UKC

What is the best time of year to go Ski touring/ ski mountaineering in the Indian Himalaya?

I am not too bothered about peaks over 7000m as quite frankly they are bloody hard work and would take much longer to acclimatise to.

I appreciate this post is a bit vague to say the least as I have no idea about the names and areas of the Indian Himalaya but would love to visit and get some turns in.

Any advise on times of year, logistics, areas and anything else related would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

In reply to mugglewump:

Not been, but wanted to a few years ago...

Spring is the time to go.

I bought a book by Spooner ' Ski Touring India's Kullu Valley'.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ski-Touring-Indias-Kullu-Valley/dp/0958108609/ref=s...
http://alpinetouring.com/KulluValley.htm
http://alpinetouring.com/KulluValley2.htm

A few clues to areas on this page http://www.above14000ft.com/himalaya-ski-touring/

In reply to interdit: I went to the Kullu Valley in mid April, it was too hot really so I would suggest late March/early April. If you can't get hold of the book in the UK, you can get it direct from the Authur if you search for him online. The book isn't perfectly accurate and you can't get hold of maps to back it up.

Another suggestion would be Gulmarg, I've not been but it's in Cashmere and there is a lift there which makes me think there maybe more on offer and locals who would be able to point you in the right direction.

In reply to lee johnson: Hi Lee. I have Spooner's guide and am planning to go (although probably not this year...ho hum). I'd appreciate any info on your logistics, stuff you got done, contact details. So you had a hard job getting hold of maps? What sort of innacuracies did you find with the guide? What was your overall impression of the touring possibilities there? Any "must do" routes you would recommend?
Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

In reply to mugglewump:

Great video from a ski exped in the indian himalaya-
vimeo.com/24040010

In reply to Ben Briggs:

A group from our club went in August 2011. They ski toured 3 peaks around 6000m in Ladhak region. Here is the link to their site, in French but Google can no doubt sort that for you.
Sam

http://www.expe-alpiness.ch/recit_generique.html