With non-tecnical climb of Stok Kangri (20,081 feet)
Ladakh, the famed little Tibet of India offers an unrivaled region for trekking with a look traditional Buddhism that has been relatively unhampered by outside influence. Ladakh itself is a high altitude desert plateau mostly, over 3000 meters, with stunning peaks and vistas of the Himalaya and nearby Karakorum. This is a trekking expedition, with a non-technical climb in the Zanskar region. The climb does not require any prior experience and best called a high altitude trekking peak. From the summit (weather permitting) trekkers will have views of K-2. Following the climb we return to the fascinating capital of Leh, famous for its Potala-like palace, tucked away monasteries and traditionally dressed people. We will also take an additional day and jeep ride to nearby Buddhist monastery complex which are similar in design and sensibilities to Lhasa's famed Potala palace. The expedition utilizes 4-5 star hotels in the cities.
Prerequisites
The trip is physically demanding but requires no technical experience. Porters and pack animals carry the majority of your gear and trekkers may opt not to summit. Those who do not wish to climb, can relax at base camp or partake in moderate day treks. The climb is steep in parts but we generally travel unhurried.
Alpine Ascents In India
This is a unique trip in that we stay utilize fine lodges while having a fully supported trekking expedition. There are very few outfitters offering this type of journey, most of which seem take jeeps, weave in and out of villages and minimize the wilderness experience we offer. Additionally, we visit villages that are only accessible by foot and take and extra day following the trek to visit some of Ladakh's famed monasteries.
About Your Guides
Gordon Janow, Director of Programs has been visiting and writing about India for nearly twenty years. Ladakh is one of his most beloved regions. Alpine Ascents has been leading trips to India for a number of years which have recently been highlighted in National Geographic Adventurer. All trips are led by Gordon Janow or his Indian travel partner, Yatish Bahuguna. We encourage you to visit our guide's page for full guide biographies.
Environmental Responsibility
Alpine Ascents is deeply committed to maintaining ecosystems at home and around the world. With each expedition, trek and course, we not only attempt to leave the environment as we found it, but strive to assist the local population in protecting the land and people indigenous to that region. Alpine Ascents reaches for the highest ethical business practices at home and abroad. Each staff member is dedicated to environmentally sound alpine ascents.
At Alpine Ascents environmental stewardship remains one of our core values and we take Leave No Trace ethics and practices very seriously. The mountains are our home and we are unwilling to sacrifice their preservation for human objectives. On every one of our courses and climbs we teach and follow the environmentally appropriate Leave No Trace principals and practices.
Over the years, with the assistance of our Sherpa teams, we have stepped up efforts to clean Mt. Everest. Our Wag Bag® program made a pioneering step in human waste management for the National Park System and Forest Service in the North Cascades. On Aconcagua, we pioneered a waste removal system on our climbs, utilizing the WAG Bag® system. And we continue our on-going maintenance and minimal impact plans wherever we guide. We believe that given the proper information most people will do all they can to help protect and maintain the environment. Alpine Ascents is committed to developing safe, self-reliant and environmentally conscious mountaineers.
Private Groups
We regularly organize private climbs for individuals, corporate groups, families and friends. We encourage you to book these climbs early as we are often able to cater these climbs to group-specific desires. Please contact our office to further discuss the benefits of private courses.