Mentok Kangri is a 6,000 m peak, and the plan that matters most is how the days are laid out before the summit. The itinerary has three stages of acclimatisation, and each one is built on the last.
Leh, two nights
You land in Leh at about 3,500 m. Ladakh asks every visitor to rest at least 48 hours in and around Leh before going higher, and we plan for it: day 1 is arrival and rest, and day 2 is a guided hike to Chamkang Ri (4,150 m), which takes 4 to 5 hours, so you climb high and sleep low. Nothing harder happens in these two days, and that is on purpose.
Korzok, two nights
Day 3 is a long drive to Korzok (4,500 m), a rise of 1,000 m in sleeping height, which is the biggest jump in the trip. That is why day 4 is spent at Korzok: after breakfast we walk up the slopes of Korzok Ri above the village, spend time at height, look over the lake, and come back to the homestay to rest.
Base camp and high camp
From Korzok the route moves in short stages. Day 5 is a 4 to 5 hour walk of about 8 km to lower base camp (5,100 m). Day 6 is a short move of 2 to 3 hours to high camp (5,500 m). Day 7 stays at high camp for training. By the time you start the summit day you have slept at 5,100 m and 5,500 m.
The reserve day
Day 9 is a flexible reserve day at high camp, kept for weather or for a team that needs more time.
We do not claim any of this removes the effect of altitude. It gives your body time, and your leader watches how each person is doing. Fitness and good acclimatisation are what decide the climb. If you have been high before, tell us how you felt, and we can talk about your pace.