Mt. Nun Expedition

Leh Altitude: 3,500 m (11,483 ft)

After your first day in Leh, your body will have started adjusting to the high altitude. However, acclimatization is a process that takes time, and it’s important to continue taking it easy for the next couple of days. This doesn’t mean you’ll be idle, though. Leh is a city rich in history and culture, and there are plenty of attractions to explore at a leisurely pace.

One must-visit site is the Shanti Stupa, a magnificent white-domed Buddhist monument perched on a hilltop in Chanspa. The stupa, which was constructed by Japanese Buddhists as part of the Peace Pagoda mission, is a symbol of peace and prosperity. It’s also a great spot to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The sight of the sun setting behind the distant mountains, casting a warm glow over the city below, is truly breathtaking.

Another historical site worth visiting is the Leh Palace. Overlooking the town from its position atop Tsemo Hill, the nine-story palace was once the residence of Ladakh’s royal family. Although the palace is now in ruins, it still retains much of its grandeur. Walking through its halls, you can almost hear the echoes of a bygone era. The palace also offers stunning views of the town and the nearby Stok Kangri and Zanskar mountains.

While exploring the city, remember to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities. Listen to your body and take rest when needed. Trying local foods is also part of the acclimatization process. Indulge in some delicious Ladakhi cuisine, such as skyu (a hearty pasta dish) or khambir (local bread), both of which are sure to delight your taste buds.

These two days of acclimatization in Leh are not just about preparing your body for the upcoming trek, but also about immersing yourself in the local culture and soaking in the serene beauty of the region. As you adjust to the altitude, you’ll also be adjusting to a different way of life, one that moves at a slower, more peaceful pace. Soon, you’ll be ready to embark on your adventurous climb to Mount Nun.

After acclimatizing Leh for a few days, it’s time to move forward on your journey. The fourth day of your expedition involves a scenic drive to Kargil, the second-largest town in Ladakh after Leh.

This road journey takes approximately 6-7 hours, winding its way through high mountain passes and along the banks of the Indus River. Despite the length of the journey, there won’t be a dull moment as you’re treated to some of the most stunning landscapes the region has to offer.

As you leave Leh and head towards Kargil, you’ll pass through a series of small, picturesque villages. Each of these villages has its own unique charm, with traditional Ladakhi houses, colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and locals going about their daily lives.

You’ll also traverse over Fotu La Pass, one of the highest points on the Srinagar-Leh highway at an altitude of 4,108 meters. As you ascend the pass, you’ll notice the vegetation becoming sparse, replaced by rugged mountains and deep valleys. Upon reaching the top of the pass, take a moment to step out of the vehicle and take in the panoramic views – it’s a sight to behold!

Arriving in Kargil, you’ll feel a noticeable change in the atmosphere. Unlike Leh, Kargil is less touristy and offers a more authentic experience of life in Ladakh. The town is historically significant as it was the battleground of the 1999 war between India and Pakistan. Today, it’s a peaceful place where people of different religions and cultures live harmoniously.

In Kargil, you’ll rest and prepare for the next leg of your climb. The anticipation builds as you get closer to the start of your trek. Despite the excitement, make sure to get a good night’s sleep – you’ll need all the energy you can muster for the challenging days ahead.

After a restful night in Kargil, it’s time to continue your journey towards the base of Mount Nun. The destination for today is Tangol, a small village located at the mouth of the Suru Valley.

The drive from Kargil to Tangol takes you along the banks of the Suru River, through a landscape that’s stark yet strikingly beautiful. As you traverse this rugged terrain, you’ll see towering mountains, verdant valleys, and ancient Buddhist monasteries dotting the landscape.

Tangol is a small village primarily inhabited by Tibetan Buddhists and Muslims. It’s a peaceful place, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. The villagers are known for their warmth and hospitality, making you feel welcome from the moment you arrive.

