Mt. Kun Peak

Global Exposure That Shapes Future Leaders

Pro

Mt. Kun Peak

 
 
 
 

BRS 8 

Max Altitude
 Ladakh
 23 Days
 64 Km
 Max 12

Brief Description

Grade:
Pro
Location:
Ladakh
Altitude:
7077 m
Duration:
23 Days

If you are looking to shift gears from amateur climbing to hardcore mountaineering, the technical climb to Mount Kun is a good place to start you off on this journey. As the second highest peak in the Zanskar Valley of Ladakh, Mount Kun is 7,077 meters of sheer energy. You can feel its strength from the very moment you lay your eyes on it. It continues to silently exude its authority by the way of its daunting structure, unnerving slopes, unannounced blizzards and the peculiar way that it holds you, sometimes gently but on others, decidedly not. This handsome mountain is part of the Nun Kun massif and stands confidently alongside its taller twin, Mt. Nun, which is 7,135M and the highest peak in the Zanskar region. Mt. Kun lies to the north of its cousin and the two are separated from each other by a 4 km long snow plateau. The third highest peak in the massif – Pinnacle Peak (6,930M) – lies to the northeast of Mt. Nun. The massif is located in Suru valley of the Kargil district about 250 km east of Srinagar.

Himalayas are an inexhaustible treasure house to which devotees of mountaineering have come for years to quench their thirst for exciting challenges. Amongst the many discovered and countless undiscovered peaks, stands Mt. Kun which draws climbers from across countries, those who aspire to go higher up to the 8000ers. A stepping stone for some and a challenge in itself for others, the mountain is a thing of beauty and does its share in lending you a dream. First scaled way back in 1913 (the summit of Mt. Nun happened only in 1953), its second successful summit would only be after fifty eight long years by an Indian Army expedition in the year 1971. Mt. Kun is a technical climb which requires navigating difficult terrain in extreme cold with throes of violent winds being a bully – pushing you around in all directions.

The nature of the mountain, it’s crevasse-riddled surface, it’s very unnerving habit of changing face every hour thereby changing routes, elaborate glacial formations, high gradient ice walls, technical patches, knife-edge ridges, constantly changing weather, high altitude and strong winds make it a much tougher peak to climb than some other 7,000M peaks. Mount Kun is a very demanding peak.

Since it is a technical climb which requires specific knowledge of mountaineering equipment and a specific set of skills to survive at that altitude in that terrain, this is an expedition reserved for experienced climbers only. Mountaineering certification or alternatively experience in high- altitude mountaineering and extreme temperature with one summit of over 6,500M to your credit is a necessity.

Stay on this page for information on Mt. Kun expedition – Itinerary, Routes, FAQs, and eligibility criteria.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive in Leh (3,500 M)

Day 2 : Rest and Acclimatization in Leh (3,500M)

Day 3 : Leh (3,500M) to Kargil (2,676M)

Day 4 : Drive from Kargil to Shafat Nala (3,800 M)

Day 5 : Shafat Nala (3,800M) to Kun Base Camp (4,200M)

Day 6 : Rest and Acclimatization at Base Camp (4,200M)

Day 7 – Day 18 : Expedition

Day 19 : Basecamp (4,200M) to Shafat Nala (3,800M) & drive to Kargil (2,676M)

Day 20 : Drive from Kargil (2,676M) to Leh (3,500M)

Day 21 : Depart from Leh (3,500M)

Day 22 : Buffer Day

Day 23 : Buffer Day

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Leh (3,500 M)

The trek starts from Leh, a major gateway to Ladakh and a hub for high-altitude expeditions.

Day one is reserved for arrival and settling into accommodation. Since climbers arrive from lower altitudes, proper rest is essential for acclimatization.


Day 2

Rest and Acclimatization in Leh (3,500M)

This day is dedicated to acclimatization. Light activity, hydration, and rest are key.

