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Expeditions to the Mountains of Asia

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Nubra Summits

Altitude 6,078m/19,940ft » Duration 23 Days » Grade 2B

An introductory level expedition in a wild and unspoilt range of the Indian Himalaya

Introduction

This is an expedition to a totally unspoilt range between Leh and the Nubra Valley, which we organised our first two expeditions to in 2007, following a detailed reconnaissance in 2006. On these expeditions, our teams climbed two new peaks in the Snui Valley, which they named Yangchan Kangri (5,710m) and Mani Kangri (5,742m), and made what we believe is the first ascent of Sahib Chasa (6,078m). Our 2008 expedition repeated Mani Kangri, Yangchan Kangri and Sahib Chasa. Reports from these expeditions are available here.

The itinerary begins with a flight to Leh, where we acclimatise for two nights, before driving over the Kardong La to reach Hundur. From here, we trek for five days through beautiful the surroundings - deep gorges, grassy campsites, granite spires and snow capped peaks. From as base camp at the head of the Snui Valley, we will climb the peaks at the head of the cirque and may have a go at the remaining obvious peak, which hasn't been climbed yet.

It's a further two days trek to Shahib Chasa, our main objective. This is climbed from a high camp via snow slopes and a precarious summit ridge on mixed ground. To complete this superb itinerary, we will exit the main valley via the Lasimola Pass, before returning to Delhi.

Expedition Outline

The approach walk from Hundur is not long but we 'stretch it out' to allow good acclimatisation, so that you will be fit and ready for the climbing phase. The trek, from Hundur over the Lasirmola to Morobuk is a delight in itself with unspoilt and friendly villagers, dramatic landscapes, ruined forts and working gompas.

Our warm-up and acclimatisation phase in the Sniu Valley is in wild and unspoilt mountain terrain, only visited by a few herders with their sheep, goats and yaks . There are several options at the head of the valley, including Yangchan Kangri (5,710m) and Mani Kangri (5,742m) and another un-named and unclimbed peaks at the 5,700 and 5,800m level. These can all be done from a remote, high altitude camp at the very centrally located 'second lake'. Technically these peaks are very straightforward (Jagged Globe expedition grade 1A), with snow slopes, sections of easy scrambling and airy ridges, and that unique sense of treading where few people have been before.

The main peak of Sahib Chasa (6,078m), was at first understood to have been climbed in the 1920's, however, when our first 2007 team climbed it, we later realised that this was most likely the first ascent. It is the highest peak of the group and gives an ascent of a slightly higher technical difficulty to Stok Kangri, although it is at a similar altitude. There is a base camp in the main valley and a high camp by the glacier snout in a wild 'cwm' of shapely granite peaks. The views of the mountain on the approach are always impressive and will give the team a real sense of trepidation as it always looks technically too demanding. However, as the ascent is made spiral-fashion up the peak and each new view is obtained, an easy way always appears, finishing on a fine snow ridge. This snow ridge is the crux of the route, and, combined with the c1,000m of ascent from high camp, justifies the 2B grade that we have given 'Nubra Summits' since we ran our first expeditions in 2007. It is very likely that our team will have the mountain to themselves; there are no paths and the campsites are pristine.

This trek and the crossing of the glaciated Lasirmola, an ancient trade route from the Nubra Valley to central Ladakh, is not only a great journey over these little visited ranges, but also allows some great mountaineering on the way. Nubra Summits is a trek and climbs with a real pioneering feel to them, at an accessible level for the aspiring Himalayan mountaineer.

