Mt.SHIVLING EXPEDITION (6543m)

Mt.SHIVLING EXPEDITION (6543m)

India, Uttarakhand


TBA          
Trip leader
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Dates in blue indicate departures guaranteed to go.

One of the most stunning mountains in the Indian Himalaya located at the snout of the Gangotri glacier where the revered river Ganga originates, Shivling mesmerises anyone who has even had a glimpse of it. Rising nearly 3000m from the snout, Shivling's near vertical face with pointed features is a sight to behold! On the climbing expedition though, we approach the mountain from the north-western side. We set up base at Tapovan, the large meadow at the foot of Shivling, and then establish 4 camps above BC before making the summit push. After orgnaising expeditions to multiple peaks surrounding Shivling like Sudarshan Parbat, Satopanth, Manda, Kedar Dome and Bhagirathi, we are finally making our first attempt on this striking peak in fall season of 2024. We are taking limited number of experienced climbers with ample experience of climbing technical peaks over 6000m for this climb. If you fit the bill, do get in touch!

Itinerary

Show Detailed Itinerary
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.
We arrive in Dehradun 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 on the way to our guest house in Uttarkashi. After freshening up at the guest house, and lunch we sort out our personal climbing gear and have the detailed group meeting in the evening.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The trail from Bhojbasa to Gaumukh is a fairly gradual ascent. Today's walk will feel strenuous with the combined effects of the altitude, the glacier crossing and the steep and rocky terrain on the final climb to Tapovan. Here the soaring peak of Shivling (6543 metres) comes into view. The trek begins over rocky boulders and becomes noticeably steep gradually over the rocky terrain. The glacier is covered by moraine so you do not need any technical equipment, although a steadying trekking pole is definitely handy. Take the last step up the steep rocky path to enter the Tapovan meadow and view the spectacular sight all around you. You are surrounded by the giants - Shivling, Meru, Manda, the Bhagirathi group, Kharchakund and many more.
Trip ends after the briefing at IMF.

Trip Cost

399,000 / 5500  

DELHI TO DELHI , TWIN SHARING

Payment Schedule

99,000 / $2000 - Booking Amount

Balance 60 days prior to the departure

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
  • - 4 season tents at high camps
  • - Climbing Permits
  • - Uttarakhand State Royalty Fee
  • - Liaison 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 30 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.

 

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 6000m which require high level of technical climbing skills. The technical sections start above base camp and go all the way to the summit hence would require us to establish 4 camps above base. Acclimatization is extremely important and there will be multiple rotations above base camp for both ferrying loads and to acclimatize well.

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. 

So above base camp all the climbers are expected to take care of themselves and haul their personal stuff and we do the rest. 
 

Dates in blue indicate departures guaranteed to go.