In Association with Alpine Ascents International

India Mountaineering Course

Quick Facts

2023 - September 21-02 October 09, October 01-12 | 12 Days

INR 1,80,000 + 5% GST

Single Supplement: INR 24,000 + 5% GST

Highest Altitude: 5486 M / 5819 M

Difficulty:

Group Size: 8-16 persons

Distinguished among climbing schools, our twelve-day program has been the foundation of the education programs by Alpine Ascents for over 20 years. Utilizing Aquaterra’s resources in India we have access to one of the best glacier training areas in India, in many ways second to none after our programs in the USA.

During this course, students receive hands-on climbing and climber’s safety training in the Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand. This program is designed for the beginner or intermediate climber who wishes to develop strong fundamental skills in all aspects of snow and glacier climbing as well as rock climbing. It serves as a prerequisite for many of Alpine Ascents’ intermediate-level climbs and is a stepping stone to more technically difficult mountains, including Denali. This course has served as a springboard to many climbing careers, including numerous Everest summiters, and has developed a foundation of skills for hundreds of independent climbers.

This course has been successfully used as a training ground for skilled adventurers, rangers, law enforcement, firefighters, military, stunt people and many others who require climbing skills as part of their career. Increasing technical knowledge/skills in all aspects of snow and alpine climbing including: Glacier travel, Rope/belay techniques, Crevasse rescue, Route finding, Self arrest, Rappelling, Safe climbing & Cramponing

DAYS 1-3

Day 1: Arrive in Dehradun. Drive to Uttarkashi

Fly in to New Delhi and connect with the morning 6am flight to Dehradun. Land at Jolly Grant Airport by 7am. Board waiting vehicles to be driven straight to Uttarkashi with lunch enroute. (7hrs). Breakfast enroute.

Day 2: Uttarkashi-Gangotri (3042 M)

After breakfast, we depart for a 4 hr drive to Gangotri. This small town is centered around a temple of the goddess Ganga, and the impressive falls of the Bhagirathi at Gauri Kund. Gangotri was built by the Nepalese General Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century. The aarti ceremony at the Gangotri is a must-see. Overnight Guest House at Gangotri.

Day 3: Acclimatisation Day in Gangotri (3042 M)

We leave after an early meal and walk on the trail leading to the lake of Kedartal. The trail goes through birch forests and is steep all the way to the small campsite at Bhoj Kharak (3780m). Back to Gangotri late afternoon. Overnight Guest House at Gangotri.

DAYS 4-7

Day 4: Gangotri-Nala Camp (3754 M)

Have an early morning breakfast and set off on the true left of the Bhagirathi River. Walk for about half an hour before turning south towards the Rudragaira Nalla. Looking back we get beautiful views of Chirbas Parbat, Matri, Yogeshwar and the other snowcapped mountains. The climb is a gradual uphill through the forests of birch and maple. Nalla Camp is just above the tree line and can get chilly during the night.

Day 5: Nala Camp-Gangotri I Base Camp (4527 M)

The day starts off with a steep climb to a huge meadow followed by a river crossing and another steep climb right up to the Rudragaira Base Camp. After lunch at the grassy campsite we continue over the glacial moraine to the Gangotri I Base Camp.

Day 6: Acclimatisation Day (4527 M)

A day to relax and acclimatise, read, relax, or take a short walk near camp, or try and spot some wildlife. Overnight Gangotri I Base Camp Camp.

Day 7: Auden’s Col Base Camp (4888 M)

We proceed towards the head of the valley with the Gangotri Range to the north and Jogin group to the south. Auden’s Col is at the head of the valley in the depression between the two massifs. We camp at the foot of the Col.

DAYS 8-12

Day 8: Climb to Auden’s Col-Gangotri 1 Base Camp

Today is a very long day. We leave very early today, to make the climb to the Col easier in the firmer morning snow. The climb is steep and can easily take 4-6 hrs depending on the snow conditions. Auden’s Col offers excellent views of the Khatling Glacier, and the mountain peaks of Jaonli, Kedarnath, Jogin & Gangotri. From the Col we return in a long days march to a hot meal at base camp.

Day 9: Advanced Base Camp

Today we head to set up an advanced base camp for the summit push for the Rudugaira summit. Reach ABC, set up and prepare for the top.

