Ice Climbing Revival in Kashmir

-

Ice climbing Revival in Kashmir


Kashmir is well known among adventurers for its trekking routes and Skiing. Climbing (rock and ice) is lagging behind in some way, even if this valley offers a lot of opportunities. Under the guidance of Junaid Beigh, JK Tourism and JKMAC hosted the inaugural ice climbing event in Kashmir back in 2016. This persisted until 2018. It was more like a two- or three-day long multi-day event. For obvious reasons—gear being one of them—no one keeps up the sport after that.

As a student, I have to wait two years to collect the necessary equipment and become independent of any organization before I can climb because the equipment is so costly. My requests for our adventure clubs, JK Tourism, to arrange these kinds of sports have met with many barriers over the past two years. But nevertheless, it did happen last year, even if we were unable to climb because of the extremely difficult approach caused by the snow at the time.

I've now achieved the objective of 2024 as a result of my patience and hard work. Because I am so committed to advancing this sport, I am proud that I was able to bring ice climbing back to Kashmir. 



The expertise and abilities I acquired while participating in the Himalayan Club's Ice Climbing workshop in February 2023 at Nubra, and I am grateful for their ongoing support. 

Where in Kashmir it happens?

Currently, on way to Chandanwari from Pahalgam, multiple frozen waterfalls can be spotted. Some are at 30 min approach and some frozen falls are require at-least 2 hour hike. The most popular place in Kashmir for water ice climbing is at Tramkazan nar, a 45min hike from the road close to Phraslun village. The approach is gradual but the only obstacle is to cross the Lidder river.

Being an outdoor enthusiast and a climber, I was interested in climbing (both rock and ice) since the starting of my adventure career. After getting introduced to climbing in 2021, I was passionate enough to promote, raise awareness and build a community of climbers in Kashmir. I started working towards it by making a social media account by the name of Kashmir Climbs. Initially, it was me and Mohsin who used to climb around Srinagar. But now, my climbing partner,  Zaman and me are running that community currently and we are hopeful of opening at least 50 sport climbing routes across Kashmir in 2024. 

I've now achieved the objective of 2024 as a result of my patience and hard work. Because I am so committed to advancing this sport, I am proud that I was able to bring ice climbing back to Kashmir. 

January 21, 2024.

What a day it was! We ascended the ice at Tramkazan nar. Despite still lacking adequate ice screws, I was nevertheless able to ascend freely, set up a top rope anchor for the others, and then ascended multiple times once. It is a two pitch route (42m) and is still unclimbed. In coming days, I am hopeful of opening the first ice climbing route of the valley and I can't wait for that day to arrive.





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Krepin Gali Trek

-
Image
The awe-inspiring sublimeness of Krepin Gali ( 3884m) Krepin Peak from Gugaldor From the village of Gugaldur, Islamabad, the trail winds its way through the dense cedar forests alongside the course of Panzori stream. It was for the second time, I was back on this particular trail with high hope of be there on top of the pass.  A year ago, I gave up halfway across the pass because I was dealing with anxiety and other issues, which left me mentally worn out. I only learned about my flaws and weaknesses in the mountains, which helped me become more mentally resilient and progress in life. The sky was overcast in the morning, with no sign of sunshine. Through the forest, we ascended, passing the isolated dwellings at Nikki Hazi and heading north at Panzori, where the tree line starts to thin out. It sucked to have total whiteout conditions and poor visibility.  Tree line fading out And then, as we climb higher, we break through the cloud cover,  saw rugged peaks rising majest...
Read more

Guide to Alpine lakes of Pir Panjal Range

-
Image
  Pir Panjal Range The Pir Panjal Range runs through the Kashmir valley and separates it from the rest of the Indian subcontinent. This range is known for its lush green meadows, alpine lakes, dense forests, and snow-capped peaks. The Pir Panjal range is easily accessible and offers a variety of activities such as trekking, skiing, and camping. Alpine lakes are a unique feature of the mountainous regions around the world. They are often found in areas where glaciers formed thousands of years ago and have since melted, leaving behind small, pristine lakes that are surrounded by stunning scenery. These lakes are often referred to as "jewels of the mountains" due to their clear waters, amazing colors, and breathtaking views. One of the unique features of alpine lakes is their stunning colors. These colors are due to the presence of natural minerals and organic matter in the water. The location of alpine lakes is usually at high elevations, often above the tree line. They are usu...
Read more

Solo Exploration: Pir Panjal Traverse

-
Image
Pir Panjal Traverse Banihal to Aharbal Vale of Kashmir Kashmir, undoubtedly the most picturesque valley, is distinctive in its character and there is no parallel to it in the entire Himalayas. A plain embedded among the mountains, an elongated trough surrounded by the mountain ranges. From the North east it is surrounded by the central Himalayan range separating the valley from Ladakh region. On the South West side is the Pir Panjal, the first sub Himalayan mountain barrier separating the valley from the plains makes the first mountain rampart within the Himalayan belt. An impressive unit of mountains whose average crest level lies above 3800m above sea level. The mountains North of Kashmir are more or less a divergent assemblage of ranges (like Kajnag & Shamshabari), off-shoots and spurs from the north branch of the Central Himalayan range. The valley is blessed with hundreds of alpine lakes, uplands (margs in local language) stunning peaks and unexplored landscapes. In December o...
Read more