You can explore the local market, monasteries, and surroundings. A briefing session is also conducted to prepare for the expedition.


Day 3

Leh (3,500M) to Kargil (2,676M)

Distance: 217 kms

Duration: 6-7 hour drive

We begin the journey towards Mount Kun. The drive offers scenic views of Ladakh’s barren landscapes and smooth mountain roads.

You will also meet the support team and Sherpas who will accompany the expedition.


Day 4

Drive from Kargil to Shafat Nala (3,800 M)

Duration: 4-5 hour drive

The drive follows the Suru River and offers the first views of Nun and Kun peaks.

We reach Shafat Nala and prepare for the trek ahead.


Day 5

Shafat Nala (3,800M) to Kun Base Camp (4,200M)

Distance: 6-7 kms

Duration: 6-7 hours trek

The trek begins through scenic villages with lush green fields and gradually transitions into rugged terrain.

As we gain altitude, the landscape changes to glacial moraine and colder conditions.


Day 6

Rest and Acclimatization at Base Camp (4,200M)

The day starts with a traditional puja at base camp.

We focus on gear setup, technical training, and preparation for higher camps.


Day 7 – Day 18

Expedition

High-altitude conditions require flexible planning and adaptive schedules.

The climb includes multiple camps at 5,300M, 6,000M, and 6,200M.

Rotation climbs and acclimatization are carried out before summit attempts.

The route includes technical sections requiring fixed ropes and careful navigation.

There is also provision for multiple summit attempts depending on weather conditions.


Day 19

Basecamp (4,200M) to Shafat Nala (3,800M) & drive to Kargil (2,676M)

We descend from base camp to Shafat Nala and drive back to Kargil.

The journey is relatively easy and we reach by evening.


Day 20

Drive from Kargil (2,676M) to Leh (3,500M)

Distance: 217 kms

Duration: 6-7 hour drive

We drive back to Leh and celebrate the successful completion of the expedition.


Day 21

Depart from Leh (3,500M)

The expedition concludes with celebration and reflection.

It is recommended to keep buffer days before onward travel due to unpredictable conditions.


Day 22

Buffer Day

This day can be used in case of bad weather or delays during the expedition.


Day 23

Buffer Day

This day can be used in case of bad weather or delays during the expedition.


What’s Included

  • Camping during the trek
  • Guesthouse Stay in Leh on twin sharing
  • Trek Meals
  • Technical Equipment – Ropes, Helmet, Ice Axe, Crampons, Mountaineering Boots, Jumar, Descender, Harness
  • Trek Permit Fee/IMF Permission (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
  • First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder
  • Qualified & experienced trek Leader, Guide and Support staff
  • Transport from Leh to Road head and return

What’s Not Included

  • Meals in Leh
  • Meals during road journeys
  • Any kind of personal expenses
  • Any kind of Insurance
  • Mules or porter to carry personal luggage
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusions
  • Any extra flight booking amount should be paid on actuals by the participant (over the amount mentioned in the Inclusions section)
  • IMF Expedition Permit Fee of USD 1000 for upto 2 foreign nationals & USD 450 for every additional foreign nationals
  • Liaison Officer fee of USD 500 to be shared among foreign climbers.

Packing List

This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with New Knight Adventure. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by NK Adventure on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.

Trekking Gear

  • Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
  • Day Pack Bag – Recommended for treks with summit day
  • Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
  • UV protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
  • Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear

  • Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
  • Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1

Clothing

  • Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty – 2
  • Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
  • Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
  • Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
  • Undergarments. Qty – 1 for every day of trekking
  • Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
  • Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
  • Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
  • Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
  • Woolen cap. Qty-1
  • Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1

Toiletries

  • Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
  • Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
  • Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1

Utensils

  • Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
  • Plate. Qty- 1
  • Spoon.Qty-1
  • Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1

Miscellaneous

  • Camera (Optional)
  • Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
  • Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Mt. Kun is recommended only for experienced mountaineers who have completed at least one 6000m+ expedition or equivalent high-altitude climb.

