Famous Peaks of Ladakh

With fascinating and unique landscapes, Ladakh in North India is home to many beautiful high peaks of the Himalayas. This region is an impeccable and the most desirable place to visit which has high mountains going beyond 7000 m altitude. It has mesmerizing barren land and snow-capped mountains which are still less explored by people.

From Zanskar to Karakoram Himalayan range, there are many famous peaks in this region that can and cannot be scaled. Here, most of the peaks require special permissions from the home ministry of India or from the mountaineering federation. These are quite challenging and located near disrupted region but still, there are many which can be scaled easily. It can be someone’s first attempt at trekking where a person can experience 6000 m plus peak with challenges but less technical ones.

Here are some top and famous peaks from Ladakh:

Mount Nun:
The famous majestic mountain massif of Mount Nun- Kun where the higher one, Mount Nun (7135 m) is the most admired mountain but difficult to scale. It is located on borderline (LOC) in the Indian Territory of Suru Valley in the Kargil district. Because of technicality and risk, this peak is climbed by very few people.

Mount Kun:
The second highest of the mountain massif Mount Nun-Kun, Mount Kun has an elevation of 7087 m. This climbing expedition located in Suru Valley, right next to Mount Nun. These mountains may look nearer visually but have completely different routes to trek including different base camps. This trek is quite challenging but do-able. People prefer doing this expedition post-monsoon for better and clearer weather.

Mount Pinnacle:
In this group of Nun-Kun mountain Massif, the third-highest peak is Mt Pinnacle with an elevation of 6930 meters. The route and technicalities are the same as for Mount Kun. It is better to attempt this expedition in early summers than later as the snow is less harsh to walk.

Mount Kang Yatze I & II:
Located in Hemis National Park in Markha Valley, the twin summit peak of Mt Kang Yatze I (6496 m) & Mt Kang Yatze II (6270 m) is a captivating trek of two peaks. Usually, trekkers choose to climb Kang Yatze II more than Kang Yatze I as the higher ones in the east is comparatively difficult to scale because of edgy traverses

Mount Mentok Kangri I, II & III:
This beautiful massif of three summits of Mt Mentok Kangri  (6250 m, 6150 m & 6210 m) overlooks mesmerizing Tso Moriri in the remote area of Rupsu valley. The routes here are quite tough but with standard technical knowledge of fixing ropes and balancing on snow slopes.

Mount Stok Kangri:
With a magnificent view of Zanskar and Indus valley, Mount Stok Kangri (6153 m) is one of the most attractive treks for adventure lovers. It lies in Hemis National Park with a trailhead in a remote village Stok.

NOTE:- Mount Stok Kangri peak is temporarily closed for trekking and climbing from 2020 by related government authorities

Mount Dzo Jongo:
Markha Valley is home to this beautiful twin summit peak, Mount Dzo Jongo (6218 m) which quite near to Kang Yatse peaks. This climbing expedition is quite less technical than the near ones but tough as the trail is steep.

Chamster Kangri & Lamster Kangri:
The panoramic view of Tso Moriri Lake from this twin summit peak, Chamster Kangri (6620 m) & Lamster Kangri (6660 m) is a perfect visual treat to adventure lovers. These are among the most popular Kangri peaks of this region. It is often preferred by trekkers in the months of June, July and August. Both the summits share the same base camps

Matho Kangri:
One of the quite new popular peaks, Matho Kangri is located in Zanskar Valley and named after its nearby village Matho. It has an elevation of approx 6000 m which is quite challenging to scale but the picturesque view will definitely heal all. The trek starts from the famous Hemis Monastery region which is usually considered to start in the months of July, August, and September.

Ladakh has a never-ending list of alluring peaks but as mentioned only some are scalable and have fewer formalities from the authorities. Below are some famous peaks which lie in the fascinating region of Siachen. These peaks are known to be the highest in the region but need special permissions from the government of India: –

• Apsarasas II (7200 m)
• Salto Kangri (7705 m)
• Sia Kangri (7093 m)
• Rimo Kangri (7385 m)
• Mamostong Kangri (7516 m)
• Plateau Peak (7287 m)
• White Needle Peak (6420 m)