The Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) has made a somewhat out-of-character decision to ease up on the need for an X visa before undertaking official climbing trips in India. The change means that if for example you want to climb Nun, then a tourist visa is sufficient for the IMF to issue a climbing permit. Check out the list of 'open peaks' in J&K, a selection of which are in Zanskar. Perhaps the IMF have finally realised that making it easier for overseas climbers may increase their chance of attracting some of the climbing business that currently enjoys fewer restrictions across the ceasefire line in Pakistan. Now all they need to do is reduce the in-country paperwork and, more importantly, the fees...