UT Kangri Peak

Global Exposure That Shapes Future Leaders

Difficult

UT Kangri Peak

 
 
 
 

BRS 7 

Max Altitude
 Ladakh
 11 Days
 30 Km
 Max 12

Brief Description

Grade:
Pro
Location:
Ladakh
Altitude:
6030 m
Duration:
11 Days

UT Kangri (6,030M) in Ladakh, is an offbeat climb not frequented by many. The prospect of climbing this isolated peak in the desert-like terrain of Ladakh becomes even more thrilling when you attempt it in the winters. Climbing to 6000M in high season is hard enough, but scaling a mountain at the peak of winter is a feat reserved for those with a heart of steel. A non-technical peak otherwise, UT Kangri in winters offers challenges which could throw off the most experienced climbers. Think up difficulties associated with a high-altitude expedition and multiply them by 3 – that’s how challenging this peak gets in the winters. There aren’t many mountains in the Himalayas which are attempted between October and June – UT Kangri happens to be one of those very few which makes this rare experience possible. Accessible in winters but demanding true grit, UT Kangri is a perfect playground to put to test the skills you may have acquired as a mountaineer over the years. An experience of a winter climb is far above any peak you may climb in the designated pre and post monsoon seasons. This mountain was made popular as recently as 2019 when members of Ladakh Mountain Guides Association successfully reached its crown. Being right next to the trail head reduces the risks of climbing this mountain under challenging conditions, as evacuation and access to help is readily available. The terrain of this mountain matches that of the dry, rocky region of Ladakh. Its summit offers an unobstructed view of ranges in its vicinity like Stok, Zanskar and Karakoram. Climbed from July through September, the mountain also makes itself accessible for a short window between January and March for those who want a winter climbing experience. The winter expedition to UT Kangri is reserved for those with extensive experience in high-altitude climbing.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 : Make your way to Leh (3,500M)

Day 2 : Rest and Acclimatisation at Leh (3,500M)

Day 3 : Leh (3,500M) to Rumtse Phu (4,600M)

Day 4 : Rumtse Phu (4,600M) to Intermediate Base Camp (4,900M)

Day 5 : Intermediate Base Camp (4,900M) to Base Camp (5,100M)

Day 6 : Rest and Acclimatisation at Base Camp (5,100M)

Day 7 : Training at Base Camp (5,100M)

Day 8 : Base Camp (5,100M) to Summit (6,030M) to Base Camp (5,100M)

Day 9 : Base Camp (5,100M) to Leh (3,500M) through Rumtse Phu (4,600M)

Day 10 & 11 : Reserve Day

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Make your way to Leh (3,500M)

Since the trek starts in the high-mountain city of Leh which is at an altitude of 3,500M, it is essential for the body to acclimatize. We utilize the first two days to get in tune with the new environment and while we are doing that, to get acquainted with each other, some of the basic mountain rules and what to expect on the UT Kangri Winter Expedition.


Day 2

Rest and Acclimatisation at Leh (3,500M)

Day two is reserved for rest and acclimatization to the altitude, too. This is important to allow your body to adapt to its new environment and reduce chances of adverse health conditions. You can go around and explore the city market, delve into the colors and culture of this high-mountain city and visit some places nearby. A little movement around the city would be good for acclimatization. Also, use this time to go through your checklist and do some last-minute shopping for what you might be missing for the expedition. Leh has the best market for trekking essentials.

While the body acclimatizes, we take this time to get together with the group for a briefing session where we get to know each other better and delve into the happenings of the next few days – schedule, what to expect from a winter climb, basic do’s and don’ts and other such matters of importance.


Day 3

Leh (3,500M) to Rumtse Phu (4,600M)

Distance: 100 kms

The drive from Leh to Rumtse Phu is the perfect introduction to the terrain of Ladakh. This short drive is an opportunity to study and admire the many features of this region since these are conditions we will experience during our climb.

Once there, we set up camp near the trail head and spend the rest of the day acclimatising. We go for a short acclimatisation height gain in the evening before calling it a day.


Day 4

Rumtse Phu (4,600M) to Intermediate Base Camp (4,900M)

Today we get our first taste of Ladakh winters as we move from our camp at Rhumtse Phu towards Intermediate Base Camp. It is only 300M of height gain, but is quite significant for two reasons. Firstly, because winters make it harder for the body to acclimatise. Secondly, because we are moving towards an altitude of 4,900M only on Day 4 of coming from sea level.

Pace yourself, there is no need to rush. Remember to keep hydrated.


