Padmanabh Kangri

Padmanabh Kangri (7,030 metres / 23,064 feet) is one of the highest mountains in the eastern Karakoram of Ladakh, India. Located on the remote Teram Shehr Plateau near the famous Siachen Glacier, this magnificent peak rises above vast glaciers, snow-covered ridges, and one of the most isolated mountain landscapes in the Indian Himalayas.

Although not as well known as Saltoro Kangri or Saser Kangri, Padmanabh Kangri is highly respected by mountaineers because of its impressive elevation, technical terrain, and remote location. The mountain offers a classic high-altitude Karakoram environment with permanent snowfields, glacier travel, and rugged alpine scenery.

Today, Padmanabh Kangri is not open for regular commercial expeditions because it lies within a highly restricted border region. Even so, it remains one of the hidden treasures of the Indian Karakoram and an important mountain in India's mountaineering history.

Padmanabh Kangri is one of the prominent 7,000-metre peaks of the eastern Karakoram. Standing at 7,030 metres (23,064 feet) above sea level, the mountain rises on the Teram Shehr Plateau, south of Lakshmi Kangri and northwest of Mahashrung. It is surrounded by enormous glaciers, steep snow slopes, and rugged granite ridges.

Its remote location and difficult access have kept the mountain largely untouched. Unlike many famous Himalayan peaks, Padmanabh Kangri has remained free from commercial climbing activity, preserving its pristine wilderness and natural beauty.

For mountaineers and mountain enthusiasts, Padmanabh Kangri represents one of the most remote and fascinating peaks in the Indian Himalayas.

Padmanabh Kangri entered the history of Himalayan mountaineering when the first successful ascent was completed in 2002 by a joint Japanese-Indian expedition. Japanese climbers Hiroshi Sakai and Yasushi Tanahashi reached the summit via the South Ridge on 25 June 2002.

The successful ascent demonstrated the technical nature of the mountain and the commitment required to climb in one of the most remote regions of the Karakoram.

Because of increasing security restrictions in the Siachen region, very little mountaineering activity has taken place since then, making Padmanabh Kangri one of the least visited 7,000-metre peaks in India.

Padmanabh Kangri is located in the eastern Karakoram Mountains of Ladakh, India. The mountain stands on the remote Teram Shehr Plateau, close to the upper Siachen Glacier and India's northern frontier.

The nearest major town is Leh, although the mountain itself lies within a highly restricted military region where civilian access is not permitted.

Padmanabh Kangri rises above one of the most spectacular glaciated landscapes in the Indian Himalayas. The surrounding region is dominated by vast glaciers, snow-covered peaks, steep ridges, and untouched alpine wilderness.

Nearby geographical features include:

• Teram Shehr Glacier
• Siachen Glacier
• Lakshmi Kangri
• Mahashrung
• Saltoro Range
• Indira Col
• Karakoram Mountain System

The area remains one of the most remote and unexplored mountain regions in the world.

Padmanabh Kangri lies within the highly sensitive Siachen region of Ladakh.

Important Information

• Public access is not permitted.
• Independent travel is prohibited.
• Commercial climbing expeditions are currently not allowed.
• Special government and military permissions are required.
• Photography may also be restricted in certain areas.

Travellers visiting Ladakh can enjoy the beauty of the Karakoram through accessible destinations such as Nubra Valley and nearby high mountain passes.