THE HIMALAYAN CLUB NEWSLETTER No. 63 (2009-2010)

1. THE HIMALAYAN CLUB COMMITTEE, 2010
2. Major Expeditions to the Indian Himalaya in 2009
3. CLUB NEWS
4. THE HIMALAYAN CLUB ACTIVITIES
5. THE HIMALAYAN CLUB CENTRE

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The best news of the year 2009 is that Indian government has opened 100 new peaks for climbing! Though the notification came in early 2010 the process was undertaken throughout the year 2009. It is after almost 17 years that a number of peaks have been opened to climbers. All the peaks are in Zanskar and Ladakh area. Many of them are along the road which runs Kargil-Sankoo to Padam. It passes Panikhar, Parkachik, Ringdom, Pensi la to reach Padam. South of this road lie several smaller valleys which are on the watershed between Zanskar and Kishtwar. The peaks in these valleys like Gelmothungos, Chilung, Dunmg Drung, Hagshu and Nun and Kun peaks, both above 7000 m were open but now many other approaches to these peaks are possible. Lingsanno, 6955 m, a high peak in the Nun-Kun massif is now open. In Shafat glacier peaks opened include Rungofarko I (6495 m), II (6395 m), Chi lung nala: Chiling Pk I (6253 m) and II (6349 m), Hagshu vaHey peak 6515 m and in the Durung Drung valley peak 6485 m. Moreover due to the road leading to the mouth of these valleys, one has to get off the vehicle and cross the Suru liver or Doda river to set up a base camp. Peaks are not more than two days away, thus allowing them to be climbed in very light style, economically and almost changing base camps by road.

Some photographs were published in the Himalayan Journal vol. 65 and a complete list of 104 newly opened peaks with co-ordinates and map references is available in the article 'Zanskar anyone ?'

In 2009 there were 64 Indian and 37 Foreign expeditions to India, bringing it to a total of 101, one of the largest number in recent years. However many Indian expeditions were to peaks that have been often climbed (Satopanth, Chhamser Kangri) and many foreign groups were commercially organised trip to well known peaks, including Nun and Kun. Stok Kangri retained its record as the most climbed 6000 m peak in the world with the added tag of one of the dirtiest base camp seen (or smelling) anywhere!

In Garhwal one of the best climbs was that of Mukut Parvat (7242 m). This high peak on the border with Tibet was climbed by a French team, which is also significant as a team of foreigners was allowed to climb a peak on the border. Martin Moran solved the challenge of Changuch (6322 m) rising above the Pindari glacier. Many teams in the past and even in 2009 failed, sometimes causing deaths, where Moran, an expert on the Indian Himalaya now, succeeded in making a safe first ascent. An Indian team climbed Deoban (6852 m) and the leading Slovenian alpinist Marco Prezelj with two young climbers, climbed Bhagirathi II (6512 m) and III (6454 m) in the Gangotri glacier. They climbed south and southwest faces respectively in alpine style.

Sikkim was also opened to allow a British team to attempt Kellas Peak (6680 m). Though they did not ascend the main peak, they reached Kellas col (6380 m), a snow saddle on the border ridge south of Kellas Peak and climbed an unnamed peak of 6252 m. On nearby Tingchenkhang (6010 m) tragedy struck a Mumbai team soon after the ascent of the peak. A freak fall killed two young climbers while two badly injured Sherpas with them were rescued.

In the eastern Karakoram two high virgin peaks were attempted in adjoining valleys. An American-British-Indian team attempted Saser Kangri II (7518 m) Eastern peak while an American-Indian team attempted Plateau Peak (7287 m). Both attempts reached half way up their respective mountains.

Both leading organisations in India had new Presidents. Ramkrishna Rao former Director General of ITBP was elected as President of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, while a leading Indian mountaineer Col. Ashok Abbey took over reins of the Himalayan Club.

A leading Himalayan artist Serbjeet Singh passed away during the year. He has left behind a legacy of many paintings. He was painting at Zozi la in Kashmir as a war artist when Indian guns were firing on Pakistani troops. He produced several sketches of the Himalaya based on maps which were remarkably true to reality.

A leading Himalayan artist Serbjeet Singh passed away during the year. He has left behind a legacy of many paintings. He was painting at Zozi la in Kashmir as a war artist when Indian guns were firing on Pakistani troops. He produced several sketches of the Himalaya based on maps which were remarkably true to reality.

