Mt Nun Expedition

Days: 17D/16N
Altitude: 7135
Distance: 115
Grade: Difficult
Pick Up: Kargil
Drop: Kargil
Base Camp: Nun Base Camp
Season: Monsoon (Jul–Aug)
Stay: Tents & Homestay

The Mt. Nun Expedition (7135 M) represents one of the most serious, technical, and demanding Himalayan climbs in India. Standing taller than Mt. Kun and forming the highest peak of the Nun–Kun massif, Mt. Nun is a true elite-level 7000-meter expedition, attempted only by experienced mountaineers with strong technical skill, altitude tolerance, and expedition discipline.

Located deep in the Suru Valley of Ladakh, Mt. Nun rises sharply above surrounding glaciers, presenting sustained steep snow and ice climbing, complex glacier navigation, crevasse fields, fixed rope sections, and prolonged exposure above 6,000 meters. Unlike introductory 7000 m peaks elsewhere in the world, Mt. Nun offers no easy terrain, no short summit push, and no margin for error.

The expedition begins in Kargil (2,676 M), where acclimatization and preparation are treated with utmost seriousness. The success of a 7000 m expedition depends less on summit strength and more on systematic acclimatization, conservative decision-making, and physical sustainability over weeks. Terranova Expedition structures Mt. Nun accordingly — with multiple rest days, load ferry rotations, reserve summit windows, and strict health monitoring.

The approach through Tangol village introduces climbers to the barren beauty of the Suru Valley — wide glacier basins, jagged ridgelines, and massive ice walls that dominate the horizon. Nun Base Camp (4,001 M) is established in a vast glacial amphitheatre beneath the towering southwest face of Mt. Nun. From here onward, the expedition enters full alpine expedition mode.

The route to the summit involves:

  • Camp I (5,500 M) on heavily glaciated terrain
  • Camp II (6,100 M) beneath steep snow and ice slopes
  • Summit Camp (6,400 M) positioned in extreme altitude

Climbing Mt. Nun requires advanced rope travel, fixed line movement, efficient crampon technique, ice axe precision, and constant risk assessment. Weather conditions are volatile, and high winds are common above Camp II. Summit day is long, cold, and unforgiving, often lasting 14–18 hours.

Reaching the summit of Mt. Nun (7135 M) is not simply about standing at altitude — it represents mastery of expedition craft, patience under hardship, and respect for the mountain environment. From the summit, climbers witness a vast Himalayan panorama stretching across Zanskar, Greater Himalayas, Karakoram foothills, and remote glacier systems, a view earned only through weeks of disciplined effort.

The Mt. Nun Expedition is recommended only for climbers who:

  • Have successfully climbed 6000–6500 meter peaks
  • Possess strong glacier and rope-team experience
  • Can function effectively for extended periods above 6,000 meters
  • Understand that turning back is success when safety demands it

Terranova Expedition conducts Mt. Nun with conservative summit strategy, experienced high-altitude leadership, structured rotations, and uncompromising safety standards, ensuring that climbers are guided responsibly through one of India’s most challenging mountaineering objectives.

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—our itinerary provides a complete, professional, and realistic expedition guide.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MT. NUN EXPEDITION

  • Summit the highest peak of the Nun–Kun massif
  • One of the most technical 7000 m peaks in India
  • True multi-camp high-altitude expedition experience
  • Glacier travel, crevasse navigation & fixed rope climbing
  • Sustained time above 6,000 meters
  • Remote and rarely attempted Himalayan terrain
  • Ideal progression after successful 6000 m expeditions
  • Elite mountaineering achievement recognised globally

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kargil (2,676 M) | Reporting & Initial Acclimatization

Day 2

Acclimatization Day at Kargil

Day 3

Drive to Tangol (Transit Camp – 3,400 M)

Day 4

Trek to Nun Base Camp (4,001 M)

Day 5

Rest Day / Equipment Distribution / Optional Load Ferry

Day 6

Load Ferry to Camp I (5,500 M)

Day 7

Rest Day at Base Camp

Day 8

Move to Camp I (5,500 M)

Day 9

Load Ferry to Camp II (6,100 M)

Day 10

Move to Camp II (6,100 M)

Day 11

Move to Summit Camp (6,400 M)

Day 12

Summit Attempt (7,135 M)

Day 13

Reserve Summit Days

Day 14

Reserve Summit Days

Day 15

Summit Camp to Camp I (5,500 M)

Day 16

Camp I to Base Camp (4,001 M)

