White Magic Adventure Travel

SATOPANTH (7075m)

India

27 DAYS
12 MAX GROUP SIZE
7075m
MAX ALTITUDE
9 Very Demanding

TBA
Trip leader default

26 Aug - 21 Sep 2024

299000 / 5650

Trip cost

299000 / 5650

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Satopanth in the local dialect literally means ‘true path’. It is the second-highest mountain in the Gangotri group in Uttarakhand and is quite a formidable undertaking. It makes for a compelling proposition to mountain junkies, willing to make the transition from ‘trekking’ peaks to ‘climbing’ peaks and experience the high alpine environment at 7,000m+!!
The route includes a complex glacier approach, high-angled snow slopes and knife edge ridge, before the final section to the summit. At just over 7,000m, the effect of high altitude is a significant factor, as is the remote location and possibility of extreme weather. Mt. Satopanth serves as a good introduction to technical climbing, with climbers being exposed to the use of crampons, fixed ropes and jumar climbing. Many Indian expeditions going to climb Mt. Everest or other 8,000m+ peaks climb Mt. Satopanth as a preparatory trip.

Itinerary

Show Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi, transfer to the hotel & rest.

Day 02: Briefing at IMF, overnight train from Delhi to Haridwar

Visit the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) office in Delhi for a briefing session, where we are greeted by the Director and introduced to the Liaison Officer who will accompany us on the expedition. In the evening, we board the overnight train from the New Delhi Railway Station.

Day 03: Drive Haridwar to Uttarkashi (1,110m) (6-7hrs)

We arrive in Haridwar early in the morning, and the vehicles will be waiting for us at the railway station. We load our stuff and hit the road. It’s a fairly long drive in the mountains and we have breakfast and lunch on the way to our guest house in Uttarkashi. After freshening up at the guest house, we sort out our personal climbing gear and if anyone is short on any climbing equipment or personal gear we make a quick dash to the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) to rent it.

Day 04: Drive Uttarkashi to Gangotri (3,048m) (5hrs)

Another long day on the road today, as we drive to the roadhead to Gangotri. Gangotri is a sacred place for the Hindus, as it is the source of the River Ganga, and consequently is visited by hordes of pilgrims. Not surprisingly, and like any pilgrimage town in India, Gangotri is now a very busy place and we spend most of the time in our guest house as we continue sorting out our gear.

Day 05: Acclimatisation day in Gangotri (3,048m)

Since we have gained significant altitude over the past two days, we plan to spend a day in and around Gangotri as we allow our bodies to acclimatise to the change in environs and altitude. However, just to loosen our muscles a bit, (which by now must be itching to hit the trail, more so after the incessant driving over the past two days) we go on a short acclimatisation walk.

Day 06: Trek Gangotri to Chirbasa (3,548m) (4hrs)

Finally we hit the trail today. But before that, we visit the temple and take the blessings from the local priest. Today is a short trek of about 4 hours, as we start walking towards Gaumukh (the snout of the Gangotri glacier). We get the first glimpse of the very impressive Bhagirathi group of peaks. We camp at Chirbasa (meaning home of pine in the local language), just next to the raging Bhagirathi river.

Day 07: Trek Chirbasa to Bhojbasa (3,784m) (2hrs)

Another short day today, as we make the short two hour walk to Bhojbasa. Remember, we are taking it easy as it gives everyone a fair chance to acclimatise well to the conditions. Bhojbasa, in local dialect means the home of birch tree, although very few are left in the area now due to rampant deforestation.

Day 08: Trek Bhojbasa to Nandanvan (4,420m) (6-7hrs)

We continue walking along the Bhagirathi river, till we reach Gaumukh, the snout of the Gangotri glacier. Here we stop for a break as we watch the holy river gush out of the snout of the glacier. Then we walk up on glacial moraine as we make our way to the meadows of Nandanvan, at the base of the Bhagirathi peaks. Nandanvan is also a magnificent viewpoint of the majestic Shivling peak, the Matterhorn of the Himalayas.

Day 09: Acclimatisation day

To aid acclimatisation, we spend a day in the serene surroundings of Nandanvan. After a relaxed morning, we go for a short walk to gain some height and then return for a hot lunch.

