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 Himalayas,
necessitating advance booking years ahead. Among its six known
peaks accessible from the Suru Valley, Nun (7,135m) and Kun
(7,077m) are the highest summits.
The area nearest to Leh is Stok-khangri Massif in the Zanskar
mountain s,
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 Mountaineering Options
climbing in KishtwarOther peaks in the Ladakh area include Gulap
Khangri (5,900 m), Matho West (5,950m) and Kantak (5,275 m). The
much higher Konglacha peak (6,700m) lies southwest of Leh and is
reached via Rubak on the first leg of the Markha Valley trek
from Stok. Many un-named 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.
North of Leh, across the Ladakh Range and the Nubra Valley, lies
the Karokoram range. It soars to a number 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).
Best Time To Climb
The climbing season extends from mid - May to mid -October, the
ideal period being from June to September because during this
time only Ladakh remains unaffected by the monsoon, which holds
sway over most of the Himalayas. 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 Liasion 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.
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