In a weeks time, we'll gather here in Delhi to meet with the
Indian Mountaineering Foundation and begin our journey into India's Garwhal
Himalaya. The Garwhal Himalaya aren't a popular destination compared to
other locales in the Himalaya, perhaps due to how remote and wild they
are. So, for a few weeks, we'll
be away from the wired world.
Our peak objective, Bhagirathi 2 (Google rendered image below), is named
after King Bhagirathi, believed by locals to be the one responsible for
bringing the Ganges river to earth from the heavens. The peak is 6512
meters (21364 feet) in height, and boasts some mighty fine climbing
lines. Marko Prezelj and his team of Slovenian alpinists found some
excellent climbing in the cirque next door (
images and story here).
Our climb will be with
crampons,
mountaineering axes, and running belays with pickets and maybe a screw
or two depending on conditions. We'll be climbing on a ridge line.
We'll be posting updates when the team arrives here, if possible at the
expedition start, and then our results after our time. Currently, Rahul
Thapa (local guide) is in Munsoorie and preparing local arrangements,
Kunsang and Chandan are preparing equipment and tents in Manali, and I'm
(Luke Smithwick) here in Delhi preparing to move to Kathmandu to bring
expedition supplies down to meet Rahul in Munsoorie next week. Stay
tuned! A few more visuals below.. -Luke Smithwick, Himalaya Alpine
Guides
Where is the Garwhal?
The
Garwhal Himalaya is located in the Indian Himalaya, on China's Tibetan
border. See the map below to orient yourself. This expedition is the
first of a series in the region, exploring alpine peaks and climbing
aesthetic routes.
