Assistant Leader on World Challenge India Himalaya Expedition 5 weeks
Group of 15 male students (16/17yrs) doing their first trek at altitude. Main leader became ill during trek so took the lead for a few days whilst he took it easy. Weather was generally dry and cool, but some light snow when passing over the Hampta Pass and a couple of very windy days.
26-Jul-08 Manali - Khanol2600m
Travelled to village of Jagat Sukh, 10km south of Manali. Started the trek by following a steep, eroded ridge which led to some picturesque forests and onto a ridge. Camped near Khanol.
27-Jul-08 Khanol - Sarotu
Continued trekking through dense forest and under towering cliffs.
28-Jul-08 Sarotu - Aara 3300m
From Sarotu continued north to Aara. Some big river crossings today.
29-Jul-08 Aara - Base of Hampta Pass4000m
From Aara trekked to camp, could see the main pass coming up!
30-Jul-08 Base of Hampta Pass - Base of Hampta Pass 4000m
Rest day at the base of the pass to aid acclimatization to altitude - gentle walk up a short nearby viewpoint.
31-Jul-08 Base of Hampta Pass - Siliguri 3360m
The climb started up over steep scree and snow until the pass (4268m). There were great views of mountains and glaciers from the top. After the pass there was a steep descent to a campsite beside a river.
01-Aug-08 Siliguri - Chatru 3560m
A short day trekking down to the Chandra valley where there was a river crossing. There is also a suspension bridge crossing the Chandra into Chatru.
02-Aug-08 Chatru - Chota Dara 3760m
Straightforward walk up the track to the next tea shop! The campsite was just beyond the teashop in a nice grassy clearing.
03-Aug-08 Chota Dara - Batal 3950m
Fairly undemanding walk along the track. Plenty of campsites available around Batal.
04-Aug-08 Batal - Chandra Tal 4270m
Long day walking up the jeep track to the deep blue mountain lake known as the Lake of the Moon. There was a lovely campsite by the far end of the lake on a grassy plain.
05-Aug-08 Chandra Tal - Chandra Tal 4270m
Rest day to aid acclimatization before the next pass and to relax after a few days tough trekking. Short circular walk from camp exploring a side ridge.
06-Aug-08 Chandra Tal - Topking Gongma 4320m
The route traversed steep, rocky slopes and there was a river crossing towards the end of the day. Camped approximately an hour beyond the river.
07-Aug-08 Topking Gongma - Topking Yongma 4650m
Walked through varied terrain and interesting rock formations. There were a couple more river crossings today - quite gnarly (waist deep).
08-Aug-08 Topking Yongma - Baralacha La 4891m
Started the day with a short climb until the valley leveled out and you approach the main pass (5100m). There are two big river crossings to contend with - early starts needed as the water levels are lower earlier in the morning. Camped near the pass at the base camp over night.
09-Aug-08 Baralacha La - Manali2050m
Short day walk to the road then catch a bus back to Manali.
