If
you wish to climb majestic snow-covered peaks, mountaineering in Ladakh
comes as a perfect option to display your climbing skills. Ladakh, often
referred to as ‘the moonland’ is a paradise for mountaineers as
there are several peaks and mountains to climb.
With blue and white cloud capped snowy peaks, thickly forested mountain
slopes, undulating foothills, wide range of flora and fauna - Ladakh offers
everything you expect for an unmatched Mountaineering adventure. Besides, a
kaleidoscope of cultural and physical wonders, makes your mountaineering
expedition in Ladakh a life-time experience.
Whether you are looking for one day or multiple days climbing, a guided
climb is a great way to get more exhilarating experience. Opt a climb
well-suited according to your ability and conquer the challenging heights of
Ladakh.
Popular Mountaineering Regions in Ladakh
In Ladakh, the Suru and Zanskar Valleys offer some of most thrilling and
difficult climbing. Situated on the Great Himalayan range, the Nun Kun
Massif (7,007 mts) is the most popular climbing areas of Ladakh region. You
can reach these twin-peaks from the Kargil-Padum Road, around 70 kms south
of Kargil.
While the main approach to these peaks is either from Tangole or Gulmadong.
Some climbers have also reached these peaks from Parkutse along the Kangri
Glacier. For reaching the base camp at Kun, it is necessary for you to cross
the Suru river.
Other noted peaks within the Suru and Zanskar areas are Pinnacle (6,930
mts), White Needle (6,500 mts), Z1 (6,400 mts), Stok-Khangri Massif (6,153
mts) and D41 (5,600 mts). In addition to these peaks, there are a number of
un-named peaks along the Great Himalayas and the Zanskar range, in the
altitudes ranging between 5,500 and 6,500 mts.
Ideal Period for Mountaineering in
Ladakh
Ladakh faces severe cold and heavy snowfall during the winters.
Mountaineering season in Ladakh region extends from mid-May to mid-October
and the ideal period is from June to September. During this period, Ladakh
remains unaffected by the monsoon that provides suitable conditions for
undertaking mountaineering expeditions.
Essential Gears for Mountaineering
While mountaineering in Ladakh, you have to carry essential gears that
include extra clothing for change, sticky-soled approach boots or a pair of
light sneakers and rock shoes, ropes, extra food, match boxes, fire starter,
a route map, compass, knife, sunglasses, first aid kit, sunscreen lotion, a
single axe, helmet, headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries, water
filter or other method of water purification and a whistle as it is an
important security item.
Guidelines for Mountaineering
- Physical fitness is the prime prequisite for every mountaineer.
Mountaineering always involve long accessibility and halts at high
elevations, more fit you are the more easy will be the climb.
- Your skills of running, skiing, hiking and cycling, especially on
hilly areas will help your mountaineering expedition.
- Weight and Gym training can become handy for you, as it allows you to
climb harder and avoid or rehabilitate injuries enroute.
- You have to take special permit from Indian Mountaineering Federation
to climb peaks above 6,000 ft. It will take a minimum period of six
months to process the applications for mountaineering. IMF will charge a
booking fee, based on the height and popularity of a particular peak and
a Liasion Officer is assigned to every climbing team. Every authorized
mountaineering expedition include adequate risk coverage in the cases of
accidents and illness.