SIKKIM

Kellas Peak (6680 m)

Team: British

Leader: Jeremy Windsor

For the first time in more than 75 years a party of climbers obtained permission to retrace the footsteps of historic British explorers such as Douglas Freshfield, Alexander Kellas and Frank Smythe, visiting the mountains in the north west tip of Sikkim.

Graham Hoyland, Mark Lambert, Anindya Mukheljee, George Rodway, Dukpa Tsering Sherpa, Phurba Sherpa, Thendup Sherpa and Jeremy Windsor, a team that had received an Alpine Club grant and BMC approval for its innovative venture, headed north from Gangtok to the district capital of Lachen, then on to the roadhead just beyond Thangu.

The party moved west across the Lugnak la to the Lhonak valley, then made a series of camps up valley in an attempt to make the first ascent ofKellas Peak (6680 m) on the Tibetan Border north of Jongsang (7462 m). During the 1930 Kangchenjunga expedition, Gunter Dyhrenfurth, Frank Smythe and other members had named this shapely mountain after the highly prolific Scottish explorer, Dr Alexander Kellas.

Kellas, who visited the mountains of Sikkim from 1907 to 1921, made a prodigious number of climbs in the region and in 1910 completed no less than 10 first ascents over 6000 m, including 7125 m Pauhunri in northeast Sikkim.

This autumn Jeremy Windsor's party was able to reach Kellas col (6380m), a snow saddle on the border ridge south of Kellas Peak first reached by Alexander Kellas during one of his unsuccessful attempts to climb Jongsang. Members of the party also made the first ascent of Pt 6252 m, but frequent avalanches and difficult hidden crevasses put them off making a serious attempt on Kellas Peak.

However, the expedition was able to identify a large number of attractive unclimbed peaks in the Lugnak, Muguthang and Lhonak valleys, which should attract mountaineers for many years to come providing access to this area remains possible.

(Lindsay Griffin)
(See Article, HJ Vol. 66)

Tingchen Khang (6010 m)

Team: Indian

Organisers: Chakram Hikers, Mumbai.

Leader: Mangesh Deshpande

A team of five mountaineers was on an expedition to attempt this peak in the Sikkim Himalaya. On 19 October, Mangesh and Sekar along with two Sherpas reached the summit by 1.30 p.m. After descending around 100 m on the slopes below the summit, they slipped and fell about 50 m. Both the members were fatally injured and died. Sherpa Mingma and Sherpa Ang Dorjee were also severely injured. On receiving the news of the accident, rescue operations were launched with the help oflocal government authorities, high altitude Sherpas and military authorities. The remoteness of the area and weather conditions made the rescue operations difficult. Both the Sherpas were evacuated by Indian Air Force helicopters and were subsequently admitted to the hospital and survived.

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UTTARAKHAND

KUMAUN HIMALAYA

Nanda Devi East (7434 m)

(1) Team: Polish

Leader: Jan Lenczowaski

Since the first ascent of this peak in 1939 by a Polish team, climbers from this country have a special affinity for this high peak. The 10-member Polish team established base camp at 4300 m in the Lawan valley. They followed the south ridge and put up Camp 2 at 6400 m on 22 May 2009. They reached 6900 m on the route. Constant bad weather, insufficient time and sickness of one member made them call off the attempt.

Changuch (6322 m)

(1) Team: British

Leader: Martin Moran

Many teams had made attempts to this unclimbed peak in Kumaun and some of them had ended in disaster. At last the mountain selected its climbers and the six-member British team was successful in reaching the coveted summit in the pre-monsoon season. After establishing their base camp at 4275 m in the Lawan Gad, ABC at 5150 m and the summit camp at 5800 m, they followed northwest ridge of the mountain. On 9 June 2009, Martin Moran with Robin Jarvis, Paul Guest, Leon Winchester with LO Ludar Singh reached the summit. They estimated the climb to be of technical grade Alpine — D.

They also attempted Nanda Devi East but too much snow, lack of campsites and illness of two members stopped their attempt at 6050 m.

(See Article, HJ Vol. 66)

Kalanka (6931 m)

Team: Netherland (Dutch)

Leader: Michael Robert van Berkel

From Jumma, the 3-man Dutch team reached the base camp at Bagini Kharak (4400 m) on 19 August 2009. They reached ABC at 5000 m but could not proceed due to lots of snow. As a consolation, they climbed an unnamed peak (6505 m) near their base camp on 21 September.

