The first part of the day's walk goes eastwards across the plain, to the edge of the pastures. In this area a large number of streams, rising in the snowfields of the Stok Matho range, have gouged deep valleys as they flow north and converge to form the Matho river. The trail descends to the bottom of one such valley and it takes over two hours to reach the stream which has to be forded. The trail then winds up the opposite hill, a long torturous climb of 2 to 3 hours to the top through dry terrain with very little vegetation in this maroon-hued wilderness of shale, rock and sand. Camp is set on the bank of another stream which eventually meets the main Matho Nala and the descent is fairly steep, though not long.
Suggested trips for Base Of Shang La
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Ladakh: Stok to Shang Trek
14 Days
Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate
Flying across the Himalayas, the Great Himalayan Divide and the Pir Panjal ranges of Ladakh with views of the Eastern Karakorams before landing at Leh, experience possibly one of the world’s most spectacular flying experiences. Land at the quaint though now fairly bustling township of Leh and take rest for the day to acclimitise to an altitude of 3,500 meters.