This year's mountaineering journey for Adventure Mania, will begin with the famed and formidable south ridge of Nanda Devi East (7437m). In May 2013, a team of 5 Indian climbers will attempt to climb this mighty mountain in semi- alpine style, moving lightweight, and using as little fix rope as possible. The expedition will follow the classic route of the 1939 Polish team. This expedition is our humble tribute to Roger Payne. Details and updates will keep appearing on this blog page. We are also considering creating an exclusive blog page for this expedition. More soon!
view of Kangchenjunga south summit and Talung peaks from Tongshyong glacier. Pic. Anindya Mukherjee Text & Photographs: Anindya Mukherjee Introduction The history of exploration around Kangchenjunga [1] , especially around its south, south east and east flanks; has always fascinated me. The classic journeys and adventures of pioneers [2] like W.W. Graham, John Claude White, Douglas Freshfield, Dr. A.M. Kellas, Harold Raeburn, N.A.Tombazi, Lord John Hunt and Paul Bauer ignited my imagination. The height of inspiration of course came from reading my hero Mr. H.W. Tilman’s account in the Himalayan Journal (vol. IX) on his attempt on Zemu Gap from south in 1936. The primary challenge of climbing Zemu Gap from south has always been its remote & complicated approach. Many failed just to reach the foot of this col. To add to that its apparently impregnable defenses took Zemu Gap to a next level of exploratory climbing. In 1925, Greek photographer N.A.Tombazi is sai