Nun Kun Summit
In the upper Suru valley, the Nun Kun Massif dominates the skyline and the twin peaks of Nun (7135m) and Kun (7077m) are the highest in Ladakh in the Zanskar range. A snowy plateau about 4km in length separates the two peaks. The third highest mountain in this group is Pinnacle Peak (6930m). Nun (7,135m) is one of the Suru Valley’s highest peaks in the Zanskar Himalayas. Near the Suru Valley, about 250 km (160 miles) east of Srinagar, Kashmir’s capital, The Nun-Kun massif, the most frequented climbing area, consists of several peaks, mainly Nun (7,135m) and Kun (7,077m). Nun is accessible both from Tangol (70 km. from Kargil) and from Gulmatongo (110 km. from Kargil).
- The next morning, you arrive at Delhi International Airport at 0900. Delhi local time is 4.5 hours ahead of us, but hopefully we’ll be able to sleep on the flight. We are met at the airport and taken to our hotel, which is very conveniently located for sightseeing in the area. We will have to visit the Indian Mountaineering Federation (IMF) in the afternoon to receive our climbing permit.
- We’ll start early to take the flight to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The flight takes us across the Greater Himalaya and brings us to one of the world’s highest airports for an exciting landing. As we fly in, we can expect to get great views of the Zanskar Range and, on a clear day, the large peaks of the Karakoram are visible to the north. At the airport, we are met and taken to the hotel.
- Today, relaxing and strolling around Leh is your own, allowing the effects of the altitude to wear off. This is a significant duration that helps the body to acclimatise. In Leh, there are many distractions that range from scenic and cultural to gastronomic. Your leader can also arrange a quick drive to visit some of the fantastic monasteries that have existed here since the 11th century.
- We drive down to the Indus valley at a leisurely pace – stopping at the famous sightseeing points. The key attractions for the day will be Nimu, the river Indus & Zanskar confluence, Alchi monastery & Lamayuru monastery. Hotel overnight in Kargil.
- You get the first views of the Nun-Kun peaks today as you take the bumpy road by the Suru River. You reach Tangol and rest. Overnight Camp
- Trek to the Base Camp for Nun Advance.
- Three mountain camps need to be built and ropes on different parts of the road installed. The Sherpas will bear the bulk of the load and attachment, but every team member must be ready to carry its own share of the pack.
- The path to camp 1 leads first up to a moraine, screening for one-hour slope and ridge, then to the glacier, and then to a fixed-line icefall of 200 m which leads to an enormous glaciation plateau.
- On this plateau, Camp 1 at 5,500m. The path from here crosses the mountain base and begins at the Camp2 site with 600 vertical metres of almost permanent fixed ropes.
- This open area is located in Camp 3 which provides access to the final top slopes ending in a narrow steep snow arête.
- Ascent of Nun via the west ridge.
- The return trip can be completed within two days. It’s less than 4 hours to walk from ABC to Tangol and another 3 or 4 to Kargil. Depending on the transport, road conditions, slope road, roadwork and the like, the drive back to Leh from Kargil takes 6 to more hours..
- Leh to Delhi.