Mt. Shivling 2007

9th June 2007: Our adrenalin kept rushing upwards, heartbeats kept pounding faster and heavier, a feeling of joy and achievement was embracing us, as we were moving inch by inch towards the peak. As the time machines ticked 2.15 PM, we were at the top of the world with our feet firmly on the summit of Mt. Shivling, 6510 meters above sea level. We did it. As chilly winds blew, standing atop Shiva’s abode with a backdrop of snowcapped Himalayan ranges was a moment to cherish for life time. That was the moment we were waiting for the last two years. Mt. Shivling, one of the world’s most beautiful and famous peaks, the towering sentinel to the Gangotri Glacier and the holy source of the River Ganges, is visited by number of climbers from all over the world every year. The technical difficulties involved during the journey and the dangers of avalanches during the ascent, give it the name — “Dream Mountain”. It becomes a forbidden fruit to even some of the best mountaineers of the world. It was a grand dream. A dream which was not only the tallest in our lives, but also extremely dangerous to realize. But we were stouthearts. After leaving Pune on 15 May, we established our base camp at Tapovan (4600 meters) on 21 May. It snowed heavily on 24th May (around 2ft). With such heavy snowfall there were chances of sliding and avalanches. Still we traveled to the advance base camp (ABC) on 25 May. Thereafter, as lady luck shined on us, the weather became favorable and we steadily progressed on our journey. We kept advancing from Camp1 to Camp 2, and finally the summit camp (4th June). The route from Camp 2 to Camp 3 was tough and treacherous. There were three stages of tough rock climbing (called as Chimney). At these stages there was a drop of 5,000ft. Any object dislodged from this point would have hit the ABC. No need to say what would happen thereafter. After the summit camp, climbing the “Ice Wall” was the toughest. It was a 300 ft. wall slightly overhanging (at 100 degrees). Taking on this portion at an altitude of 6000 meters was extremely difficult. At this altitude, because of the deficiency of oxygen in the environment, human efficiency goes down to 75%. Three days of tiring and exhaustive efforts opened the wall for us and ultimately we were on top of it. From the “Ice Wall” to summit was a ramp of ice of 70 degree gradient. Finally we reached the summit completely exhausted. The journey demanded excessive physical hardships and mental strength.During this expedition we faced various difficulties such as extreme cold conditions (subzero temperatures) in the morning and extreme hot (more than 45 degree Celsius) in the afternoon, low oxygen conditions, avalanches, heavy snowfall, etc. But with the blessings of the Almighty and well wishes of supporters we made it safely. There was heavy snowfall when we left the base camp. Rest of the days, the weather was clear and made favorable indications. In the Himalayan region, such a clear weather is a miracle and when we returned to the base camp again after summit, the whether started worsening. We find ourselves so lucky for such favorable conditions. Thank you God!

Giripremi Film Show and Prize distribution

On 12th June Giripremi had arranged a mountaineering film show. Films of various successful expeditions organized b giripremi were screened. The objective of the show was to spread awareness about mountaineering among the young generation and to showcase the achievements of the club.

Also, Giripremi awarded prizes to mountaineers from the club for their achievements in the various expeditions.

Welcome to Giripremi Blog

About Giripremi!!!

Giripremi is one of the pioneer mountaineering club in India. This club was founded by stalwarts Smt. Ushaprabha Page and Shri. Anand Palande. in 1982.
We are proud to state that during the span of more than 25 years, our club members have climbed various snow clad peaks and our activities also include scaling of unclimbed walls and pinnacles in Sahyadri. Giripremi members participated in first ever 'Indian Civil Everest Expedition-1998', a milestone to be proud of.
In the recent past Giripremi members have climbed Mt. Shivling [6543mtr.]. This is the first civilian successful attempt to Mt. Shivling. After that Giripremi members have scaled many technical peaks in Garhwal Himahalaya namely, Mt. Srikanta [6133mtr.], Mt. Jaonli [6632mtr.]. Giripremi successfully conducted pre-winter expedition to Mt. Friendship [5286mtr.]. Also, Giripremi members successfully completed 560 km high altitude mountain biking expedition from Manali to Khardungla.
Some of the achievements of Giripremi are as follows:
• 1982 Mt. Leopargial (6791 m)
• 1983 Mt. Mana (7232 m)
• 1984 Mt. Bidhan (6510 m)
• 1985 Mt. Sri Kailas (6855 m)
• 1986 Mt. Deoban (6855 m)
• 1987 Mt. Chaturangi (6002 m)
• 1987 Mt. Priyadarshini (5250 m)
• 1988 Unnamed peak in Meru Glacier (5955 m)
• 1989 Mt. Manda (6511 m)
• 1990 Mt. Parcha Kangri (5855 m)
• 1991 Mt. Manda (6511 m)
• 1991 Mt. Bhrigu Parbat (5950 m)
• 1992 Mt. Satopanth (6970 m), First Indian Successful Civilian Expedition
• 1995 Mt. Thelu (6005 m) 1998 Mt. Friendship (5190 m)
• 1998 Mt. Everest (8850 m) Nepal, First Indian Successful Civilian Expedition with members from GIRIPREMI.
• 1998 Mt. Kag Bhushandi (5760 m)
• 2002 Mt. Sudarshan Parbat (6507 m), First Indian Successful Civilian Expedition
• 2004 Mt. Deo Tibba (6001 m), from south-west ridge.
• 2007 Mt. Shivling (6443 m), First Indian Successful Civilian Expedition
• 2007 Mt. Bhagirathi-2 (6512 m)
• 2008 Mt. Srikanta (6728 m)
• 2009 Mt. Jaonli (6632 m)

In addition to this many serious Rock-climbs in the Sahyadris have been successfully completed by our members under the banner of AAROHAK. Some of the prominent achievements are: Lingana, Dangya, Khada Parshi, Visapur fort walls, Duke’s Nose, Tel-Bela, Baan, Arhter seat, Scottish Kada, Dhakoba, Kundalika, Katra-Kada, Shail-Kada, Pader Fort, Navaji Pinnacle, Andharban Pinnacle, Madangad rock face, and Naptha.


Contact:

Address: 2/3, Erandwane, Karve Road, Pune - 411 004
Phone: 020-25421157, 020-25531569,+91-9890620490
Email: giripremi@gmail.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07VmYMWuEy8