Day 10: Trek Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal/Base Camp (BC) (4,850m) (4hrs)

We start the day by walking along a gentle stream with views of the Meru and Bhrigupanth. After about an hour and half, we reach a deep gorge eroded by the Vasuki glacier. We descend diagonally into the glacier and then after a short climb we can see the Vasuki tal. A short descent of 10 mins brings us to our base camp, at the foot of the north-west ridge of the Vasuki Parbat, which feeds the lake.

Day 11: Acclimatisation day

While HAPs do a load ferry to the Advance Base Camp, we allow our bodies to adapt well to the altitude so we spend another night at base camp. We will have the opportunity to do some side walks from Vasuki tal.

Day 12: Trek Base Camp to Camp 1 (C1) (5,130m)

We walk on a narrow ridge, with the curiously named Chaturangi glacier on the left and Vasuki Parbat on the right. Just at the edge of the ridge, we get a glimpse of the majestic Satopanth. From here we descend to the Sundar glacier, and after a long moraine walk we reach Camp 1.

Day 13: Acclimatisation day

Another rest day today, as the HAPs go ahead to fix the ropes while we go for a short height-gain before returning to the camp for lunch.

Day 14: Camp 1 to Camp 2 (5,800m)

The technical climb starts today. After a short walk on the glacier for about an hour and half, we negotiate a rock band and then an ice gully. From here we traverse a couple of gentle humps to reach camp 1. We would be using ropes for this section and ascenders as well.

Day 15: Acclimatisation day

After an easy start to the day we would go for a short height-gain, returning to Camp 2 before lunch.

Day 16: Camp 2 to Camp 3/Summit Camp (6,200m)

After a short steep walk, we reach the infamous “knife ridge”. We would have ropes fixed on this part as well. Progress is slow on this section, so work on your calves while you still can. Once we are through with the ridge, we are on the steep icy face of the mountain. We set up camp just above a hanging glacier.

Day 17: Summit Camp – Summit – Summit Camp (C3)

We normally start the summit attempt around midnight so we are up on the summit early enough. It depends a lot on the weather conditions on that day. All climbers will need to be well protected for the cold conditions on the summit night. We normally have fixed ropes only on certain sections on the summit day as the gradient is not very steep on the south face leading to the summit. The summit offers great views of the Garhwal Himalaya on the south and the Tibetan plateau on the north. Sometimes, the summit attempt is also made from C2.

Day 18: Descend Camp 3 – Camp 1

Starting today we retrace our steps back to Gangotri. But we have to be very careful while descending and not get carried away by the euphoria accompanied by summit success. It is a proven fact that majority of the accidents on mountains happen during descents.

Day 19: Descend Camp 1 – Base Camp

Day 20: Trek BC – Nandanvan (3hrs)

Day 21: Trek Nandanvan – Chirbasa (7-8hrs)

Day 22: Trek Chirbasa – Gangotri (3hrs) and drive to Uttarkashi (5hrs)

We drive back to Uttarkashi and check into the guest house and spoil ourselves with a much deserved hot shower.

Day 23 - 25: Buffer/contingency days for bad weather

Day 26: Drive Uttarkashi to Haridwar (6hrs) and board the evening train to Delhi

Day 27: Debriefing at IMF, trip finishes!

Trip Cost

299000 / 5650

DELHI TO DELHI , TWIN SHARING

Payment Schedule

₹65000 / $1500 - Booking Amount

TRIP COST INCLUDES

All airport/ railway station transfers
All land transport of members and support team as per the itinerary above
All accommodation on the trek on twin sharing basis
- All meals on the trek (except Delhi hotel on bed & breakfast basis)
- Services of a guide, sherpas/ high altitude porters (HAPs) on the mountain; cook & an assistant till base camp.
- Group climbing gear (Ropes, Anchors, Shovels, Slings etc)
- Kitchen, Dining Tent & Toilet tent till Base Camp
- North Face / Ozark or Mountain Hardwear tents for the climb
- Climbing Permits
- Uttarakhand State Royalty Fee
- Laison Officer’s Fee to the IMF and all expenses incurred for his food, lodging & travel.
- Porterage of all the equipment / supplies/ & personal baggage of max 20 kgs per member to & from Base Camp.
- GST as applicable (Subject to change as per govt rules).

