Its location in a highly sensitive border region makes it one of the least visited and most exclusive mountains in the world.
Saltoro Kangri Expedition (7742m)
Saltoro Kangri – 7,742m
Highest Peak of the Indian Karakoram
Delhi to Delhi | 35 Days Expedition
Glacier Approaches, High Camps & Extreme Altitude
Subject to Government and Military Permissions

Karakoram Extreme Expedition
Saltoro Kangri (7,742 m)
Saltoro Kangri is a 35 days guided Himalayan objective in Saltoro Range, Karakoram, Ladakh. It is best suited to climbers looking for an extremely remote indian karakoram objective for elite climbers with 6000m and 7000m experience.
Saltoro Kangri – 7,742m
Expedition overview
Saltoro Kangri at a glance
Saltoro Kangri is the highest peak of the Indian Karakoram and one of the most remote and challenging mountains in the Himalayas. Located in the Saltoro Range west of the Siachen Glacier in Ladakh, it is surrounded by vast glaciers, rugged terrain, extreme weather, and a level of remoteness that makes it a true expedition objective for highly experienced mountaineers.
Altitude
017,742m
Duration
0235 Days
Season
03Jun-Jul-Aug
Difficulty
04Extremely Difficult
Saltoro Kangri
Saltoro Kangri Expedition (7742m)
The story
The Highest Peak of the Indian Karakoram
Saltoro Kangri rises to 7,742 meters in the Saltoro Range of the Karakoram, west of the Siachen Glacier in Ladakh.
Expedition story
A mountain journey shaped by terrain, weather, and summit-day decisions.
Ascent notes
What the climb feels like on the mountain.
The expedition begins in Delhi with Indian Mountaineering Foundation formalities before flying to Leh for acclimatization, equipment checks, and expedition preparation.
A deliberate acclimatization phase includes Korzok near Tso Moriri and a Kiager Ri North Face climb before the team moves toward Nubra Valley and Sasoma for final military formalities.
The mountain phase uses a full expedition structure with Base Camp around 4,900m, Camp 1 at 5,500m, Camp 2 at 6,100m, Camp 3 at 6,700m, and Camp 4 at 7,200m.
Saltoro Kangri is suitable only for highly experienced mountaineers with multiple 6000m summits, strong technical alpine experience, and preferably previous 7000m expedition history.
Why this climb works
Why Saltoro Kangri Is an Extreme Karakoram Expedition
The climb asks for steady pacing, acclimatization, mountain movement, and summit-day focus.
Field note
Guided does not mean effortless.
The expedition is manageable because the progression is measured, not because the mountain is casual.
Restricted Border Region
The mountain lies near the Siachen Glacier region and requires IMF, government, and military permissions before any expedition can operate.
Extreme Altitude
At 7,742m, Saltoro Kangri demands proven 7000m-level endurance, acclimatization, and mental resilience.
Massive Glacier Terrain
The approach and climbing route involve remote glacier systems, technical movement, and expedition-style camp logistics.
Multi-Camp Strategy
The route requires rotations and load ferry through Camps 1, 2, 3, and 4 before summit day.
Permit and Weather Uncertainty
Expedition dates and operations may change due to permissions, weather, government regulations, or military clearance.
Route & approach
Expedition Route & Approach
The expedition starts in Delhi for IMF formalities, flies to Leh, acclimatizes in Leh and Korzok, climbs Kiager Ri North Face as preparation, then moves through Nubra Valley and Sasoma to Base Camp before a multi-camp ascent of Saltoro Kangri.
Route rhythm
Approach, acclimatize, move high, summit, return.
Browse the route manually
Itinerary
Day-by-Day Itinerary – Saltoro Kangri Expedition (7742m)
Scan the short plan first, then open the detailed view for the field notes behind each expedition day.
