Changabang

Mountain Steep Himalayan peak renowned for technical climbing

Changabang’s steep granite faces in Uttarakhand attract technical climbers; the peak sits above the Rishi Ganga valley and demands mixed rock-and-ice routes. Visitors come for hard alpine climbs and remote Himalayan scenery.

Main image

Changabang is a 6,864-meter peak in the Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand, India, notable for steep granite faces and sustained technical routes. It is a landmark within the Rishi Ganga valley approach routes and is known chiefly to alpine climbers rather than general tourists.

The mountain is prized for its steepness and technical difficulty rather than for mass tourism. Climbers encounter long, committing rock, ice, and mixed routes on faces that require technical rock-climbing and alpine experience; typical ascents involve complex route-finding and multi-day technical pitches.

Changabang has been a focus of high-difficulty alpinism since the mid to late 20th century and has attracted international climbing expeditions for challenging new lines. Its technical reputation has limited the number of successful ascents compared with nearby higher, less technical peaks.

The peak sits in the central Garhwal Himalaya of northern Uttarakhand, India, within a remote mountain landscape. Access is via long approaches through mountain valleys; the nearest large urban center is in the state of Uttarakhand, with local access commonly starting from roadheads in the region.

  • Elevation: 6,864 m above sea level.
  • Climbing character: Highly technical routes with sustained steep rock and mixed climbing; most approaches require long glacier or valley approaches and high technical ability.
Changabang
30.4833, 80.0167

How to Get to Changabang #

Approach is typically from Joshimath or the Rishikesh-Joshimath road network. Treks into the Rishi Ganga valley start from village trailheads; experienced local guides and porters are essential. Permit requirements and trekking routes are managed by Uttarakhand authorities.

Tips for Visiting Changabang #

  • Base camp access normally requires trekking from village trailheads; local high-altitude porters are invaluable.
  • Climbers should prepare for mixed rock and ice routes - winter ascents are technical and best left to experienced alpinists.
  • Respect local regulations and consult national park authorities for permits and current route conditions.

Best Time to Visit Changabang #

Best climbed in spring (pre-monsoon) or autumn (post‑monsoon) to avoid heavy monsoon precipitation and unstable weather.

Pre‑monsoon (spring)
April-May · 0-10°C at lower camps; colder above 4,000m
Clearer window before Indian monsoon; good for alpine-style ascents.
Post‑monsoon (autumn)
September-October · Similar to spring
Stable weather windows and cooler temperatures - the most popular climbing season.

Weather & Climate near Changabang #

Climate

Changabang's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with freezing summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -25°C to 3°C. Moderate rainfall (689 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
JuneOctoberNovember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
18°
Warmest Month
-35°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -15°C and lows of -25°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

32 Poor

Comfort

-20°
Feels Like Freezing
-20°C
Temperature
-25° -15°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.3h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -24°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

34 Poor

Comfort

-19°
Feels Like Freezing
-19°C
Temperature
-24° -14°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.0
UV Index
High
11.0h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -20°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-15°
Feels Like Freezing
-15°C
Temperature
-20° -11°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -16°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-16° -7°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -12°C. Almost no rain and mostly overcast skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-12° -2°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

6 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
13.6h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-8°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
13.9h daylight

July

July is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (232 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

34 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

232 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
13.8h daylight

August

August is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

179 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
13.1h daylight

September

September is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-8°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.2h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

49 Poor

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-14° -4°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -19°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-19° -9°
55%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
10.5h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -22°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

38 Poor

Comfort

-17°
Feels Like Freezing
-17°C
Temperature
-22° -12°
51%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
10.1h daylight

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