Day 17

Trek to Tangol & Drive Back to Kargil

Inclusions & Exclusions

What’s included

  • You will be staying in tents during expedition on sharing basis
  • Stay included in Kargil hotel (sharing basis).
  • Transport from Kargil to Last road head & return
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soup, tea, hot drinks during expedition [Day 1 Dinner Day 17 Dinner]
  • High altitude meals.
  • Expedition permits & peak booking from Indian Mountaineering Foundation (For Indians)
  • Local National Park Permit Tourism department
  • High Risk medical insurance
  • Garbage cleaning charges.
  • Weather forecast report from the Indian Meteorological department & Windy.
  • Certificate of accomplishment
  • 3 men all season high altitude tents & high altitude tents, sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen tent, cutlery,
  • dining & meeting tent & toilet tent, table & stool till base camp.
  • First aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders, Blood pressure monitor, Oximeter, etc. will be available at all campsites to deal with emergencies.
  • Ice axe, snow boots, harness, carabiners, ascenders, descenders, gaiters, helmet, crampons, tape sling (all necessary safety & climbing gears)
  • Certified Expedition leader & Experienced Sherpas from Terranova Expedition..
  • Base Camp Manager
  • Cook, helper, mules support base camp.
  • High altitude cooks and supporting staffs for upper camp
  • Cloakroom facility for left luggage.

 

What’s not included

  • Mules or porters charge to carry personal luggage [Offload].
  • 5% GST
  • Any kind of personal expenses.
  • Expedition permits from Indian Mountaineering Foundation (For Foreigners)
  • Liaison Officer (For Foreigners)
  • Any early return travel costs or accommodation except for the days as per the itinerary.
  • Anything apart from inclusions.
  • Documentary filming, camera, and drone permit fee (if require)
  • Any emergency evacuation.
  • ASC 360 Insurance (Mandatory for Ladakh Region)
  • Tips for staffs

 

Refund & Cancellation

Quick Summary
Policy WindowRefund
30+ days before departure85%
20–29 days70%
15–19 days50%
7–14 days25%
< 7 days or no-showNo refund
If You Cancel
  • Advance/booking amount is non-refundable; reschedule credit may be offered if requested ≥ 7 days before departure.
  • Government permits, insurance, accommodation and transport already paid to vendors are non-refundable.
  • Force majeure (weather, landslides, strikes, roadblocks, government orders): trip may be postponed; paid amounts remain non-refundable; credit/reschedule may be offered where possible.
  • Unused services, early return or partial participation do not qualify for refunds.
  • Refunds are processed to the original payment method; allow 7–10 business days.
  • Name change/transfer possible until permits are issued; afterward, standard cancellation terms apply.

Things to Carry

Footwear

  • Waterproof Trekking Shoes [1 pair] Floaters / Slippers [1 pair] Socks [4-5 pair]

Clothing Layers

  • Quick dry T Shirts [3-4] Quick Dry Trek Pants [2] Windproof Pants for Sumit [1] Down Jacket [1] Thermal [1 set] Fleece [1] Windproof Jacket [1]

Rain Protection

  • Lightweight Rain Poncho Rain Jacket

Sun Protection

  • Sun Goggles UV Protected Sun Cap or Head Buff

Hydration

  • Water Bottle / Hydrapack [1L] Thermos Bottle [1L]

Snacks & Energy

  • Energy Bar Trail Mix Dry Fruits

Personal Medicines

  • Prescribed Medicines [If any] ORS

Headlamp & Batteries

  • Head Torch Spare Batteries Power bank Camera [If needed]

Warm Accessories

  • Woollen / Fleece gloves [1 pair] Waterproof Gloves [1 pair] Woollen / Fleece Beanie Neck Protector

Toiletries & Hygiene

  • Toiletery Kit [1 set] Quick Dry Towel [1] Toilet Paper Wet Wipes

Documents & Cash

  • Govt. ID Proof Emergency Cash Emergency Contact Number

Backpack & Daypack

  • 50-60L Rucksack [1] 20-30L Backpack [1]

How to Reach

By Air

  • Nearest airport: Leh Airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport) – approx. 215 km from Kargil
  • Direct flights available from Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar & major Indian cities
  • From Leh, Kargil is reachable by road

By Road

  • Srinagar → Kargil: 205 km (scenic drive via Zoji La)
  • Leh → Kargil: 215 km
  • Manali → Kargil: 470 km (seasonal, via Atal Tunnel & high mountain passes)

By Train

  • Nearest railway station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station – approx. 470 km from Kargil
  • From Jammu, continue by road via Srinagar
  • Taxi & bus connectivity available
FAQs

Common questions answered

How difficult is the Mt. Nun Expedition?