Upon reaching Tangol, you’ll set up camp and start preparing mentally and physically for the climb ahead. This is the time to check your equipment, review the climbing route and discuss any last-minute details with your guides.

While in Tangol, take some time to explore the village and interact with the locals. Their simple, harmonious way of life can be quite inspiring. You might even learn a thing or two about survival in this harsh landscape.

As the day comes to an end, you’ll be treated to a spectacular display of colors as the sun sets over the mountains. Sitting around the campfire, under a sky full of stars, you’ll find yourself eagerly anticipating the start of your trek.

Remember, a good night’s sleep is crucial before you embark on your adventure. So, tuck into your tent early, listen to the soothing sounds of nature, and let your body rest and rejuvenate for the challenges that lie ahead.

The sixth day of your expedition is dedicated to getting your body accustomed to the high altitude. Today, you embark on an acclimatization hike toward the base camp. This hike is a gentle introduction to the rigors of mountaineering.

You’ll traverse through a ruggedly beautiful landscape, with the mighty Nun Mountain serving as a constant, awe-inspiring backdrop. The trail takes you through fields of wildflowers, across gushing streams, and past herds of grazing yaks. As you ascend, you’ll start to feel the thinning air but take it slow, drink plenty of water, and give your body time to adjust.

Upon reaching a suitable elevation, you’ll pause for lunch, enjoying your meal amidst spectacular views. Post-lunch, you’ll descend back to Tangol, giving your body a taste of the ‘climb high, sleep low’ principle, which is crucial for successful acclimatization.

Back at Tangol, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and prepare for the next day’s trek to the base camp. You might choose to spend your evening bonding with fellow trekkers or simply enjoying the serenity that envelops Tangol as the sun goes down.

Today marks a significant step in your Mount Nun expedition – the trek from Tangol to the base camp. After breakfast, you begin the trek, loaded with excitement and anticipation. The trail can be challenging, but the dream of standing atop Mount Nun fuels your determination.

As you make your way up, you’ll notice the vegetation gradually thinning out, replaced by a stark, moon-like landscape. Despite the harsh conditions, there’s a certain beauty to this barren wilderness that leaves you spellbound.

After several hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at the base camp, your home for the next few days. Nestled amidst towering peaks, the base camp offers incredible views and a sense of solitude that’s both humbling and inspiring.

Once you’ve set up your tents, you’ll gather for a briefing session where you’ll discuss the plan for the coming days. With an early dinner, it’s off to bed, as tomorrow brings another day of training and acclimatization.

These two days are dedicated to further acclimatization and honing your climbing skills. You’ll learn essential mountaineering techniques such as rope fixing, crampon use, ice axe handling, and crevasse rescue.

You’ll also go on short hikes around the base camp, each time pushing your altitude threshold a bit higher. Remember, acclimatization is not a race. It’s important to listen to your body and give it the time it needs to adjust.

In the evenings, you’ll gather around the camp, sharing stories, and gazing at the star-studded sky. As you turn in for the night, the sheer silence of the mountains, save for the occasional rumble of distant avalanches, is a reminder of the thrilling adventure that lies ahead.

Today, you’ll be doing a ‘load ferry’, an essential part of high-altitude expeditions. You’ll carry a load of supplies up to a higher point on the mountain and then return to the base camp. This exercise helps in further acclimatization and reduces the load for the actual move to the higher camps.

The task might be strenuous, but the views more than compensate for it. As you ascend, the panorama of snow-clad peaks, sprawling glaciers, and deep valleys unfurls before your eyes, a sight that will leave you spellbound.

Back at the base camp, the rest of the day is free for you to relax and rest. As the sun sets, casting a golden glow on the peaks, you’ll find yourself eagerly looking forward to the challenges and triumphs that the next days will bring.

The dawn of the eleventh day brings an air of anticipation. You’re leaving the base camp and moving towards Camp 1, a climb that’s filled with challenges and rewards. The path begins with a steep rocky slope that you must climb for about two hours. Despite its ruggedness, the slope offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, their snow-clad summits glistening under the morning sun.

