KUN | 7077m

Snapshot Itinerary:

Day 01: Delhi - brief at Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF)

Day 02: Delhi - Leh

Day 03: Guided tour, acclimatisation

Day 04: Acclimatisation trek - Hamurja to Sarah

Day 05: Acclimatisation trek - Sarah to Markha

Day 06: Acclimatisation trek - Markha to Thachungtse

Day 07: Acclimatisation trek - Thachungtse to Nimaling

Day 08: Acclimatisation trek - Nimaling to Chokdo and drive to Leh

Day 09: Leh - Kargil

Day 10: Kargil - Shafat

Day 11: Trek to Kun Base Camp

Day 12: Base Camp

Day 13-22: Climb Kun

Day 23: Base Camp - Shafat

Day 24: Shafat - Kargil

Day 25: Kargil - Leh

Day 26: Leh - Delhi - Debrief at IMF

 

General Climbing Period: 

July to Mid-September 

 

Duration: 26 days

  •    12 pre-climbing and acclimatisation days (includes acclimatisation on Classic Markha Valley Trek)

  •    10 climbing days on Kun (includes rest days and days for contingencies)

  •    4 post-climbing days

 

 Grade: 

Strenuous, Basic to good mountaineering skills required with a very good fitness level. Previous experience of climbing a 6000m+ mountain is prerequisite.

 

Accommodation:

Twin share hotel and camping while on trek

 

Detailed itinerary:

 

Day 01: Arrive at Delhi and attend briefing at IMF

Today we will greet you at Delhi international airport and drive you to your hotel. From your hotel, we will go to the IMF where we will get our climbing permit and meet our Liaison Officer. We can also visit the mountaineering museum in the same building.

 

Day 02: Fly from Delhi to Leh (3,500m/11,483ft)

Welcome to Leh, the capital of Ladakh, a large town tucked far in between the great mountain ranges of the Himalayas and East Karakoram and part of the great Trans Himalayan range. Your early morning 75-minute flight to Leh, the capital of Ladakh, over the Himalayas will be one of the most picturesque flights you’ll ever experience. If you sit on the left side of the plane, you will see Nun (7,135m / 23,409ft) and Kun (7,077m / 23,219ft), one of the two highest mountains in far western Ladakh. If the sky is clear, on the Northern horizon you will see K2 (8,611m / 28,251ft), the world's second highest peak, and other 8000m peaks of the Karakoram Range.

We will greet you at Leh airport and drive you to your hotel or home stay. The rest of the day depends on your jet lag and acclimatization to Leh’s high altitude. We can take an evening stroll in the old Leh town with narrow alleys with Muslim bakeries, Tibetan monasteries, Tibetan and Kashmiri antique shops, and a bustling Main Bazaar.

 

Day 03: Acclimatisation and guided tour to Hemis Monastery and Thiksey Monastery

Ladakh is the only place besides Tibet where almost all the major sects of Tibetan Buddhism still exist. You will see architecture and a lifestyle similar to Central Tibetan traditions and visit Hemis Monastery and Thiksey Monastery.

Hemis Monastery, belonging to the Drukpa Kagyu sect, is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Ladakh. It was first built in the 11th century. Stories of Kalachakra and the Lords of the Four Quarters are etched on the walls of its ancient corridors. There are golden statues, precious stones and a library with Tibetan books, relics and manuscripts.

The Hemis Festival is a dazzling celebration of the birth of the Padmasambhava. The Cham Dance (masked dance by the monks) should not be missed at Hemis Monastery.

Thiksey Monastery, belonging  to the Gelugpa sect, is 12 stories high. It has 10 temples, showcases stunning Ladakhi architecture, a 15m high statue of Maitreya (future Buddha), fierce paintings and statues of deities and other Tibetan Buddhism artifacts.

 

Day 04: Drive from Leh to Hamurja via Skyu, trek to Sarah (3570m 1-2 hrs)

It would be a short walk for the first day. It’s better to keep it easy for the first day of walking.

Overnight stay in tents.

 

Day 05: Trek Sarah to Markha (3750m 3-4 hrs)

You will trek one of the loveliest sections of the Markha Valley. Nonetheless, be aware that this part of the Markha Valley can get quite hot. The powerful Markha River rushes through a gorge that is decorated by willow and wild rose. Several bridges cross the Markha River and you will trek over them. We will camp beyond the village of Thinlespa camp, next to Markha River.

Overnight stay in tents.

