Ascent on Secret mountain above Leh

The ideal place to start the ascent to the „forgotten“ mountain is at Shanti Stupa. It is no wonder, because its peak is towering directly above it. Set out along the road or alternatively along the desert plains to the north, so the same way as during a short hike to the northern oasis of Leh (can be easily combined into one trip) or during more challenging day hike to Phyang.
 

Looking north from Shanti Stupa, you will see that you can choose the path to walk around the small rock massif in front of you. Either along the tarmac path, where sometimes cars drive or on the left across the desert plain. On the horizon lights a chorten as a small white dot on the former moraine of the glacier – the destination of this hike to northern oasis of Leh. The ridge is dominated by mountain Nanga Sago – breathtaking outlook, while virtually unvisited.
 

After a kilometer walk next to the road you will see interesting ruins of more than thousand years old stupa Tisseru built of mud bricks.

Not far from the confluence of two rivers you will probably be impressed by another chortens. They are built on small hills, so there is a nice view of the surroundings from them.

After half an hour quick walk from Shanti Stupa you get to the confluence of two valleys. You turn left into a small side valley and you will now continue a while along a dusty path parallel to the route of the trek to Phyang. In the oasis you will see domestic animals and locals digging their humble fields. You will have come across a tourist very exceptionally.

You will abandon the dusty path after less than a kilometer (about 3,770 m asl), when you turn left into the first side arid valley. You will ascend along the herder’s path up to the pass. Already during the ascent there are nice views of the main ridge of Ladackh mountains and winding road to the pass Khardung la.

After you ascend to the pass at about 3,960 meters asl, awaits you the last ascent directly to top of the mountain leading all the time along relatively good-quality path. Along the way you will see small fences built by shepherds. View northwest is full of mountain peaks. Far away on the horizon is visible also the pass, over which leads the way to Phyang.

Finally, you stand at the top (4 140 m asl) with a lot of customary prayer flags. It is ideal place for watching sunrises and sunsets.
 

Six hundred meters below you huddle Leh and Shanti Stupa, from where you started this hike. On the horizon you can see the wide valley of Indus lined by mountains Stok including the highest mountain Stok Kangri.

The way back is the same.