Mt. Nun is extremely difficult and highly technical, suitable only for experienced high-altitude mountaineers.

Is Mt. Nun higher than Mt. Kun?

Yes. Mt. Nun (7135 M) is higher than Mt. Kun (7077 M).

Is prior 6000 m experience mandatory?

Yes. Successful ascent of at least one 6000–6500 m peak is essential.

What technical skills are required?

Advanced rope travel, fixed line movement, ice climbing basics, glacier navigation, and crevasse awareness.

How cold does it get on Mt. Nun?

Temperatures can drop below –30°C with wind chill above Summit Camp.

Is supplementary oxygen used?

This expedition is conducted without supplemental oxygen, except for emergency medical use.

How long is summit day?

Summit day can last 14–18 hours, depending on conditions.

What are the main risks?

Altitude illness, extreme cold, weather volatility, crevasses, exhaustion.

Is helicopter rescue possible?

Rescue is extremely limited and weather-dependent. Self-reliance is critical.

Is Mt. Nun suitable for commercial beginners?

No. This expedition is strictly for experienced climbers.

Can someone with no climbing experience attempt this expedition?

No. Without basic trekking and altitude exposure, acclimatization difficulty and summit risk increase significantly.

What equipment is required for the expedition?

Required equipment includes:

  • Ice Axe, Crampons, Helmet, Harness, Gaiters
  • Layered clothing system (Base/Insulation/Shell)
  • High altitude trekking boots
  • Down jacket, gloves, sunglasses, headlamp

Technical equipment may be rented via Terranova.

What food is served during the expedition?

Nutritious vegetarian meals + eggs. High-calorie options are prepared for summit push days including soup, porridge, energy bars and hydration boosters.

What is the temperature on summit night?

Wind chill can drop between –15°C to –20°C.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
  • Comfortable homestay in Manali
  • High-quality alpine expedition tents during the climb
Is mobile network available on the route?

Limited network up to Bakarthach. No network at Lady Leg and Summit Camp.

What is the role of load ferry?

Load ferry helps the body adapt to altitude by exposing trekkers to higher elevation temporarily and then returning to lower elevation for recovery. This strategy reduces AMS risk and increases summit success.

Does Terranova Expedition carry emergency oxygen?

Yes. Medical oxygen and first aid kits are carried for emergency response.

What safety measures are in place?

Safety plan includes:

  • Daily pulse & oxygen saturation monitoring
  • Guide-to-trekker ratio planning
  • Strict turnaround time
  • Weather window management
  • Trained team for rescue coordination
Will there be rope fixing?

Rope assistance is used for safety during steep incline and summit ridge traversal. The technical lead determines rope strategy based on snow & ice quality.

What if I feel unwell or have altitude sickness symptoms?

Immediate descent is enforced as safety rule. Our guides are trained in AMS, HAPE & HACE protocols.

What are AMS symptoms?

Headache, nausea, appetite loss, fatigue, dizziness, breathing difficulty, bluish lips. Strict medical reporting is mandatory.

Is the summit guaranteed?

No Himalayan summit is guaranteed. Safety and weather conditions determine decision.

Can I attempt the summit if I am struggling?

Only if medically cleared and within turnaround safety limits.

Is rescue helicopter service available?

Arrangements available depending on government and weather conditions.

Is travel insurance required?

Highly recommended.

What is the minimum age requirement?

Minimum recommended age: 16+ with fitness certificate.

Can older trekkers attempt this expedition?

Yes, if medically cleared.

Can international climbers join?

Yes — full support provided from Manali.

What makes Mt Nun special?

Its semi-technical nature, beautiful training environment and outstanding summit ridge view make it one of the most respected Himalayan climbing programs.

What makes Terranova Expedition different?

Experienced Himalayan mountaineering team, safety-first approach, technical instruction, structured acclimatization and personalized expedition handling.

How is weather assessed for summit push?

Wind speed, snow firmness, cloud formation, temperature drop and avalanche possibilities are analyzed daily.

Can trekkers rent gear from Terranova?

Yes, subject to availability.

Is group customization available?

Private and professional-level batches available.

What are the next peak recommendations after Mt Nun?

Friendship Peak, Kang Yatse II, Mentok Kangri, Mera Peak, Island Peak.

How many hours a day do trekkers walk?

5–7 hours on average; Summit Day is longest (10–13 hours).

What happens on the buffer day?

Used only for weather delay or safety extension.

Is tipping the team expected?

Optional but considered respectful.

Will I get a summit certificate?

Yes, after successful submission and safe return.

How do I register for the expedition?

Contact Terranova Expedition through phone, WhatsApp or website enquiry form.

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