 

Day 06: Trek Markha to Thachungtse (4250m 4-5 hrs)

As we continue to trek through Markha Valley. We might encounter some wild animals like blue sheep today. You will discover a ruined fort between the twin villages of Lower and Upper Hankar. The walls of this fort climb sharply up to an aerie of a lookout tower – if you enjoy heights, you will love exploring this place. Afterwards, we will follow the Nimaling River to camp at Thachungtse.

Overnight stay in tents.

 

Day 07: Trek Thachungtse to Nimaling (4800m 4-5 hrs)

We will trek through Markha Valley to reach a picturesque alpine lake. The majestic Kang Yatse (6,400m / 20,997ft), the highest mountain in the Zanskar range, will be right in front of you. Afterwards, we will reach Nimaling plain, a broad, undulating alpine meadow that reaches the base of Kang Yatse. Nimaling’s rivulets provide pasturage for yaks, sheep, goats, dzos and horses that come from the Markha and other villages. There may even be wild white-tailed hares, blue sheep or wolf. We will make camp in the early afternoon and relax, explore and view the wildlife for the rest of the day.

Overnight stay in tents.

 

Day 08: Trek Nimaling to Chokdo via Kongmaru La (5270m 6 hrs) and Drive back to Leh.

After crossing the Nimaling River you will climb Kongmaru La, the highest pass on this trek. You will be rewarded with the stunning vista of the Himalayas. On a clear day, you will see K2 and other giant 8000m+ mountains of the Karakoram Range. Afterwards, we will descend steeply into the Martselang Valley to reach the sulfur springs of Chuskyurmo. And a short descend from there takes us to Chokdo. From here we will drive back to Leh.

Overnight stay in Hotel.

 

 Day 09: Drive from Leh to Alchi Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery and Kargil (2,676m/8,780ft)

Much of our time will be spent driving to Kargil today. At Lamayuru, we will encounter landscape which has been compared to the moon’s surface. If time allows, we will visit Alchi Monastery and Lamayuru Monastery on the way to Kargil.

Located on the South bank of the Indus River, Alchi Monastery is said to be built between 958 AD and 1055 AD. Alchi Monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect and contains some of the oldest surviving paintings of Buddhism and Hindu Kings. It also contains huge statues of the Buddha and elaborate wood carvings and artwork.

Lamayuru Monastery (belonging to the Drikung Kagyu sect) is one of the largest and oldest monasteries in Ladakh, dating back to the 10th century. Approximately 150 monks reside at the monastery. The monastery houses a rich collection of artifacts, wall paintings, statues and carpets.

 

Day 10: Drive from Kargil to Shafat Valley (a.k.a. Golmatangus, 3,700m/12,139ft)

From Kargil, we will drive along the Suru River through a valley, taking breaks in small villages. Today, we will see Kun and Nun for the first time. We will camp in a large meadow next to Suru River in the Shafat Valley.

 

Day 11: Trek to Base Camp (4,650m/15,256ft, 6 hours)

We will cross a bridge over Suru River and ascend through meadows covered in Edelweiss flowers. We will cross the glacial moraines to reach Kun Base Camp.

 

Day 12: Rest and sort gear at Base Camp

We will prepare the equipment, gear and food for the climb.

 

Day 13 – 22: climbing days (including rest days and days for contingencies)

  •    Base camp (4,650m/15,256ft) to Camp 1 (5,340m/17,520ft, 4-5 hours ascent, 2 hours decent)

The route crosses small rivers in moraine terrain. After setting up a gear stash in this area we will continue to ascend and negotiate several small crevasses.

  •    Camp 1 (5,340m / 17,520ft) to Camp 2 (6,120m / 20,079ft, 8 hours ascent)

The route involves ascending 800m on 30-35 and 40-45 degree steep snow slopes using fixed lines. A snow plateau between Nun and Kun is where Camp 2 is situated. Climbers look directly at the rock and ice face of Kun here.

  •    Camp 2 (6,120m/20,079ft) to Camp 3 (6,330m/20,768ft, 3-4 hours ascent)

The route involves crossing the snowy plateau between Nun and Kun. We will rest in Camp 3 before climbing to the summit with an alpine start.

  •    Summit day (7,077m/23,219ft, ascend and descend in 12-15 hours)

The route involves ascending a ridge and a 50 degree+ steep snow slope using fixed lines. The summit view is undoubtedly spectacular. After summiting, we will descend as far as we can go to the lower camps, e.g., Camp 3. The next day, we will descend to Kun Base Camp.

