Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of
the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the
Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar
range. Ladakh lies at altitudes ranging from about 9,000 feet (2750m)
at Kargil to 25,170 feet (7,672m) at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram.
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.
River Rafting in Ladakh
A range of rafting options is available on the Indus and its major tributaries.
The best stretch for professionally guided runs in white water is on the Indus
between Spituk and Saspol. Beyond Saspol, the river becomes difficult and funning
it requires technically skilled participants and careful organisation. Upward
of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up to Karu, ideal for basic training
and for day-return "scenic floating" for amateurs.
Trekking in Ladakh
The Ladakh environment is ecologically fragile as the survival of the inhabitants
depends upon the land, despite its apparent starkness. As such, it is absolutely
important that trekkers keep the routes and campsites clean and avoid disturbing
the region's delicate environment. Before striking camp, trekkers and travel
agents should ensure that no garbage is left undisposed at the campsites. Plastic
containers and polythene wrappers must be incinerated, while other types of
garbage should be properly buried.
