AUTUMN 2005: HIMALAYAN EXPEDITION

NANDA GHUNTI (6309m)

15th SEPT - 10th OCT

Nanda Ghunti (Nanda's bell) is a fine detached peak just outside the rim of the world-famous Nanda Devi Sanctuary. First climbed in 1947 by its narrow East Ridge, a second and easier route was then made up the North Ridge and in 2001 our own expedition made the first ascent of the South Face. Several other lines, most notably the SW Ridge remain unclimbed

As well as providing a fine climb Nanda Ghunti lies in the centre of the delectable trekking country of the Nandakini valley and Kuari Pass. Our itinerary offers a 6 day approach trek via the fabled lake of Roop Kund and a 3 day return down the Nandakini valley to provide a round trip of exceptional interest.

Experience Required: If you've done some winter or Alpine mountaineering and have good fitness we will be pleased to accept you on this trip. It is also helpful if you've previously been to altitudes of 4000 metres. Members who want to test themselves against the new routes on the mountain should be ready and experienced for difficulties of Alpine AD/D and Scottish winter grade II/III. We will hold a pre-expedition weekend in the Spring to meet all the team and get some prior training. This expedition would also be ideal for trekkers who can do the longer 6 day Kuari Pass trek from N.Ghunti base camp to Joshimath. Maybe you are a couple or friends - and one partner wants to trek but isn't too keen on the climb; this is the ideal trip for you. If we have a minimum of two who want to trek the Kuari then we'll provide an Indian trek guide for that phase of the itinerary.

Outline Itinerary:

Sept 15-17: Fly to Delhi; city sightseeing; sleeper train to the foothills; bus journey to roadhead at Debal in Pindar valley

Sept 18-23: Approach trek: jeeps to Mundoli; forest trek to Wan village; steep ascent to Bedni Buggyal - a grazing alp at 10,000ft with majestic views of 7120m Trisul peak; acclimatisation day at Bedni; then a two day trek via the mysterious lake of Roop Kund and over the 4700m Junargali Col; final approach to base camp at 4250m below the sacred lake of Hom Kund

Sept 24-Oct 4: Acclimatisation and attempts on Nanda Ghunti. The easiest route in the N.Ridge crossing the 5300m Ronti Saddle into the desolate Ronti Glacier basin from which the final ridge is climbed (Alpine grade PD/PD+). More experienced or ambitious climbing members can also attempt the 1st ascent of the SW Ridge or else a second new route on the South Face.

Oct 5-7: Outward trek down Nandakini valley via Sutol village to roadhead at Ghat

Oct 8-10: Bus journey down Ganges valley, spending a night at the famous pilgrim centre of Haridwar-Rishikesh; return to Delhi and flights home.

Full trip dossier with map available on enquiry

Maximum of 10 places with 2 British Guides/Leaders

PRICE: £2,950 inclusive of Flights, Insurance, Permits and Peak Royalties, Leadership of British Mountain Guide, Travel and all Ground Services in India.

Deposit required: £450

Early-birds discount of 2 and a half % (that's nearly £75) on all bookings received before Jan 15th 2005