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GARHWAL HIMALAYA

GANGOTRI AREA

Bhagirathi II (6512 m) and III (6454 m)

Team: Slovenian

Leader: Marco Prezelj

The well-known super alpinist from Slovenia visited Garhwal Himalaya with two young climbers, Rok Blagus and Luka Lindic in the post monsoon season of the year. They climbed both the peaks in alpine style. Bhagirathi III was climbed by southwest face and all the three reached the summit on 22 September 2009. Bhagirathi II was tackled from its south face followed by south ridge and all the three climbers stood on the top on 01 October 2009.

Kedarnath (6968 m)

Team: Italian

Leader: Giordani Maurizio

On 12 August 2009 all the eleven members of this Italian expedition successfully reached the summit of this high peak in the Gangotri glacier. They followed the traditional route from their base camp at Tapovan.

Meru Shark's Fin (6450 m)

Team: Sloven ian

Leader: Silvo Karo

Another well-known name from Slovenia, Silvo Karo attempted Shark's Fin of Meru with two friends, Andrej Grmovsek and Marko Lukic in August — September 2009. They established ABC at 5160 m. But they could reach only up to 5800 m on their intended route on the east face. Lots of snowfall called for the retreat.

Unnamed (6172 m) and Swachand (6721 m)

Team: Italian

Leader: Giambattista Villa

This unnamed peak is located on the left bank of Swachand glacier having geographical coordinates latitude 30° 47' and longitude 79° 11 '46". In August 2009, this five-member Italian team followed the traditional path from Gangotri — Bhojbasa — Tapovan to Sunderban following the Gangotri glacier and established base camp at 4600 m. Bad weather stopped any further progress.

CENTRAL GARHWAL

Chaukhamba I (7138 m)

Team: Indian

Organisers: Summiters, Kolkata

Leader: Satyajit Kar

This large team from Kolkata approached this high mountain from Mana. After reaching Bhagirath Kharak glacier, they established their base camp at Ghoracha (4200 m). Three high camps were established. Camp 3 was established at 6100 m above the icefall. They attempted north face and reached just 40 m below the summit on 25 June 2009. Bad weather stopped them from reaching the top.

Deoban (6852 m)

Team: Indian

Organisers: Ordinance Factories Mountaineers & Trekkers

Leader: Samrat Basu

The nine-member team approached Deoban located in the Amrit Ganga valley in the post monsoon season. They established base camp at Eri Udiyar on the right bank of Amrit Ganga. Camp 3 was established on Upper Bidhan glacier and summit camp was put up at 6320 m. They started climbing northwest ridge and finally reached via the west ridge. Leader with Ashim Ghosh, Tapas Dey, Prosenjit Bagchi along with 4 high altitude supporters reached the summit on 28 August.

Mukut Parbat (7242 m)

Team: French

Leader: Albrieux Lionel

The eight-member French team approached this high mountain from Ghastoli. After entering Khati nala they reached the Pachhimi (West) Kamet glacier. They established base camp at 4800 m, ABC at 5300 m and the summit camp at 6500 m on the south ridge. They climbed the peak in alpine style. Leader with Cabane Damien, Giacobi Sebastien, Jourdain Didier, Pellissier Emmanuel, Ms. Poitevin Marion and Bohin Sebastien reached the summit on 2 October 2009 at 11.00 a.m. Munoz Dimitry suffered because of acute mountain sickness and returned early from the expedition.

Mukut Parvat was first climbed by a New Zealand expedition in 1951, but from Dakhhini Charnrao glacier and NW ridge. They had recced the West Kamet glacier approach earlier but found it too challenging. Sir Ed Hillary was member of the team and it was one of the reasons why he was selected to join the 1953 Everest expedition.

Ronti (6063 m)

Team: Indian

Organisers: The Natures' Foundation

Leader: Debabrata Dutta

This seven-member team approached Ronti from Wan following the route through Ranak Dhar-Gairuli Patal-Ali Bugial-Baidani Bugial-Pathar N achuni-Kailubinayak-Baguabasa-Huniathar-Rupkund-Giunargali col reaching their base camp at Silasamudra.

They established Camp 1 at Dodang and then cross Bara Homkund. On 29 August they reached Ronti Saddle and finally the peak at 13.30 p.m.

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HIMACHAL PRADESH

Fluted Peak (6159 m) in Losar valley, Spiti

Team: Indian

Organisers: Jadavpur University Mountaineering and Hiking Club

Leader: Atanu Krishna Pathak

The team of eight members approached the mountain from the Losar nala and established two high camps. On 27 June they reached under a cornice at 5800 m and could not proceed. The attempt was called off.

