Ladakh Winter Ice Climbing Course

• Day 1: Arrive in Leh and stay at a hotel
• Day 2: Acclimatise, gear check, equipment fitting
• Day 3-7: 5 Days of Field Training at the Ice Wall 
• Day 8: Departure from Leh

Detailed Itinerary:

DAY 1: Arrival in Leh

Located at an altitude of 3,500 m, Leh is a part of the newly formed Union Territory Ladakh. As you reach Leh, you will be greeted by our team. Post checking in to your hotel, you can retire for the day. In the evening, you will be briefed on course orientation, plan and the other formalities. 

DAY 2: Acclimatisation, Gear Check & Equipment Fitting

• Acclimatisation hike around Leh
• Discussion of equipment pertinent to the course.
• Equipment fitting and adjustments.
• Last-minute equipment purchases.

DAY 03-07: 5 Days of Field Training at the Ice Wall (3,500m)

• Five full days of intensive field training at the Ice Wall.
• Learn the basics of ice climbing with a focus on movement techniques.
• Intensive field training covering basic to advanced ice climbing techniques.
• Climb on low-angled slopes to build confidence and technique.
• The instructor-to-participant ratio of 1:3 for personalized attention.
• Flexible schedule to adapt to participants' progress and weather conditions.
• Sessions cover various concepts, demonstrations, and extensive practice.
• Route difficulty tailored to participants' fitness levels and progress.

DAY 8: Leh & then Home.

Today, this unimaginable experience of taking on one of the most challenging and exhilarating courses comes to an end. You wake up leisurely, freshen up, check out from the hotel and head to the airport from where you head back home.

Risk and Liability 

We will endeavor to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstance and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any types of sickness including altitude sickness.

Fitness Criteria 

This course requires a good level of fitness.

To register for this trek you are required to complete any of the below-mentioned fitness criteria.

5K run in 35 minutes or Cycling 10kms in 40 mins or Swimming 1 km in 40 mins or Stair climbing 50 floors (10 floors up and down 5 times) in 30 mins.

Once you do register, please share the proof of fitness criteria with your Trek Captain anytime 30 days before departure.

If you're not already following a fitness regime, you would need to follow the regime that will be shared with you. The training routine is spread over four months and you would be expected to work out at least 4 times a week. The regime is designed to help you climb smarter even in higher altitudes. The regime consists of a good combination of exercises that works on all parts of your body including - Upper Body, Core, Endurance, Lower Body, Shoulder strength and along with streamlining your breathing pattern. When followed religiously, you can rest assured that you will be ready for the trek. Not only does this regime help you with the trek, but it will also help you inculcate a sense of fitness in your day-to-day life. 

Do’s and Don’ts:

• We believe in leaving the mountains in a better condition, which is why we follow a no-litter policy on our treks. Each trekker will have to bring back the waste that is created during the trek.
• Trekking is best enjoyed when you’ve worn comfortable clothes. Try and avoid wearing Jeans, bright colours and heavy apparels as much as possible.
• A lighter backpack always helps you have a better trek, try and carry just as much as needed.
• Always be in sight of your trek lead, if you feel the need to stop for any reason at all, please keep the trek lead informed.
• If you do come across any reptiles, animals or even insects during the trek, please keep your calm and let it patiently pass by. Any kind of noise and panic will scare them as well.
• Do not venture out into the forest/waterfalls on your own as it may be dangerous.
• Trekking is a good adventure, having said that, it is our primary responsibility to take good care of ourselves and be compassionate towards fellow trekkers
• If, at any point, during the trek, you feel uneasy or unwell, please inform the trek lead immediately
• Tune in to the sounds of nature while on a trek and avoid carrying speakers or playing music during the course of the trek
• To help you enjoy the trek to the fullest, we avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, and other intoxicants during the course of the trek