Mountain climbing in ladakh

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The climbing season in ladakh extends from mid - May to mid -October, the ideal period being from June to September because it is during this time that Ladakh remains unaffected by the monsoon, which holds sway over most of the Himalayas. The area most frequented by foreign climbers is the Nun-Kun Massif in the Great Himalayan Range. Its easy accessibility from the Kargil-Pudum road and the shortest possible approach march to the base camps makes this massif the most attractive climbing destination in the Great Himalaya. Among its six known peaks accessible from the Suru Valley, Nun (7,135m) and Kun (7,077m ) are the highest summits. Climbing it needs advance booking years ahead.

Mountain Climbing at Zanskar Range

Another popular area for climbing is Stok-khangri Massif in the Zanskar mountains, south of Leh. The base camp for the various peaks of this massif is about two days trek from the village of Stok. Among its known peaks, Stok-khangri (6,150 m) is the highest; it offers a spectacular perspective to the central expanse of the Indus valley which it dominates. Other peaks in the area include Gulap Khangri (5,900 m), Matho West (5,950m) and Kantak (5,275 m). The much higher Konglacha peak (6,700m) lies south-west of Leh and is reached via Rubak on the first leg of the Markha Valley trek from Stok. Many unnamed peaks in the altitude range of 5,500 metres and 6,400 metres are also available for climbing in the same region. This entire area falls well outside the Inner Line, or restricted area.

Mountain Climbing at Karakoram Range

The famous Karokoram range lies across the Ladakh Range and the Nubra Valley in North of Leh . It has a chain of known peaks which are, however, within the restricted area and so not freely accessible to foreign climbers except with special permission from the Government of India. The most prominent summits in this range which are accessible from various parts of the Nubra Valley include, Saser-I (7,415 m), Saser -II (7,513m ) and Saser III (7,495 m).

Permits Required

Foreign climbing expeditions are required to obtain permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for climbing all listed peaks. A booking fee, based on the height and popularity of the allotted peak, is charged and a Liaison Officer is assigned to every climbing team. The minimum period required for processing applications is six months. Every authorized expedition is provided with adequate rescue coverage in the events of accidents and illness.

Tips for Mountain Climbing

Though you have our travel experts and adrenaline junkies with you, you need to keep a few tips in mind during your adventure of mountain climbing in Ladakh.

• Being a climber, you need to keep the climbing route in mind.
• It is advisable not to carry used ropes, harness or slings.
• Beginners should prefer high top shoes with midsole.
• Your fingers, elbows and shoulders are more vulnerable to injury and you need to take care of them.
• Also carry a map to guide you along the routes you plan to take.

Our travel counsellors will give you more information on major sites of mountain climbing in Ladakh and mountain climbing tours that we offer.