Trekkers arrive in Kargil, the operational base for the Mt. Kun expedition. Given the length and intensity of the expedition ahead, the first day is deliberately kept light. After hotel check-in, trekkers are encouraged to hydrate continuously and avoid unnecessary exertion.

In the evening, the expedition leader conducts a formal expedition briefing, covering:

• Overall expedition strategy and camp rotation philosophy
• Route overview and expected technical challenges
• Weather patterns specific to the Suru Valley
• Altitude-related risk management and medical protocol
• Roles and responsibilities of each climber

A basic medical screening is carried out to establish baseline vitals such as oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and blood pressure. This data becomes a reference point for monitoring altitude adaptation throughout the expedition.

This day is fully dedicated to acclimatization and preparation. Trekkers undertake short acclimatization walks around Kargil to stimulate physiological adaptation without fatigue. Equipment inspection is conducted in detail — every rope, harness, crampon, ice axe, carabiner, and helmet is checked and fitted.

Technical briefings include:

• Review of glacier travel techniques
• Understanding rope-team dynamics for multi-day expeditions
• Fixed rope ascent and descent procedures
• Cold injury prevention (frostbite, hypothermia)

This day is critical because improper preparation at this stage increases risk exponentially above 6,000 meters.

The expedition begins its physical journey with a long drive into the Suru Valley, one of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in Ladakh. As vehicles approach Shafat Nala, vegetation disappears and the terrain becomes stark and glaciated.

Transit Camp is established near the glacier moraine. The sudden altitude gain is managed carefully with enforced hydration, slow movement, and early rest. Trekkers are closely monitored for early altitude symptoms.

The trek to Chasme Camp follows glacial streams and lateral moraines. The terrain is uneven and demands concentration, especially while carrying expedition loads. This day marks the transition from approach trekking to expedition-style movement.

Chasme Camp is positioned strategically to allow further acclimatization before committing to the glacier-heavy upper sections. Evening sessions include rope-handling refreshers and route visualization.

The approach to Base Camp involves navigating extensive moraine fields and lower glacier sections. The massive ice walls of Mt. Kun dominate the skyline, reinforcing the seriousness of the climb ahead.

Base Camp becomes the logistical and operational heart of the expedition. Satellite communication systems are tested, load plans are finalized, and camp routines are established.

This is a strategic day. Trekkers rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare while final technical equipment is distributed. Optional load ferry to the lower sections of Camp I route may be undertaken to enhance acclimatization.

Medical assessments are repeated, and each climber’s readiness for higher camps is evaluated individually.

The first serious altitude gain occurs as trekkers carry loads to Camp I. The route crosses crevassed glacier terrain where rope travel becomes mandatory. Fixed ropes may be installed on steeper sections by the advance team.

After spending adequate time at Camp I, trekkers descend back to Base Camp to sleep lower — a crucial acclimatization principle.

Camp I is occupied fully. Sleeping above 5,000 meters marks a major physiological threshold. Strict routines are followed:

• Scheduled hydration
• Controlled movement
• Calorie-dense meals
• Continuous monitoring for AMS

Minimal activity is encouraged to conserve energy.

While climbers rest and acclimatize, the technical team opens the route toward Camp II, fixing ropes across steeper snow and ice slopes. This day allows the body to consolidate altitude adaptation before moving higher.

This is one of the most demanding days of the expedition. The ascent to Camp II involves sustained climbing on steep snow and ice, often using fixed ropes. Oxygen levels drop significantly, and movement slows dramatically.

Camp II is exposed, cold, and isolated — a true high-altitude environment. Once camp is established, trekkers rest immediately.

The move to Summit Camp places trekkers firmly in the extreme altitude zone. Appetite decreases, sleep becomes shallow, and every movement requires effort. Summit Camp is established only after confirming a stable weather window.

Mental focus becomes as important as physical strength at this stage.

The summit push begins between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM. Climbers move in rope teams under headlamp light, ascending steep snow and ice slopes in extreme cold.

The final summit ridge is narrow and exposed, demanding absolute precision and calm decision-making. Time on the summit is strictly limited.

Reaching the summit of Mt. Kun (7077 M) is a landmark achievement — a culmination of weeks of discipline, preparation, and teamwork.

Descent begins immediately after summit and continues carefully toward lower camps.

This day is reserved exclusively for weather delays or a secondary  summit attempt. No unnecessary movement is encouraged.

This day is reserved exclusively for weather delays or a secondary  summit attempt. No unnecessary movement is encouraged.

A long descent day requiring focus despite fatigue. Trekkers descend carefully along fixed ropes and glacier sections.

Returning to Base Camp marks the end of the technical climbing phase. Trekkers begin physical and mental recovery.

Final descent and return to Kargil conclude the expedition.