Mount Shivling Expedition Overview

Altitude: 314 m

Participants reach dehradun throughout the day. When they arrive someone from our team helps them check into their hotel.

The evening is for talking about the trip. What people will be doing. This is the time when climbers meet the people who will guide them and the other people they will be travelling with.

We also check the equipment to make sure it is good enough for the trip.

This first day is pretty easy. It helps people get over being tired from traveling. It also helps them get ready, for what's coming next. People stay at the hotel that night.

Altitude: 314 m - 3,100 m

We get up early , Drive through Rishikesh and Uttarkashi and along the Bhagirathi River.

The scenery around us changes a lot , We see plains and then deep valleys and pine forests and snow covered mountains in the distance.

We stop a lot so that we can rest and drink water.

By the evening, we reach Gangotri , Gangotri is a town in the Himalayas, and it is like a gateway to our expedition.We stay in a guesthouse , at Gangotri for the night.

Altitude: 3,100 m

This day is crucial for acclimatization. We take a walk to the Gangotri Temple and the trails around it , which helps our body get adjusted. The guides teach us how to travel on glaciers how to use ropes , and what to do to stay safe at altitudes. As we walk , climbers start to feel the mountain air is really thin , which reminds us of what we will face on. overnight stay in Gangotri.

Altitude: 3,100 m → 3,800 m

Distance: 14 km

The trek officially begins today. We are going to follow the Bhagirathi River , The Bhagirathi River will take us through terrain and really wide valleys. Even though the trek is not too steep the Bhagirathi River trek has an altitude gain.

We will reach Bhojbasa. Bhojbasa is surrounded by barren mountains and very cold winds. Bhojbasa feels like a Himalayan campsite. we will stay overnight in tents .

Altitude: 3,800 m → 4,450 m

We pass through Gaumukh , which is the last point of Gangotri Glacier and from where the river ganga starts.

When we go beyond Gaumukh , the path gets really tough and steep. We have to cross the Gangotri Glacier and climb up rocks.

Then we see Mount Shivling really close. It takes our breath away. The view of Mount Shivling is amazing.

We get to Tapovan in the afternoon. Tapovan is a beautiful meadow, in the mountains. We stay there for the night.

Altitude: 4,450 m

Today is a day of rest and training for the climbers. climbers will practice using their ice axes , walking with crampons and learn rope techniques on slopes that're closed. climbers will also go for hiking to acclimatize to the higher altitudes, which will help reduce the risk of altitude sickness. The weather is being watched closely because clouds usually come in by the afternoon. The climbers will stay overnight.

Altitude: 4,450 m → 4,600 m

The route goes over deep cracks in the ice and old rocks that glaciers left behind. This part of the trek is very tough , You have to be careful where you put your feet. Nandanvan is right at the bottom of Mount Shivling so you get to see the walls of Mount Shivling that go straight up. The walls of Mount Shivling are made of granite , they are really spectacular to see. We will stay in tents for the night, at Nandanvan.

Altitude: 4,600 m

Today is about getting used to the conditions and practicing the technical things , Climbers are practicing how to rescue each other and move on fixed ropes. The environment around us is really tough. It feels like we are completely alone which reminds us of how serious the expedition is. We will be staying overnight.

Altitude: 4,600 m → 4,900 m

The walk, to Base Camp is really tough because you have to walk on moraines and glacier sections. When you get to Base Camp you set up your tents. Sort out all the supplies. Base Camp is where everything happens when people try to reach the summit of the mountain. You stay at Base Camp overnight.

Altitude: 4,900 m

Climbers carry loads towards higher camps and return to Base Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” method significantly aids acclimatization. The route above  the camp is carefully studied. Overnight stay.

Altitude: 4,900 m → 5,200 m

Distance: 3 km

The day starts early. The team gets ready to go into the tough terrain. They have breakfast first. Then they share out the loads. This includes ropes, ice screws, food and special gear for altitude. The way from Base Camp to Advance Base Camp is really steep and hard. It has snow slopes and icy parts. There are also areas with rocks. The team uses fixed ropes in the areas. The climbers move forward steadily. They make sure to keep a distance from each other. The team is careful with the terrain. They have to be careful, with the ropes and the ice screws and the high-altitude gear. The route is tough ,the team is moving forward.

When you go higher up the mountain it gets really hard to breathe. Every step is a struggle. You need to stop and rest a lot to save your energy.

By the afternoon the team finally gets to Advance Base Camp, which's in a good spot, below the really tough parts of Mount Shivling.

They set up their tents on areas that have been cut out of the snow and ice.

The rest of the evening is spent drinking a lot of water checking to make sure everyone has oxygen and watching Mount Shivling to see how the weather changes as the clouds come in.

The team will stay at Advance Base Camp for the night.

Altitude: 5,200 m

This day is all about acclimatization and skill development. We start the day slowly then the climbers go above the camp for hikes to help their bodies adjust. They follow a rule: climb to a high point then come back down to sleep at a lower point. The training sessions teach us things like how to use ropes build safe anchors rescue each other from deep cracks, in the ice and move quickly on really steep ice.

The weather can change fast when you are at a high altitude like this. You get winds and it can get very cold which is tough on your body and mind. The people, in charge do health checks on everyone all day long. guides check that each climber is ready to go to the higher camps and we will stay overnight at Advance Base Camp.

Altitude: 5,200 m → 5,500 m

The climb to Camp 1 begins with a steady technical climbing. The team has to use fixed ropes to get through the ice slopes and the mixed rock and snow terrain. You have to pay attention all the time because the climb to Camp 1 gets really scary and the team is exposed to a lot of danger. The climb to Camp 1 requires a lot of focus, from the team.

