NILKANTH SOUVENIR PROFILE
Mt Nilkanth's icy spire is revered as a sacred summit by both the devout pilgrim as
well as the intrepid mountaineer. Though a peak of modest altitude, its icy avalanche swept walls and razor sharp ridges makes this peak a very difficult adversary & it has remained enshrouded by its enigmatic reputation of indomitability.
In its long climbing history since the first attempt by the redoubtable Frank Smythe in 1937, 23 expeditions have dared to challenge its bastion , but only 5 have succeeded till date. This souvenir traces its attempts and ascents 1937 to 2007 and also includes articles by the leaders of all its 5 successful ascents.
Taking a broader perspective, we have included articles by geologists, glaciologists & mountaineering historians focusing on the Garhwal Himalaya.
We have taken permission from Tony Smythe and have reproduced the Nilkanth story of Frank Smythe that appears in the' Valley of Flowers'. - the Nilkanth story starts with this august HC member in 1937and ends with the HC 2007 Expedition.
Also included is an excellent feature by Martin Moran on his historic 1998 Badrinath to Kedarnath traverse in the Shipton -Tilman route of 1934 along with rarely seen images of this epic journey, which Martin Moran contends is his most enjoyable Himalayan exploratory journey.
An article on the flora /fauna of the Panpatia basin brings in a refreshing novelty to the publication.
This publication is interspersed with sketch maps and high quality images of climbing on Nilkanth .
PRICE : Rs 200/-copy in india + postage.
AVAILABILITY : Jhelum Chowdhury (jhelum_c@hotmail.com ) / 9830033686
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