Day 10: Summit (5819 M) and Back to Base

Day 11: Descend to Gangotri (5-6 Hrs) and Drive 4 hrs to Uttarkashi

Day 12: Drive to Dehradun Airport (185 Kms ; 6 Hrs) & Fly Home

Inclusions:

Travel from start of trip and back by road
All arrangements for staying and camping while on trip
Accommodation on twin sharing basis in tents / hotel
All meals as mentioned in itinerary & safe drinking water
All group climbing gear (ropes, anchors, slings, etc.)
Individual climbing gear – hired (ice axe, crampons, etc)
All trip arrangements with India’s most experienced guiding team, camp staff and cooks
Peak fee / sanctuary fee / royalty / permits where applicable

Exclusions:

Sleeping bag
Flights/Trains not included in the above-mentioned cost
Any transfers or meals outside of itinerary
Bottled water
Items of personal clothing
Expenses of any personal nature (laundry / phone calls / alcohol / cigarettes / insurance / camera fee / etc.)
Any expense incurred due to force of nature such as landslides, bad weather or reasons beyond our control
Tips & gratuities (we recommend 5-10% of your trip cost- to be distributed among the team) – personal choice
Travel & cancellation insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of physical condition should i be in?

You should aim to be in the best shape of your life. Your pack weight can be 65 lbs or more. We highly recommend checking with your physician before embarking on strenuous physical activity. We reserve the right to turn away those climbers who we determine to be in inadequate physical condition.

How heavy will my pack be?

Since everyone purchases different gear and is a different size, it is hard to give you an exact weight. For most of our courses, you can expect your internal frame pack (packed with gear and food) to weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. It is likely that you will be asked to help carry some of the group equipment such as ropes and protection, so make sure there is some additional room in and on your backpack for approximately 4-8 pounds of gear. The total potential weight to be carried is 65 – 75 pounds.

Any tips on packing?

The mountains are heavily glaciated temperate mountains. This means they are subject to highly variable weather conditions.

Pack everything in two layers of sturdy plastic. (Trash Compactor Bags work the best) Bring one large trash bag to completely and easily cover your pack.
You should bring at least 4 bags.
It is likely that you will be asked to help carry some of the group equipment, so make sure there is some additional room in and on your backpack.

What can I read to prepare for the course?

You will get far more out of your course by reading Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 6th ed., The Mountaineers. This book provides an excellent overview of the elements involved in alpine mountaineering. Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 6 review many of the aspects we will be covering during your training and familiarity with these aspects will greatly enhance your experience.

Is this trip going to be physically challenging?

Yes. See the training tips above, but… Keep in mind that you are climbing a mountain and it is not easy. If you follow our physical fitness tips and do some training on your own, you should complete the course with no problems.

FROM PREVIOUS EXPEDITIONS

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WHY GO WITH AQUATERRA ADVENTURES

A question easy to answer, you may wonder, in an age where adventure travel is apparently booming. Varying costs are available and there is no shortage of operators willing to run your trip. This is possibly the most important decision for you to make, after you have chosen to take on an adventure trip.

An Experienced Team

Our team of guides has years of experience of travel throughout the Indian Himalaya, from running rivers to leading treks – from the barren Zanskar to the tropical rainforest of Arunachal Pradesh. They speak English, have completed graduate school, are current with First Aid and CPR certification and form the most experienced guiding team in the country today.

Value for Money

The prices of our trips provide a high value for money returns. They are priced to keep our standards high and your trip, smooth. Cost usually is a deciding factor for many a trip, but for an adventure trip, the deciding factor should be confidence in your operator. We combine high operator confidence with a pricing balanced to give you a trip to remember.

Best Equipment

Equipment on all our adventure travel trips matches worldwide standards. On treks, we use 4 season 2-person tents, which can withstand the harshest weather conditions, and keep you dry and protected from the elements. Outfitter wings accompany all mountain trips for dining under.

Great Food

Our staff is trained in hygienic preparation of meals and offers a great variety of food on an outdoor trip. Good equipment, food and guides is what makes an outdoor trip an experience to savour.

WHAT TRAVELLERS SAY ABOUT US

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