Expedition Itinerary

Day 1:Fly London-Delhi with British Airways
Morning flight from London Heathrow. We are met at Delhi International Airport by our agent's representative and taken to our hotel, which is very conveniently placed for sightseeing in the city. In August, the air-conditioning and swimming pool are always most welcome.
Day 2:A day at leisure in Delhi
The central location of our hotel enables you to visit the local bazaars and shops around Connaught Place. We particularly recommend the famous ice-cream bar, Nirula's, and its excellent restaurant upstairs. The ice cream is safe to eat, which is probably more than can be said for most other places. The extensive lawns surrounding India Gate are also nearby, with the Government Buildings at the far end.
Day 3:Fly to Leh, the capital of Ladakh
We make an early start to take the flight to Leh, the capital city of Ladakh. The flight takes us over the Greater Himalaya and makes an exciting landing at one of the highest airports in the world. We can hope to get excellent views of Stok Kangri as we fly-in and, on a clear day, the great peaks of the Karakoram are visible to the north. We are met at the airport and taken to the Kang Lha Chen. The rest of the day is at leisure. Leh is at an altitude of nearly 3,510m, and you can expect to feel the effects of the rarefied atmosphere. For the first few hours, you may be a little breathless and perhaps have a slight headache. These symptoms of altitude sickness are mild and usually disappear quite quickly, however, everyone is advised to take it easy for the first day or two. Press-ups and hill sprints are definitely taboo!
Day 4:Exploring the city of Leh
Today is your own to relax and stroll around Leh, to allow the effects of the altitude to wear off. This is an important period, which allows the body to acclimatise in preparation for the initial trek. There are plenty of distractions in Leh, varying from scenic and cultural to gastronomic.
Day 5:Acclimatisation in Leh
As we are crossing the Kardong La (5,375m) by jeep tomorrow, we spend another day in Leh to further acclimatise. This is important as if any member of the team was to develop systems of altitude sickness once over the Kardong La, it would be impossible to evacuate them back over the pass by road, so we take this precaution of spending of spending an extra day in Leh. Good options to-day would a short trip to the fantastic Tikse gompa, one of the best in Ladakh, or a stroll up to the Red Gompa above the town for some wonderful views.
Day 6:Travel from Leh to Hundur via the Kardong La
The drive over the Kardong La is an adventure in itself, going ever higher - some say the highest you can go by road anywhere. At the top you are in almost touching distance of the glaciers. The landscape goes through several dramatic changes on the other side and eventually we reach Hundur. This is an unspoilt and quite village with some very nice lunch spots in amongst orchards and gardens, overlooked by a gompa and a small fort, on the ridge above. In the cool of the afternoon, we trek for a couple of hours up the Hundur Gorge to Skarchen (3,595m).
Day 7:Trek to Hundur Dok (4,020m)
3 hours trekking brings us to the level of wide open glaciated valleys that typify this area. Here a delightful campsite on grassy terraces above the river provides a great base for to-morrow's acclimatisation day. The local villagers are curious, friendly and undemanding.
Day 8:Acclimatisation day in Hundur Dok
As we are now already over 4,000m we need to rest a while and let our bodies catch up. It is a great spot for relaxing, wandering about and generally 'chilling'. A short walk up the valley gives our first impressive views of the Sahib Chasa Massif.
Day 9:Trek to camp in the Sniu Valley
We now branch off the main route to the Lasirmola, rounding a corner to be greeted by views of some very shapely rock and snow peaks. After about 6 - 7 hours we reach a beautiful campsite (approx 4700m) at the confluence of 2 valleys directly below a fine pyramidal rock peak. Around and about are plenty of gamboling marmots and lowering yak.
Day 10:Acclimatisation day in the Sniu Valley
After yesterday's surprisingly big climb we need to pause again - and what a great place to pause in surrounded by rock spires, snowy ridges and flower bedecked meadows! There are several options for short acclimatisation walks up a couple of the side valleys - or simply relax by the clearest of mountain streams.
Day 11:Arrive at base camp (5,095m)
We leave the horses behind for the ascent up to our first base camp. The terrain is too bouldery for horses but o.k. for yaks - and humans. We pass the 'first lake', maybe cross some patches of old snow, and scramble over ice-worn granite slabs to reach the 'second lake', set in a cirque of snowy peaks (3 -4 hours). Home for 4 nights.
Day 12-14:Ascent of Yagchan Kangri (5,710m) and Mani Kangri (5,792m)
We have three days to explore the area and make ascents of these two peaks. There is also the possibility of attempting the third peak in the cirque, which is still unclimbed and unnamed.
Day 15:Retrace steps down Sniu Valley and ascend to Tingsa (4,480m)
We return to the main valley and continue on course for the Lasirmola. A good walking day and our first tantalising glimpses of Sahib Chasa as we approach the grassy campsite at Tingsa at the junction of the Sniu and Thanglasgo Valleys (5 - 6 hours).
Day 16:Rest day at Tingsa
A day of rest and preparation for the main objective of the trip. In the afternoon, we might scramble up above the herders huts to get a dramatic view of this fine mountain.
Day 17:High camp on Sahib Chasa
An early lunch, a river crossing by Doksa and then a steep, bouldery ascent into the hanging 'cwm' below Sahib Chasa. The high camp is at 5,095m.
Day 18:Climb Sahib Chasa (6,078m)
A dawn start will be the plan to get the glacier and snow slopes in their best condition. We step onto the glacier almost straight away and follow it up as it spirals around behind the mountain; as we reach the top of the glacier what seemed improbable now looks very possible! A steepish slope of rocks leads onto a higher mini-glacier which in turn leads towards the summit ridge. The last slope onto the ridge needs a fixed rope. From summit views will include Stok Kangri away to the south, the 8000m peaks of the main Karakoram to the north-west and range upon range of snowy peaks in between. We retrace our steps back down to Doksa for the night - and a drink to celebrate!
Day 19:Trek to camp below Lasimola.
A fairly short day (3 -4 hours)up a very fine valley gets us to a camp at 5,110m ready for the pass crossing next day. Quite a wild spot, surrounded by small glaciers and some small tops that might give an objective for the afternoon.
Day 20:Cross Lasimola (5,474m), return to Leh.
We continue over scree and moraine and are soon on the glacier up to the pass - our horses make a dramatic and unusual foreground on the ice, with Sahib Chasa in the background, to which we bid farewell. Once the pass is crossed it is then a long downhill to the first fields and houses above Morobuk (4,100m - 5 -6 hours walking). Transport will meet us here to take us back to Leh in about an hour.
Day 21:Fly Leh to Delhi.
Day 22:At leisure in Delhi.
A day to relax and wind down at the end of the expedition. For those with plenty of energy we can organise a day trip to Agra and the Taj Mahal (Please note that this is not included in the price and needs to be paid in country).
Day 23:Fly from Delhi to London.
Morning flight from Delhi to London with British Airways.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is Adventure Travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of climbers can all contribute to changes. The Expedition Leader and our local agent will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy going nature will be an asset!

