The short answer
Rumbak–Stok Trek: what visitors should know first
Go if you want a short, real Ladakh pass trek close to Leh, or an acclimatisation walk before something longer. It takes two to three days, crossing Stok La at about 4,855 m. Not suitable for anyone with heart, lung or knee problems.
History and context
The story behind Rumbak–Stok Trek
Rumbak is one of the villages inside Hemis National Park, in the catchment best known for snow leopards. The walk from Rumbak over Stok La to Stok village is a short route back to the Indus valley near Leh.
Useful facts
Rumbak–Stok Trek facts at a glance
- Location
- Hemis National Park, Zingchen to Stok, near Leh
- Altitude
- Stok La, about 4,855 m (15,930 ft)
- Experience type
- Pass trek with homestay
- Known for
- Rumbak village and a short high pass near Leh
- Time or schedule
- About 2 to 3 days; June to September
Why it matters
Why Rumbak–Stok Trek is worth your time
The trek gives a real taste of Hemis National Park in two or three days, close enough to Leh to fit into a short trip. Rumbak sits in the catchment with the highest density of snow leopards of any protected area, and its homestays are part of the park's village homestay programme.
Blue sheep, marmots and birds of prey are often seen along the way. Using homestays and local guides keeps income in the village and reduces pressure on the park's fragile pastures.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Zingchen gorge
A narrow rocky gorge that marks the entry into Hemis National Park.
- 02
Rumbak homestay
A night in a small village in the heart of snow leopard country.
- 03
Stok La
A high pass with views over the Rumbak valley and the Stok range.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The usual start is a drive from Leh to Zingchen, or a walk along the south bank of the Indus from Spituk. From Zingchen the trail climbs through a narrow gorge into Hemis National Park and reaches Rumbak village, at about 3,950 m, in two to three hours. Rumbak has homestays and is a good place to spend a night acclimatising.
The next day climbs steadily to Stok La, at about 4,855 m (15,930 ft), with views back over the Rumbak valley and across to the Stok range. The descent is long, through a narrow side valley down to Stok village and its palace, where vehicles meet trekkers for the short drive to Leh. Some itineraries go from Rumbak over Stok La to Mankarmo instead, on the way to the Stok Kangri base camp.
This is a good acclimatisation trek before longer routes, but it still needs at least three days in Leh beforehand. Start the pass day early, carry plenty of water and use poles for the descent.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Acclimatise in Leh for at least three days first
- Book a Rumbak homestay through your operator
- Start the pass day early
- Use trekking poles for the long descent
- Arrange a vehicle to meet you at Stok
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Hemis National Park, from Zingchen to Stok, near Leh
- Time needed
- About 2 to 3 days from Leh
- Best time
- June to September
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- The pass day is long, about seven to eight hours with more than 1,300 m of descent, and the trail is steep and loose in places. Older travellers should not attempt the pass without good fitness and acclimatisation. The walk from Zingchen to Rumbak is short, about two to three hours, and parents who are fit can do just that stretch and stay in a Rumbak homestay, or visit Stok Palace by road.
- Tickets and access
- The route enters Hemis National Park, where a wildlife fee is charged at the checkpost or through your operator. Confirm current fees locally with the Wildlife Office in Leh. Book a guide through a Leh operator.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Rumbak–Stok Trek
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The pass day is long, about seven to eight hours with more than 1,300 m of descent, and the trail is steep and loose in places. Older travellers should not attempt the pass without good fitness and acclimatisation. The walk from Zingchen to Rumbak is short, about two to three hours, and parents who are fit can do just that stretch and stay in a Rumbak homestay, or visit Stok Palace by road.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How long is the Rumbak–Stok trek?
Two to three days. One operator gives about 39 km from Spituk, or about 23 km from Zingchen.
How high is Stok La?
About 4,855 m. Some sources round it to 4,900 m.
Is this the way to Stok Kangri?
Some itineraries use Stok La to reach Mankarmo and the Stok Kangri base, but the summit has been closed to climbers since 2020. Check current status in Leh.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