Day 5

Intermediate Base Camp (4,900M) to Base Camp (5,100M)

A small elevation gain brings us to our home on the mountain – the Base Camp. The Base Camp of any mountain is where climbers spend most number of days while on the mountain. This is where you get your equipment, practice techniques, get comfortable with your gear, offer prayers to the mountain for a successful climb and wait around for a good weather window.

Base Camp is practically home!


Day 6

Rest and Acclimatisation at Base Camp (5,100M)

Today is reserved to give the body time to acclimatise to the altitude. Remember to be out and about, take in as much of the air at this altitude as you possibly can. Staying active is the best way to adapt to a new height and environment.


Day 7

Training at Base Camp (5,100M)

Once we are a little more comfortable at 5,100M after having spent two nights here, we use Day 7 to train. Learning techniques, understanding how to work together as a team and knowing safe practices is all going to come handy on our most important day on this mountain – the summit push.

We turn in early so as to give the body enough rest to start our summit push tonight.


Day 8

Base Camp (5,100M) to Summit (6,030M) to Base Camp (5,100M)

Summit day is the longest day on UT Kangri and the most challenging. With an elevation gain of 930M under harsh winter conditions, you need all the focus and strength you can garner. Extreme cold, strong winds, whiteouts, snow blizzards in addition to the challenges of the terrain make this climb an unforgettable experience.


Day 9

Base Camp (5,100M) to Leh (3,500M) through Rumtse Phu (4,600M)

The journey back to our starting point is a celebration through and through. We head down to the trail head and get our drive back to Leh. Expect to reach Leh by late evening.


Day 10 & 11

Reserve Day

In case of bad weather or other difficulties which might set us off schedule during the course of the entire expedition, Day 10 and 11 are set as reserve days. These will only get used if unexpected and unforeseeable conditions present themselves at the last minute preventing us from reaching our destination as planned.


What’s Included

  • Guest House Stays in Leh (Day 1 & Day 2)
  • Veg meals as per menu during the trek
  • Technical equipment – Ropes, Helmet, Ice Axe, Crampons, Mountaineering Boots
  • Trek Permit Fee (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
  • Camping during the trek
  • Tents, Sleeping bags, Sleeping Mat, Gaiters, Crampons, Microspikes

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
  • IMF Fee. For Indians: INR 3500 for upto six participants ( INR 3500 for 1 to 6 participants & INR 7000 for 7 to 12 participants). For Indians this fee is divided equally amongst the participants. For foreigners: INR 4000 per participant. This fee needs to be paid in Leh. Please carry sufficient cash.
  • Inner Line Permit Fee

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
  • U V 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

FAQs

UT Kangri Winter Expedition is only for experienced trekkers who have done at least one BRS 6 trek or equivalent.

If you can jog/run 5 km in 25–30 minutes, you are ready for this trek. Practice 10 km once a week to improve endurance. Add resistance workouts like squats, lunges, and push-ups.

If you cannot do this yet, follow a structured training schedule for a few months and you will meet the required fitness level.

Basic mountaineering skills such as using an ice-axe, pitching a tent in snow, roping up, teamwork, and walking on steep snow gradients are required.

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

UT Ladakh Kangri is situated in the upper valley of Rumtse village in Ladakh and was first summited by local mountaineers in 2019.

UT Kangri (6,030 m) offers a rare winter expedition opportunity with panoramic views of the Stok, Zanskar, and Karakoram ranges.

The 10–11 hour summit day, high altitude, and winter conditions make this physically and mentally demanding.

July to September for regular season. January to March for winter expeditions.

Hotel stay in Leh and twin-sharing tents during trekking days. Single tents available at extra cost.

It is non-technical but winter conditions and altitude significantly increase difficulty.

The trek starts from Leh. Participants must reach Leh independently.

BSNL and Airtel work best. Only postpaid numbers function in J&K. Limited network coverage is available on the trail.

ATMs are available in Leh.

Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, and technical climbing gear like crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness etc. are provided.

Refer to the Packing List section for a complete list.

3 vegetarian meals daily with evening snacks and tea. Eggs provided on certain days. Higher camps receive ready-to-eat meals.

Dry toilet pits with toilet tents at campsites. Toilet tents may not be available at higher camps.

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

First aid kits, oxygen cylinders, and HAPO bag for altitude-related emergencies are carried by the team.

Yes. NK Adventure ensures a safe and gender-sensitive trekking environment.

You receive booking confirmation, packing list, required documents list, and preparation guidelines. A WhatsApp group is formed before departure.

Yes. It is mandatory before the expedition begins.

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.