Acclimatisation

Approximate altitude profile of Nubra Summits: Nubra Summits altitude profile, 15 kb
Please note: This profile does not represent the gradient of the mountain!

Agra Fort and Taj Mahal Day Trip

A day trip to Agra and the Taj Mahal is an optional extra for group members on Day 22 of the itinerary. It includes a tour guide for the day, all transfers, 1st class rail travel to Agra (with breakfast) and return via air-con minibus, lunch in a local hotel and the entrance price for the Taj Mahal.

This day trip can be organised by your expedition leader and the cost is payable in country.

Leadership

Our expeditions are led by qualified and experienced mountain guides or mountaineering instructors. In selecting suitable leaders, we not only look to ensure that they have the relevant qualifications but we also ensure that they have a good track record of mountaineering at high altitudes. Whilst qualifications and experience are essential requirements, we also make sure that our leaders have the right temperament to lead an expedition comprised of individuals who have a range of previous experience and expectations. To that end, we aim to provide a leader who will make the expedition both successful and enjoyable throughout.

All of our leaders are personally known to us, having normally led several expeditions for us previously. They are familiar with what we expect from them and how we like them to run expeditions on our behalf. Their main aim during the expedition will be to ensure that you derive optimum benefit from taking part in the climb and to maximise every individual's chances of reaching the summit. However, as experienced and qualified mountaineers, they will always operate with safety as the prime consideration. In the past, the careful selection of our expedition leaders has proved to be a major asset in the continuing success of our expeditions and the overall enjoyment of the team members taking part.

Our leaders also hold a current mountain first aid certificate and have experience of dealing with the symptoms of acute mountain sickness and other altitude related illness.

Team Composition

The 2009 team will be led by Nev Taylor, who will be supported by the same climbing Sherpas, cook team and local horsemen as usd on our previous expeditions to this area.

Experience Required

Nubra Summits is graded 2B.

This expedition is suitable for fit trekkers, with snow and ice climbing experience to Scottish grade II or Alpine PD. It is an excellent first Himalayan trip and no previous experience of high altitude is required. We are visiting a remote area and team members must be prepared for the rigours of trekking where there are no defined trails. The expedition would appeal to those that want to travel to an interesting and quiet part of the Indian Himalaya, where you are unlikely to meet any other teams.

To join one of the Nubra Summits expedition and have a good chance of climbing a peak, you need:

Please note that you can join this expedition as a 'trekker' and not take part in the climbs.

Our Scottish Winter Courses and our Alpine Courses provide good skills preparation for an expedition.

Pre-Expedition Meeting

Prior to all our expeditions, we host a Pre-Expedition Weekend in North Wales. The primary purpose of the weekend is to provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the forthcoming expedition and to introduce them to other team members. The weekend covers topics as diverse as personal equipment and acclimatisation and usually involves a hike and some skills training. To find out more about our Pre-Expedition Weekends [click here].

Equipment

Find out about our comprehensive Equipment Hire Service.

To join the Nubra Summits expedition you need the following specialist equipment:

A complete suggested kit list is included in the Expedition Dossier.

A complete climbing equipment and clothing list is included in the expedition dossier, which is sent to you on booking along with details of our Equipment Hire Service.

What the price includes

What the price does not include

Insurance

Special travel insurance is available from us which provides a wide range of cover. Our 'Expedition only' premium for this expedition is detailed in the Prices & Booking section. A full explanation of the Jagged Globe Insurance Scheme is available on the website and in our brochure.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please contact us by telephone:

Alternatively, you can contact us by email via the Contact Page on the website.

Booking

If you would like to book a place on this expedition, you can do so on our secure on-line booking facility, on our website. The £300 deposit for this expedition will secure you a place on your chosen departure. You will receive an automatic email confirmation, followed by a written confirmation of booking, climbing questionnaire and Expedition Dossier. Alternatively, you can book over the telephone or by sending in a booking form by post. Book Now!