35 days / short
Short day plan
35 days
Day 1
Arrival in Delhi
01Day 2
Visit IMF Delhi for permits and briefing
02Day 3
Fly Delhi to Leh (3500m)
03Day 4
Acclimatization in Leh and equipment check
04Day 5
Drive Leh to Korzok (4500m)
05Day 6
Explore Korzok and acclimatization
06Day 7
Summit Kiager Ri North Face (6100m), return to Leh
07Day 8
Rest day in Leh and final packing
08Day 9
Drive Leh to Nubra Valley
09Day 10
Nubra Valley to Sasoma, final military formalities
10Day 11
Sasoma to Base Camp (approx. 4900m)
11Day 12
Base Camp rest, acclimatization and preparation
12Day 13
Rotation to Camp 1 (5500m), return to Base Camp
13Day 14
Rest day at Base Camp
14Day 15
Move to Camp 1 (5500m)
15Day 16
Rotation to Camp 2 (6100m), return to Camp 1
16Day 17
Camp 1 to Base Camp
17Day 18
Rest day at Base Camp
18Day 19
Move to Camp 1
19Day 20
Move to Camp 2
20Day 21
Rotation to Camp 3 (6700m), return to Camp 2
21Day 22
Camp 2 to Base Camp
22Day 23
Rest day and weather review
23Day 24
Move to Camp 1
24Day 25
Move to Camp 2
25Day 26
Move to Camp 3 (6700m)
26Day 27
Move to Camp 4 (7200m)
27Day 28
Summit Saltoro Kangri (7742m), return to Camp 4
28Day 29
Descend to Camp 2
29Day 30
Descend to Base Camp
30Day 31
Contingency day
31Day 32
Contingency day
32Day 33
Base Camp to Sasoma
33Day 34
Drive to Leh
34Day 35
Fly Leh to Delhi and departure
35Safety system
Safety, Permissions & Expedition Leadership
A guided climb with clear checks before the approach, at camp, and before summit movement.
- 01
Minimum 4 months prior notice required for IMF and government permit processing
- 02
Permit approval subject to government and military clearance
- 03
Satellite phone mandatory due to the remote region
- 04
Backup medical oxygen, first-aid equipment, and pulse oximeter
- 05
Walkie-talkies for camp and staff communication
- 06
Professional certified mountain guides and high guide-to-client ratio
Best fit
Who Should Join This Expedition
A good match for fit beginners and trekkers who want a real summit objective with guided pacing, acclimatization, and mountain skills.
Audience
01Elite High-Altitude Mountaineers
Participants should have multiple successful summits above 6000m and strong expedition discipline.
Audience
02Previous 7000m Climbers
Previous 7000m expedition experience is highly recommended for Saltoro Kangri.
Audience
03Technical Alpine Climbers
Knowledge of glacier travel, fixed rope techniques, and technical climbing equipment is required.
Audience
04Mentally Prepared Expedition Climbers
Participants must be ready for a long, remote, permit-dependent high-altitude expedition.
Planning notes
Expedition details before you arrive
Practical field information for reaching the meeting point, preparing for mountain conditions, and understanding connectivity during the climb.
Nearest Town
Leh, Ladakh
Mountain Range
Saltoro Range, Karakoram
Maximum Elevation
7742 m
Best Season
June to August, subject to permits and conditions
Difficulty
Extremely Difficult
Climbing Grade
Advanced Expedition Peak
Expedition Duration
35-45 Days
Expedition Style
High Altitude Mountaineering Expedition
Permit Note
Saltoro Kangri lies in a highly restricted region near the Siachen Glacier. Expeditions can only be organized when all necessary permissions are obtained.
Trip details
Inclusion, exclusion and carry
A quick reference for what is covered, what stays personal, and what you should pack for the climb.
What is included
0 items
Group 01
Group 02
Group 03
Group 04
Policies
Payments and cancellation
A simple reference for confirming your seat, clearing the balance, and understanding cancellation windows before the climb.
Payment policy
Confirmation schedule
2 steps
Advance
0130% booking payment
30% advance payment required to confirm booking
Balance
0270% balance payment
Remaining 70% payable before expedition start
Cancellation policy
Refund and weather windows
6 rules
Permit approval is subject to government and military clearance.
01Expedition dates may change depending on permits, weather conditions, and government regulations.
02Cancellation 15 days or more before departure: refund or adjustment as per permit and logistics status.
03Cancellation within 15 days: no refund on committed permit, logistics, and expedition costs.
04No refund will be provided for delays or changes due to weather, flight delays, road closures, political disturbances, natural disasters, force majeure, or government restrictions.
05The expedition leader has final authority regarding participation, route changes, camp movement, and summit attempts.
06
Policies balance climber safety, logistics, and expedition fairness in high-altitude Himalayan conditions.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to the most common questions about Saltoro Kangri Expedition (7742m), training, weather, and completion.
Expedition Gallery
A visual placeholder for the Saltoro Kangri Expedition, representing the Indian Karakoram, glacier approaches, high camps, and extreme expedition terrain.



