Satopanth | Field Touring Alpine

Altitude: 7,075M/ 23,210ft
Location: Gharwal Himalayas, India

Satopanth is a magnificent Himalayan mountain and a formidable undertaking. The route includes a complex glacier approach, high angled snow slopes and knife edge ridge, before the final section to the summit.

Dates:
September 3 to October 2, 2012

FTA has summited Satopanth in each of our two trips (2009 and 2011) and look forward to going back in 2012. Join our experienced guides and staff for our third trip to Satopanth!

Price:
Full service USD$5750 
BC services only USD$4150

We can offer this program with the highest quality ground services and our full-time local staff for any date of your choosing, for single persons to groups up to 15 members, and with a variety of options and add-ons. Contact us for full details.

About Mt. Satopanth

Mt. Satopanth, the second highest summit in the Gangotri Group is located in the remote India Garhwal Himalaya Range in a disjoined side-group separating the Gangotri and Chaturangi Glaciers. This is an incredibly beautiful and remote area with unlimited and untapped mountaineering and big wall potential. Views of Thalay Sagar, Shivling and the terrifying granite pillars of Bhagirathi III, described as “El Cap with a Droites North Face on top at 6000M”, are enough to humble even the most seasoned climber.

“Sato” meaning Heaven and “panth” meaning path or way is the literal translation from the native dialect. Gaumukh, the mouth of the holy Ganges river, known as the most holy place in all of India, is a mere days walk from Gangotri make this expedition more than just a climb, it is a cultural experience unmatched anywhere in the world.

Field Touring & Mt Sapotanth

Field Touring Alpine is expanding its operations into North India due to its extreme beauty, rich culture and huge mountaineering potential. As any visitor to this area will say, ” Why doesn’t anyone come up here, its amazing!” The people, the food and the Indian way of life really make this place unforgettable.

Our Indian programs are designed to maximize your time in the mountains and to compliment that with ample opportunity for shopping and sightseeing in towns. We stay in the best tourist lodges, and utilize high quality field tents and messing services on the trail. FTA guides have travelled extensively in this area, are familiar with the challenges of moving about in this fascinating country, and will make your journey a great one!

Expedition Overview

Starting in the bustling metropolis of New Delhi, India this expedition will offer so much more than the typical climbing trip. Upon arrival you will be met by your western Field Touring Alpine guide and taken to your hotel to collect your thoughts and come to terms with the fact that you are in India. Once the usual administration is complete we will depart New Delhi and drive to the holy city of Rishikesh. Rishikesh is a very interesting and relaxed place that will offer our team members the chance to take a yoga class, sun tan on the banks of the Ganges River or explore the Ashram where the Beatles stayed during their time in India.

We will then load up our jeeps and begin the 2 day journey through the Himalayan foothills through Uttarkashi and on to Gangotri, the end of the road and the start of an amazing trek through small villages, deep valleys and out of this world mountain scenery.

Once the climbing portion of the expedition is complete we will have a leisurely stroll back to Gangotri for some much needed rest. We will then depart Gangotri and drive to Uttarkashi for some fun shopping and good food and drink. On to Rishikesh once again and back to New Delhi. This will be an all around experience that isn’t for the weak of heart. Incredible India!

Mt Satopanth 7075M: North East Ridge Climbing Route

Camp 2 on Satopanth

The natural way leading to the mountain is from the northwest up the stunning Suralaya Valley. Satopanth is a magnificent Himalayan mountain and a formidable undertaking. The route includes a complex glacier approach, high angled snow slopes and knife edge ridge, before the final section to the summit. At just over 7000m, the effect of high altitude is a significant factor, as is the remote location and possibility of extreme weather.

Base Camp to Camp 1

Glacier travel to Camp 1 at 5400M, first views of Satopanth, about 4 hours one way.

Camp 1 to Camp 2

Steep snow & mixed climbing on fixed ropes. Easy angled snow slopes & crevassed glacier travel up to Camp 2 at 6000M. About 5 hours one way.

Camp 2 to Camp 3

Then, gain the broad ridge which becomes narrow for about 700M. 40-55 degree ice traverse with mind boggling exposure. Camp 3 lies at 6400M on the end of this ridge at the bottom of the summit snow field up to 7075M. About 5 hours one way.

Camp 3 to Summit

Ice traverse from camp 2-3 on Satopanth

Prepare to be on top of your world. You will be higher than any peak in the region and if you look closely, you can see Tibet, Kashmir, and maybe even Pakistan. Nanda Devi is also off in the distance.

Rope up, ascend the snow slopes up the obvious line. When you reach the rocks, be careful; after which you angle left to the summit. Fixed lines are usually not used on summit day unless conditions require. 7 hours to the summit.

Under excellent conditions a fast team may avoid camp 3 and launch a summit bid from Camp 2.