Indrasan (6221 m)

Team: Indian

Organisers: Tarit Memorial Mountaineering & Trekking Assn.

Leader: Partha Majumder

A seven-member team attempted this attractive mountain near Manali in June 2009. After establishing Camp 1 atop Duhangan col (5100 m) the team had to return as bad weather and excessive snowfall stopped the attempt at 5300 m on 12 June.

Menthosa (6443 m)

Team: Indian

Organisers: BEAS Sodepur

Leader: Amiya Sarkar

The seven-member team followed Urgus nala and established two high camps on the mountain. From their top camp (5850 m), on 30 July 2009 they made an attempt to reach the summit. But a big crevasse at around 6005 m could not be crossed and hence they retreated from the peak.

Papsura (6451 m)

Team: Indian

Organisers: Bhadrakali Padatik

Leader: Prosenjit Mukherjee

This eight-member team from West Bengal established base camp at 4500 m on the Tos glacier. They established four high camps and the summit camp was at 5850 m. From the top camp they reached 6100 m on the northwest face of Papsura. Bad weather and lots of snow prevented them from continuing the attempt. Attempt on nearby Devachen was also foiled due to the same reason. On 8 June, Arun Sen, Dipankar Ghosh, Rajib Bhattacharya, Soma Paul, Jyotilal Soren, Santosh Singh and Subrata Das reached the top of an Unnamed Peak (aprox 6000 m) via north ridge. This peak was located west of their summit camp of Papsura.

Rubal Kang (6187 m)

Team: Indian

Organisers: Kolkata Trekkers Youth

Leader: Ashim Kumar Ghosh Chowdhury

This peak is located in the West Dibibokri glacier, and was attempted by an eight-member team from West Bengal. They established two high camps on the mountain. From the top camp at 5836 m, Kakali Majumdar and Mohar Singh Thakur reached the summit on 27 August. No Further details available.

Shiva (6142 m)

Team: Indian

Organisers: Climbers' Circle

Leader: Tapan Kumar Mukhopadhyay

The peak is located in the Pangi valley of Chamba district. From Cherry village the team of nine members followed the right bank of Garotu nala and reached base camp on 27 July. They established Camp 1 (4800 m) on southwest ridge on an icy patch, Camp 2 (5400 m) on the broken west ridge and Summit Camp (5800 m) again on northwest ridge. They continued climbing the ridge and on 7 August, after crossing an icy hump, the leader with Sushanta Mandai, Laxman Singh Rana and Kendru Singh Rana reached the true summit.

Unnamed Peak (6184 m) near Gangstang

Team: British

Leader: Jonathan Preston

The eleven-member British team began walking from Darcha and after passing through Palamo and Doll established base camp at 4284 m. They established ABC at 5008 m and Camp 1 at 5606 m. Two members suffered because of acute mountain sickness and were brought down by the liaison officer and high altitude supporters. Other members continued the attempt. From summit camp, south face was climbed and on 05 October Leader with Robin Thomas, David Bingham and Benjamin Fry reached the summit. This was first ascent of this peak located at the geographical coordinates Latitude 32° 49'25" and Longitude 76° 58' 91". They have proposed to name the peak 'Saraswati'. Their GPS showed the summit to be at 6165 m.

Unnamed Peak (6060 m) near Karcha Parvat

Team: Japanese

Organisers: Tokai Section of Japanese Alpine Club

Leader: Tsuneo Suzuki

This Japanese team of three members followed Karcha nala and set up base camp at 4420 m. Camp 1 (4700 m) and Camp 2 (5200 m) were established and on 18 July at 2.50 p.m. Ritsuyu Matsubara with 3 high altitude supporters reached the summit via northwest face. They proposed the name 'Lower Karcha Parvat' for this peak.

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EASTERN KARAKORAM AND LADAKH

Saser Kangri II (7518 m)

Team: Indian - American - British

Leaders: Motup Goba and Mark Richey

The Joint Indo-American-British 2009 Sasser Kangri II Expedition included Indians Chewang Motup (co-leader), Ang Tashi, Konchok Tinles, Dahn Singh and Tsering Sherpa; Americans Mark Richey (coleader), Steve Swenson and Mark Wilford; and British climber Jim Lowther.

Our goal was to climb the east Summit of Sasser Kangri II. The west summit was climbed by an Indian Japanese expedition in 1984. According to all our maps and information, the east summit is higher and therefore should be referred to as Saser Kangri Main and would make it the second highest unclimbed peak in the world. However their attempt was stopped due to changing weather patterns.

