Mountaineering

Ladakhis the paradise for mountaineering as there are so many peaks andmountains to climb. Only dare devils can dare to climb these. Climbingand conquering the lofty peaks of Ladakh needs extreme fitness.However, before attempting to climb any peak acclimatisation to weatheris 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 thistime that Ladakh remains unaffected by the monsoon, which holds swayover most of the Himalayas. The Suru and Zanskar valleys provide someof the most spectacular and difficult climbing in Ladakh. The Nun KunMassif is one of the most frequent climbing areas of the region and isbooked out for months ahead, sometimes years, by climbing expeditions.The approach to the twin peaks is from the Kargil-Padum Road, about70-km south of Kargil. The main approach is either from Tangole orGulmadong. Some expeditions have also approached from Parkutse alongthe Kangri Glacier. To reach the base camp for Kun it is for theclimbers necessary to cross the Suru River. The Nun Kun Massif, whichlies on the great Himalayan range, is the highest peak in Ladakh at7,077m. Other named peaks within the Suru and Zanskar areas arePinnacle at 6,930m, White Needle at 6,500m, Z1 at 6,400m and D41 at5,600m. In this region, along the Great Himalayas to the south of thevalley and the Zanskar range to the north, there are many peaks between5,500 and 6,500m.

Another popular area for climbing isStok-khangri Massif (6153 Mts) in the Zanskar mountains, south of Leh.The base camp for the various peaks of this massif is about two daystrek 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 twoothers' to reach the Stok Kangri . Other peaks in the area includeGulap 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 ormulti purpose camp tool, sunglasses, extra food, first aid kit,headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries, sunscreen, water filter orother method of water purification and whistle as a crucial securityitem to keep handy when exploring unpredictable terrain.

Special permit from Indian mountaineering Federation, is needed toclimb peaks above 6000ft. A booking fee, based on the height andpopularity of the allotted peak, is charged and a Liasion Officer isassigned to every climbing team. The minimum period required forprocessing applications is six months. Every authorized expedition isprovided with adequate rescue coverage in the events of accidents andillness.