Where to go mountaineering in June

If you’re in the Northern hemisphere, June can be a great month for fun days rock climbing with friends. But if you’re after something a little more adventurous, then there is plenty more out there. These are some suggestions, but as always, you’ll need to check up to date information regarding access and logistics, particularly for those areas subject to geo-political tensions. Here’s a little inspiration for the month of June. And if not this year, why not next?

Europe & the Middle East

June is the start of the summer mountaineering season in the European Alps and Scandinavia, but this largely depends on how much snow there has been over winter and how quickly it has melted. Depending on the type of route you have in mind, a late start to the season can make or break your plans. In ‘normal’ years, alpine snow routes are usually best climbed in June, but with climate change and unusual weather patterns, nothing is guaranteed. The Whymper Couloir on the Aguille Verte is a good example of this; a classic route in snowy conditions which is dangerous if too dry.

Further east, the mountains of Turkey (e.g. Mount Ararat) and numerous peaks over 4000m in Iran are often climbed in June, as are those in the Caucasus including Elbrus and Mount Kazbek.

Asia

If you’re after bigger, more adventurous challenges then central Asia has a lot to offer in June. For quieter mountains with a more remote feel, the Altai range which borders Russia, Mongolia & China has peaks up for 4506m high. If you want to test yourself at over 7000m (e.g. Khan Tengri in Kazakhstan), the Tien Shan range which borders China and the ‘Stans is also worth considering.

Many of the tallest and most technically challenging mountains in the world are found in the Karakorum range in the Pakistan/China border regions. The likes of K2, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum I & II (all over 8000m) are multi-month undertakings that usually start their approach in June.

South America

Despite being in the Southern hemisphere and therefore technically in mid-winter, there are loads of mountainous areas in the Andes which come into season in June.

In Bolivia, you have the Cordillera Apolobamba, Cordillera Lipez and Cordillera Real (including Illimani) all of which are stunning alpine peaks which are relatively easy to access. Just factor in feeling terrible in La Paz for a few days after landing at the world’s highest international airport at 4062m!

For more technical climbs, Peru has loads to offer including the Cordillera Huayhuash, (home of the infamous Siula Grand and THAT crevasse) and the often argued ‘most beautiful mountain in the world’ Alpamayo in the Cordillera Blanca.

Alpamayo, Cordillera Blanca, Peru (Photo by spock1, FreeImages)

There are also a number of volcanoes worth climbing in Ecuador (including Cotopaxi) and loads more in the Cordillera Occidental chain that spans Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. Some of them are still active which adds another dimension to the usual mountain hazards you might encounter.

North America

The extensive mountains of Alaska offer up a range of challenges with big technical walls as well as huge alpine-style undertakings. June is historically the month that most people summit Denali, partly because temperatures are warmer and there are more daylight hours. Again though, changing weather patterns can have a major impact on the ability to approach and complete climbs.

Africa

For something a little more off the tourist track (we’re looking at you, Kili), there are fantastic alpine rock routes on Mount Kenya’s north face that can be climbed in June.

That’s probably enough to keep you busy for a lifetime. It’s safe to say June is a great month for alpine expedition climbing around the world!