AUTUMN 2012: HIMALAYAN EXPEDITION

HIMACHAL PIONEER: Tharang Nala Peaks

Pioneering climbs on virgin peaks of Lahaul region

13th Sept - 7th Oct

Tharang Nala with Tharang II (6011m) (centre) and Tharang I (6066m) (far left): photo taken from Miyar Nala during our Himachal Pioneer trip Sept 2011

We are returning to in 2012 to the Lahaul mountains of Himachal Pradesh, India to explore and climb in an exciting group of peaks, many of which are as yet unclimbed. The Tharang Nala is a side-valley running east of the Miyar Nala - a beautiful and expansive mountain valley through which we trekked during our 2011 Himachal trip. The peaks form a magnificent assemblage with three summits - an gentle snow peak of 5870m that is thought to have been climbed previously, a rocky and challenging central peak of 6066m and a glacial snow queen of 6011m, which we think are virgin. We can attempt any or all three of these mountains, and two further unclimbed peaks, close to 6000m, in the nearby Uldhampu nala. With easy accessibility by road, a simple three day approach walk and reasonable altitude, this trip offers are fantastic opportunity to explore a delectable area of the Himalayas on a three week time budget. As always the trip will be led and guided by our expert British guides. It is open to all mountaineers who have prior experience of snow and ice mountaineering and have been to altitudes of 4000 metres. Applicants with greater technical experience will be able to attempt the harder of the peaks. This area offers objectives for all ambitions and our itineraries are always flexible to give all members a chance to achieve a personal goal. The expedition will provide exciting overland travel through magnificent mountain terrain, plus stays in the famous hill resort of Manali, journeys by train, bus and jeep - and is recommended as highly suitable trip for a first visit to the Himalaya.

If your passions are fired by the prospect of exploring untracked virgin mountain country; if you want a lightweight alpine-style expedition free of the constraints of fixed ropes and siege tactics; if you are willing to train hard and work as part of a team - then this trip will suit you.

Appropriate "technical" experience may include rock climbing to Severe standard or above, winter mountaineering to grade II/III standard and mixed alpine terrain (of PD or AD standard). Previous altitude experience to 4000m and above is strongly recommended.

Virgin 5900m peaks at head of Uldhampu nala - next valley south of Tharang

Tharang group from upper Miyar valley with potential routes to summits marked (photo: Gustavo Fierro-Carrion)

Outline itinerary
Thurs Sept 13th : Flights UK to Delhi - daytime or overnight Thurs/Fri
Fri Sept 14th : Packing and sightseeing in Delhi; complete admin formalities with Indian Mountaineering Foundation; overnight sleeper train to Chandigarh
Sat Sept 15th : Jeep journey to Manali; 240km 8-10hr; stay at the relaxing Dragon Guest House in Old Manali
Sun Sept 16th : Purchasing of trek food and equipment; jeep journey over Rohtang La pass (3950m) and down Chandra Bhaga valley to Udaipur (2640m) - 8hr
Mon Sept 17th: Trek up Miyar Nala valley following road to Urgos (3300m), 23km; overnight home stay in village
Tues Sept 18th: Trek to Miyar Nala valley roadhead at Sukto, continuing through Khanjar village to campground at 3700m; 8km.
Wed Sept 19th: Trek to Tharang base camp at 3850m; 7km. Mules to transport luggage
Thurs Sept 20th - Sun 23rd: Acclimatisation and load-ferrying to establish an Advance Base Camp at 4600m above Tharang Glacier
Mon Sept 24th - Wed 26th: Attempt on Tharang III (5870m) - glacier and snow climb of PD standard; an excellent acclimatisation ascent for all members

Thurs Sept 27th - Wed Oct 3rd: Attempts on Tharang II and Tharang I from glacier camp at 5300m plus possible exploration of Uldhampu nala peaks

Thurs Oct 4th: Pack up base camp and trek to Sukto (roadhead), 10km; Jeep journey from Sukto back to Udaipur and Manali

Fri-Sat Oct 5th-6th: Jeep drive Manali to Chandigarh and evening train to Delhi; final day relaxing and shopping in Delhi

Sun Oct 7th: Overnight flights back to UK/Europe (arr Hrow 07.00hrs)

Trip Grade:B/C

Note: We plan to hold a pre-expedition training meet in Scotland in late-Winter early-Spring when all members will be trained, tested and fully briefed in the skills and physical preparation required for this expedition

Maximum number of members: 9 with 2 British guides ;
Price: £3,760 incl Flights Heathrow-Delhi, Travel in India, British Guides, Indian staff, half-board Hotels and Hostels in India, use of Equipment/Tents. Not included: Personal Insurance, Visas, Tips, Drinks, Lunches on the road. Deduct £500 for land-only price

Deposit: £400 booking deposit required. Balance payable on or before June 13th

Discounts: 2½% to past-Scottish/Alpine clients; 5% to past Himalayan-clients, 5% to groups of 3 or more and 20% to a qualified doctor willing to undertake the role of medical officer on the team.

Maps: Ladakh-Zanskar: South 1:150000 published by Editions Olizane (2005): available on mail order from www.olizane.ch : excellent topographic map; GPS compatible. Leomann Indian Himalaya Maps: sheets 4 and 5: basic 1:200000 line maps with lots of information on trekking on reverse

Link to: 2011 HIMACHAL PIONEER PHOTO SELECTION

Full dossier available on request

Director: Martin Moran
IFMGA and BMG Guide