Adventure in Ladakh
Mountain Climbing in Ladakh
The
area most frequented by foreign climbers is the Nun-Kun Massif in the Great
Himalayan Range. Its easy accessiblity 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, 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 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 highes ; 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 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
Vally include, Saser-I (7,415 m), Saser -II (7,513m ) and Saser III (7,495
m).
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 Himalaya. 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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