarating locations, often in aid of charity. At the heart of every challenge is team spirit and fulfilment; together we take on once-in-a-lifetime adventures, achieve formidable goals and forge friendships for life.

If you are raising money for a charity, we will sort out all the formalities so you can concentrate on your own preparation and fundraising.

2 introduction This fully-inclusive adventure to will begin as soon as you register! You will receive a challenge pack including a training guide, kit list and discounts for all the essentials you may need. If you are raising money for a charity, we will sort out all the formalities so you can concentrate on your own preparation and fundraising. We offer pre-challenge briefings and training weekends in the UK, where you can meet our mountain leaders, members of your group and others taking part in challenges around the world. On the day of departure you meet your group and Action Challenge leader at the airport in London. Whether you re joining the challenge on your own or with others, you will instantly be made to feel welcome. As a team we will board our flight to Delhi, ready to take on and the trekking adventure of a lifetime! brief itinerary Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Depart London Delhi Leh - 3,500 m Leh Acclimatisation - 3,449 m Khardung La Pass - 5,539 m Chilling - 3,200 m Skiu - 3,500 m Ganda La Camp - 4,100 m Rumbak - 4,980 m what s included Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 International and domestic flights Action Challenge Mountain Leader Action Challenge UK Medic Full support team, including local guides, Sherpas and donkeys All accommodation & campiing, on a twin-share basis All meals, except in free time Drinking water Airline taxes (except fuel surcharges) All transfers in local vehicles National Park entrance fees Free time in Delhi & Leh and celebration dinner in Leh Pre-challenge briefing in London Discounted UK training weekends Fitness and training guide Discounts from UK retailers - Cotswold Outdoor, Trek Hire & more Reduced rates at Nomad Travel Clinics and Masta Health Mankarmo - 4,800 m Stok Base Camp - 5,100 m Stok Advanced Camp- 5,200 m Summit- 6,153 m Stok Village Free Day Delhi Arrive London dates 29 June - 15 July 2018 Please check our website for full details cost All inclusive trip cost from 2,258 for 2018 Initial 399 deposit to sign up Three payment options available Please visit our website for more details how tough is the challenge? Summiting is a tough challenge, at altitude, but one that is achievable with correct training. It requires a good level of strength, stamina and determination. Although the trek does not require any winter mountaineering experience, be prepared for some long trekking days, especially on summit night. Your training should incorporate aerobic (endurance building), anaerobic (strength building) exercises and good long walks! when to go One of the best times to visit the Stok range and complete this challenge is between July and the end of August, when the weather is usually fair, dry and stable. The temperature can reach 30C+ in the lower valleys, but drop to as low as -10C at higher altitude during the night. Be prepared for all types of weather, bringing layers to easily warm up or cool down when needed. A warm sleeping bag (fourseason) is also essential. extensions Why not stay on after the challenge and explore some more of India s highlights? Extensions include: Visit Taj Mahal in Agra and Jaipur Explore South India beaches Plus many more options Please us for more information

itinerary DAY 1 - Departure from London We will meet our group and Action Challenge staff at the airport and check in together before boarding our flight to Delhi.

Here we have a briefing from our Action Challenge leader and local head guide who will be leading us on the challenge.

3 itinerary DAY 1 - Departure from London We will meet our group and Action Challenge staff at the airport and check in together before boarding our flight to Delhi. Meals: In flight Accom: Flight DAY 2 - Delhi On arrival, we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in Delhi. Here we have a briefing from our Action Challenge leader and local head guide who will be leading us on the challenge. We have some time for individual sight-seeing in Delhi in the afternoon should you wish. In the evening we enjoy a welcome meal together and relax before our early departure in the morning. food Breakfasts each morning will be at our accommodation/campsite. Lunches will be en route and evening meals will be at our night s accommodation or in a mess tent at the campsite. Variety in the menu at this altitude is limited, but we attempt to offer a mix of typical Indian and dishes with an international influence. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements in advance. DAY 3 - Leh - 3,500 m We leave our hotel early and transfer to the airport for our spectacular flight to Leh with views of the Himalayas and we may even see as we fly in. On arrival at Leh airport, we transfered to our hotel and have the rest of the day to acclimatise to the altitude, either resting or exploring the town of Leh. DAY 4 - Leh Acclimatisation Day After breakfast, we have more time to acclimatise by visiting Leh valley and some of the most important sites of the city including Sankar Gompa, the town's modest Buddhist monastery and the recently built Shanti Stupa, to promote world peace. You have stunning views back over Leh and the surrounding villages. We will also have time to visit Tsemo Fort, a defining landmark high on the ridge above the town and Phyang Monastery. We take in fantastic views of Leh town and the Stok range valley. Overnight in Leh. kit & equipment A kit list will be sent to you on receipt of registration. Many everyday items can be used on this challenge. We offer a kit hire service as well as discounts with UK suppliers to help keep costs down. DAY 5 - Khardung La Pass - 5,359 m After breakfast we leave for the Khardung La (la means pass in Tibetan), north of Leh and the gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys. This is along one of the highest driveable routes in the world and takes us up to over 5,300 m to help acclimatise our bodies to the higher altitude. Khardong La is historically important as it lies on the major caravan route from Leh to Kashgar in Central Asia. About 10,000 horses and camels used to take the route annually, and a small population of Bactrian camels can still be seen at Hunder, in the area north of the pass. In the affternoon, we return back to Leh and have some time to relax before an early night. Overnight at the hotel. additional costs Insurance - price varies on cover Visa Vaccinations - please seek advice from GP & check your boosters are up to date Tips for local staff - recommended 50 Airline fuel surcharge - capped at 170 Any additional food/drink, outside meals

