Ladakh Winter Ice Climbing Course
Ladakh Winter Ice Climbing Course: Build Your Ice Climbing Skills
Ice climbing is an exhilarating and essential skill for any alpine climber, and it's also a deeply rewarding pursuit in itself. Whether you're a budding ice climber or an experienced alpinist looking to hone your skills, our 8-day Ladakh Winter Ice Climbing Course is designed to boost your confidence on steep ice. This training program primarily focuses on Water Ice Climbing, where you'll use crampons and ice tools to ascend frozen waterfalls.
Location: Leh, Ladakh
Maximum Altitude: Approximately 3,500 meters
Daytime Temperatures: Can drop to -15°C
Course Grade: Beginner to Intermediate
Course Suitable For:
- Anyone who would like to know about the usage of mountaineering technical equipment.
- Anyone who would like to try semi-technical or technical climbing mountains.
- Anyone who is looking forward to enhancing climbing skills to try their first 6000m or 7000m mountains.
- Anyone who would like to maximize their learning, participants should have prior experience in rock climbing and basic use of ice axe and crampons.
Location
Highlights
- Gear Selection Strategies: Learn how to choose the right equipment for ice climbing.
- Clothing & Layering Systems: Understand the importance of layering for warmth and comfort.
- Basic Ropework & Knots: Gain essential rope skills for ice climbing.
- Crampon & Ice Tool Usage: Master the use of crampons and ice tools.
- Basic Movement Techniques on Ice: Learn the fundamental techniques for moving on ice.
- Belaying & Rappelling on Ice: Explore the techniques of safe belaying and rappelling on ice.
- Placing Ice Screws and Building Anchors: Develop skills in placing ice protection and creating anchors.
- Safety & Self-Rescue: Learn safety procedures and self-rescue techniques.
Itinerary
- 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
Inclusions
- 07 nights accommodation at a Hotel in Leh on a double or triple sharing basis with room heaters
- Meals: All meals at the hotel and packed lunch during the training days
- Hot drinking water facility in the room with an electric kettle
- Transportation as per the itinerary for training days from the hotel to the training area and back
- Trek equipment: Technical group equipment like ropes, anchors etc
- 1 Mountaineering qualified instructor
- Professional instructor's fee (Participant-to-instructor ratio 1:3)
- Basic First Aid Kit with a portable oxygen cylinder
- All government, local taxes and service charges
- 15% discount coupon on Gokyo Trek Apparel and Gear
- 10% discount coupon on Fast&Up products
- 20% discount coupon on BMore products
- Personalized Dri-Fit T-shirt
- TrekNomads goodies
Exclusions
- The cost to reach Leh and back
- Items of personal clothing and personal climbing equipment (can be rented)
- Medical checkup and insurance fees
- Personal accident and travel insurance
- Local sightseeing and monastery entrance fee, camera fee, etc
- Transportation is not on a disposal basis. It is strictly as per the program, any extra running will be charged extra.
- Any other expenses incurred apart from inclusions
- All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses like extra day stay out of itinerary, helicopter services and vehicle charges due to delays, landslides and evacuation
- Expenses incurred for guide or porter during extra days stay, transport, flight, helicopter service, etc (divided amongst the group which utilises the services of guides/porters on extra days)
- Expenses incurred for accommodation, travel, food, etc due to the closure of trek route by government officials, defence personnel and tourism department based on weather conditions, security concerns, etc
Treknical Details
Trek Gradient
Difficult
FAQ's
(FAQs) for the Ladakh Winter Ice Climbing Course:
What is the Ladakh Winter Ice Climbing Course?
- Experience the Ladakh Winter Ice Climbing Course, an 8-day program designed to teach ice climbing techniques in the stunning landscapes of Ladakh.
Who is this course suitable for?
- This course is suitable for both beginners and intermediate climbers looking to build their ice climbing skills.
- Anyone who would like to try semi-technical or technical climbing mountains.
- Anyone who is looking forward to enhancing climbing skills to try their first 6000m or 7000m mountains.
- Anyone who would like to maximize their learning, participants should have prior experience in rock climbing and basic use of ice axe and crampons.
What does the course cover?
- The course covers gear selection, clothing, ropework, crampon and ice axe usage, movement techniques on ice, belaying, rappelling, placing ice screws, building anchors, safety, and self-rescue.
What is the course grade?
- The course is graded as suitable for beginners to intermediate climbers.
Are there any prerequisites for joining the course?
- While prior ice climbing experience is not necessary, participants with some experience in rock climbing and basic use of ice axe and crampons are add-ons.
Where does the course take place?
- The course is conducted in the vicinity of Leh, in Lakdakh, with altitudes reaching approximately 3,500 meters.
What are the daytime temperatures during the course?
- Daytime temperatures can drop to as low as -15°C, so participants should be prepared for cold conditions.
How is the course structured?
- The course includes acclimatisation, gear checks, equipment fitting, and 5 full days of field training at the Ice Wall.
What is the instructor-to-participant ratio?
- The course maintains a low ratio of 1 instructor to 3 participants to ensure personalized attention.
Is the course flexible to adapt to participants' progress and weather conditions?
- Yes, the schedule is flexible and adjusts to the progress of participants and prevailing weather conditions.
What type of climbing techniques will be taught?
- Participants will learn top-rope climbing techniques on low-angled slopes to build confidence and technique.
Is there a specific age limit for participants?
- There is no specific age limit, but participants should be physically fit and prepared for the challenges of ice climbing.
Is food provided during the course?
- All meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner at the hotel, and packed lunches during training, are included in the course.
Is accommodation provided?
- Participants will stay in a comfortable heated hotel in Leh for 7 nights.
What personal equipment do participants need to bring?
- Participants should bring personal clothing and any climbing equipment they have. We will assist you with rental options are available if you do not have any climbing equipment.
Is airport transfer included?
- Yes, airport arrival and departure transfers in Leh are included in the course cost.
Are there any additional costs to consider?
- Additional costs may include personal expenses, airfare, and unforeseen circumstances such as weather-related delays.
Type of Trek
Himalayan Treks