Kun Expedition (23,228 feet)

A long ascent with beautiful aerial passages on the final summit ridge, at an elevation of 23,000 feet.  A big adventure in altitude for experienced Himalaists.

Day 1/  Flight to Delhi
Day 2/  Visit of Delhi
Day 3/  Flight to Leh (11,811 feet)
Day 4/  Visit, altitude acclimatization
Day 5/  Transfer to Lamayuru (Buddhist Monastery) then Heniskut
Day 6 to 10/  Trek (Kanji La, 16,896 feet, Rangdum Monastery, Golmatangus, 11,975 feet, Suru River) up to base camp (14,108 feet)
Day 11 to 21/  Ascent of Kun (23,228 feet) with 3 altitude camps
Day 22, 23/  Spare/reserve days
Day 24, 25/  Return to Golmatongus, Kargil pist
Day 26/  Road to Leh
Day 27/  Flight to Delhi
Day 28/  Delhi
Day 29/  Flight home.

Here is a 23,000 footer which has a number of advantages:
A magnificent trek to reach the base camp.  A very varied itinerary for our ascent. The last part of the ascent is attained along an aerial summit ridge, of unsurpassed beauty, reserving plunging, striking views onto the northern face.  For the most part away from the monsoon, the Nun-Kun chain is accessible in the summer, contrary to a number of other Himalayan summits.

After a few hours in a jeep ride from Leh, we arrive at the site of Lamayuru.  The landscape changes.  In front of this famous Buddhist monastery, we meet up with our team of mule drivers, as well as the cook and his assistants already in the middle of pots and pans preparing tea. From the sound of the monastery's bells and trumpets we set out for the road. 6 days of sauntering up and down, between passes and river crossing: the Yogma La pass, the Kanji La pass, Rangdum and Golmatangus rivers.
At base camp, we organize our expedition.  Our team will direct itself towards our superior camps.   After base camp which is situated at 14,100 feet we anticipate:  Camp 1 at 17,388 feet, Camp 2 at 19,685 feet and Camp 3 at 20,669 feet.  The rest of the story ?  It is you, who will discover and live it!

Day 1/  Arrival in Delhi
Meeting/assisting at Delhi airport. Transfer to a 5 star hotel.

Day 2/  Delhi
Reunion at IMF (Indian Mountaineering Foundation) for a mandatory briefing prior to our expedition. Short visit of Delhi. Hotel. Night will be short because we have to get up early in the morning.  

Day 3/  Delhi - Leh
Morning flight for Leh above the Himalayan mountain range, then a transfer to the hotel. Day dedicated to our first exploration of these areas. Walk to the summit of Namgyal hill where the Glechen Royal Palace dominate the site. (Acclimatization is starting slowly. The city is situated at 11,483 feet).

Day 4/  Leh and surroundings
Rest and visit of Leh on foot:
it's curiously straight streets, populated by the Ladahkies, wrinkled like old apples, with the women and their prominent cheekbones. In the principal commercial center of Ladakh, we meet the Nubra peasants, monks, the Zanskarpas....the Hindu polo players, it is super.....Possible excursion to the famous monasteries of the Indus Valley:  Shay, Tikse, Hemis.  Hotel.

Day 5/  Leh - Lamayuru - Heniskut
Transfer by bus to Lamayuru. Visit of the monastery and then a short transfer towards Heniskut where we meet back up with our whole team of mule drivers, cook and assistants. First camp. 4 H driving.

Day 6/  Heniskut - Kanji village (13,123 feet)
The start of our trek is approaching....we penetrate into the magnificent gorges, in the middle of it's impressive rock face. Kanji Village with it's small Gompa (Buddhist ecclesiastical fortifications) well illustrates what is the life of the Ladakhis. Camp.

Day 7/  Kanji - Bottom of the pass (14,764 feet)
Transition stage to reach base camp at the famous Kanji La Pass.
5 H walk.

Day 8/  Kanji La (16,896 feet) -  Mapolon
An approach, easy for us, but perhaps a little more delicate for our caravan of horses, which take us to Kanji La. A bit above the pass, the ascent of a small summit (1/2 hour) allows us to enjoy a beautiful view onto Kun and Nun and, at least, Karakoram. Descent to the Mapolon Bivouac, at the foot of the pass (wading a river, we will probably need to use ropes).
9 H walk.

Day 9/  Mapolon - Rangdum
Descend to the Rangdum Monastery at the heart of the central valley of Zanskar.
Visit the monastery.  Camp.
5 H walk.

Day 10/  Rangdum -  Golmatangus (11,975 feet)
We follow the right riverbank of the Suru.  Traverse the Suru by way of a solid bridge. Night under tents.
7 H walk.

Day 11/  Golmatangus - Base Camp (14,108 feet)
Climb up to « Moraine Camp » and then to base camp.
Install base camp.
5 H walk.
Beginning of the expedition: the given timetable is only indicative (under good conditions, it represents an ideal scheme for a complement of acclimatization)

Day 12/  Camp 1
The climb up to Camp 1 (17,388 feet) is undertaken across marmot inhabited moraines close to base camp (BC). End of trek while navigating in the glacier crevasses. Carry supplies to Camp 1.  
5 H climb + 2 H descent.

