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.
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.
Mountain Climbing in Ladakh, Ladakh Adventure Reservation
Form