(Mark Richey)
(See Note, HJ Vol. 66)

Plateau Peak (7287 m)

Team: Indian-American

Organisers: The Himalayan Club

Leaders: Divyesh Muni and Marlin Geist

Five-member Indian-American team approached this high, unclimbed mountain from the Sakang valley. No expedition was reported to have entered this valley after the 1985 Indian-Japanese team to Saser Kangri II. They faced many difficulties in finding the route and ferrying the loads to their base camp near the snout of Sakang glacier at 4800 m. They established ABC at 5400 m on the moraines of the glacier and Camp 1 at 5760 m at the base of the wall leading to the col between Plateau Peak and Saser Kangri III. They started fixing ropes on the wall in turns and reached around 6600 m on 15 August. On the same day both the leaders with Rajesh Gadgil and Sudeep Barve reached the Sakang col (6100 m) overlooking North Shukpa Kungchang glacier. The weather turned bad and heavy snow followed. The team decided to retreat from the route due to threat of avalanches. They named the route 'Dog Leg' due to its shape.

On 26 August, Divyesh Muni with Rajesh Gadgil, Samgyal Sherpa and Mingma Sherpa completed a first ascent ofTsumzong Kangri (6010 m) in alpine style. The peak is located near the junction of Sakang glacier with its subsidiary glacier near its snout. One high camp was established and from there the climbers first followed north ridge and then west ridge to reach the summit.

(Divyesh Muni)
(See Article, HJ Vol. 66)

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ARUNACHAL PRADESH

A Visit to Pemako, Arunachal Pradesh

In Tibetan Buddhism the importance ofkora, or circumambulation, is immense. The famous kora around Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar lake is a prime example. A kora of Takpa Siri at the head of the Subansiri valley in Arunachal Pradesh and Kundu Potrang in Tibet, a little to the north of the Dibang valley also in Arunachal Pradesh, are considered similarly holy. Over the years thousands of pilgrims have undertaken these koras, which entail considerable hardship even today.

Often an entire region is considered holy ground, like Pemako, the area around the Tsangpo-Siang river. While no actual boundaries define Pemako, it consists of several valleys, peaks and rivers, now spread between Tibet (China) and Arunachal Pradesh (India). The wide Yang Sang Chu (river valley) near the McMahon Line, is part of the region of Pemako. Literally meaning 'the hidden valley', it contains three pilgrim sites; Pema Siri, Riwutala and Dhanakosa, each on a high mountain ridge. Pilgrims, both locals and those from lower valleys visit between July and October.

An Indian team explored the area towards Pema Siri and perfonned kora of Riwutala.

(See Article 6, HJ Vol. 66)

And finally, the Indian Himalaya was severely affected by changes in the weather and one can use the cliche that the only certainty about the weather is its uncertainty. The dry spells had an effect on the villagers psyche too. The villagers of Langja in Spiti were always superstitious about weather being influenced by the mountain rising above their village which has a romantic name Chau Chau Kang Nilda — "Blue Moon in the Sky". This year the villagers stopped three expeditions from proceeding to this mountain as they believed this would affect their crops. A curious effect of Global Warming!

 

 

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CLUB NEWS

The Himalayan Club Obituary:

 

As usual it was an active year, with many Sectional Meetings at Mumbai, Kolkatta, Delhi and London. The Himalayan Journal Vol. 65 was published in October 2008 while three E Letters were published; No. 16 (November 2009), No. 18 (March 2010) and No. 19 (July 2010).

The Grindlays Bank Mountain Scholarships were awarded to various trainees. Many new books were added to the library.

The Himalayan Club Kekoo Naoroji Book Award was not given during the year.

The Club membership continues to grow beyond 1000 members spread over various parts of the world and consisting of many leading mountaineers. The membership is open to all who are interested in any aspects of the Himalaya and are qualified to be members.

Full details and forms are available from Hon. Secretary,
and on the Himalayan Club Website

THE HIMALAYAN CLUB CENTRE,

(Full details of the activities in 2009-10 organised by the Himalayan Club and at its sections are available in E Letters, which is sent to all who register their email address with the club.).

