Nun-Kun Massif Expedition
Leh Ladakh
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18 Days
$1550.00
4.3
Leh Ladakh
Expedition
Available
Tour Highlights
Grade: Strenuous / Highly Technical
Region: Suru Valley, Ladakh (Zanskar Range of the Greater Himalayas)
Best Season: Mid-June to early September
Altitude of Nun: 7,135 m (23,409 ft)
Altitude of Kun: 7,077 m (23,218 ft)
Coordinates: Nun (approx. 33.98°N, 76.01°E) | Kun (approx. 34.03°N, 76.03°E)
Typical Expedition Duration: 22-26 days (including approach, acclimatization, summit push, and return)
Overview
The Nun-Kun massif is a spectacular twin-peak formation located in the remote Suru Valley of Ladakh, near the border of Jammu and Kashmir. Nun, the higher of the two, is the tallest mountain in Ladakh, and both peaks form the highest in the Zanskar range.
Climbing Nun-Kun is a serious mountaineering venture and a true test of high-altitude skill. This expedition involves crossing glaciers, navigating steep icy slopes, and dealing with thin air as you move higher. Its remote location, technical challenges, and unpredictable weather make it ideal for developing real Himalayan competence, far removed from crowded commercial routes.
Expedition Highlights
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Conquer a 7,000-Meter Twin Massif: Climb Nun (7,135m) or Kun (7,077m), two of India's most remote and coveted peaks, offering a rare opportunity to summit a 7,000-meter peak on the Indian side of the Himalayas.
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Remote Location: Venture into the dramatic landscapes of the Suru Valley, far from the crowds, for an authentic Himalayan expedition experience.
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Walk Across a Snow Plateau: Experience the unique 4-km-long snowy plateau that separates the two twin peaks, one of the most dramatic ridge traverses in the Himalayas.
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Immersive Cultural Experience: Explore remote Ladakhi villages and witness the unique harmony of human settlements amidst the planet's most hostile yet beautiful terrain.
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Historic & Technical Climb: Follow in the footsteps of pioneering climbers on a technical route that combines glacier travel, steep fixed ropes, and high-altitude endurance.
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A Glimpse of Karakoram Majesty: From the summit, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the mighty Karakoram Range, including the far-off silhouette of K2.
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
Arrive at Delhi International Airport. You'll be met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, attend a mandatory expedition briefing at the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) to complete paperwork and meet fellow climbers.
Day 2: Fly Delhi – Leh (3,500 m)
Take a breathtaking morning flight over the Himalayas to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest. The rest of the day is dedicated to complete rest and a gentle walk around the hotel aiding in initial acclimatization.
Days 3-4: Acclimatisation in Leh
Two full days dedicated to acclimatization in Leh. Acclimatization is critical before any high-altitude expedition. Short acclimatization walks, exploration of Leh, and any final gear preparation.
Day 5: Leh to Kargil (2,676 m)
A scenic drive from Leh to Kargil following the Indus and Suru rivers. The drive takes 7-8 hours, covering 180 km of dramatic landscapes. The terrain transitions from lush green at lower elevations to an arid, desert-like landscape as you ascend towards the Suru Valley.
Day 6: Kargil to Tangol Village (3,700 m)
Morning after breakfast, complete final paperwork and formalities at the local administration offices. Later, drive to Tangol village (approx. 4 hrs), where you will catch your first glimpse of Mount Nun (7,135 m) and Kun Peak.
Day 7: Tangol to Base Camp (4,600 m)
After breakfast, hand over your bags to the porters. The trek to Base Camp involves a challenging 5-7 hour ascent over moraine and rocky terrain. Upon arrival, establish camp and rest.
Days 8-9: Acclimatisation Days at Base Camp
Two full days dedicated to acclimatization at Base Camp. Proper acclimatization is crucial for a 7,000m expedition, allowing your body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels and prevent altitude-related illness. You'll go for little hikes around the camp.
Day 10: Base Camp to Camp 1 (5,468 m)
Morning after breakfast, move to Camp 1. The team will need to fix ropes to reach Camp 1. This is a challenging climb on the lower glacier.
Days 11-12: Acclimatisation Days at Camp 1
Two more days for acclimatization at Camp 1 to prepare for the higher elevations.
Day 13: Camp 1 to Camp 2 (6,000 m)
Climb up to Camp 2. This is one of the most technical parts of the climb. The route between Camp 1 and Camp 2 crosses the glacier, then follows slopes of around 45 degrees on mixed ground. You'll use around 1,000m of fixed rope to reach Camp 2.
Day 14: Camp 2 to Summit Camp (6,300-6,500 m)
Climb to Summit Camp. From Camp 2, you'll cross a huge snow plateau that separates Nun and Kun to set up camp at the base of the summit ridge. Then follow slopes of 35 to 40 degrees onto a saddle on the skyline ridge at 6,500m.
Day 15: Summit Attempt (7,135 m / 7,077 m)
Early morning attempt to reach the summit. Reach the top and see the panoramic view of the Karakoram range. After spending time on the summit, descend back to Camp 2.
Day 16: Reserve Day for Summit
A buffer day is kept as a reserve for any weather delays or a second summit attempt.
Day 17: Descent: Camp 2 to Base Camp
Pack your gear and all belongings. Trek back from Camp 2 to Base Camp. Arrive and celebrate the success of the summit.
Day 18: Base Camp to Tangol & Drive Back
Morning after breakfast, descend from Base Camp to Tangol. From Tangol, a vehicle will drive you back to Kargil or directly to Leh, depending on the group's schedule.
Note: The itinerary may change depending on weather, road conditions, physical fitness, or any unforeseen circumstances. Reserve days are built into the schedule for adverse weather and altitude acclimatisation.
What's Included
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Services of a certified high-altitude mountaineering guide (IFMGA-certified and Himalayan veterans)
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All necessary permits (IMF climbing permit, environmental fees, liaison officer charges)
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Accommodations: Hotels on sharing basis (Delhi, Leh, Kargil) + all camping on the mountain (high-altitude dome tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, camping mattresses, chairs, tables)
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Meals: All meals during the expedition (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner); all meals at hotels full board
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Transportation: All land transfers from Delhi to Leh and Kargil
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First aid infrastructure: Basic medical kit with oxygen cylinder, portable altitude chamber (PAC/Gamow bag), pulse oximeters, and satellite phone
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High-altitude crew: Porters, high-altitude porters (HAPs), a senior chef, and kitchen helpers
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Group climbing equipment: Fixed ropes, climbing ropes, carabiners, ascender (Jhumar), rappel device, crampons, ice axe with hammer, snow/ice/rock pitons, crevasse rescue gear, snow shovel, EPI gas & stove, safety helmets
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GPS and communication devices: for safety and route navigation
What's Excluded
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International / Domestic flights
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Travel, rescue, and medical insurance (mandatory, covering high-altitude mountaineering, emergency evacuation, and helicopter rescue)
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Personal mountaineering equipment (your own boots, sleeping bag, down jacket, etc. – see gear list below)
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Personal expenses: phone calls, laundry, snacks, beverages, charges for cameras/video, etc.
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Emergency & evacuation costs: including helicopter rescue, ambulance, and hospitalisation
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Costs arising from delays or circumstances beyond control: such as road blockages, flight cancellation, and unexpected weather
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Tips & gratuities for guides, cooks, porters, and support staff
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Any medical expenses incurred during or after the trek
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Additional nights' accommodation in Leh or Delhi not mentioned in the itinerary
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