Due to the severe cold and heavy snowfall that Ladakh faces during the winters, the ideal time for mountain climbing restricts itself from June to September. Nun-Kun Massif of the Great Himalayas figures on the top-notch list of the tourists because of its easy accessibility (via Kargil-Pudum road) to the base camps. Nun at a height of 7,135 m and Kun at a height of 7,077 m are the highest peaks among the sic peaks that are accessible from the Suru Valley. Other popular destinations for mountaineering are the Stok-khangri Massif in the Zanskar Mountains and the base camp for its various peaks is the village of Stok. Offering spectacular views of the Indus Valley, the highest peak here is Stok-khangri at a height of 6,150 m.

The other notable peaks of Stok-khangri are Gulap Khangri at a height of 5,900 m, Matho West at a height of 5,950m and Kantak at a height of 5,275 m. One may also opt for 6,700 m high Konglacha peak in the southwest of Leh, which can be reached via Rubak on the Markha Valley trek from Stok. Karakorams are yet another choice for mountain climbing along with the Nubra Valley but as they are mostly within the restricted area, special permission from the Government of India is needed to access those areas. Among the accessible parts of these regions, the most notable summits are Saser-I at a height of 7,415 m, Saser -II at a height of 7,513m and Saser III at a height of 7,495 m.

The climbing season extends from mid - May to mid -October, the ideal period being from June to September because during this time only Ladakh remains unaffected by the monsoon which holds sway over most of the Himalaya. Foreign climbing expeditions are required to obtain permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for climbing all listed peaks. A booking fee, based on the height and popularity of the allotted peak, is charged and a Liaison Officer is assigned to every climbing team. The minimum period required for processing applications is six months. Every authorized expedition is provided with adequate rescue coverage in the events of accidents and illness.