AUTUMN 2006: HIMALAYAN EXPEDITION
NIKURCH RAMA (6320m) and Kumaon Pioneer
14th Sept - 10th Oct
Nikurch Rama is the highest and most impressive peak of the Little Kailash range in the border regions of Eastern Kumaon. It's estimated altitude is 6320m and it is unclimbed. Building on the experience of two previous visits to the Little Kailash area we plan to attempt the peak by its west or north flank from the unexplored Rama Glacier. There are several neighbouring summits which can also be accessed from Rama. This is a very exciting opportunity to explore an untouched valley and to pioneer one of India's last major unclimbed summits.
Rama upper NW and E Faces from Adi Kailash
Nikurch Rama from SE
Unclimbed peaks to north of Nikurch Rama all accessible from Rama Glacier
(Photos: Martin Welch; 2004 Adi Kailash Expedition)
Applicants to join the trip must have previous Alpine and/or snow/ice climbing experience at technical standards of AD or Winter III-IV, and prior altitude experience to 5000m and will be additionally helpful. The trip will be led by British Guides on a 3:1 ratio.
Outline itinerary:
Thurs Sept 14th: Daytime flights to Delhi; arr. c.23.00hrs; check into 4* hotel
Fri Sept 15th: Checking and packing equipment; briefing meeting at Indian Mountaineering Foundation; sightseeing tour; catch night sleeper train to Kathgodam
Sat Sept 16th: Drive through Kumaon foothills via Almora to overnight stop at hill-station of Chaukori; 10hrs
Sun Sept 17th: Drive Chaukori to Darchula in the Kali Ganga valley, 6hrs; obtain Inner Line permits; stay at resthouse.
Mon Sept 18th: Complete administrative formalities and take 30km jeep drive to Sobale in Darma Ganga valley and trek to Sela village (2550m), 12km.
Tues Sept 19th: Trek Sela to Duktu village (3200m); 18km
Wed Sept 20th: Trek Duktu to Rama and establish base camp in the Rama valley at c. 3750m
Thurs Sept 21st: Rest and acclimatisation at base camp
Fri Sept 22nd - Mon Sept 25th: Exploration of Rama valley; establishment and stocking of an advance camp at c.4500m
Tues Sept 26th - Thurs Oct 5th: Climbing phase: attempts on Nikurch Rama (6320m), Unnamed Peak to west of Little Kailash (6300m), Yungtangto (5890m) and neighbouring peaks - Alpine-style methods with minimal use of fixed ropes
Fri Oct 6th: Meet mule transport and trek out to Duktu
Sat Oct 7th: Trek Duktu to Sobale - meet jeeps and return to Darchula
Sun Oct 8th: Bus journey to Kathgodam (14hrs); catch night sleeper back to Delhi
Mon Oct 9th: Final shopping, debrief at IMF and final meal out; drive to airport to catch night flights back to Europe.
Tues Oct 10th: Flights home arriving UK between 07.00-10.00hrs.
PRICE: £3,850 includes Return flights from UK to Delhi and all travel from Delhi to/from roadhead; Hotel and resthouse accommodation, breakfasts and evening meals in Delhi and on journey; Guiding from British Mountain Guides; services of Cook and High Altitude Porters; all fees for Peak Permits; Mules and porters for transport of kit; all Food on trek/climb; use of Tents if required and provision of all ropes, hardware. [Personal Insurance cover, Drinks, restaurant lunches, and tips are not included].
Maximum Number: 9 members with 3 guides
15% discount for expedition medical doctor; 5% discount to past Himalayan clients; 2 ½ % for bookings received before Jan 15th 2006; Booking Deposit: £500
Full dossier available on request