 

Day 23: Trek from Kun base camp (4,650m / 15,256ft) to Shafat Valley (3,700m / 12,139ft)

Today we will return to Shafat Valley. Horses or mules will carry most of our gear from Kun Base Camp to Shafat Valley.

 

Day 24: Drive from Shafat Valley to Kargil or Leh

We will drive to Kargil or Leh.

 

Day 25: Drive from Kargil to Leh, or relax in Leh.

Enjoy Leh’s attractions and prepare for your flight out to Delhi tomorrow.

 

Day 26: Leh - Delhi - IMF debrief

Upon arrival in Delhi in the afternoon, we will go to the IMF for the expedition’s debriefing.

Here, the expedition officially ends.

 

Please note:

This itinerary is approximate. Clients are embarking on adventure travel in a remote mountain region and the itinerary is subject to weather, road conditions, vehicles and local availability of horses or mules. ༄༅། རི Ri Guides will make every effort to see that clients acclimatize completely, and complete and enjoy their trip.

Please read རི RiGuides Terms and Conditions and Legal. Prices are in US dollars and are subject to change.

Inclusions:

• Experienced and professionally certified local Mountain Guides that have summited nun multiple times
• Safety and health precautions:
• InReach satellite messaging system (when allowed)
• Oxygen saturation monitoring system
• Oxygen cylinder
• Boiled water
• Safe, sanitary, delicious and plentiful food and drinks
• Full medical kit
• Fixed ropes and equipments for fixing ropes
• All accommodation in Delhi and Leh with breakfast
• Butane gas and burners for high camps
• Permits fees and Liaison officer’s fee to the IMF, accommodation and transportation
• Camping accommodation while acclimatizing and climbing Kun
• All camping equipment including sleeping tent, foam mattress for base camp, mess tent, dining tent and toilet tent
• All meals and drinks while trekking and climbing
• Good quality food serviced by an experienced cook and attendants
• Service of horses or mules and their drivers
• All monastery entrance fees and camping fees
• Pick up from Delhi Airport and Leh Airport and return to Leh Airport.

 

Exclusions:

• Flights - please ask us if you need help with arranging your domestic flights
• Personal clothes, personal climbing climbing gear and sleeping bag
• Medical and evacuation insurance
• Meals and drinks in Leh and Delhi except breakfast (breakfast is included with accommodation)
• Laundry services
• Other services not mentioned in the package
• Extra cost if the expedition finishes early and the cost arising from early departures
• Tipping our crew.

 

Note:

1. Single Room during your stays can be booked at an additional cost of $220
2. Personal Climbing Guide who will accompany you throughout the climbing period can be arranged at $1100.
3. Tips and Extra Cash: Allow approximately $500-$800 for meals (while not on trek), drinks (on trek) and cash for tips
4. We suggest 5% of the trip cost per person for the crew tips pool.

Base Layers

• Synthetic Short Underwear (2-3 pair): non-cotton style underwear
• Lightweight Long Underwear (2-3 pair): long sleeve shirt and long pants
• Heavyweight Long Underwear (1 pair)
• Short Sleeve Synthetic Shirt (1-2)

Mid Layers

• Soft Shell Jacket: to be worn over other layers
• Soft Shell Pants: very breathable and water repellant
• Lightweight Nylon Pants (1-2 pair)

Windproof/Rain Layers

• Hard Shell Jacket with hood: waterproof and breathable shell jacket
• Hard Shell Pants: waterproof and breathable shell pants

Insulation Layers

• Heavyweight Insulated Down Jacket with hood
• Insulated Pants
• Down Suit (optional): worn on summit day

Headwear

• Warm Hat: synthetic or wool hat (ski hat)
• Balaclava: to protect your neck and face in high winds
• Baseball Cap or other sun hat: to shade your face/neck from the sun on a hot day
• Bandana or Buff: to protect your neck/face from the sun

Eyewear

• Glacier Glasses: full protection with side covers or wrap around
• Ski Goggles: to be worn in the event of high winds

Gloves

• Lightweight Synthetic Liner Gloves: for wearing on warm days
• Soft Shell Gloves: to wear for moderate cold/wind
• Shell Glove with Insulated Liner: to wear for severe cold/strong wind
• Expedition Mitts: large enough to fit a liner glove inside

Footwear

• Liner Socks (3 pairs)
• Wool or Synthetic Socks (3 pairs)
• Mountaineering Boots
• Hiking Shoes/Boots: comfortable hiking boots or shoes for the trek to base camp
• Camp Boots (optional): comfortable boots for wearing in camp
• Gaiters (optional)
• Booties (optional)