The progress of the climbers is slow. It is steady. The climbers talk to each other all the time they help one another when the climb gets really tough. They usually get to Camp 1 by the afternoon. The space at Camp 1 is limited so the climbers have to be very efficient and disciplined. After they settle in at Camp 1 the climbers. after settling in, climbers rest, hydrate and prepare for the cold nights ahead. The climbers will stay overnight at Camp 1

Altitude: 5,500 m

a much - needed rest day for the body to recover. We do not do much just short walks around the camp if the weather is okay. Climbers make sure to drink a lot of water eat well, and get ready mentally. We get updates on the weather. We look at the conditions on the mountain above us very carefully. The climbers focus on the route conditions and the weather, for the mountain.

This day often tests patience as progress depends entirely on the weather and the team's health , We are going to spend the night at Camp 1.

Altitude: 5,500 m → 5,900 m

Distance: 1.5 km

This day of the expedition was really tough. The way to Camp 2 has steep ice walls and really narrow ridges. You are exposed the time. We have to use fixed ropes and people have to go one by one when it gets really hard. The route to Camp 2 is very serious because of these vertical ice walls and narrow ridges. The expedition team has to be very careful on the route, to Camp 2.

The air is really thin and fatigue sets in quickly so regular breaks helps manage breathing and heart rate. Later in the day we set up Camp 2 on a ledge that is out in the open. The winds, at Camp 2 can be very strong. It gets extremely cold after the sun goes down. We stay at Camp 2 for the night.

Altitude: 5,900 m

This day is used to acclimatize to the weather and prepare the route ahead. Some climbers help the guides fix the ropes that lead to the camp and this is very important, for the climb. At the time other climbers just rest and try to save their energy for the climb. The weather is watched closely because the plan to reach the summit depends on the weather being stable and good.

The high altitude is really tough on your mind. It is so quiet and cold here. You feel totally alone. We will be spending the night at Camp 2. The cold and silence and isolation are around us, at Camp 2

Altitude: 5,900 m → 6,100 m

The climb to Camp 3 is really tough , it is steep. You are out in the open with no protection. This makes the climb to Camp 3 very hard on your mind. Climbers are very careful when they move on the fixed ropes. They know that Camp 3 is the camp before they reach the top of the mountain. The climb, to Camp 3 requires that you pay attention to every step. You have to breathe carefully when you are climbing to Camp 3.

Camp 3 is on a snow ledge. It is a tough place to be. The Camp 3 surroundings are very harsh. They do not forgive anyone. This makes the upcoming summit attempt, at Camp 3 seem serious. We need to get some rest , and We will be staying overnight at Camp 3.

Altitude: 6,100 m

Today before attempting a summit climbers take complete rest and recheck gear—crampons, headlamps, harnesses, and oxygen levels , updates are reviewed frequently and the summit time are finalized.

Hydration and calorie intake are prioritized. The mood is a mix of anticipation and quiet focus. after an early dinner we head to sleep as the summit push begin early the next morning. we'll have to stop at camp 3 for the night.

The summit attempt starts early it is still dark outside. Climbers have to go through ice and mixed terrain and walk on exposed ridges with only the light, from their headlamps. conditions are typically very cold and windy so the climbers have to be careful all the time. attempts to reach the summit are particularly challenging due to the windy conditions, steep snow and mixed terrain that climbers must navigate.

It is an emotional moment When you finally reach the top of Mount Shivling. You can see the Garhwal Himalayas from here. The views are amazing. You can see the Bhagirathi peaks and Meru. There are also a lot of snow-covered ridgelines that seem to go on

You do not get to stay at the top of Mount Shivling for a time. After a little while the team starts to make its way down, to Camp 3 very carefully. Then you stay overnight at Camp 3.

Altitude: 6,100 m → 4,900 m

A long descent through Camp 2 and Camp 1 back to Base Camp. the Climbers are very tired. The fact that we made it is a big deal and that makes the Climbers happy. Getting back to Base Camp is like coming to a warm and cozy place after being in really tough weather , for days. We will stay at Base Camp for the night.

Altitude: 4,900 m → 4,600 m

The return journey begins now. Going down the glaciers is not so hard because we have oxygen to breathe. We will stay at Nandanvan for the night.

Altitude: 4,900 m → 4,600 m

The return journey begins now. Going down the glaciers is not so hard because we have oxygen to breathe. We will stay at Nandanvan for the night.

Altitude: 4,600 m → 4,450 m

The familiar path leads back to the wide greenlands of Tapovans. I really notice the difference , between the climbing terrain and the open spaces of the grasslands. It is a difference. We will stay here overnight at Tapovan.

Altitude: 4,450 m → 3,800 m

We will go down through Gaumukh. Then walk back, along the Bhagirathi River. You will feel that your energy levels are getting better. We will stay overnight at Bhojbasa.

Altitude: 3,800 m → 3,100 m

A relaxed walk back to Gangotri , it is really nice and peaceful.

The hot meals at Gangotri are great. The rest is just what I need after being in the mountains, for weeks.

stay overnight at Gangotri.

The expedition is finally over when everyone gets together to talk about what happened. They give out certificates to the climbers. Have a party to celebrate. The climbers think about what they did, on their trip and what they accomplished. They remember all the things they did on the expedition.

A long scenic drive back through the Bhagirathi valley , Overnight stay at Haridwar.

Participants leave with fonds memories of India’s most famous Himalayan climbs.