Nun Peak Expedition: Tips for an Eastward Himalayan Journey

The expedition begins when you land in Leh. Leh is located at an altitude of more than 3500 m, nestled between high Himalayan peaks deep in the eastern part of Ladakh. In the background, brilliant snow-covered mountains loom up 18,000 feet high. These ramparts, just as magnificent in the summer months as they are harrowing now, have always been a richly studied place for climbers. Not content with occupying this premier position, Mary Tregears mountaineer guide to the Eastern Karakoram/Ladakh states that Leh is itself at 3,841 meters above sea level—higher even than most Himalayan summits. This gives hikers an extra advantage: they are walking between salts on two different levels. Although it is not easy to get to those heights, which are open only a few times each year, many people come here from all over India, Southeast Asia, and Europe just to go boating on their beautiful lakes. It is about a three-hour drive through a desolate desert up over 5000 meters from Leh, with abundant wildlife unique in the whole world. Other attractions here include colorful markets, vast historical resources, and the wild beauty of nature, up close, in nature that is breathtakingly breathtaking as author James Hilton described it.

After arrival at Leh, we also need to take it easy for the day. Your body—coming from lower altitudes—needs time to adjust to the thin mountain air. Get comfortable in your digs and then lean back as the surrounding peaks remind you what it is like to be on top of a mountain.

The second day is set aside for acclimatization. When hitting the heights, it is essential to let your body adjust itself to lower oxygen levels, minimizing the chance of altitude sickness. Even if you only walk a bit today, at least by exploring Leh throbbing streets where local markets rub up against prayer flags, then this will give you an appreciation of the local culture. For instance, you might go visit other attractions nearby or take a short walk when not going too far away from the base tent.

During this time, in Leh, it is also convenient for you to do a routine check of your equipment and get anything that is missing at its local stores, which specialize in all kinds of mountain gear. Later on in the day, as the sun nears setting, gather casually together with fellow climbers for a project phase meeting and coffee. Discuss upcoming one-day meetings, safety procedures that must be strictly followed, and responsible trekking within this fragile ecosystem.

Distance: 217 km Time: 6-7 hours for driving:

The road impresses me: the drive to Kargil is scenically beautiful, weaving through wide valleys, rugged terrain, and cute little villages nestled in the hills. Though it may take some 6-7 hours, each bend in this winding way reveals a new vista: an unforgettable visual feast for your eyes. As you near your destination, the rugged landscape begins to show its real state of nature, and you can already sense the adventure that awaits.

From Kargil, the drive heads to Tangol, a small village near the Suru River, which is the starting point for trekking up Mount Nun. This journey is short but delightful and carries you through winding roads flanked by green fields with lovely vistas. Here, it is time to remove yourself from the modern distractions as the cell phone is cut off, luring you in with its breathtaking allure.
On your approach to Tangol, notice the variety of environment—green fields against brown, rocky mountains and local villages are a window into life in one of these remote locales. This journey is a sensory one, replete with gentle winds, the smell of new leaves, and the rhythmic sound of a river rolling through its channel. Upon arrival, walk about a bit to get used to the higher altitudes.

It is a day of rest in Tangol, and rightly so. The beginning of this day is still about acclimatization, allowing your body to get used to the altitude. You'll also learn some techniques for handling trekking equipment and tying knots, which are necessary skills in questing forward. For this day, it's sleeping in comfortable camps that end. These little breaks give you the opportunity to relax and also prepare for what lies ahead.

Distance: ended the Huang 7-8 km

Time: taking (about 800 m). She kickoffs the actual walking journey

Today is a good workout. The climb, which starts after breakfast, is ripe for success, but it\\\'s also arduous. Elsewhere today, you will learn one of the most practical things ever. The climbing is very steep, and the elevation gain will total around 900 meters. Your first task is to cross the reliable bridge over the river, which marks an entrance into more virulent territory.

Along the way up, you will pass through some small and lively villages where farmers harvest their crops straight from the fields in sight, and then, after leaving these lush Ganyuan features, you will be far behind. Entire landscapes become rockier at an altitude of nearly 3,000 meters above sea level. More tough terrain follows on from here—meandering paths between narrow gullies and tracks with sharp stones lead into rugged mountainscapes. Wildflowers frequently grow in small patches around the crevices of a mountain. These are nature monuments.

At Base Camp, a traditional prayer ritual is performed every morning to honor the mountain gods and seek blessings for the entire team's success and safety that day. Now, it's time to settle in and make use of the hours left. Your system must still continue acclimatizing to the freezing cold and high-altitude air. Try out some technical training in ice climbing and handling equipment.

But it is also an excellent opportunity to meet fellow climbers and share tales, building a sense of camaraderie before harder times on the expedition begin. A good rest is essential: use this day to gear yourself up physically and mentally for the days ahead.

Day8~Day 18: Expedition The next part of the journey involves rotating informally between the different camps as part of your acclimatization process. The expedition of Mount Nun is dynamic—every day throws up a new challenge. With three high-altitude camps at 5,550M / 6,100M / 6,400M, there will be a variety of conditions, each with its own peculiar problems. Camp 1 (5,500M): The trek from Base Camp to Camp I is quite arduous and demanding. The route covers a 900-metre vertical ascent. The initial stages are through untidy rock and boulder-strewn slopes followed by \"Crampon Point\" – here, ROBERT MOIR can prepare oneself for the steep ice walls that lie ahead. The hardest part involves a 75-degree gradient ice wall, followed by a series of steep, avalanche-prone snow slopes. When you finally make it to Camp I, you will find yourself on a great snowy plain with fantastic vistas of the surrounding countryside.* Camp 2 (6,100M): The path to Camp 2 is steep, and within 9 hours, it rises 600 meters in altitude. This stage requires careful navigation between boulders and with snow all about. Perched over a narrow ridge, Camp 2 provides a beautiful look around. At this altitude, to experience both the thin air and wide mountainsides is unforgettable. * Camp 3 (6,400M): The 300m upward walk between Camp 2 and Camp 3 brings you into contact with another mountain vista. Although less hard than some of its brethren, this mountain still has some special traits. Snow dunes, high slopes and glaciers come together to bring you to Camp 3, which is the jumping-off point for a climb to the summit. The feeling of being on the far side of reality and the stark beauty that surrounds Camp 3 both increase here. Summit Push (7,135M): The final ascent to the summit takes place at night when the ice is most stable. The going is sheer torture with its steep ice faces and enormous boulders to negotiate. After getting over these obstructions, however, the summit will be within touching distance--but the strain, both physical and mental, of the last several days will make short work of all. From beginning to end, expect a long and demanding journey: expect to spend around 14-16 hours on the mountain.

Having achieved the summit, it is time to descend. The journey down to Tangol is easy and should take about 4 hours. Afterward, you will travel by vehicle to Kargil for an overnight stay.

217KM | 6-7 hours driving time This will be your last ride back to Leh. As you look back at the river valley, lay down, bask in the peaceful surroundings of this beautiful provincial scenery, and reflect on how quickly everything's gone, having completed your expedition successfully. Once you reach Leh, this evening is for you. Celebrate and relax.

You say goodbye to one journey and move on to the next, leaving behind beautiful Ladakh. Whether you have found fulfillment in new directions or been spellbound by the sheer beauty of nature, this expedition will bring back memories to treasure.