You must have seen Spiderman do it, that is climbing up a wall , but do you know this feat is possible for you too. No kidding! You can climb a wall and that too right here in Kathmandu. The Pasang Lhamu Sport Climbing Center (PLSCC) located in Sankha Park, Ringroad, is one of the most popular places for wall climbing enthusiasts. The sports centre has an artificial wall, 14 m x 14 m with a 70-degree-incline. The wall is affixed with numerous hand and foot holds.  These holds are designed to look and feel like natural rock formation and are arranged in patterns called routes. The wall is safely climbed using ropes, harnesses and protective devices. The centre provides the equipments: ropes, harness, and  climbing shoes for a fee. The center has a membership plan for those who are seriously into wall climbing. They also allow day visits for the curious (one has to pay entrance fee, plus extra for equipments if interested in  scaling the wall).

Wall climbing is a great recreational sport. It improves concentration, stretches your muscles and is a good way to challenge yourself physically. If you are a climber and planning to scale some Himalayan peaks this season, then you can practice some climbing moves over here. We tell you it’s a great way to keep fit and prepare oneself for those steep inclines. So go to there and haul (or crawl) yourself up!

For more information you can contact Pasang Lhamu Sport Climbing Center at this number: 4370742.

[Photo Credit: Sabeen Shrestha]

27th May 2006 marked yet another victory in favor of Americans, after Mr. Michael Jenkins attained glory by summiting 7045 m Mt. Lhakpa Ri. Michael along with his wife, Ms. Elizabeth Hebertson, headed for 24-day Tibet trek to climb Mt. Lhakpa Ri on 9th May 2006. The couple has several triumphs under their belt to boast their supremacy in extreme Himalayan Adventure. One such triumph is the achievement they attained last year after reaching Advance BC at 6300m.

The travel itinerary was exclusively designed to tailor the couple’s desire. After sightseeing Lhasa and Shigatse, they retreated towards mountainous terrains. As they continued climbing towards the summit of the Himalaya, their rock-strewn trails zigzagged through the glaciers making their trails more difficult and adventurous. Unfortunately, Elizabeth had to abort further climb after reaching ABC at 6300 m due to altitude sickness. Michael continued his mission and finally succeeded to reach the summit.

One of the Expedition team from Explore Himalaya encountered the American couple on this trip and had brief exchange of their traveling experiences. The couple during this interaction confessed that just like in their first trek with Explore Himalaya, they are happy and satisfied with this second trek. They further said that as discussed earlier Explore Himalaya has indeed offered them the best arrangement and logistic support. Michael also revealed that next year he would attempt to scale Mt Shishapangma, 8027m peak in Tibet, the 14th highest peak in the world.

We wish this lovely couple all the best for their yet another Himalayan Adventure!

Following the Foot steps of George Mallory who explored route up to the North Col of Everest in 1921, a group of Trekkers from United Kingdom successfully completed their mission across the Kharta Glacier and finally, emerged at the East Rongbuk Glacier from Khangsung face of Everest crossing over two high passes, next to Kharbo La (6128m) and Lagba La (6883m).

The team led by Michael Bromfield, Chairman of the UK based Company, “The Great Walks” had left for Lhasa on 25th of April, 2006 with a team of 7 British man and one Thai female climber, Ampai Somsook. Members of the British team were: Michael Bromfield, Phil Coates, Richard John, Raymond Tempest, Andrew Christie, Richard Thompson and Brook Matthew. After visting Lhasa and Xigatse, they reached Kharta Village on 29th of April where they were met by a team of nine Sherpas led by senior climbing guide of Explore Himalaya, Phurba Pasang Sherpa.

Packing their loads on yaks, the team left on the next day for their Trek to Khangsung BC of Everest, arrived at Pethang Ringmo via Lundrungbing, Shaola and Khangsung valley on 4th of May. Acclimatizing at Pethang Ringmo on 5th, the group headed above Three and a half hours for the Russian Camp on 6th May which was a turn off between Karbo La and the Khangsung Base Camp.

From the Turn off, Michael Bromfield, Richard John, Richard Thompson and Ampai left for Khangsung Base camp with Four Sherpas whereas, the main group headed towards Karbo La under leadership of Phil Coates which included Raymond Tempest, Andrew Christie and Brook Matthew to set up the camp two hours further, below Karbo La. Next day on 8th of May, exploration towards the passes took place to find out a proper and safe route. Out of  three passes available to go towards Kharta Glacier, Karbo La(6128m) on the left end seemed over snowed and with numerous crevices afterwards whereas, the pass after that in the middle(6242m) was also not physible. Ultimately, the pass (6289m) at the right end was decided and therefore, left equipments below the pass and set as a high camp.

On 9th of May, the team left for the real adventure and reached up to the pass ultimately returning down to the Camp for rest. Finally, crossed the pass on 10th of May, went on the other side over Kharta Glacier and camped at the height of 5860m.

It was a long day on 11th, start at 8.30 am and finished finally at 6.30 PM, all day walk along the Kharta Glacier to reach the camp below Lagba La at the height of 6380m. Next day, It was another long trip to climb up to the Lagba La (6883m) and descend down to East Rongbuk Glacier finally, reaching the camp at ABC (6400m)late evening. On their descent from the Pass, Lagbala, Jamie Mcguinness who had been over the pass from ABC to provide assistance to the group missed them just by 200m since the group took a straight way down the cliff through the ropes fixed by advance team of Sherpas led by Pasang. However, Jamie thinks that the actual route was slightly southward, much easier which could have been better had the group opted for it. Any way, although taking the unusual route, they safely landed at the ABC.

