High Altitude Mountaineering in Uncharted Territory
Your journey begins, after a brief stop in Delhi, by flying over the Greater Himalayan ranges into Leh, the capital of Ladakh. This is one of the highest cities in the world and you will spend three days here acclimatising to the altitude of 3,500m and exploring Leh's rich scenic and cultural aspects. It is an important period as it will allow our bodies to adjust to the rarefied oxygen levels in preparation for the trekking, climbing and the higher altitudes to come.
From Leh you travel to Hundar Dok via the Khardungla pass, which at 18,360 ft is the world's highest motorable road you then embark on three days of superb trekking through the dramatic landscape to establish base camp for further acclimatisation, training and packing before dispersing into two groups to begin the research and adventure projects.
BSES Ladakh Mountaineering guide
Adventure
The main emphasis of the expedition is around mountaineering and you will attempt various 6,000m peaks. We hope to achieve at least one first ascent. No mountaineering experience is necessary as our experienced mountain leaders will provide full training in the safe use of all equipment. However expedition members will require a good level of personal fitness along with the ability to cope with cold weather.
1. Human interaction with and impact on the environment
High Altitude Physiology, examining the effects of altitude on the human body will run alongside Environmental investigations into the human impact on the mountain eco-system.
2. Mapping the Nubra Valley
The Nubra Valley is generally unknown and poorly mapped. You will be exploring, surveying and mapping the expedition area and thus contributing to a greater understanding of the region.
Ladakh, known as the land of the high passes, is one of the most remote regions of the Indian Himalaya. The region forms part of the Tibetan plateau and the semi-nomadic mountain people that live there are predominantly Buddhist. You will be visiting the scarcely visited Nubra Valley area which offers unrivalled mountaineering and endless opportunities for exploration and adventure including the chance to bag some unclimbed 6,000m peaks.
The main fieldwork focus is on human interaction with the environment. You will be investigating both the impact on human physiology, through high altitude physiology studies, and the impact on the mountain ecosystem, through environmental science work on the unique local flora and fauna. You will also be updating the existing maps of the area contributing to a greater understanding of this important though rarely accessed region.
Human physiology report from 2008
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Photos courtesy of YEs and 'Wild Country Photography'
I will never forget this summer, from the moment that everybody met up at Heathrow, to the time when we said our goodbyes I have had some of the best times ever. Experiencing the Ladakhi culture first hand is something that I will always remember. Going to Leh was amazing, and although we were there to work I had a brilliant time, and it was a great place to get to see. Summiting a 6000m peak was also a special moment for me, as it was something that I never thought I would have been able to do. The struggle on the way up was well worth the feeling of achievement I had when I reached the top. This really was a once in a lifetime experience!
Value For Money
There is a cost to go on expedition and we are fully aware it appears daunting. BSES is a registered charity amd operates on a not-for-profit basis. Please click the fundraising button below to put your mind at rest - it is possible for you to get the money together.
Your contribution will be in the region of £3,160 including a deposit of £500
Flights are expected to be around £1,000 including all taxes
You must be aged between 16 - 20 years old on the 1 July 2009 to become a member of this expedition. Places will also be subject to a satisfactory medical history.
|
Application Deadline |
Monday 6th April 2009 |
|
Compulsory Briefing Weekend |
Friday 17th to Sunday 19th April 2009 |
|
Expedition Dates |
Mid July to mid August 2009 |
|
BSES Annual Presentation of Expedition Reports |
Saturday 30th January 2010 |
Once you are onboard you will have access to a password protected area of the website which contains all the information you need for the expedition, from a full kit list and equipment advice to health information, suggested fitness programmes and logistical information.
All details are subject to change and correct at time of writing.
For our cancellation policy, please contact the BSES Office.
