The latest from Project Himalaya
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Ravens flirting at Tso Kar, Ladakh
Hello everyone
Esther and I are travelling in monsoonal South India taking a break from Ladakh and our timing was impeccable; we missed the transition from Ladakh being split from the state of Jammu & Kashmir. While Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley is likely to suffer ongoing unrest there is jubilation in Leh about being freed from the neglectful J&K government. Now Ladakh (including Zanskar) is a Union Territory (not enough population to be full-fledged state) ruled by the central government, a long-standing (50+ years!) demand of theirs. This will be good for the region overall and for our treks.
For our 2020 Ladakh-Zanskar season there are plenty of ideas and options but I really want to know what YOU actually want to do. I am happy to tailor trips around UK/USA school holidays in particular. See further down for some suggestions.
And the Ladakh season so far? We crossed Zanskar in unusual snow, summitted Dzo Jongo Ri twice, and went wildlife spotting at Tso Kar; see Our Previous Treks. I am pleased to mention virtually all of our treks this year filled :) but with 8 or 9 bookings, they are still not big groups - what can we arrange for you next year?!
Julley! Jamie
Skypacking resupply comfort
July 2020 Ladakh Skypacking
No horses, this is carrying our own camping gear, and so is for experienced backpackers only. I loved our last "skypacking" trek and know we are on the right trail with trekking two to seven day sections between our indulgent resupplies with Lobsang cooking up a banquet, and we even climbed a couple of straightforward 6000m peaks. Our itinerary also showcased the real variety of the region and the 22 days seemed about right although we could easily fill 24 or even 28 days.
There are a couple of people keen already – is there anyone else interested to take part in the planning discussions?
climbing on Mentok II
Lungser Kangri 6666m / Peak 6363m?
There is a chance Lungser Kangri will open again next year and if it doesn't I have my eye on another prize (Tso High) or Mentok I and more. Either would be an August climb and although the current itinerary is 21 days, I will probably add a weather day and warm up peaks, so 24 days.
Who is interested?!?
Mike gives Karen a helping hand in Zanskar
The Great Divide (or Zanskar Canyons?)
I might switch our last trek of the season during the ideal September window to The Great Divide if we run a mountaineering trip, Lungser Kangri or similar, as the horses will be nearby. There are also 6000m options we can add, and we finish with an overland journey back to Delhi (saving a domestic flight).
Or does anyone have their heart set on the adventurous Zanskar Canyons in 2020 rather than 2021? I love both and either can be made to work ... Please get in touch now!
young golden eagles flirting, Ladakh
India travel update
India's tourist e-visa has been tweaked further, now 1 year multiple entry visas are available with a maximum stay of 90 days at a time, more than enough time for two treks :) see our visa info.
Here is a link to the US state department's India travel advisory saying that travel to Leh is OK, mentioned right at the top even.
Sadly, Jet Airways imploded and we no longer have a recommended airline but there are still plenty of options including GoAir's new direct flight from Mumbai to Leh.
#6; photo by Lakpa Tenje
Everest photos
Rather than a photo gallery of mine, check out Renan Ozturk's Instagram photos from our spring #EverestMystery expedition. We summitted on 30 May, later than any other team and had the summit to ourselves. It was relatively warm, I climbed only in those leather-palmed gloves, and Bali also summitted, an impressive effort by him in particular.
Working with some of the very best documentary creators was an incredible, learning experience even if we had more adventures than expected. There is a Nat Geo documentary in the works along with podcasts and a book and some other productions too, and I can't wait to see the final stories.
A massive thank you to the team Renan, Thom Pollard, Jim Hurst, Mark Synnott, Matt Irving and Nick Kalisz, and to Nat Geo and The North Face, who were particularly generous with gear for the climbing sherpas.
Trek on!
