Patangani peak and dhar in june 2012

This is a sequel to the Kedar Tal trek, after returning from Kedar Tal we were faced with the biggest challenge so far. Climbing the Patangani Dhar to get to the Rudugaira Valley. Daunting to say the least as the hurdles we faced were many - the climb alone was more than 1200meteres vertically, then after reaching the top no one knew what would be the snow conditions on the other side - we were the first people in either valley this year., also we were doing a two day thing compressed into one. 

Snow fields as we ascend

But any how with high spirits and some trpidition we went ahead. The climb was gruelling to say the least, a straight climb of >70degrees

Grassy ascend 

. While resting we saw in the profile that it showed we were semi-standing. The slippery grass did no bit to help. After many snow/ice/mud traversings we finally reached the boulder zone. The neck was cranedd straight up, to avoid the falling stones/ we moved in parallel lines and it took the life out of us. The searing cold winds, the gradient, the sun induced dehydration and finally the length of the climb. 

Finally we made it to the top and the hypoxia hits you hard and quick at nearly 18,000feet. Headaches were soon felt and 2 porters almost went delirious. 

Patangani peak

Summited the peak

SUmmit and banner

At the top when we saw the other side, it took the breath away from our lungs. The descent was nearly 90 degrees. and it was more than 1300 meters of vertical length. How to get down was the burning question. The snow condition was at its peak and so roping was ruled out - what was decided to just plod down and self arrest - so it was. Tiring, scary, daunting, never ending and crazy. 

The view from the top 

The long way down

Ice axe was saving me 

Go on and on, u can't rest

But the story did not end there, it was follwed by a boulder zone and more descent and the planned camp site had no water, so a further descent. By the time I reached the camp site - I could understand how people die of exhaustion. 

Soon other arrived, tea, tents, rest and then pictures. 

It was a crazy day. 

Next day what was seen to be a small way down to nala camp unfolded into something else.

Morning at Dabba camp-brush with Jogin II in the background

 The way down from our dabba camp was again nearly vertical down in loose rubble and dried grass. Crossed the river and a long way down with narrow treachrous paths now giving us no problems. At noon we ecided to have pakoras, in the middle of no where the mess tent was erected and tummy full of pakoras gorged on. Then on we went. Then we had to cross the river once again, from where??? Kishan showed a pine log spanned accross a gorge and off he went over it. 

Gorge to be crossed 

We had no energy to contemplate the possible dangers so we followed and we all managed. After that we felt the difficulties were behind us, but no. Spider wall one after the other, treacherous slippery path along the gorge and the continous reminder that all casualties take place on a fatigued body with a dull mind. So on we soldiered. Finally hit the level patch that goes into Gangotri. Headed to the Mandir and washed ourselves after a week in the Ganges. 

Gangotri at dusk as we reached

 Holy cow- how did we do it. Hats off guys.