For Purchase of the Himalayan Journal and Trade Inquiries contact

Oxford University Press
67, C.S.T. Road, Vidyanagari PO,
Kalina, Santacruz (E), Mumbai 400 098

Phone: 91-22-2697 3891/92, 2652 1034/35,
Fax: 91-22-2652 1133
www.oupin.com

 

Printed in India by Parkar Arts, 1st floor, India Printing House, G.D. Ambekar Road, Wadala, Mumbai 400 031, Designed by Reflections and published by Vijay Crishna, Hon. Secretary for the Himalayan Club, 3101, Prestige Turf Tower C Wing, Dr. Elijah Moses Road, Shakti Mills Lane, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 011, India.

 

 

 

 

 

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Publications

The Himalayan Journal

Published since 1929, it is the most authentic and authoritative reference on the activities in the Himalaya. It covers climbing, explorations, scientific observations and almost all aspects related to the Himalaya. The contributors include some of the best writers and climbers active in the range.

E Letter

Keeping with the modem trend the E Letter is started since 2005. It is sent electronically through E mails to members and to anyone requesting it. Edited by young editors, it covers the Club news and current events in the world of mountains.

The Himalayan Club Website: (www.himalayanclub.org)

The exhaustive Web site covers various aspects related to the Club, like activities, articles, application forms, subscription rates and all the news from The Himalayan Club Newsletter and E Letters. The Himalayan Club Yahoo Group is a gathering of like minded persons on the Web. Open to all to register and communicate.

Libraries

The Himalayan Club Libraries are at New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata

The Himalayan Club houses a large library of books at the India International Center, Max Muller Road, Lodi Estate, New Delhi. Sub-libraries operate at Mumbai and Kolkata. Soli Mehta Library is located at Mumbai.

Events

Annual Lecture Series: Arun Samant Memorial Lectures, Kaivan Mistry Memorial Lectures and Sarat Chandra Das Memorial Lectures.

Annual Seminars are held at Mumbai and Kolkata. Himalayan Club Re-Union of members is held annually at London, Annual Dinner is held in Mumbai, Workshops and Lectures on various Himalayan subjects are held.

Kekoo Naoroji Book Award

The award was started by the Naoroji family in memory of Kekoo Naoroji, Past President and a great supporter of the club. Each year the award is given to an outstanding book on the Himalayan subject, from entries received.

Sponsorships

Expedition Sponsorship is granted for a worthwhile project by HC members. Standard Chartered Bank Mountain Scholarship, Kesarbai Kilachand Scholarship and J. B. Waller Equipment Fund are given to needy students for training.

 

 

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The headquarters of the Club is situated in a central locality, in the heart of Mumbai. All are invited to visit and take advantage of the facilities offered and view the displays. It is open every day from 11 a.m. to 6 pm and staff is available to help.

Displays

The Himalayan Club and its officers, including names of current officers, pictorial history of the Himalayan Club, formation, celebrations, historical events and personalities. The Himalayan Journal and its editors, from 1929 till current date. Himalayan Achievers' Gallery, those who have excelled in the Himalayan fields with climbs, exploration, literature, writing, studies and travels. Map depicting all 8000 m peaks in the Himalaya, marking their locations on a large map and also showing the countries with the Himalayan Club representatives. Display of Tiger Badge and Himalayan Club Logo, with its meaning and historical importance. Special exhibitions: at present on Nanda Devi and its history, depicting routes into the sanctuary, historical expeditions to the mountains and climbers and explorers associated with the peak. Different mountains will be covered and the display will change from time to time.

Reference Material

Lt Nawang Kapadia Collection :

Map Library - contains a large collection of maps.

Visual Library - contains videos, DVDs on mountains.

Oral Histories - Audio and Video recordings of Himalayan Club members and famous mountaineers. At present, it includes recordings of T.H. Braham, Aamir Ali, Gurdial Singh, Sir Chris Bonnington, Mark Richey, Yoshio Ogata, Tamotsu Nakamura and others.

The Himalayan Club library, Editor's Papers, articles, photos, maps received for the Himalayan Journal are kept in bound albums or in a CD format. with an index. Archives include historical photos, papcrs and mementos from various historical personalities.

Activities

Meetings and Lectures organised by the Club, including mectings of the Managing Committee are held at HCC.

The HCC is open to all, mcmbers and others are welcomc to visit.

Special Events

Special celebrations held by the Club: for the Golden Jubilee (1978) (50th year), 60th year (1988), the new Millennium (2000), the 75th year (2003) and the 80th year (2008).

Special books are published by the Club and few of these titles were sent complimentary to entire membership. '80 years on Top' a film on 80 years of the club was produced and is available for sale.

 

 

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