Another long day’s walk all the way from ABC to the Base camp (5200m) on 13th May where the group met with Trekking team of Michael Bromfield that came from Kharta and enjoyed hot meal prepared by our Sherpa crew. Since the group had back logged itinerary, it was another long day drive to Zangmu and connected to Kathmandu on 14th of May.

Explore Himalaya is happy to have all members of the team including Sherpas safely back after completing this historic mission and look forward to organize more trips in future on the similar itinerary. We congratulate the leader, Phil Coates along with other members: Raymond Tempest, Andrew Christie and Brook Matthew and also our Nepali members: Phurba Pasang Sherpa, Dendi Sherpa, Bag Bir Tamang, Ngawang Sherpa and Zangbu Sherpa. And of course, the Leader Michael Bromfield along with Andy Broom from “The Great Walks” also to be thanked and congratulated for their ambitious planning which let us have this opportunity to handle a Great Adventure Holiday in Tibet Himalaya.

A group of Canadians and Americans arrived in Kathmandu on 11th of May after their successful ascent of the “North Col of Everest (7045m)”. Explore Himalaya had a privilege to handle this group for “Canadian Himalayan Expeditions” with a three week long mission to reach the North Col which was led by Company’s Director, Mr. Joe Pilaar, had left for Lhasa on 22nd of May.

They reached the Base Camp of Everest (5200m) on 29th of May and stayed Two nights for acclimatization taking Five days to reach the ABC at 6400 m on 5th of May, giving Two days at the Intermediate Camp again, for acclimatization purpose. Sparing Two more days, 6th and 7th of May in exploring around the ABC, they finally left for their ultimate mission on 8th of May leaving ABC at 8.30 AM. It took them Two hours of hard walk along the glacier to reach bottom of the cliff before they started their technical climb which took another Two and a half hours finally, emerging on the Col at the height of 7045m.

Successful members of the Team are Joe Pilaar, the leader, along with Erica Falconer, Bruce Fessenden and Troy Smereka. David Schneider climbed up to 6800m whereas, Richard Christiani, Maria Kusina and Jerry Clayton reached 6600m. Accordingly, Linnea Christiani was up to 6500m.

Talking to Mr. Suman Pandey, president of Explore Himalaya, Mr. Joe Pilaar expressed his gratitude for organizing such a wonderful trip, ensuring maximum reliability which was the key to success of this mission. With his experience and growing confidence towards the team of Explore Himalaya, Joe is committed to promote more trips to North Col and other parts of Tibet/Nepal Himalaya with us in the coming years.

Mera Peak Climbing is one of the most sought after peak climbing adventures in Nepal. Being the highest trekking peak offering the most impressive all round view of five 8000m + peaks including Mount Everest, Mera Peak has been a favorite of many adventurers who aim for Himalayan giants in future. Though the peak has Alpine grade ‘F’, you will be in the most extreme weather condition for an extended length of time, which naturally makes “Safety and Comfort” a matter of concern while climbing this mountain. Here is a list of Climbing Gear that helps to keep your sense of adventure intact while climbing Mera Peak or any other peaks in Nepal. Apart from this list, please go through the trekking gear list also to make your equipment and gear list complete. Happy Climbing!

Climbing boots

Comfort and safety of your feet is the first rule of climbing. And the need of a proper pair of climbing boots is self-explanatory. Bring properly insulated boots with additional stiffness and support. Also make sure that they are compatible with crampons.

Crampons

Crampons are superlight traction device used for precise mobility while walking in snowfields, glaciers and steep icy surfaces. There are many types of crampons like hinged, semi-rigid and rigid. For climbing in Nepal, semi-rigid crampons with horizontal frames are best.

Descender (figure of 8)

This equipment, with a shape of 8 usually made of aluminum, is a friction brake to control the descent. It is used in combination with climbing harness and carabiner. 

Ascender (Jumar)

Ascender or Jumar (named after the inventors Jürgen and Walter Marti), is a device used for ascending on a fixed rope. It provides safety and additional support to upward ascent.  It must be comfortable enough to be used with gloves or mittens.

Screw Gate/Carabiner/Karabiner

It is a metal clipper or loop used for attaching things together, especially for protection to your harness and your rope. It is recommended to bring four karabiners, two locking and two unlocking.

Ice Axe

It’s a straight-shafted axe with a gently curved pick used for both ascent and descent in icy surfaces. However, you can improvise it for multipurpose. Depending on the terrain, it can also be used for digging, cutting steps, securing a harness or can simply be used as a walking stick. 

Helmet – UIAA test

Helmet is basically for your safety and is quite essential while climbing. No one can imagine doing mountaineering with head injuries. Get UIAA certified one for ultimate safety.

Harness

It’s a strap like thing worn around the waist with loops to fit in your thighs. It is worn for securing you to a rope or an anchor. Make sure, it is well-fitted and comfortable.

Prusik Rope

Named after its inventor Karl Prusik, it’s basically a knot to attach a loop of cord around a rope used in rope ascending situation. It provides a strong attachment and does not damage or break the rope.

Climbing Rope (provided by the company)

Climbing ropes are normally categorized as static and dynamic. Static ropes are for abseiling, they are also used as fixed ropes for ascenders. Dynamic ropes are used as belaying ropes to absorb the shock of a falling climber.

Snow Bar (provided by the company)

Snow bars or stakes are hammered or buried to secure the rope in place for weight support of a climber. They are functional for fall protection and holding static loads.

Ice Screw (provided by the company)

Ice Screw is a long screw used to hold a falling climber. It can be used both as running belays or anchors.