India has opened parts of the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest inhabited glacier, to domestic tourists with permits. Visitors must acclimatise in Leh and Nubra Valley, follow strict health precautions, and can access only designated zones during summer months June-September
Siachen Glacier is not a place people casually add to an itinerary. It is not a detour from Ladakh, not an impulse extension, and definitely not a box-ticking destination. Sitting high in the eastern Karakoram range, Siachen is India's largest glacier and one of the longest non-polar glaciers in the world, stretching close to 75 kilometres. The altitude ranges from about 5,400 metres to well over 7,000 metres, where oxygen thins out, temperatures remain brutally low, and the landscape strips itself down to ice, rock, and silence.
Also Read: 10 Most Luxurious Resorts In The Maldives For An Opulent Escape
For decades, civilians could only speak of Siachen in abstract terms, through news reports, war histories, and photographs taken by soldiers. That changed in October 2023, when the Government of India opened parts of Siachen to domestic tourists. The shift was significant. Siachen moved from legend to logistics. It is still unforgiving, still demanding, and still deeply serious, but it is now a destination that Indians can visit with preparation, permits, and respect for altitude. This is travel in its most stripped-down form, where comfort fades quickly and intent matters more than aesthetics.
Why Siachen Glacier Is Called The Crown Of The Himalayas
Siachen earns its title through geography, scale, and extremes rather than symbolism.
The glacier spans close to 75 kilometres in length and covers roughly 2,000 square kilometres of ice and debris, making it larger than most Himalayan trekking regions combined. It is the highest continuously inhabited glacier region in the world, with Indian Army personnel stationed here year-round under some of the harshest living conditions on Earth.
Temperatures in winter plunge to minus 50 degrees Celsius, while summer temperatures still hover between minus 15 and minus 20 degrees Celsius. Wind speeds frequently cross 100 kilometres per hour, and oxygen availability drops to nearly 10 percent of what the body receives at sea level. These conditions shape everything from how people move to how long they can safely remain in the region.
Beyond physical extremes, Siachen holds strategic and ecological importance. It lies close to the borders of India, Pakistan, and China, and its ice fields feed water systems connected to the Indus River. For Indian travellers, it represents resilience, sacrifice, and the reality of life at the edge of human survival, which is why it has come to be known as the Crown of the Himalayas.
Can You Visit Siachen Glacier Now?
Yes, Indian tourists can visit Siachen Glacier Base Camp under current regulations, but access remains controlled.
Indian citizens no longer require a Special Area Permit from the Indian Army to visit the Siachen Glacier Base Camp or the nearby civilian tourist facility. This change was introduced by the Ladakh administration to encourage regulated tourism. However, visitors still need a standard Inner Line Permit to travel through restricted areas of Ladakh, including Nubra Valley, which lies on the route to Siachen.
Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit Siachen. Even for Indian travellers, access is limited to specific zones, and visits are subject to weather conditions and administrative approvals. Checking permit rules before travel is essential, as guidelines may change.
How To Reach Siachen Glacier
Reaching Siachen is a gradual journey designed around acclimatisation. There are no shortcuts, and every stage serves a purpose.
Step One: Reach Leh
The journey begins in Leh, which sits at approximately 3,500 metres above sea level. Leh is connected by daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. During peak travel months from June to August, flights fill quickly, making advance bookings necessary.
Leh is not just a transit point. It is the first altitude checkpoint where travellers begin adjusting to reduced oxygen levels.
Step Two: Acclimatise In Leh
A minimum stay of 24 to 48 hours in Leh is mandatory. These days should be spent resting, drinking water, and avoiding exertion. Mild headaches, fatigue, and breathlessness are common and should not be ignored. This acclimatisation phase significantly reduces the risk of altitude sickness later in the journey.
Step Three: Travel From Leh To Nubra Valley
From Leh, travellers drive north towards Nubra Valley, crossing Khardung La at 5,359 metres, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The distance is roughly 160 kilometres and usually takes six to eight hours, depending on road and weather conditions.
Nubra Valley provides a critical intermediate altitude, averaging around 4,000 metres, allowing the body to adapt further before heading towards Siachen.
