Brief Description
Siachen Glacier Trek, a dream of many who have always wanted to walk on the path of soldiers can finally change their dream into reality. Unlike any other trek in India, the trek to Siachen Glacier is that of the greatest accomplishment and admiration but more than its a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience, know and learn the life of soldiers of the Indian Army in what is easily the most inhospitable terrain of the world. Places on this trek are strictly limited and only Indian citizens are permitted to embark on the most unforgettable journey of their lives. This arduous 10-day trek across an endless ocean of crevasse infested glacier, taxing moraines, severe weather conditions, and unbearable cold must be attempted by experienced trekkers only. We trek to the highest point of the trek, the Kumar Post at an unforgiving height of 4880 meters. With some of the harshest environments in the world, the trek will take you in arm's length of the mighty Karakoram range and the Saltoro range of mountains. You will be spending time interacting with the soldiers posted in this territory and get to know their lives and history. This is not a walk in the park, with daily medical check-ups and training by the army, one has to be both physically and mentally fit. At this altitude and environment, one has to make sure that he/she acclimatizes well and stays fit during the entirety of the trek. Due to the high security of the location and the army presence, taking photographs of the army camps is strictly prohibited. You will be lead by experienced and trained army personnel and due to the endless trek on the glaciers, one needs to be roped up throughout the trek. This expedition can be done only in the months of August and September upon permission and permits from the Indian Army. Stay on this page for more information on the Siachen Glacier Trek.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Show complete Itinerary
Arrival at Leh
The most convenient way to reach Leh is by Air. But this has to be followed by at least 2 days of acclimatization in Leh before you head out for a trek like Rumtse to Tso Moriri Lake. You can also reach Leh by road but this option requires at least 2-3 days of travel on the road. You will receive the detail of accommodation in Leh through an email from us. After reaching Leh check into the Guest House/Hotel. Have some rest and acclimatize as Leh is at the height of 11500 ft. above sea level. The evening can be utilized to explore the Leh market.
Acclimatization in Leh
Explore the cultural and natural beauty of Leh. This will make you familiar with the town and also help in acclimatize to the weather. Leh is the center point of Ladakh and also a major town from where all treks and expeditions begin. It is also a culturally rich place. There are dozens of monasteries and ancient temples that you can go around. They are located in and around the town. Enjoy the local cuisines which are a major attraction for travelers.
Drive from Leh to Siachen Base Camp (3810 M) - 150 km
Today we will take a 150 km drive from Leh to Siachen Base Camp through the amazing Nubra Valley. You will drive over the mighty Khardung La pass along the scenic Nubra River past the lovely villages of Khalsar, Sumur and Panamik which is the last civilian settlement before the Siachen Base Camp which is also the northern most village in this side of Ladakh for Indians and foreigners alike. From the village of warshi you will require special permission from the army to reach the Siachen Base Camp. At 3810 meters in height, you are required to rest well at Siachen Base Camp. Later there will be an introduction and briefing session by the Base commander. There will be medical check-ups conducted by the Indian army doctors. You need to continue drinking water to keep yourself hydrated and thus allow your body to acclimatize well to this altitude. Have food at the officer's mess and spend the night at Siachen Base Camp.
Rest in Siachen Base Camp and visit the Siachen Battle School
Breakfast will be followed by another medical check-up. You will then head to the Siachen Battle School which is the highest military training academy that trains the army soldiers in ice craft and survival techniques. You will get a glimpse of the training of Indian army who guard this inhospitable territory. Later in the day we will check all of our gear compulsory for the upcoming trek to Siachen Base Camp. There will be another medical check-up before you retire for the night. Overnight in Siachen Base Camp.
Siachen Base Camp to Camp 1 (3962 M) - 12 km, 6 hrs trek
Today will be the start of your trek. There will be a medical check-up in the morning to ensure everyone is well acclimatized. There will be specialist high altitude porters that will carry your personal rucksacks if needed. We will stop at the O.P. Baba shrine. This shrine was constructed by the soldiers near the snout of the glacier. We will start the trek only after offering prayers at the shrine. As you start your trek you will feel the altitude and the cold since you are walking on an icy glacier. Everyone will be roped up to be safe and the leader of the team will be a soldier from the Indian army. There will be flags planted in the ground en route to show the safe zones. Only the soldiers will know how to navigate this glacier and avoid the deep crevasses. Even though the trek is relatively easy you will have to use crampons to navigate the icy glacier. We reach the glacier at camp 1 and spend the night on the glacier. There will be another set of a mandatory medical check-up. There will be some 5-6 people in a single tent which will also insulate you from the cold winds and the severe cold at night. Keep drinking water. Overnight in camp 1.
Acclimatization in Camp 1
Rest and acclimatization day at Camp 1. There will be medical check-ups to ensure you are doing fine.
