Mt. Shitidhar Summit Climb
Himachal treks are known for their unbroken greenery and vast valleys. The terrain makes it easier to build roads deep into the Himalayas therefore it is easier to reach high altitude mountains in significantly lesser time. Our expedition to Mt. Shitidhar gets you the first taste of snow boots and feather jackets, climbing ropes and ice-axes in this adventurous Himalayan expedition for beginners and less experienced.
I like the mountains because they make me feel small. They help me sort out what’s important in life.
Mark Obmascik
Overview
- Destination: Himachal Pradesh
- Location: Beas Kund, Solang Valley
- Departure: Manali
- Google Map Co-ordinates: 32° 22’3.36″N 77° 05’12″E
- Highest Altitude: 5,300m/17,400 ft.
- Nearest City (Airport): Bhuntar (Kullu)
- Nearest City (Railway Station): Joginder Nagar
- Dates: On request
- Months: April – May, Sep (3rd week) – Oct
- Level: Difficult
- Guide: Available
- Price: On request
Experience
Trekking in Himachal Pradesh is another experience in itself. While treks in Uttaranchal are known for their beautiful glaciers, Himachal treks are known for their unbroken greenery and vast valleys.
The terrain makes it easier to build roads deep into the Himalayas therefore it is easier to reach high altitude mountains in significantly lesser time.
We exploit this benefit to climb an 18,000 ft. peak- use snow boots, climbing ropes and ice-axes. A full-fledged climb in just over one week. Mt. Shitidhar is perfect for those who want a taste of true adventure without straining themselves too much on a more technical expedition and since the height gain is fairly gradual, high altitude is less of a hindrance.
The experience of using technical equipment, negotiating a mountain alpine style, the tremendous view from the summit along with the satisfaction of being at a place where very few dare to go or will ever be able to go in their entire life will take you to absolutely another high. Trekking starts from a place called Dhundi, which is about 25 km ahead of Manali. We trek up via Bhakartaj then to the source of Beas- Beas Kund and the real climb starts from there. The trek goes through untouched and unending green onto spectacular white offering up close views of peaks like Hanuman Tibba, Mt Laddakhi, and the Chandra Bhaga range. Not to forget the charming bars and bakeries in old Manali. Perfect for some post climb celebration.
From Manali to Manali this climb can be done in 8 days. Add an overnight bus journey if you are from Delhi and another 2-3 hour flight if you are from Mumbai/ Bangalore or another city and you have an experience on your hands.. When combined with your weekend holidays, you need to take not more than 5-6 days off from your workplace for this experience.
Itinerary
- Day 1 / Arrive in Manali
- Day 2 / Manali (2,050 m/6,726 ft) to Solang Valley (2,350 m/7,710 ft)
- The route (of around 10 km) is mainly flat through tarred and un-tarred roads, villages, through the apple orchards and marijuana fields (yes, you read that right). We would pass through Old Manali, Ghoshal, Shanag and Burwa villages.
- Day 3 / Solang Valley (2,350 m/7,710 ft) to Lohali (3,250 m/10,663 ft)
- The road has been restricted to traffic as a 9 km tunnel is being built towards Rohtang pass, which when built will bypass at least 50 km or 2 hrs of drive time. We would pass through Dhundi and walk next to the might Beas river. The campsite is a meadow, which would typically have hundreds of sheeps grazing.
- Day 4 / Lohali (3,250 m/10,663 ft) to Base Camp – Lady Leg Campsite (3,700 m/12,139 ft)
- The base camp is a green meadow next to the stream covered with a variety of colourful wildflowers. The entire campsite is surrounded with the snow-capped peaks from Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar range, which seems to be very near. Friendship peak is clearly visible.
- Day 5 / Base Camp – Lady Leg Campsite (3,700 m/12,139 ft)
- Acclimatization Day. Today we will climb higher and come back to the camp site to get well acclimatized and prepare for the summit climb.
- Day 6 / Base Camp – Lady Leg Campsite (3,700 m/12,139 ft) to Advanced Base Camp (4,500 m/14,764 ft)
- This is quite an arduous and steep walk towards the Advance Base Camp, which is on the snow. One has to pass through a treacherous long ridge, which is typically covered partly with ice and snow. If not careful, slipping multiple times is common while walking on the ridge.
- Day 7 / Summit day – Advanced Base Camp (4,500 m/14,764 ft) to Mt. Shitidhar Peak (5,300 m/17,400 ft) to Base Camp – Lady Leg Campsite (3700 m/12,139 ft)
- We would start ascending late in the night around midnight or so when the snow is still hard. Snow boots, gaiters, ice axe is a must. We would also be roped (through our harnesses) just as a precautionary measure. The climb would take 5-6 hours depending on our pace. And we will be on the top for the sunrise. The climb down is much faster, but one has to be a bit careful.
- Day 8 / Base Camp – Lady Leg Campsite (3,700 m/12,139 ft) to Manali (2,050 m/6,726 ft)
- We will bid goodbye to the mountains and walk towards Manali.
- Day 9 / Depart from Manali
Inclusions
Inclusions
- Camping & Trekking equipments including tents, sleeping bag, carry mat, dining tent, toilet tent, hot water bottles, gas heater (when needed),
- Personally trained professional guides, cook, porter/ponies to carry equipment as well as personal luggage.
- Forest entry and permits wherever needed.
- Ground support from an experienced team of adventurers.
- Comfortable trek facilities.
- Food & Beverages: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea etc. (Multi cuisine veg/non-veg prepared by well trained cooks).
Exclusions
- Any medical expenses, evacuation etc.
- Any kind of Insurance.
- Any cost of personal nature.
- GST.
- Items not mentioned in the inclusions.
Map
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