Mountaineering in Uttarakhand: Peaks by Difficulty
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# Mountaineering in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand has more climbable peaks than any other Indian state. From beginner-friendly 4,000m summits to expedition-grade 7,000m+ peaks. Here is the progression.
Beginner (No Experience Needed)
**Chandrashila (4,000m)** via Chopta-Tungnath: 2-day trek/climb. The summit gives 360° Himalayan panorama. No technical gear needed. NakshIQ score: 5/5 in April-May and Sep-Oct.
**Kedarkantha (3,800m)**: Winter summit trek (Dec-Mar). Snow camping. 4-day round trip. One of the most popular beginner summits in India. Rs 8,000-12,000 with operator.
Intermediate (Basic Mountaineering Course Required)
**Friendship Peak (5,289m)**: Near Manali. 7-day expedition. Requires ice axe and crampon skills. Glacier crossing. NIM (Manali) runs courses that include this summit.
**Stok Kangri (6,153m)**: Ladakh. Non-technical but extreme altitude. 4-5 day climb from Stok village. Acclimatization at Leh mandatory. Rs 25,000-40,000 with guide.
Advanced (Expedition Grade)
**Kamet (7,756m)**: India's third-highest. Full expedition — 25-30 days. IMF permit required. Serious mountaineering only.
Practical Intelligence
Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) permits required for peaks above 6,000m. Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) at NIM Manali or HMI Darjeeling: 28 days, Rs 5,000-10,000. This is the gateway to everything above.
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