2012 GHT - High Passes of Miyar

The 2012 GHT- High Passes of Miyar exploratory was a wild trip.   We got our trekking legs  under us in the flowery meadows of the lower Miyar Valley, exploring some of the side valleys, and then moved onto the Ice.  The glacier didn’t disappoint, with stellar views of the potential climbing routes and fine weather.  We successfully crossed the Kang La into Zanskar, and after some days of rest, went for a climb of an unnamed 6000 meter peak in the Raru valley.  Shut down by snow, we said goodbye to Ron and Jerry at Padum, and headed into upper Zanskar for a visit to 2500 year old Phugtal Monastery, a new traverse of the Great Himalaya range into the Mayar (not Miyar) valley, and a new ascent of an unnamed slightly technical 6000 meter peak in the area.  A solid exploratory, with a double traverse of the Range, and a new peak under our belts.

 

The Nakora Valley in upper Miyar.

peak 6030 towering above the Nakora Valley (next year!).

One of the many alpine meadows in the Miyar.

 Exploring a side glacier in the Miyar Valley.

On the Miyar Glacier, heading towards the ablation (snow) line (image: Celesta Fong)

Checking in with the team at dawn on pass crossing day (image: Celesta Fong).

Crossing the Kang La.

Phugtal Monastery

A wild bridge in upper Zanskar.

Scanning for ibex in the Miyar Valley. (image: Celesta Fong)

views from peak 6005 in the Mayar valley.

Exploratory team - with trekkers Celesta, Jerry, and Ron

Exploratory Porter Staff

These men hail from near Jumla in Nepal, and are honest, solid, and hardworking.

Roster (in order of appearance): Jagat Shahi, Bim Bahadur Shahi, Nabin Shahi, Bhisan Kumar Shahi, Tapendra Kumar Shahi, Bim Shahi, Birendra Shahi, Surat Shahi, Jeevan Kumar Shahi, Lokesh Kumar Shahi, Bal Bahadur Shahi, Sughan Shahi, Suman Shahi, Bir Bhadur Shahi, Jaya Shahi.

Exploratory Staff

Tenpa Tsering - Sirdar and Head Chef

Phuntsok - Cook 

Luke - western leader

Kunsang - Assistant Guide and Camp Master

stay tuned! We head into Upper Zanskar next month for a wild traverse of the Great Himalaya, with more exploratory climbing.  Check out Celesta Fong's spectacular photo set of the trip as well.