Mountaineering

Ladakh is the paradise for mountaineering as there are so many peaks and mountains to climb. Only dare devils can dare to climb these. Climbing and conquering the lofty peaks of Ladakh needs extreme fitness. However, before attempting to climb any peak acclimatisation to weather is necessary. Climbing peaks in Ladakh may require one to three weeks.

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 Suru and Zanskar valleys provide some of the most spectacular and difficult climbing in Ladakh. The Nun Kun Massif is one of the most frequent climbing areas of the region and is booked out for months ahead, sometimes years, by climbing expeditions. The approach to the twin peaks is from the Kargil-Padum Road, about 70-km south of Kargil. The main approach is either from Tangole or Gulmadong. Some expeditions have also approached from Parkutse along the Kangri Glacier. To reach the base camp for Kun it is for the climbers necessary to cross the Suru River. The Nun Kun Massif, which lies on the great Himalayan range, is the highest peak in Ladakh at 7,077m. Other named peaks within the Suru and Zanskar areas are Pinnacle at 6,930m, White Needle at 6,500m, Z1 at 6,400m and D41 at 5,600m. In this region, along the Great Himalayas to the south of the valley and the Zanskar range to the north, there are many peaks between 5,500 and 6,500m.

Another popular area for climbing is Stok-khangri Massif (6153 Mts) 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. A feast of scenic and ethnic diversity, the Stok Kangri Expedition is one of the Ladakh's classic Expedition. One has to cross three passes including Kongmaru La , higher than two others' to reach the Stok Kangri . Other peaks in the area include Gulap Kangri , and Matho west

Many un-named peaks in the altitude range of 5500 Mts. and 6400 Mts. makes the great amphitheater of this trek.

General Mountaineering Tour Tips

Cautions & Essential Equipments :

The 10 essential things one requires while mountaineering are: a map, compass, extra clothing for changing, matches, fire starter, knife or multi purpose camp tool, sunglasses, extra food, first aid kit, headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries, sunscreen, water filter or other method of water purification and whistle as a crucial security item to keep handy when exploring unpFEB31Eictable terrain.

Special permit from Indian mountaineering Federation, is needed to climb peaks above 6000ft. A booking fee, based on the height and popularity of the allotted peak, is charged and a Liasion Officer is assigned to every climbing team. The minimum period requiFEB31E for processing applications is six months. Every authorized expedition is provided with adequate rescue coverage in the events of accidents and illness.