If you can run 5 km in 25–30 minutes, you are physically prepared. Practice running 10 km once a week to improve endurance. Add strength exercises like squats, lunges and push-ups.

With consistent training, these standards can be comfortably achieved within a few months.

The climb requires technical mountaineering skills including ice-axe usage, glacier travel, roping up, abseiling, ascending steep snow/ice slopes and handling technical climbing equipment.

Minimum age is 16 years (16–17 must be accompanied by a guardian). Participants above 60 must carry a medical fitness certificate.

Mt. Kun (7,077 m) is located in the Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir. It is part of the Nun-Kun massif in the Suru Valley near Kargil.

The expedition offers vast glaciers, dramatic alpine terrain, deep valleys and pristine Himalayan landscapes. Reaching the 7000m mark is a significant achievement in any mountaineer’s journey.

The route includes crevassed snowfields, steep ice walls, knife-edge ridges, unpredictable weather, high altitude exposure and strong winds. It is a demanding 7000m expedition requiring strong teamwork.

June to September.

Hotel stay in Leh and Kargil. Twin-sharing tents during expedition days. Higher camps may use 4-person expedition tents due to limited space.

Base camp temperatures range from 0°C to 15°C during the day, dropping below freezing at night. Summit temperatures can fall below -20°C.

Yes. Mt. Kun is a technical 7000m expedition requiring advanced glacier travel and ice climbing skills.

The expedition starts from Leh, a major gateway to Ladakh and well-connected by air and road.

Network is available in Leh (postpaid works best). Limited or no network beyond major towns during expedition days.

ATMs are available in Leh and Kargil.

Return to Leh is usually late evening on the final day. Departure should be planned for the following day.

All central camping gear and technical climbing equipment including snow boots, crampons, gaiters, ice axe, helmet and harness are provided.

Trekking shoes, poles, fleece jackets and rucksacks are available for rent.

Rental gear is distributed during the briefing in Leh on Day 1.

Yes, Leh has outdoor gear shops. However, it is recommended to arrive fully prepared.

No. Each climber carries their own load. Porters do not go beyond Base Camp.

Three vegetarian meals daily till Base Camp with evening snacks. Higher camps provide ready-to-eat meals.

First aid kits, oxygen cylinders and HAPO bag are carried for altitude emergencies.

Last charging point is at the hotel in Leh. No electricity during camping days.

ID proof and medical certificate are mandatory. Originals must be carried during the expedition.

High-altitude rescue and evacuation insurance is strongly recommended.

Yes. All required permits are arranged and included in the expedition cost.

All leaders are certified mountaineers trained in rescue and first-aid procedures.

Yes. NK Adventure ensures a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

Pre-identified rescue routes are used. Road evacuation is arranged where required. Rescue costs are borne by the participant unless covered by insurance.

Payment & Cancellation Policy:

When you have firmly decided to undertake the Tour with New Knight Adventure, you will need to book the trip with us. We must allocate enough time to prepare, obtain necessary documents and permits, and book hotels and Transport for the trip.
25% advance during the time of booking for confirmation
50% Amount one month prior of arrival in India
25% Amount to be one week prior of arrival in India

 

Cancellation Policy:

• If the cancellation is made 30 days before the tour starts, 25% of the full payment will be deducted and 75% will be refunded.
• If the cancellation is made 20 days before the tour start, 35% of the full payment will be deducted and 65% will be refunded
• If the cancellation is made 10 days before the tour start, 80% will be deducted and 20% will be refunded.
• No refund is made if the trip is cancelled after the departure for Expedition.
• No refund is made during the running tour.
• The cost of travel permit or any other documentation charges will not be refundable

Note: New Knight Adventure do all the ground operations in advance (As soon as we received the confirmation request from the guest). We pay advance payment to all our vendors to ensure all the services that we promise with the guest.