Stoke Da Kangri

Stoke Da Kangri, originally uploaded by The Wandering Hermit.

Stok Kangri (6120mtrs) gleams under a Harvest Moon and a star spangled sky.

Its the highest peak in the Stok Range which ring the valley of Leh and a very popular trekking peak which offers non technical (but steep nonetheless) climbing for trekkers and amateur mountaineers.
It is probably the most busy peak in India and has attracted a lot of official and "unofficial" groups specially in the last few years. (the situation got so bad that now a permanent LO (liaison officer) is stationed at Base Camp during the season to deter "unofficial" climbers from tackling the peak).

The approach to the peak via Rumbak, Makarmo to base camp at 5100mtrs through the Stok La(4,900mtrs) is quite spectacular as the mountains are vividly colored and one gets to see some very unusual folding in the rock formations

Alpenglow on Kang Yatze

Alpenglow on Kang Yatze, originally uploaded by The Wandering Hermit.

Sunset on the north face of Kang Yatze (6,400 mtrs) one of the highest peaks in the Zanskar Ranges rising above the idyllic Nimaling Plains in the Markha Valley, Ladakh, India.

Along with Stok Kangri , Kang Yatze is also one of the more popular trekking peaks in the region and as it offers little technical difficulty its quite popular destination for both experienced trekkers and amateur mountaineers. Lately a lot of ski touring parties have made merry on these long gently undulating slopes

The first ascent of Kang Yatze I was made in 1982 by an Irish Team led by Trever Mitten who climbed the East Ridge to the top.

Kang Yatze II was first climbed in 1981 by a team from Nanzan Alpine Club, Japan led by Seigo Inaba. They tackled the north west ridge to the top.