Mt. Mentok Kangri I

 Overview   

Mentok Kangri is a mountain massif in the Rupshu plains of  Ladakh, or Changtang. It has 3 summit points, conveniently  named Mentok 1, 2 and 3 with heights varying between 6120  – 6262m 

With marvellous and enchanting views of the Tsomoriri Lake and its  wetlands reserves, surrounded by high rising peaks of the  Changtang, near the Tibetan Plateau, this is a wonderful trek  experience that all the passionate travellers and wandering souls  must not miss at all! The landscape of the Ladakh ranges will win  your heart at once with its charm and beauty. The creamy, beige and  irregular patches of red and violet with some unique rock sculptures  made by the artistic wind are just enough to set your imaginations  flying without control. To top it over, we have these high peaks and  passes with snow patches on top of which furls the colourful  Buddhist prayer flags. Oh yes, this region has a few more elements of  nature which multiply the beauty of the region by several folds. We  have the vast blue waters of the Tsomoriri Lake visible from all  around the top which injects enough cool and patience in your heart,  which on the other hand is excited by the unbelievable beauty of the  surrounding landscape and the summit challenge. 

 Not just that !! We are also gifted by the rare sightings of the  wildlife of the Tsomoriri Wetland Reserves which includes the  animals like Kiangs, Tibetan Gazelle, Lynx, Mountain Goats, Blue  Sheep, Marmots including the carnivores like Tibetan Wolves and the  elusive Snow Leopard. Where there is water, there are birds, and  here there are many - especially the Black Necked Cranes, geese,  gulls and grebe are commonly sighted nearby the lake. 

Starting from Korzok, a small settlement near the blue waters of  the Tsomoriri, the trek to the summit of Mentok Kangri climbs quickly  to its base camp above 5300 meters, from where we attempt its  summits. The altitude gain is rapid, and hence we need to follow  proper acclimatization protocols to be successful and make sure we  do not rush through it. 

Trekking in Ladakh can sometimes be heartbreaking with false  summits, and this trek is no different. Staying focused and enjoying  the climb is the only way to get past that feeling. 

Any 6000-meter peak requires good physical conditioning, high mental  endurance, a well-acclimatized body and a cheerful soul. The summit  climb to Mentok Kangri is no different. Starting by midnight, we  firstly negotiate the loose moraines in the darkness for a long time  as we near the base of the summit ridge. The day dawns slowly as we  keep going with occasional rest, negotiating the loose rocks of all  dimensions. As time passes, we keep gaining altitude making the going  bit more difficult with every minute. A steady pace and a motivated  spirit are the key to success and soon we see the prayer flags  furling at a distance marking the summit. 

The view from the summit is one of the reasons many people climb the  mountains. Mountain ranges of the surrounding reveal themselves in  a new avatar which is worth taking all the pain. The summit of Mentok  Kangri offers astonishing views of the Great Himalayan Range, the  Markha Valley denoted by the high elegant looking peak of Kang  Yatse, the plains of Tibet and the twin peaks of Chamsher and  Lungsher all rising above 6400 meters. Spangnak Ri does not fail to  inspire you either. The grand vista of the Tsomoriri Lake and Rupshu  plains surrounded by some of the high snow-capped peaks of Ladakh  in the morning sunlight is a breathtaking view and once in a lifetime  moment that all the Himalayan High Seekers must experience.