Trek and Climb with RAJA

Photo Courtesy: Jan Lenczowski We have decided to have an exclusive blog for our upcoming expedition to Nanda Devi East (7434m) in May, 2013. We will be posting all the expedition related developments and updates on  www.nanda-devi-east.blogspot.in

2 seats left in our upcoming full service guided mountaineering expedition to Mount Trisul-I (7120m, June 2013) in Garhwal Himalaya. Interested climbers may contact Adventure Mania Himalaya along with their climbing bio ASAP.

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!

On 29th May 2012, Adventure Mania team scaled Mount Kalanag 6387m in West Garhwal Himalaya. All 6 of its climbing members reached the summit with Lead climbing sherpa Thendup and Pemba. This is one of the summit shots of that day. The name of the summiters are Ananth HV , Karan Singh, Akshay Singh, Siddharth Sirohi, Shantanu Sood, Aftab Kaushik, Thendup Sherpa and Pemba Sherpa.( photo courtesy: Ananth HV). Adventure Mania has been leading and providing summit support to aspiring himalayan climbers for past 10 years with safety and success. This was there 4th successful expedition on Mount Kalanag.( after 2003, 2005, 2008).

Continuing exploration in the Indian Himalaya is what I had always believed in and whenever I got an opportunity embarked on a mountaineering trip that had an element of exploration in it.  Last year (2011), we succeeded in charting 3 major explorations in the Indian Himalaya. I take immense pleasure in sharing its news as published in the American Alpine Journal here: 1-Our exploration on the outer rim of the Nanda Devi Snactuary: Deo Toli Col Expedition http://aaj.americanalpineclub. org/climbs-and-expeditions/ asia/india/uttaranchal/2011- dudh-ganga-col-5350m-and- deotoli-col-5400m-first- ascents-by-anindya-mukherjee- india/ 2-Exploratory trek from North Sikkim to West Sikkim: Expedition Mayel Lyang http://aaj.americanalpineclub. org/climbs-and-expeditions/ asia/india/sikkim/2011-in-the- footsteps-of-john-claude- white-and-photography-of- unclimbed-peaks-by-lindsay- griffin-mountain-info-from- information-provided-by- anindya-mukherjee/ 3- The fir...

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...

On 15th December 2011, at around 11 a.m. we stood on the top of Zemu Gap. This is the first documented ascent of ZG from south, i.e. Tongshiong Glacier. Anindya Mukherjee  and Thendup Sherpa is seen in this photo. Pemba Sherpa took the snap. Seen in backdrop is the upper Zemu Glacier and many mountains including Sugarloaf. The small glacier ( tributary to Tongshiong glacier on its true left near its very head) that originates from Zemu Gap has the following defenses: 2 ice falls and 1 final head wall. We had made 1 ( our 3rd camp in Tongshiong glacier) final camp after negotiating the lower ice fall. It took us 5 hours to climb past the 2nd icefall and the final head wall on 15th December 2011. A brief report with more photos will appear on this blog soon. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all!