On arrival, we have time to explore the camp and have dinner under the stars before an early night.

4 DAY 6 - Chilling- 3,200 m After breakfast, we transfer 2-3 hrs drive to the start of our trek at Chilling, located on the banks of the Zanaskar river. The Markha Valley trek usually starts in Chilling because of the relative steepness of the terrain in the opposite direction. On arrival, we have time to explore the camp and have dinner under the stars before an early night. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Camp DAY 7 - Skiu - 3,500 m land only If you are planning on travelling to India before or after the challenge or wish to organise your own flights, we do offer a land only option, with a significant discount off the trip price. You will be required to meet your group at the hotel on day two of the itinerary. Please us for more information The trek begins as we take the trail across the river by rope-trolley towards Skiu, a small village in the Markha valley. We start off with a relatively short day trekking, as we stretch our legs and get used to the pace. The walls of the gorge are particularly impressive as the jagged mountains tower above us as we make our way along the arid trail. On arrival at Skiu, we have time to visit the traditional gompa. Overnight in the camp. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Camp Distance: Approx 4-5 hours DAY 8 - Ganda La Base Camp - 4,100 m Today is a longer day as we start moving further uphill at a steady pace. Stupas and Buddhist shrines dot the trail as we make our way. As we reach Ganda La basecamp, we are rewarded with astounding views of the snow-capped Stok range. Overnight at the camp. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Camp Distance: Approx 7-8 hours DAY 9 - Rumbak- 4,980 m After an early start, we make our way up tough ascents towards Ganda La, however the higher we get the more impressive the panorama is over the entire mountain range. At the pass, colourful prayer flags flap in the wind, with the Zanskari range in the background. Afterwards, we descend steadily along the Jingchan River to our camp at Rumbak. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Camp Distance: Approx 7 hours DAY 10 - Mankarmo - 4,800 m Today continues through the valley and is known as one of the most spectacular trails climbing up to Stok La. The zig-zag path steepens as you get nearer to the pass. Once we have taken in more magnificent views of the Indus valley, the trail descends towards Mankarmo camp where we rest for the night. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Camp Distance: Approx 7 hours accommodation 4/5 nights in comfortable 2-3* hotels in Delhi & Leh. 9 nights in well-equipped 2-person tents. All accommodation is on a twin-share, single-sex basis and we will pair you with someone of a similar age, where possible. If you wish to share a room with someone you are travelling with, please specify this on your registration form. single supplement If you decide that you would like to have your own room/tent on the challenge, we can accommodate this in the majority of places, just let us know at sign up. Please us for more information DAY 11 - Stok Base Camp, 5,1000 m Today is a much easier, shorter distance walk of less than 4 km as we take a day to acclimatise. We make our way from Mankarmo to Stok base camp and should arrive by lunch so we have the rest of the day free to go for a stroll and prepare ourselves for the ascent to the summit. Overnight at camp. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Camp Approx 4-5 hours

DAY 12 - Advanced Base Camp- 5,200 m After an early breakfast, we trek to the advanced camp of. This is another short trekking day so again we have time to acclimatise.

Overnight at the camp. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Camp Distance: Approx 3 hours DAY 13 - Summit - 6,153 m Today we attempt our summit of. We start at night to reach the peak before dawn.