Step Four: Nubra Valley To Siachen Base Camp
From villages such as Sumur, Paramik, or Tegar in Nubra Valley, the road continues for another 80 kilometres towards Siachen. Vegetation disappears completely, and the landscape becomes stark and mineral-heavy. Altitude gain is noticeable, and movement slows naturally due to thin air and cold.
Permits Required To Visit Siachen Glacier
While access has eased, documentation remains essential.
Indian travellers need an Inner Line Permit to enter Nubra Valley and surrounding restricted areas. The Army's No Objection Certificate is no longer required for civilian visits to Siachen Base Camp, but visitors are allowed only up to designated zones. Carrying valid government-issued identification at all times is mandatory.
Where To Stay When Visiting Siachen
Accommodation near Siachen is limited and functional, reflecting the terrain rather than comfort.
Staying In Nubra Valley
Lchang Nang Retreat in Nubra Valley is the most practical base for travellers heading to Siachen. Managed locally, it offers warm rooms, nourishing meals, and reliable sanitation. Its location makes it ideal for resting and acclimatising before and after visiting the glacier.
Staying In Leh
Leh offers the widest range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. It is also the last reliable point for medical facilities, pharmacies, and travel supplies.
Accommodation At Siachen Base Camp
Facilities at Siachen Base Camp are extremely limited. The Army operates a basic rest house with minimal amenities, and availability is scarce. Many visitors return to Nubra Valley on the same day.
Altitude Sickness And Health Precautions
Altitude sickness is the most serious risk associated with visiting Siachen.
Symptoms affect nearly 30 to 50 percent of people at high altitude and include headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, and disturbed sleep. Severe cases such as High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or High Altitude Cerebral Edema require immediate descent.
Diamox or acetazolamide is commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. A typical dosage is 125 mg every 12 hours, starting two days before ascent. Medical consultation before use is advised.
Hydration is critical. Travellers should drink four to five litres of water daily. Gradual ascent and adequate rest remain the most effective preventive measures.
Also Read: Which Hill Station Is Called The 'Italy Of India'
What To Pack For Visiting Siachen Glacier
Packing for Siachen focuses on survival and protection from cold.
Thermal Clothing
- Thermal base layers
- Insulated trousers
- Wool gloves and snow gloves
- Woollen cap and balaclava or face mask
Jackets And Layers
- Waterproof outer jacket
- Down jacket
- Fleece jacket
Footwear
- High-altitude trekking boots
- Thick thermal socks
- Gaiters
Essential Gear
- UV-protection sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen
- Lip balm and moisturiser
- Walking stick
- Backpack of 40 to 50 litres
- Sleeping bag rated to minus 20 degrees Celsius
- Insulated water bottles
- High-calorie snacks
Medical And Personal Items
- Diamox and basic first aid supplies
- Pain relief and electrolyte tablets
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Identity documents and permits
- Camera with spare batteries
- Prescription medication
Best Time To Visit Siachen Glacier
Siachen is accessible only during summer months.
The travel window runs from June to September, with July and August offering the most stable weather conditions. Even during this period, temperatures remain below freezing, and weather changes rapidly.
Winter travel is not permitted. Snow accumulation exceeds ten metres, roads become impassable, and official restrictions are enforced for safety reasons.
Things To See And Do At Siachen
Visiting the Siachen War Memorial near the base camp is a central part of the experience. The memorial honours soldiers who lost their lives defending the glacier and offers context to the region's significance.
Photography is another highlight. The stark ice fields, rock formations, and shifting light create rare visual moments, particularly during sunrise and sunset.
Acclimatised visitors may also undertake guided day hikes towards higher points such as Kumar Camp at around 5,700 metres, subject to weather and fitness levels.
Also Read: 9 Underrated European Countries That Outshine The Big Capitals In Winter
The glacier called the Crown of the Himalayas is the Siachen Glacier, and visiting it is no longer a distant idea reserved for military narratives. It is now a possible journey for Indian travellers who prepare carefully, respect altitude, and understand the risks involved. Siachen is not casual travel. It is demanding, humbling, and deeply physical. For those willing to commit, it offers a rare chance to stand in one of the most extreme landscapes on Earth and understand why this glacier continues to hold its crown.
