Ice climbing is a thrilling and growing sport that offers an exciting way to stay active. Leh and the Siachen Valley in the Himalayas and Eastern Karakoram boast some of the best ice climbing locations, catering to both seasoned climbers and beginners. རི Ri Guides provides ice climbing instruction and guiding for individuals of all skill levels, from complete beginners to highly skilled climbers looking to tackle the classics. Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced climber, we invite you to join us for an adventure in Ladakh.

This page aims to offer insights into the sport of ice climbing and help you better understand it, should you be considering giving it a try. For experienced climbers, we outline our courses and private guiding options. The ice climbing season in Ladakh runs from mid-December to mid-March, depending on temperatures and elevation. Lower elevation ice climbs typically melt out by early March, so our beginner courses start in late December and usually conclude by the end of February.

Our Experiential Program

Our Experiential Ice Climbing program offers half-day and full-day instruction, running from December to Mid-March. Located in and around Leh, these programs provide an ideal introduction to this exhilarating sport. Despite the use of ice axes and crampons, participants of all ages and physical capabilities can enjoy this fun and challenging activity, without requiring brute upper body strength. The technique is key in ice climbing, and our coaching and instruction will help you master it. While advanced ice waterfall climbing demands great skill, strength, and stamina, our beginner programs make use of pitches that feel similar to climbing a ladder. For those interested, we offer on-demand beginner programs throughout the winter months in Leh.

• Beginner Experiential Ice Climbing Programs: On-demand through the winter months in Leh.

Ice Climbing Courses

Ice climbing instruction for beginners is offered at single pitch or top roping climbing areas in Leh. In top roping, climbers are belayed from the bottom of the climb by a partner while an anchor at the top of the climb holds the rope. Multi-pitch ice climbing is more challenging and requires advanced skills. Our two-day beginner ice climbing courses typically end with an optional multi-pitch day, allowing most participants to complete their first guided multi-pitch ice climb after two days of instruction.

Waterfall Ice Climbing Grades range from easy climbing Grade 2 to expert level Grade 8. Our beginner courses cover Grades 2 and 3, and progress to Grade 4 throughout the weekend. Grades 5 and 6 are more challenging and are attainable goals for aspiring beginner ice climbers. Classic multi-pitch routes in Leh and Nubra are available in the Grades 2, 3, and 4 range, making this type of climbing accessible to beginners.

Layering your clothing is essential for ice climbing, as it is a winter activity that requires physical activity. Bulky clothing can impede movement and create issues with equipment. Close-fitting clothing is recommended for ice climbing, and multiple layers help regulate your temperature, allowing you to focus on the climb rather than staying warm. Staying hydrated and having high-energy snacks is also crucial for ice climbing, with a thermos of hot beverage providing a welcome break on a cold day.

Our local ice crag at Gangles, Leh is the primary beginner location for ice climbing instruction. Classic climbs in Siachen Valley and Nubra have short approaches and are easily accessible from maintained roads.

Ice climbing is a rewarding outdoor activity, especially in winter. Reaching the top of a waterfall ice climb can provide a great sense of accomplishment. As a visitor to the area, trying out this amazing sport is highly recommended. We hope this information has been helpful, and we look forward to being your guide for your beginner or expert level ice climbing adventure.

Beginner Courses

• Ice Climbing – Basic Ice Grade I – is a weekend course designed for beginners and rock climbers at Gangles Ice Crag in Leh. In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of ice climbing.
• Ice Climbing – Basic Ice Grade II – is a Top Rope Management course where you will learn the essential skills required to set up top rope climbs. Join us and enhance your ice climbing abilities.
• Ice Climbing Grade I & II – Ice Evolution – Ice Evolution is a comprehensive 5-day course ideal for beginners who want to learn the basics of ice climbing and progress to advanced techniques.
• We also offer Multipitch and instructional Ice Climbing Programs suitable for both beginner and expert ice climbers. Contact us if you have a specific objective in mind or let us choose a classic Siachen Valley, Nubra Ice route, or ice climbing training area for you.

Intermediate & Advanced Programs

• Ice Climbing Grade 3 – Ice Leader: The Ice Leader course is expertly designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to confidently lead climb single-pitch ice routes.
• Ice Climbing Grade 4 – Multi-Pitch Ice Leader: The Multi-Pitch Ice Leader course is an advanced program that builds upon your existing leadership skills while providing essential training in multi-pitch climbing techniques.
• Siachen Valley, Nubra Hot Ice – Our premier 7-day multi-pitch ice climbing program in Siachen Valley, Nubra, is designed for climbers seeking to conquer the ice classics of the region.
• Multipitch and Instructional Ice Climbing Programs: Our expertly curated ice climbing programs are tailored for both beginners and experts. Contact us to discuss your specific objectives or let us choose a classic Ice route or training area that suits your needs.

Ice Climbing Grades

WI 1 – This grade is comparable to a flat surface like a lake, and no routes are graded WI 1.

WI 2 – Refers to low angle ice or very short pitches that have an inclination of up to 80 degrees.

WI 3 – This grade entails sustained pitches with good resting places, featuring up to 80-degree ice, and requiring skills for placing protection.

WI 4 – Climbs of this grade feature sustained pitches of vertical or off-vertical ice, with potential run-outs between protection.

WI 5 – This grade is reserved for long pitches of vertical ice that require proficient protection placement.

WI 6 – Climbs of this grade consist of full pitches of dead vertical ice. Such climbs may feature awkward stances and movement.

WI 7 – This grade involves full pitches of thin vertical or overhanging ice, which require exceptional skills.

WI 8 – This is the hardest grade of ice climbing.

Ice Climbing in the Siachen Valley, Nubra

The Siachen Valley, Nubra boast some of the best ice climbing in the Himalayas and Eastern Karakoram. Easy to access canyons and massive multi-pitch frozen waterfalls provide almost unlimited challenges for beginners to elite climbers alike. Many of Ladakh’s top ice climbers call it their winter home, and many of them guide for རི Ri Guides.

Ice Climbing Season

Ice climbing is typically available from Mid-December through Mid-March. The optimum season is December to February.