5 DAY 12 - Advanced Base Camp- 5,200 m After an early breakfast, we trek to the advanced camp of. This is another short trekking day so again we have time to acclimatise. We try out our equipment, walking with crampons, and practise in a rope team before an optional acclimatisation trek using the equipment to increase chances of reaching the summit. Overnight at the camp. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Camp Distance: Approx 3 hours DAY 13 - Summit - 6,153 m Today we attempt our summit of. We start at night to reach the peak before dawn. It s a tough day, the walk takes you to the glacier and then you follow a steep path to the ridge that leads to the summit. The awe-inspiring view from the peak makes the climb worth the hard work. You have magnificent panoramic views of the Karakoram and Zanskar ranges. We then descend back down to the lower base camp and celebrate our achievement. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Camp Approx hours DAY 14 - Stok Village After breakfast, we begin our last day of trekking down to Stok village over a descent of around 4 hours. Transfers will be waiting and drive you back to Leh. Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel for a well-deserved rest! DAY 15 - Free Day in Leh After breakfast, you have a free day to explore the town or relax at the hotel. We have a celebration dinner together in the evening. Meals: B, D Accom: Hotel DAY 16 - Delhi We have an early morning transfer to airport for board flight to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi airport, we are transferred to our hotel for check-in. We have the rest of day free for individual activities. training weekends / briefings We run a number of training weekends throughout the year in the Peak District, Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. These are fully-inclusive - accommodation for 2 nights and all meals. We also organise training days in London and the North and South downs. On both, you will get the chance to meet our mountain leaders and test out your kit and fitness! You will also received an invite to a challenge briefing in central London. Meals: B Accom: Hotel DAY 17 - Delhi Depart Delhi, arrive London Meals: B* Accom: Flight (*dependent on flight schedule)

payment options A REGISTRATION DEPOSIT of 399 is required to secure your place, paid in full by card at the time of registration Once registered, there are 3 PAYMENT OPTIONS to fund the balance of

It s then completely up to you whether or not you choose to raise any money for a charity of your choice. ATOL Action Challenge is 100% ATOL bonded, which provides you with full financial protection.

6 payment options A REGISTRATION DEPOSIT of 399 is required to secure your place, paid in full by card at the time of registration Once registered, there are 3 PAYMENT OPTIONS to fund the balance of the trip cost. Full details are on our website. 1) SELF FUNDED For anyone who wants to pay for the entire trip themselves. It s then completely up to you whether or not you choose to raise any money for a charity of your choice. ATOL Action Challenge is 100% ATOL bonded, which provides you with full financial protection. On receipt of your registration fee, you will receive an ATOL certificate explaining your protection. ATOL is a scheme that protects you from losing money or being stranded abroad if your travel company collapses. The total all inclusive cost of this trip is 2,258 for 2018, which, after you pay the 399 Registration Deposit, leaves a balance of 1,859. This final balance is due for payment 10 weeks before your departure along with any fuel surcharges levied by the airline. 2) SPONSORSHIP FUNDED This is for anyone who wants to take on this challenge and will link it with fundraising a significant sum of money for a charity of their choice. You would have to raise at least 3,800 for 2018 via sponsorship and donations from friends, family and colleagues, and be confident at the outset that you can achieve this total. Pay the Registration Deposit and nominate a charity to fundraise for. All fundraising goes directly to your charity and providing that you raise at least 3,800, your charity will pay for the balance of your trip costs to Action Challenge. That balance, paid by your charity, is 1,859 for 2018 (the same as if you were you were Self Funded ) - the charity will retain at least 1,941 to help fund their work. You will have to pay any airline fuel surcharges 10 weeks prior to departure. 3) MIXED FUNDED A mix of the 2 options above! You pay about half the trip cost yourself, and also fundraise for your charity. They pay the remaining balance of your trip costs. Ideal for anyone who wants to take on the challenge and also fundraise for a charity, BUT is happy to pay a reasonable proportion of the trip cost themselves, which with your registration deposit, is set at a level that covers at least the costs of flights & accommodation; perfect for those who feel more at ease asking for sponsorship in respect to the challenge component of their trip. Pay the Registration Deposit and nominate a charity to fundraise for. All fundraising goes directly to your charity and providing that you raise at least 2,400 for 2018, your charity will pay a portion of your trip cost to Action Challenge. That balance, paid by your charity, is At the same time, you will be required to pay the remaining balance yourself, which will be a figure of 700 for 2018 (These two amounts add up to the same as the Self Funded final balance) - the charity will retain at least 1,241 to help fund their work. You will have to pay any airline fuel surcharges 10 weeks prior to departure. how to book To book on to this challenge, please visit our website; for a full list of prices and all available dates. private groups If you are a charity, business, school or private group with a minimum of 10 people and fancy your own bespoke trip, please call us on +44 (0) or you can send us an to events@actionchallenge.com for more information. social contact us Action Challenge UK Ltd United House North Road London N7 9DP United Kingdom

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