Day 13/  Climb back up to Camp 1 to spend the night.

Day 14/  Climb to Camp 2
From Camp 1, a snow slope at 30/35° allows us to pass over a platform on the glacier to join « The Rabbit's Ears », and then the glacier's rimaye (term given to the last large crevasse at the bottom of a glacier) takes us to Snow Plateau (1,000 feet of fixed rope at 40/45°). We need to count on 4-6 hours for this first climb (with some waiting time involved when the guide is placing the fixed rope).
Altitude at Camp 2 = 19,685 feet. Return to Camp 1 for the night.

Day 15, 16/  Set up of Camp 2 at the side of Snow Plateau
Return to Base Camp.  A long day which is necessary for our altitude acclimatization.

Day 17/ Camp 1

Day 18/ Camp 2

Day 19/  Camp 3
Crossing the Snow Plateau is very beautiful; we need to mark our trail with flags so we do not lose our way in the foggy weather.  End of the day on a slope which joins a rocky nodule where Camp 3 is sheltered (20,669 feet). Between 4-6 hours depending on the snow conditions.   

Day 20/  Kun Summit (23,228 feet)
The last ascent is undertaken on a ridge which presents a nice slope at 30/35° ; at approximately 1, 300 feet above Camp 3, the shape of the relief is gentler and the last part up to the summit is easier. Summit and return to Camp 2. Very long day (between 12-15 hours).

Day 21/  Return to Base Camp
Return between Camp 2 and Base Camp (return equipment to base camp).

Day 22, 23/ Reserve Days

Day 24/ Base Camp - Golmatongus
Descend with ponies to the Golmatongus Base Camp.
5 H walk.

Day 25/  Golmatongus - Kargil
The Kargil slope shows us splendid green landscapes with cultivated terraces irrigated by small canals. In Panikar, a very beautiful view onto the northern sides of Kun and Nun. Hotel in Kargil.

Day 26/  Kargil - Leh
Day on the road in the beautiful countryside to reach the Ladak capital. Hotel.

Day 27/  Flight Leh-Delhi
One last superb view onto the Himalayan mountains. Hotel 5 star.

Day 28/  Delhi
We should check back in with the IMF (Indian Mountaineering Federation) to complete the traditional report of our expedition. Hotel 5 star.

Day 29/  Depart from Delhi
Transfer to the airport for flight home.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

During the Trek
Porterage is assured by horses during the trek and up to base camp and for the return to base camp at Golmatangus.  We ask that you only have one single bag (preferably, a duffle) to be carried.
Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the day or half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
On the mountain
For the actual summit ascent, the altitude porters help us transport and bring back a portion of our collective material to and from Camp 1, and possibly to and from Camp 2, but certainly not higher.

The guides
- An experienced Western Mountain World Travel English speaking professional mountain guide (UIAGM-IFMGA).
- A second UIAGM mountain guide once we reach 8 participants.
Local Team
- A driver, mules care-takers, cooks and helpers (their numbers dependent on our group's size).
- Porters for altitude camp
-  A Liaison Officer.

- Domestic flights with a local airline company (Jet Airways, Indian Airlines....)
- For ground transportation, private bus, with professional driver.

- 5 star hotel in Delhi (4 nights)
- The best available hotel / lodge in Leh, Kargil
- Camping (all the other nights)
- trekking and base camp: 2 people per tent
- altitude camps: 3 people par tent.
During treks in the mountains: nights under tents (mountain dome tent, 2 persons per tent), a toilet tent and a "mess tent" for meals and spending the evenings (tables and folding chairs).
We choose those hotels and lodges, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for its cordiality and hospitality.
The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

When in town
breakfast and evening meal taken at the restaurant.
During the trek
lunches are usually in the form of a hearty picnic and or cold cooked meals. The dinners are prepared by the cook. Hearty and varied, they are made from foods purchased on the spot, including the meat in the villages.
Copious snacks for trekking, cereal bars, dried fruits, biscuits, cheese are also purchased locally. In India, you can now find a wide assortment of products, some very similar to those found in North America (chocolate bars, cereals, etc....) We will also enjoy other products with more "local color".
Freeze dried meals in altitude camps.
Beverages
- Mineral water provided for travel and in the restaurants, along with tea (tea or infusion at the end of the meal).
- During the trekking, hot drinks provided with the opportunity to fill up your water bottles in the morning. You should also take tablets to treat the water and you can replenish your water at the sources or mountain brooks.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flight in/out Delhi
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water during meals at restaurant)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guides and drivers
• All items not expressively mentioned in ‘What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the website of Mountain World Travel or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Delhi:

• The national airline, Air India, operates a daily flight New York - Delhi
• American Airlines operates daily flights to Delhi from anywhere in the States through Chicago
• Continental operates daily flights to Delhi from anywhere in the States through New York
• Delta, in cooperation with Air France, operates daily flights to Delhi from anywhere in the States through Paris
• Star Alliance (United) in cooperation with Lufthansa, operates daily flights to Delhi from anywhere in the States through Frankfurt.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after the supposed return date of your journey.
A visa is required.
US citizens, please check with: US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
For other nationalities, please contact the Indian embassy in your country.

