AUTUMN
2008: HIMALAYAN EXPEDITION
HIMACHAL
PIONEER
11th
Sept - 7th Oct
Peak
6184m from the summit of Gangsthang
- our proposed route will ascend the right-hand glacier
and climb the snow face to the summit rock tor; the grade looks to
be Alpine AD/Scottish grade II/III
Following
our successful ascent of Gangsthang
(6162m) in 2007 we are returning
in 2008 to explore and attempt more virgin peaks in the Lahaul
district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Our main objective
will be the unclimbed summit of Peak 6184m
which lies above the Jankar Nala north-west fo Darcha, and
in addition we will be exploring a range of superb 5500-6000m peaks
between the Jankar and Billing Nalas which offer technical alpine
routes of all styles at a relatively modest altitude.
The trip will appeal to experienced mountaineers who have experience
of a variety of terrain, including rock climbing, winter mountaineering
(to grade II/III standard) and mixed alpine terrain (typically AD
standard). Previous altitude experience to 4000m and above is also
beneficial, but ths is an ideal itinerary for a first trip to the
Himalayas for adventurous climbers. All members of this trip should
be interested in genuine mountain exploration and adventure in a remote
area. All climbing will be lightweight alpine-style with support of
high-altitude porters. All members must have robust fitness.
The expedition will also provide exciting travel through magnificent
mountain terrain, plus stays in the famous hill resorts of Shimla
and Manali, journeys by train, bus and jeep and visits to Hindu
and Buddhist temples - so it is recommended as an ideal trip for
a first visit to India.
The
unclimbed Billing-Jankar Nala range in Lahaul - the other target
for our 2008 Himachal expedition; peak heights range
from 5770m to 6020m with potential for snow/ice/mixed climbs grades
from alpine AD to TD in standard
Outline
itinerary
Thurs Sept 11th : Flights UK to Delhi
Fri Sept 12th : Final packing and administrative clearance,
sightseeing tour of Delhi; overnight sleeper train to Chandigarh and
Shimla
Sat Sept 13th : At leisure in the historic hill-station of
Shimla; walks and sightseeing to 2400m
Sun Sept 14th : Jeep journey to Manali; 240km 8-10hr
Mon Sept 15th: Jeep journey over Rohtang La pass (3950m) to
Keylong and Darcha (3360m) at start of walk-in; hire porters and mules
for trek
Tues-Thurs Sept 16th-18th: Trek Darcha to Takpachan (3770m),
12-14 km; Takpachan to Doll (4100m); Doll to base camp under major
side glaciers on W side of Jankar Nala (4300m), 8km.
Fri Sept 19th - Wed Oct 1st: Climbing phase - 13 days
for recconoitre and climbs in Billing-Jankar range ; attempt on Peak
6184m (see photos above); groups may spilit according to preferences
Thurs Oct 2nd-Fri Oct 3rd: Optional crossing of pass Billing-Jankar
La and trek down Billing valley to Keylong; alternatively, walk out
back to Darcha down Jankar Nala
Sat Oct 4th: Jeep transport back to Manali
Sun Oct 5th: Jeep from Manali to Chandigarh and train to Delhi;
stay overnight at hotel
Mon Oct 6th: Sightseeing and shopping in Delhi - including
visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham temple complex
Tues Oct 7th: Night flights back to UK
Maximum
number of members: 8 with 2 British Mountain Guides
Price: £3,350 incl Flights Heathrow-Delhi,
Peak Fees, Travel in India, British Guides, Indian staff, half-board
3-4* Hotels in India, use of Equipment/Tents. Not included: Personal
Insurance, Visas, Tips, Drinks, Lunches on the road. Deduct £500
for land-only price
Discounts: 2½% discount on bookings received before
15th Dec 2007, 2½% to past-Scottish/Alpine clients;
5% to past Himalayan-clients, 5% to groups of 3 or more
and 15% to a qualified doctor willing to undertake the role
of medical officer on the team.
Map:
Ladakh-Zanskar: South 1:150000 published by Editions Olizane (2005):
available on mail order from www.olizane.ch
: excellent topographic map; GPS compatible.
Full
dossier available on request
