Mountaining in Kashmir

The mountains in Kashmir may be categorized as Alpine and Himalayan. The four important mountaineering zones in the state of Jammu and Kashmir are Kashmir, Zanskar, Kishtwar and Ladakh. Mountain climbing is a very popular adventure activity in this region. 

 

Climbing in these Himalayas can be very stimulating and typically an expedition can take a month. Rich in flora and fauna, the summits of most peaks are an exhilirating experience and from a top them, one can look beyond to neighbouring countries Pakistan and Tibet. Of Sonamarg are the lesser peaks Kolahoi(5425m) and Harmukh (5148m). These are peaks one can get to quickly making an alpine ascent. 

 

Similarly thhe peaks in the Kishtwar region are not too high but offer technically dicfficult climbing with many challenging faces and ridges.Some are still virgin peaks. The popular peaks are Sickle Moon (6575m), Riger (6001m), Brammah-I (6416m), Crooked Finger (5630m), Arjuna (6230m), Katori (6138m) and Flat Top (6100m). In the Zanskar region are the famous peaks of Nun (7135m) and Kun (7077m).

 

Around these are White Needle (6500m), Pinacle (6930m) and Z-1 (6400m). These peaks are located at the head of the Shafat glacier.The 'Z' series also cluster around the Durung Drung glacier which is visible from the Pensita. In the Ladakh region are the Stok Kangri (6153m), Parcha Kangri (6065m) and Kanglcha (6400m). 

 

More recently peaks in the restricted area of the Nubra valley in the Inaian Karakorams have also been opened to foreigners and Indian. There are a number of trekking trails from Kishtwar to a number Himalayan peaks that are not at a very great altitude. In fact these treks can be completed within a weeks time. Most of these trekking tours offer packages that include all the trekking and camping equipment. 

 

Several joint trekking expeditions have been conducted in the Karakoram ranges. Every Foreign mountaineering expedition in the state of Jammu and Kashmir requires the issuance of a written permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. 

 

The popular peaks of Ladakh and Kashmir where mountaineering expeditions are organized on a regular basis are Apsarasas, Chong Kumdan, Teram Kangri Group, Tughmo Zarpo and Saser Kangri. Places like Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg serve as base camps for trekking tours to mountain peaks.

 

Mountaineering in Kashmir...

For mountaineering in Kashmir, the most famous peaks are Kolahoi (known as the Matterhorn of Kashmir), Harmukh, Tattakuti, Sunset (Highest Peak in the Pir Panjal Range), a number of small Peaks in Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam.

 

Mountaineering in Kishtawar...

The small Himalayan peaks of Kishtwar are quite difficult to climb. The popular peaks of Kishtwar are Sickle Moon, Eiger, Brammah-I, Brammah's Wife, Crooked Finger, Flat Top, Ca-thedral, Barnaj-I, Barnaj-II, Arjuna, Agyasol, Shivling, etc. 

 

Mountaineering in Zanskar...

The most well known peaks of Zanskar Range are Nun-Kun, White Needle, Pinnacle, Z-1, Z-2, Z-3, Z-8, D-41, N-8, Bien Guapa, Bobang, etc. Most of them are excellent from mountaineering point of view. 

 

Mountaineering in Ladakh...

The peaks of Stok area come under the region of Ladakh. The main peaks of this area are Stok Kangri, Parcha Kangri, Gulap Kangri, Kang Yissay, etc.