Camp 1 to Camp 2 (4179 M) - 14 km, 7 hrs trek
Today we trek towards Camp 2. The walk is over an ocean of glaciers and moraines with constant crevasses. Roping up will be of the utmost importance here. Camp 2 and Camp 3 are not fixed camps. They will be established depending on prevailing weather and snow conditions. There will be parachute tents. There will be another round of medical check-ups. Have dinner and overnight in tents.
Acclimatization in Camp 2
Rest and acclimatization day at Camp 1. There will be medical check-ups to ensure you are doing fine.
Camp 2 to Camp 3 (4420 M) - 16 km, 8 hrs
Wake up early. There will be a medical check-up to ensure everything is alright. Today will be the toughest part of the trek. It will test your physical and mental endurance. It is going to be a tough 16km trek on moraine and snow. You will get to see the mighty Karakoram and the Saltoro Ridge. The trail is full of deep crevasses, your leader will help you navigate this properly. Once you reach Camp 3, there will be another round of medical check-up. Overnight in tents.
Acclimatization in Camp 3
Rest and acclimatization day at Camp 1. There will be medical check-ups to ensure you are doing fine.
Camp 3 to Kumar Post (4876 M) - 18 km, 9 hrs
Today is going to be a memorable day. We will trek from Camp 3 to Kumar Post, named after Colonel Narinder "Bull" Kumar, the only living soldier to have the honor or a major post named after him. The trek will be on soft snow with decently flat terrain. However, the final climb to Kumar Post is very steep and taxing. The post is on top of a humongous block of ice at a high altitude. We will meet the soldiers here at this camp and chat with them, get to know their stories and history. A once in a lifetime opportunity, indeed. There will be a mandatory medical check-up. Overnight in tents.
Spend a day at Kumar Post
Spend the day at Kumar Post interacting with the soldiers and get to know their life and stories. Watch how our brave soldiers function at that high altitude all around the year. There will be two sets of medical check-ups. Overnight in tents.
Kumar Post to Camp 3 - 18 km, 7 hrs
Retrace our steps to Camp 3 over a taxing terrain surrounded by the majestic Karakoram range. Overnight in tents after medical check-ups.
Camp 3 to Camp 2 - 16 km, 6 hrs
We trek back to Camp 2 and rest for the night. You can feel the change in altitude as you descend down.
Camp 2 to Camp 1 - 14 km, 5 hrs
We take it easy and retrace back to Camp 1. Overnight in tents
Camp 1 to Siachen Base Camp - 12 km, 5 hrs
We return to the Siachen Base Camp after what is easily defined as the best time of your life. An accomplishment indeed. Overnight in base camp.
Siachen Base Camp to Leh - 150 km drive.
We drive back to Leh. Celebrate and cherish the achievement. Overnight in hotel.
Departure from Leh
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the expedition?
ID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried) and Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) are the mandatory documents required for this trek. Since this is a high-security area, multiple identity checks will be held at various points of your journey. Also, due to the high altitude and the harsh environment of the trek, there will be medical tests held on a daily basis to ensure your safe health and proper acclimatization.
Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
You will be picked up from your hotel in Leh and driven to Siachen Base Camp from where the trek starts. You will be dropped off at your hotel on the last day of your trip.
Transport: What time will we reach the end point on last day of the trek?
Expect to reach Leh by evening.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A team of participants will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain a 1:8 ratio of trek leaders and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have certified training in first-aid and rescue operations. There will also be an experienced guide along with army personnel accompanying you due to security reasons since this is a high-security area. They are also the ones who are experienced in this terrain hence their presence is mandatory.
Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?
Yes, the trekking pole is necessary but not mandatory. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
Leh has plenty of stores/shops where you can buy your trekking gears. But we recommend not to leave anything for last minute buying.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for a solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing a tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek. You will also receieve a certificate of appreciation and completion from the Indian Army.
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
The temperature on the Siachen Glacier Trek will be very cold and harsh with temperatures dropping to as low as -15 degrees or more at higher camps due to the extreme isolation of the area.
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
There will be snow on the trail.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accommodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek. These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks. There will also be toilet tents in the army camp dedicated for trekkers to use.
Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
You will be provided with good quality of crampons, gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on the journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent the following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack.
Accommodation: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
Accommodation in Leh will be in hotels on a twin/triple sharing basis. One trekking days you will be accommodated in tents on a twin sharing basis. You will also be staying in camps at the army campsites.
