HIMALAYAN EXPEDITIONS
SATLING CLIMB AND SKI
Technical Pioneering, Exploratory Climbing and Ski-Mountaineering in the Himalayan Spring
DATES: 24 APRIL - 18 MAY 2003
5850m Brahmasar, crowning peak of the Satling range
Our visit to the Khatling Glacier and Satling Spires range in Spring 2002 opened our eyes to a host of further possibilities and we are returning with three itineraries available. In 2002 we made several first ascents on the spires but much was left undone, including the highest pinnacle of the crowning peak Brahmasar (5850m). We also wished we had taken skis for the opportunities for fantastic ski descents of over 1200 metres were enormous, so this year we offer an itinerary for ski tourers. We also saw many unclimbed snow peaks in the Khatling range which would be great objectives for a team of Himalayan novices, culminating in 5815m Bhetiara-ka-Danda. What is more by going in early Spring we enjoyed the best weather and conditions I have ever experienced in the Himalayas - we can't guarantee the same in 2003 but late-April and early May gives a better chance of fine weather than later in the season. So here are the three itineraries:-
Satling Climber: Technical challenge on virgin ridges, granite faces and ice couloirs; first ascent attempts on Brahmasar (5850m) and surrounding peaks in Alpine-style and at Alpine grades Difficile and upwards; a fantastic opportunity for experienced climbers competent to Scottish grade IV and VS/HVS on rock to climb new routes with expert Guides 2:1 Guiding ration Price: £3,200
Khatling Explorer: Learn the skills and techniques of Himalayan mountaineering and high altitude climbing while attempting a range of 5500m peaks including the unclimbed Bhetiara-ka-Danda (5815m) Some previous mountaineering experience in Scotland or the Alps is required Max Guiding Ratio 5:1 Price £2,800
Khatling Skier: The itinerary is similar as for the explorer but travel on SKI !! A snow cover above 3500m in early Spring offers wonderful ski-touring opportunities with peak-bagging en-route. After attempts on Bhetiara-ka-Danda and other summits around the Khatling Glacier the group may attempt the first ski-crossing of the historic Auden's Col (5486m). All applicants must be competent off-piste skiers as well as safe mountaiineers. Max Guiding Ratio 5:1 with a British Mountain Guide expert in ski-mountaineering Price £2,800
Outline schedule:-
April 24-26 Fly to Delhi (regional departures from UK airports available); bus journey to roadhead of Ghuttu (1524m)
April 27-30 A delightful 50km trek to Khatling base camp at 3720m up the peaceful forested Bhilangna valley via Gangi (2580m) and Kharsoli (2920m)
May 1-13 Climbing and ski-ing itineraries as above, based on the Khatling base camp which will be staffed with cook and high altitude porters
May 14-18 Return trek, journey to Delhi and return to UK
Our prices are All-inclusive of comprehensive Insurance Cover, Flights from UK, Peak Fees, expert leadership from British Guides and all Ground services in India. In fact you need bring no more more than £150 to India to cover tips, lunches and drinks. Considering that 12 days guided climbing in the Alps now costs in region of £2,000 Himalayan trips offer excellent value for money and include the intense cultural experience of meeting India, its culture, hill people and wonderful treks.
Full dossier on this trip available on request
