Worthy of worship

High above the pure blue waters of Tso Moriri in the Rupshu valley in eastern Ladakh, tower two of the region’s highest peaks — Lungser Kangri and Chamser Kangri.

Chamser Kangri, at 6,622m, is the third highest in Ladakh and also a fairly easy one to climb. All you need is to be fit and well acclimatised. This isn’t a trekking peak, so you will need to pay the requisite peak fees and obtain permission from The Indian Mountaineering Foundation, apart from an Inner Line Permit. The village of Karzok beside Tso Moriri is easily reached by road from Leh. A day’s walk to the eastern shore of the lake and a little climb brings you to a grassy slope called Kurchyu, which is the base camp.

The next day, an advanced base camp is made on a high plateau, and the next two days are kept in hand for summit attempts. The peak is usually climbed by the southern ridge, up steep snow and scree slopes. The views from the top are magnificent. To the east lies the Indus valley and to the west Tso Moriri. No wonder ‘Chamser’ means to genuflect — a view like that is worthy of worship.

Trekking Operator Basecamp offers a 10-day expedition to Chamser Kangri, ex-Leh in late July, for Rs 44,000 per person.