TRIP COST EXCLUDES

- Any sightseeing etc in Delhi
- Individual Climbing Gear
- Sleeping Bag & items of personal clothing
- Any costs arising from early departure from the expedition.
- Any extra costs incurred caused in the event of finishing the expedition early.
- Expenses of personal nature like laundry, phone calls, beverages, insurance & tips.
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.
- Tips for porters, guides, sherpas etc.
Note -
- Single Room in Hotels can be booked at an additional cost.

Cancellation terms

If it becomes necessary to cancel your trip, you must notify the office immediately in writing. The following terms would be applicable.

• If you cancel more than 60 days prior to departure, we will charge 5% of the trip cost as cancellation fee and refund the balance.

• If you cancel less than 60 days prior to departure, we will charge 25% of the trip cost as cancellation fee and refund the balance.

• If you cancel less than 45 days prior to departure, we will charge a 50% cancellation fee and balance amount would be held as a credit towards a future trip taken within 1 year from the date of cancellation.

• If you cancel less than 30 days prior to departure, the entire deposit would be forfeited.

The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credit will be given for services not used. We recommend that you obtain cancellation travel insurance upon booking. If you can replace your spot by getting someone else to take that seat cancellation charges would be waived completely.

Pls note that these cancellation terms may be amended from time to time.

What to expect

A climbing expedition to a peak above 7000m is considered a very demanding climb. The peaks pose great physical and technical challenge due to altitude, terrain and the cold temperatures. A typical expedition to a 7000m peak will need 3 camps to be established above base camp. You will need to carry your personal gear upto the summit camp which goes through technical terrain, making it physically demanding. Altitude has a great effect on this trip so we give a lot of stress to acclimatizing well and take great care while planning our itineraries. 7000m peaks are an ideal step-up for anyone who has done demanding climbs and are trying to prepare for an 8000m expedition.

A fierce determination and a burning desire to climb the mountain are the essential pre-requisites for joining this expedition. One must have done a few high altitude treks and must have climbed some glaciated peaks above 6000m. One needs to be familiar with walking in snow and ice and must have a good standard of fitness. You should be familiar with Ice Axe arrest and crampon skills, the use of ascenders (jumar) and descenders, and how to use your particular harness.

You have full support till base camp which means you only carry a back pack till BC. We encourage climbers to carry a little more weight than just a back pack as it helps higher up on the climb but it is optional. Above base camp the sherpa team puts all the fixed ropes and hauls all the common gear - food, fuel, tents etc

All climbers are expected to carry all their personal gear with them - climbing eqpt/ clothing/ sleeping bag/ mattress etc. We also do a couple of load ferries on the way up. On the way down we normally bring it all in one go.

At high camps - Food & water is prepared by the guides & sherpa team. If someone wants to help with shoveling snow/ pitching tents etc he/ she is welcome but again it is optional.

Having very high fitness levels is essential and climbers would need to train considerably for these climbs.

Besides being physically fit and having the climbing skills, you need to have the proper attitude and mental discipline. You will need to be willing to work hard day after day, with no comforts. You may need to dig deep into your reserves after a long day of climbing in bad weather to help set up camp,help a team member. organise your tent, change into dry clothes and be ready for another such day.We would be melting snow to make water at high camps (5-6 days) and will have simple food to survive on.
Apart from the mental strength having a positive attitude and the ability to get along well with strangers in stressful situations is very important. You would be sharing a lot of time with your tent partners especially if we are waiting out bad weather. Having good manners and hygiene would be important. Everyone must learn patience and relax! At high camps tou could be paired up with a person of a different gender and hence you could be required to give even more private time & spaceto your tent mate.
7-10 days on the mountain would be very demanding but high motivation can overcome most of the difficulties. Waiting out storms and bad weather is quite difficult, especially at high altitude. Everyone must learn patience and relax!

Some weight loss is inevitable

If you are not prepared, you may not be allowed to continue the climb.