Expeditions Unlimited blog
From little-known summits above 7000 meters to more classic ascents between 6000 and 8000 meters, we offer a fine selection of guaranteed departures at high altitude in Nepal and India for the summer and autumn of 2025. Are you familiar with Kun (7077 m) and its bigger brother Nun (7135 m), set amid the mineral landscapes of Indian Ladakh? Or Putha Hiunchuli (7246 m) in the heart of the Nepalese Dolpo? Does the mythical Ama Dablam (6812 m) fire your imagination? And if you already have experience at 7000 metres, perhaps now is the time to consider your first 8000 m peak, such as Manaslu (8163 m) or Cho Oyu (8201 m)? Whatever your choice, all these summits offer an extraordinary adventure to be lived in optimal conditions: expert weather routing, 24/7 medical assistance and well-oiled logistics, supported by dedicated teams on the ground.
Ascent of Kun at 7077 meters in Ladakh on August 2, 2025
Climber on a ridge of Kun in the Indian Himalayas © S.Dawa
We climb Kun (7077 m) in the Great Himalayan range, located on the borders of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir on one side, and the provinces of Zanskar and Ladakh on the other. Kun is the younger of the twin summits known as Nun-Kun. Its ascent follows the north-east ridge, offering a technical route but with no objective hazards. Nun (7135 m) presents a less technically demanding ascent, but one that is excessively exposed to avalanches, and as a result is rarely climbed. A three-day trek, involving the crossing of the Kanji La at 5280 meters, allows for acclimatisation. An additional day leads from the alpine pastures of Gulmatangol, on the banks of the Suru River, to base camp at 4350 meters. Three high-altitude camps are then required to summit the mountain.
Ascent of Manaslu at 8,163 meters in Nepal on August 28, 2025
Mountaineer heading towards the summit of Manaslu in Nepal © Eric Bonnem / Pascal Pompei
For many enthusiasts, the mythical figure of 8000 meters is a goal — the dream of a lifetime of mountaineering. Our Manaslu expedition offers the chance to live this adventure with the greatest possible likelihood of success. Its relatively lower technical difficulty allows participants to focus on all the aspects of life at altitude. That said, the sheer scale of the challenge and the efforts required to reach its summit should by no means be underestimated. We entrust the organisation of the ascent to an experienced expedition leader, and our local teams know Manaslu well, having organised several previous expeditions there. An extraordinary immersion and adventure.
Ascent of Cho Oyu at 8,201 meters in Tibet on August 31
Summit push in Tibet © Expeditions Unlimited
The sixth highest peak on the planet, Cho Oyu (8201 m) stands out as an ideal first 8000 meters summit to climb among the fourteen. A drivable track leads to the Chinese base camp at 4900 meters. The advanced base camp (5650 m), the true starting point of the ascent, is reached in two short days. From there, over two or even three high-altitude camps, the ascent route pioneered by the first Austrian climbers in 1954 unfolds across gentle slopes (30°). The only serious difficulty remains the crossing of a serac zone at 6600 meters, equipped with fixed ropes. Objective hazards are limited to snow accumulation in the event of heavy precipitation. We offer this ascent in autumn, once the monsoon season in Nepal has passed. Although Cho Oyu is the most accessible summit above 8000 meters, the length of the summit plateau at very high altitude should nonetheless not be underestimated.
Ascent of Putha Hiunchuli at 7,246 meters in Nepal on September 23, 2025
Ascent of Putha Hiunchuli in Nepal © Rishi / Expeditions Unlimited
In a small group, we set off to tackle Putha Hiunchuli, a beautiful 7000-meter summit. Its ascent requires experience of high-altitude expeditions and technical mountaineering skills at a "slightly difficult" level on snow. Putha Hiunchuli is an interesting peak for those looking to discover high altitude. Due to its isolation (it is the westernmost summit in the Dhaulagiri range), Putha Hiunchuli is a particularly wild mountain. It can receive significant snowfall, making its ascent especially physically demanding. The approach march offers a superb trek that allows for gentle acclimatisation.
Ascent of Ama Dablam at 6812 meters in Nepal on October 15, 2025
Summit of Ama Dablam in Nepal © Bruno Serraz
We set off for one of the most beautiful summits in the world at almost 7000 meters, the one that countless mountaineers and trekkers have gazed upon during expeditions or treks in the Khumbu region: Ama Dablam. All have dreamed of it, and its soaring summit pyramid has left more than a few in awe. At 6812 meters, Ama Dablam represents a holy grail for experienced mountaineers, and its ascent must be earned. To achieve it, we engage the services of one experienced high-altitude Sherpa per participant. Although the ascent can be completed with two high-altitude camps, we favour the option of a third camp. This entails greater logistical demands, but offers the best chances of reaching the summit. Ultimately, it is the weather conditions that determine the final strategy.