After you descend to the other side, you’ll find yourself maneuvering through massive boulders. This section requires careful navigation, as a wrong step can lead to a nasty fall. But once you cross this, you reach the ‘Crampon Point’. This huge rock serves as a secure spot to store your gear and is the start of the real climb.

The most demanding segment of the ascent to Camp 1 is a 300 m ice wall with a 75-degree gradient. Climbing this wall is both physically and mentally taxing. With every step you take, you can feel the thinning air and the increasing cold. But the sight of the wall gradually receding beneath you fuels your determination.

Once you’ve successfully navigated the ice wall and its subsequent steep ice patch, the slopes become gentler, and the snow softer. However, this is also where the hidden crevasses start. These crevasses, covered by layers of snow, are dangerous and require utmost caution.

Finally, after a challenging climb, you arrive at Camp 1. Situated in the middle of a vast snowfield, the camp feels like a tiny speck in a vast ocean of white. But the sight of your tents, bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, brings a sense of relief and accomplishment. After setting up the camp, you’ll have some time to rest and soak in the incredible views before it’s time for dinner and then an early night.

Today’s agenda? A load ferry to Camp 2. This practice involves carrying necessary supplies up to Camp 2, dropping them off, and then returning to Camp 1. It’s a clever way to acclimatize further while also lightening the load for the eventual move to Camp 2.

The route between Camp 1 and Camp 2 is a steep ascent, with slopes ranging between 60-70 degrees. The climb is tough, pushing your limits as you ascend 600M from Camp 1. Depending on snow conditions, you may be front-pointing for most of the climb—a tiring but crucial technique for navigating icy slopes.

One of the day’s biggest challenges is maneuvering large sections of boulders and rocks with crampons. This requires careful foot placement and balance—both physically and mentally taxing. But your determination fuels your progress.

Despite the arduous climb, the sight that awaits at Camp 2 is nothing short of magical. Perched on a narrow ridge, the camp seems to hang in mid-air. With the world hidden beneath clouds, the views from Camp 2 are truly breathtaking. The sun casts a halo around Mt. Nun, and the shifting shadows on the snowfield below create an unforgettable spectacle.

After unloading the supplies, you start your descent back to Camp 1. As you navigate your way down, take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of the mountains and the sheer beauty of the landscape. Once back at Camp 1, you have the rest of the day to rest and recover. The move to Camp 2 awaits, promising more drama and excitement—perhaps even more than the summit itself.

As the sun begins its ascent on the thirteenth day of your Mount Nun expedition, you prepare for a load ferry to Camp 2. This unique practice involves carrying supplies and equipment needed for the higher camps, unloading them at a designated spot, and then returning back to Camp 1. The task serves dual purposes – further acclimatization and reducing the load for the actual move to Camp 2.

The path between Camp 1 and Camp 2 is an unyielding ascent, with slopes varying between 60-70 degrees. The climb is relentless, pushing you to your limits as you gain 600M in height from Camp 1. Depending on the snow conditions, you might find yourself front-pointing for most of the climb, an exhausting but essential technique for navigating steep, icy slopes.

Perhaps the most challenging part of this climb is navigating large sections of boulders and rocks with crampons on. This requires careful foot placement and balance, making it both physically and mentally taxing. However, your determination to conquer Mt. Nun fuels you to power through these obstacles.

Despite the demanding ascent, the sight that greets you at Camp 2 is truly magical. The camp is perched precariously on a sloped and narrow ridge, giving an impression of tents dangling in the air. With the rest of the world hidden below clouds, Camp 2 offers some of the most captivating morning and evening views. The sunlight creates a halo around Mt. Nun, while the dance of shadows of the clouds on the massive snowfield below is a sight to behold.

