Kiager Ri fourth expedition of the 2026 season

The expedition began in Leh at 3,500m with hotel check-in, a detailed briefing on the route, forecast, altitude awareness, emergency procedures, and mountain safety.

Guides inspected boots, crampons, helmets, harnesses, trekking poles, clothing layers, and glacier equipment before the acclimatization program began.

The team completed an early acclimatization hike in the hills surrounding Leh, maintaining a steady pace and allowing the body to adapt to altitude.

The afternoon was reserved for rest, hydration, nutritious meals, and final preparations for the drive into Changthang.

The team drove across the Changthang Plateau from Leh to Korzok, stopping at Chumathang for lunch before continuing toward Tso Moriri Lake.

After arrival, a short acclimatization walk around Korzok helped the team settle into the remote high-altitude environment.

The day was dedicated to gradual acclimatization on the hills above Korzok, with uninterrupted views of Tso Moriri and the surrounding mountains.

Guides reviewed the summit strategy, checked weather updates, and prepared technical equipment for an early summit-day departure.

The team drove to a high starting point at around 5,200m and began climbing at 2:00 AM. At 5:00 AM, they reached the crampon point and entered the glacier section.

The glacier held deep, unconsolidated soft snow. Each step sank deeply, making trail-breaking slow and physically demanding for climbers and guides alike.

After assessing the conditions at approximately 5,900m, the team agreed that a safe summit attempt was no longer realistic. They photographed the achievement, descended carefully, and drove back to Leh the same day.