A Summer-time High-Altitude Thrill Awaits Adventure Tourists in Kargil Region
Ladakh, April 2025 — In a significant boost to Indian adventure tourism, Umba Peak in the Kargil region of Ladakh has been unveiled as the country’s newest summer skiing destination, making it one of the very few places in the world where skiing is possible in May and June.
Also known in local lore as ‘Amba’, Umba Peak is the tallest mountain in the Sankoo Valley and derives its name from the nearby Umba Village, which rests at its foothills. The name carries mythological significance, passed down through generations in the region. With its steep faces, vast snowfields, and minimal avalanche risk, the peak is ideally suited for heli-skiing, downhill skiing, and alpine touring.
The terrain was recently surveyed by the Ladakh Ski and Snowboard Association along with the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM), validating its potential for advanced skiing and mountaineering training. Officials confirmed that Umba Peak’s north-facing slopes remain snow-covered well into the early summer, making it one of the only regions in the Himalayas with such a long skiing window.
“This is a milestone for Indian skiing,” said officials from the exploration team led by seasoned instructors. “The terrain above Umba La is ideal for heli-skiing and backcountry descents, and remains snow-covered till early summer due to its high elevation and north-facing slopes.”
✅ Fast Facts about Umba Peak Ski Zone
-
Altitude: ~4,800 meters (15,748 ft)
-
Skiing Season: Late March through June (peak heli-ski season in May and early June)
-
Primary Activities: Heli-skiing, advanced downhill skiing, snowboarding, alpine touring
-
Certifications: Terrain surveyed and validated by IISM Gulmarg for training use
-
Accessibility: 4×4 vehicle access via Sankoo–Umba La road (open from mid-April onward)
📍How to Reach Umba Peak
Via Kargil (Jammu & Kashmir–Ladakh route)
-
Leh to Kargil: 220 km (7–8 hrs by road)
-
Srinagar to Kargil: 205 km (6–7 hrs by road)
-
Kargil to Sankoo: 42 km (1.5 hrs)
-
Sankoo to Umba La Base: ~25–30 km (unmetalled road; requires 4WD)
-
Closest airport: Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport)
-
Alternative airport: Srinagar International Airport
Travel Note: Road beyond Sankoo is operational only in late spring and summer. Special expedition permits and local guides are strongly recommended.
🏕️ Recommended Travel Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Leh or Srinagar → Drive to Kargil
Day 2 – Local acclimatization + gear check in Sankoo
Day 3 – Travel to Umba Base Camp
Day 4–6 – Heli-skiing or downhill skiing sessions
Day 7 – Return to Kargil or onward travel
❄️ Why Umba Peak is Unique
-
Extended Skiing Season: The only region in India offering skiing from January to June, with summer skiing made possible at Umba Peak and Manman Top (Parkachik region).
-
High-Altitude Terrain: Steady gradients and vast snowfields ideal for professional skiing and training.
-
Untapped Adventure Zone: Remote and less crowded compared to Gulmarg, ideal for heli-skiing without commercial interference.
-
Panoramic Landscapes: Offers views of the Greater Himalayas and Zanskar valleys with glaciers and high passes.
⚠️ Essential Information
-
Acclimatization is crucial: Minimum 1–2 days in Kargil or Sankoo advised before ascending to Umba La.
-
Ski gear and rescue equipment: Must be self-carried or coordinated with approved operators.
-
Network access is limited: Satellite phone or local guide communication is essential.
-
Permits: Indian nationals do not need permits, but foreign nationals must obtain Protected Area Permits (PAP).
With this development, Ladakh is cementing its status as India’s only year-round skiing destination. The inclusion of Umba Peak as a high-altitude summer ski zone opens new frontiers for adventure lovers, mountaineers, and global skiers seeking a unique challenge in the Indian Himalayas.
For adventure bookings and expedition inquiries, contact certified operators via the Ladakh Ski and Snowboard Association or IISM.