After unloading the supplies, you start your descent back to Camp 1. As you make your way down, the grandeur of the mountains and the beauty of the landscape fill you with awe and gratitude. Once back at Camp 1, you take the rest of the day to relax and recuperate, looking forward to the move to Camp 2, knowing well that the drama and thrill of Camp 2 might just outshine the summit itself.

Today, you’re leaving the familiar surroundings of Camp 1 to journey to Camp 2, a place known for its dramatic location and jaw-dropping vistas.

With the break of dawn, you start packing your gear, mentally plotting the challenging route ahead. The climb from Camp 1 to Camp 2 is steep, with inclines reaching 60-70 degrees. It’s physically strenuous and mentally taxing, but it’s also an adventure that you’ve been gearing up for.

The ascent itself is a visual treat. As you make your way through the icy slopes, you get glimpses of the majestic peaks around you, their snow-capped tops glistening in the sunlight. It’s scenes like these that make the tough climb worthwhile.

One major challenge of the day involves navigating through large boulders and rocks while wearing crampons. This task demands a high level of concentration and balance. But with each successful step, you’ll find your confidence growing.

After approximately nine hours of steady climbing, you reach Camp 2. The sight that greets you is nothing short of magical. The campsite, precariously perched on a narrow ridge with an 800M drop on one side and a steep slope on the other, seems to be suspended in mid-air.

Despite its daunting location, the views from Camp 2 are second to none. As you set up your tent, take a moment to marvel at the spectacular sights – the vast snowfield below, the ever-changing shadows of the clouds, and the captivating sunrise and sunset views. These are experiences that will forever be etched in your memory.

As the day ends, you retreat to your tent, savoring the tranquillity of the night and the star-studded sky above. The journey to Camp 2 might have been exhausting, but as you drift off to sleep, you can’t help but feel a sense of achievement.

You’ve made it through two weeks of relentless climbing, acclimatizing, and training, and today, you’re taking another significant step toward the summit. You’re moving from Camp 2 to Camp 3, the Summit Camp.

The altitude at Camp 3 is a whopping 6400 m, which means you’ll be gaining an additional 300M in vertical height from Camp 2. But don’t let those numbers intimidate you. After the challenging slopes you’ve already conquered to reach Camp 2, this next part of the journey should feel less taxing.

Your day begins with a steep descent from Camp 2, but then the route becomes more forgiving. You’ll be traversing mostly snow dunes, which have a gradient of no more than 40 degrees. It’s a stark contrast to the steep, rocky terrain you navigated the previous day.

And remember how Camp 1 was stationed in the middle of a snowfield? Camp 3 offers a similar setting. As you make your way across the snow dunes, you’ll be surrounded by the serene beauty of the snowfield, making for a peaceful and scenic trek.

This climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3 will likely take about six hours. It may seem long, but remember, every step you take is one step closer to the summit. Keep that goal in mind as you push forward.

Once you reach Camp 3, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. You’re now at an elevation higher than most people will ever reach in their lifetime. Rest up, because the next few days will bring the summit attempt. This is what you’ve been working towards. It’s within reach now, just a little further to go.

These are the days you’ve been working towards, the climax of your expedition. From Day 16 to Day 19, it’s all about the summit push. You’re aiming for the top of Mount Nun, sitting high at 7135 m.

Bear in mind, it’s crucial to make the most of the night hours for this part of the climb. That’s when the ice is at its most stable, providing safer, more secure footing. So, you’ll start the climb somewhere between 11 PM and midnight. It might seem strange to set off into the pitch-dark night, but with your headlamp illuminating the way, you’ll soon fall into a rhythm.

As you begin your ascent, let the calm of the night wash over you. The anxiety and tension from the past few days should start to fade away, replaced by a laser-like focus on the task at hand.

From the Summit Camp, you’ll access the west ridge. This involves traversing on 40-60 degree ice, gradually reducing to a gradient of 40-50 degrees. It’s steep, it’s tough, but you’re tougher.