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied by their parents or guardians. However, according to rules and regulations set by the Indian Army, the maximum age limit for the Siachen Glacier Trek is 55 years.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
There are so many enchanting places to visit in Leh-Ladakh. During your acclimatization period, you can roam around the town and visit the monasteries; Diskit Gompa, and Lamayuru Monastery. Drive up to the Magnetic Hill and experience the crazy magnetic phenomenon on the hill. The picturesque Nubra Valley will take your breath away. The green oasis villages, the monasteries, the ruined palaces- Turtuk and Bordang; there is a whole different culture in this place. It is 150 km away from Leh. You can take a shared taxi to this route. How can you leave Ladakh without seeing Pangong Lake, the sapphire blue lake? Also, visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib and Leh Royal Palace. To know more read Places that you must visit in Leh Ladakh
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
The Siachen Glacier trek starts from the Siachen Base Camp which is around 150 km from Leh in Ladakh. The best travel option around Leh is by air.
By air: Jet Airways, GoAir, and Air India provide daily flights from New Delhi to Leh. It is recommended that you make your flight bookings well in advance not only to save on the price but also for a confirmed seat. You can also take an alternate flight route to Srinagar. Fly to Srinagar from Delhi and then drive to Leh from Srinagar. The 10-hour road journey from Srinagar to Leh can be covered by hiring a shared taxi which will cost you around INR 3000-4000. The drive route from Srinagar to Leh is scenic. For coming back, you can either take a direct flight from Leh to New Delhi. Or take the same route via Srinagar. Flights from Srinagar to Delhi are cheaper than Leh-Delhi.
By road: You can take the route from Manali to Leh. Travel from Delhi to Manali by a HRTC Volvo bus. From Manali get a seat in a shared taxi (INR 2500-3500). If you are on a tight budget, There is also a bus from New Delhi to Leh (via Manali) with one side fare of INR 1365. The bus journey begins at 2:30 pm from Delhi ISBT reaching Keylong next day at 1:30 pm. After an overnight halt at Keylong, it reaches Leh the next day. The another route to Leh can be taken through Srinagar. There are shared taxis from Srinagar to Leh available at cost of INR 3000-4000. If you are an ardent biker, you wouldn’t mind taking a bike trip from Delhi to Leh and back.
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
BSNL has the best connectivity in Leh-Ladakh region followed by Airtel. However, all the mobile networks like Idea and Vodafone also work in Leh. Please note that only postpaid numbers work in J&K state, prepaid connections will cease to work as soon as you enter Ladakh region. There will be no network beyond Siachen Base Camp.
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for packing list.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?
Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
July and August is when this trek will be conducted.
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
Siachen Glacier Trek
A once in a lifetime opportunity to walk on the path of soldiers on the Indian Army to reach the world's highest battlefield which is the Siachen Glacier. This trek must be opted by experienced trekkers only due to its high altitude and extremely severe terrain and weather conditions. The trek will take you to Kumar Post across 3 Indian army camps over never-ending glacier walk infested with crevasses and moraines. You will be trained by the Indian army who will also be the one to guide you in this expedition. There will also be daily medical check-ups to ensure safe health. The chance to witness and experience the life of soldiers in some of the most raw environments in this world is truly awe-inspiring.Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?
Siachen Glacier Trek is made only for experienced trekkers who want to test their limits. The challenges faced in the trek should not be underestimated. You should attempt Siachen Glacier Trek only if you have already done a trek that climbs to 4000-4500 meters. The trek involves long-distance trekking with an average of 13-15 km daily on a harsh terrain at high altitudes along with sub-zero temperatures. It is recommended not to opt for this trek if you cannot get acclimatized in the mountains of Ladakh. Besides you need to have a strong physical endurance to complete this trek. On the Bikat scale Siachen Glacier Trek difficulty level is 6. For details on trek difficulty level, please read on Bikat Rating Scale
Eligibility: Experience required
Before attempting the Siachen Glacier Trek you should have an experience of at least 10 – 15 trek days in the Himalayas, at least one Moderate Plus category trek, the experience of trekking at altitudes higher than 4700 - 5000 mts, medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) - You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
- Hold your breath for 40 seconds
- 3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch, Push Ups – 10, Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets
Eligibility: Requisite skills
One should be familiar with the following:
- Know campsite basics like how to use a sleeping bag, sleeping tent, toilet tent
- Ascending & Descending technique for mountain trails
- Basic mountain mannerisms
- Ascending & Descending on snow
- Basics of Mountain Sickness
- Basics of Mountain Hazards
- How to cross small water streams
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Accommodation in Leh
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification along with special rescue course from NIM, Uttarkashi
- Food as per menu on the trek
- Experienced guides
- Trek guide, cook, helpers, and porters for carrying common supplies
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges, if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Micro-spikes, Gaiters, Helmets, if required
- Dome tents - on twin sharing basis, Sleeping bags, mats
Whats Not Included?
- Meals during Hotel Stay in Leh
- Meals during road journeys
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of Insurance
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusions
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Please note
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
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