Specific Formalities and Registration time frames
For reason of administrative time frames linked to authorization, one should book before the end of the month of May. This option is not commitment, but know that past this delay, it is easy to cross a name of the list, but difficult to add one!
Once your registration is definitive, you can furnish us the following :
-A photocopy of the first 4 pages of your passport.
-6 identification photos.
-A list of related mountaineering courses that you have accomplished
-A medical certificate attesting that you are in good health and that your cardiac and respiratory aptitude can withstand long periods of time in altitude.

Indian Visa
Expeditions in India are regulated by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) which issues authorizations for ascent. Towards the end of June, we will drop off the papers and application for your expedition. Once our papers are accepted by the IMF, the Indian government will authorize the embassy in your country to deliever the expedition visas for each participant. In fact, your participation in the expedition, is subject to obtaining an « X Mountaineering Vias » (Expedition Visa), different than a classical tourist visa.

Level 8
At least 4 months prior:  Hike over 13 miles every weekend, carrying a backpack of 18 to 22 pounds and you should be engaged in another intense sports activity that develops endurance on a year round basis AND, in addition, you have implemented a third training element (of your choosing) at least 4 months prior to departure
For the trek, it is only necessary to know how to to put one foot in front of the other.
But, for the expedition......a minium technical fluency is necessary.  Even if we equip all difficult areas with a fixed rope, for safety reasons, (between Camp 1 and Camp 2 and for a portion above Camp 3), each person should also be capable of assuring their own safety while exhibiting good technical skills.

Minimum level required: from fairly difficult to difficult climbing/mountaineering level ascents in altitude (type Brenva or Rochefort ridges in the Chamonix Mont Blanc mountain range). The last part of the ridge, after the fixed rope, demands a lot of attention! The acclimating altitude trek is important for the rest of the expedition.
Altitude, cold, long days.....demand an optimal physical condition for the Kun candidate.

Shoes
Summit technical boots
- A pair of expedition boots compatible for crampons, with gaiters and over boots for winter conditions (all in one boot)
OR
- A pair of plastic expedition boots and
- A pair of gaiters for winter conditions and
- A pair of cover boots for winter conditions.
- Warm expedition socks
- A pair of down slippers

Trekking boots
- Waterproof ankle hiking-trekking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Thermal Socks

Hands
- Two pairs of thick wool or fleece mittens + two pairs of warm liner gloves
- A pair of warm/waterproof technical mountaineering Gore-Tex gloves (double lawyer of down)) or a pair of Gore-Tex over-mittens and warm under-gloves.
- A pair of replacement gloves.

Clothes
- Thermal top under wear (fast drying)
- Thermal long bottom underwear (fast drying).
- Thin thermal fleece turtle necks
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- Warm fleece pants (light weight/well insulated)
- Mountaineering waterproof/breathable jacket and pants (Gore-tex), with a hood wrapping well the head for the jacket
- A down jacket and pants.
- Trekking jacket and pants
- A ski hat and several neck and head gaiters.
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun.

Face
- Two pairs of very good ski sunglasses with side protections.
- A ski mask for the summit.
- Maximum protection sun lotion and Chap Stick

Sleeping
- Two Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 5° F to -13° F)
- A self-inflating mattress
- A light mattress for altitude camps
- A silk bed sheet
- A survival blanket (reinforced model).

Technical material
- A head lamp with Alcaline batteries (minimum 6) and replacement light bulb.
- A pair of telescopic walking poles (optional).
- A pair of crampons with "antibottes" (rubber plates preventing snow from balling up underfoot).
- A classical climbing ice axe (not too long and not too short).
- Mountaineering helmet.
- An adjustable, light and compact harness, adapted for walking.
- One locking and two regular carabiners, for rope maneuvers.
- Two ice screws
- 30 feet of "cordelette", 7 millimeter diameter

Pharmacy
- You own small "pharmacy" to have validated by your Doctor. It should contain: sun lotion, bandages, sterile strips and double skin, anti diarrhea medication, pain killers, an anti inflammatory, a muscle relaxant, eye lotion, cough drops, a broad spectrum antibiotic, disinfectant, tweezers, personal ear plugs, and personal drugs. And anything else indicated on the "Trip Details" page or in "Important Information" (including necessary items to treat altitude sickness).
- However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).

Carrying and stowing
- You should be able to be packing all of your material in 1 or 2 solid duffle bags which can be closed by a lock.
- 1 backpack for mountain expeditions: minimum of 15 gallons.
- Big, solid trash bags for storing different items in the camps

Miscellaneous
- A rain poncho
- A Thermos bottle, 0,4 gallon
- A light water bottle (no Camelback, as tube will freeze).
- Hand and foot warmers
- A change of clothes
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Duct tape
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.
- A bathing suit

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).