The final section will test you. Large boulders stand in your way, and climbing over them with crampons is no easy feat. Fatigue will be creeping in, both physical and mental, making this part of the climb even more challenging. But once you cross these boulders, there’s only about 50 m left to reach the summit.

The round trip from Summit Camp to Summit and back again can take anywhere between 14-16 hours. It’s a long, grueling day, but imagine the feeling of standing at the summit, knowing you’ve conquered Mount Nun. Keep that image in your mind as you push forward. You’ve got this.

After the exhilaration of reaching the summit, Day 20 is about taking a step back. Today, you’re descending from Camp 3 to Base Camp.

The trek down might seem like a relief after the strenuous climb to the summit, but remember, it’s just as important to focus on your footing and maintain your balance. The descent can be tricky, and after all the effort you’ve put in, you don’t want to risk an injury now.

As you make your way down, take a moment to look around. Really soak in the views. The vast expanse of snow, the distant peaks, the clear blue sky – these are sights you’ll want to remember.

Remember how you felt when you were climbing up? Tired, yes, but also determined, focused, even excited. Now, as you descend, it’s a different kind of feeling. There’s a sense of accomplishment, of pride in what you’ve achieved. You’ve pushed your limits, tested your endurance, and you’ve come out on top. Literally.

Reaching Base Camp will likely bring a rush of relief. It’s familiar, it’s comfortable, and it’s a sign that your expedition is nearing its end. But don’t let that make you complacent. You still need to take care of yourself, rest up, and prepare for the final days of your expedition.

So, Day 20 might not have the adrenaline rush of the summit push, but it’s still an important day. It’s a day of reflection, of looking back at what you’ve achieved and looking forward to the journey still ahead. Enjoy it, you’ve earned it.

You’ve experienced the high of reaching the summit, and now it’s time to head back to civilization. Today, you’re moving from Base Camp to Tangol.

The trek from Base Camp to Tangol brings a change of scenery. From the stark, snow-covered landscapes, you’re moving towards greener pastures. The route is familiar – you’ve walked it before on your way up. But this time, there’s a sense of calm and satisfaction accompanying you.

As you trek down, let the reality of what you’ve achieved sink in. You’ve climbed one of the highest peaks, pushed your boundaries, and emerged victorious. The descent might be physically easier than the climb, but it’s just as significant a part of your journey.

Arriving in Tangol feels like a homecoming. It’s where you started your ascent, and now it’s the first stop on your journey back.

Your trek is officially over. Today, you’re taking the drive from Tangol back to Leh.

This final part of your expedition isn’t about physical effort – it’s about reflection. Now that the adrenaline has faded and you’re surrounded by familiar sights, it’s time to take stock of your journey. Think through every day, every night, and every single moment of your climb. Acknowledge the challenges, and celebrate the victories.

It’s been a long journey – from planning and preparation to the grueling summit push. You’ve pushed yourself further than you thought possible. And today, you get to bask in all that hard work. Today is a day for pride, for celebration, for accomplishment.

Congratulate yourself, you’ve earned it. Welcome back to Leh. You did it – you conquered Mount Nun.

Enjoy your time in Leh and take the opportunity to appreciate all that you’ve achieved on this expedition. After months of anticipation, it’s finally over – but it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Congratulations!

It’s the last day of your expedition. After a busy few weeks, it’s time to say goodbye to Leh and begin the journey back home.

Take a moment before you leave to appreciate all that you’ve achieved on this trip: from the planning stages right up until reaching the summit of Mount Nun. You’ve pushed your boundaries, tested your endurance, and come out on top. And now it’s time to share your story with the world.

So, take a deep breath, pack up your gear, and get ready for the journey home. It’s been an incredible adventure – one you’ll never forget. Congratulations once again – you’ve conquered Mount Nun! Good luck on all your future expeditions. Until then, happy trails!