Sleeping Equipment

• Sleeping Bag: rated to at least -20°F
• Self-inflating Sleeping Pad: full length is preferred
• Closed-cell Foam Pad: to be used in conjunction with the inflating pad for warmth and comfort when sleeping
• Earplugs

Mountaineering Gear

• Expedition Backpack: approximately 75L
• Compression Stuff Sacks: for reducing the volume of the sleeping bag, down parka, etc. in your pack
• Trash Compactor Bags: to line backpack and stuff sacks as well as for separating gear
• Backpack Rain Cover (optional)
• Trekking Backpack: to carry on the trek to base camp. Simple and light.
• Trekking Poles with Optional Snow Baskets: adjustable
• Ice Axe: short ice axe (max 60cm)
• Crampons: general mountaineering crampons
• Climbing Helmet: must be able to fit over your warm hat
• Ascender: 1 right or left-hand ascender
• “Y” Rig for ascender and safety carabiner
• Accessory Cord: 5m of min 8mm dynamic cord
• Alpine Climbing Harness: mountaineering harness, with adjustable leg loops. Not a rock-climbing “sport” harness
• Carabineers: 2 regular and 4 locking
• Belay/Rappel Device
• Headlamp: with 2 extra sets of new batteries
• Pack Liner (2 pieces)

Travel Items

• Large Duffel Bag with Lock: for transporting gear to base camp, no hard sides or wheels
• Small Duffel Bag with Lock: to store items in the hotel(s) while on the climb
• Carry-on Backpack: can use trekking backpack, approximately 18” x 16” x 10” (46cm x 41cm x 26cm)
• Travel Clothes: for days in cities and towns
• Lightweight journal, sketchbook, pencils, pen
• U.S. cash: for currency exchange to purchase SIM cards or merchandise in cities and villages

Additional Food Items

• Snack Food: bring a few days’ supply of your favorite climbing snack food such as bars, gels, nuts, beef jerky, etc. variety of salty and sweet is good

Other Equipment

• Cup: plastic 16 oz. minimum cup or mug
• Bowl: large plastic bowl for eating dinner or breakfast
• Spoon: plastic spoon (Lexan)
• Water Bottles (2 or 3): wide mouth bottles with 1-liter capacity
• Water Bottle Parkas (2): fully insulated with zip opening
• Water Treatment
• Thermos: 1-liter
• Hand/Foot Warmers
• Sunscreen: SPF 50 or better
• Lip Screen (2 sticks): SPF 30 or better
• Toiletry Bag: include toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, baby wipes and hand sanitizer (2 small bottles)
• Pee Bottle: 1-liter minimum bottle for convenience at night in the tent
• Female Urination Device (FUD)
• Knife or Multi-tool (optional)
• Small Personal First-aid Kit: include athletic tape, band-aids, Ibuprofen, blister care, cough drops, etc.
• Medications and Prescriptions: bring antibiotics (Azithromycin, etc.), and altitude medicine such as Diamox, etc.
• Handkerchiefs/Bandanas (optional)

Optional Electronics

• Country-appropriate power plug adapters and power transformers
• Avalanche Transceiver
• Adventure Sports Watch: such as Garmin fēnix 6
• GPS/Personal Satellite Communicator: such as Garmin inReach Mini
• Personal Power System: such as Goal Zero Nomad 28 Plus Solar Panel and Sherpa 100AC Power Bank
• Digital Entertainment: movies, tv shows, music, books loaded on to smartphone, iPad, Kindle
• Camera: bring extra batteries, charger, and memory cards
• Portable Travel Humidifier: battery powered

རི Ri Guides is recognized for well thought out strategy in leading high altitude climbing expeditions, as well as high-quality service throughout. We have a decade of experience in the planning and coordination of mountaineering expeditions. We strive to make each expedition the best possible experience for our climbers and focus on our 3 primary goals of success in reaching the summit, returning safely, and having fun! Safety is always our number one priority.

Our guides are some of the best and most experienced in the industry, having a strong grasp of technical climbing, expedition, and high-altitude experience, along with strong interpersonal skills. Our teams are small and equipped with the best support available to ensure the highest chance of success. We provide comfortable base camps, high-quality food, first-rate communications, and medical support services, all of which are overseen by a professional member of our team.

Most of our climbers have either climbed with us before, been referred by a friend who has climbed with us or met one of our teams while attempting another peak and decided to join us for their next expedition. We work hard to facilitate safe, successful, and enjoyable expeditions for all of our climbers. Our track record and past climber testimonials prove we are highly competent experts in our field and love what we do!