Situated south of Na
in the upper Rolwaling area, Ramdung, also called Ramdung Go, is
one of acluster of peaks around the Yalung La (5,310m/17,421ft),
a pass giving access to the upper Rolwaling from the south, via
the Khare Khola. The peaks in the area were first explored by Scottish
Himalayan expedition, led by Bill Murray in 1952, when three of
the peaks near the pass, Yalung Ri (5,630m/18,471ft), Chhugyima
Go (6,259m/20,534ft), and Ramdung were climbed. In 1955 the peak
had its second ascent by members of the Merseyside expedition. Since
then Ramdung has been climbed numerous times is an ideal summit
for groups wanting to trek and climb in the still little visited
Rolwaling Himal area.
Although the mountain, by it normal route of ascent, is straightforward,
its virtues lie in its magnificent position and splendid summit
panorama that ranges from Langtang to Everest and provides a splendid
view of Gauri Shankar and Menlungtse.
The Climb: Northeast Face from the
Yalung La :
Despite the fact that the peak is not very high the approach from
Na covers a good distance and most parties require two high camps
for the ascent. Camp 1 is set up around 4,900 meters (16,000ft)
below the Yalung La. Climbing towards the pass and the snow Camp
2 is placed on the broad glacier slopes east of the pass. Ascend
the slopes of the Ramdung Glacier south-west of the subsidiary peak
onto a saddle at the junction with the Yalung Glacier (5,650m/18,537ft).
From here it takes is about a 4 hour climb to the top depending
on snow conditions.
The Rolwaling Trek :
The trek through Rolwaling has everything that trekking in the Himalayas
has to offer. The trek starts from Lamusangu or Charikot and initially
goes through the lower valleys flanked by terraced fields, farm
houses and forested slopes. The Higher valleys of Rolwaling are
inhabited by the Sherpa people who cultivate maize, barley, potatoes
and graze their yaks herds in the higher valleys below the snow
capped peaks. Above the villages of Beding and Na the route comes
to the glaciated valleys where lines glacial lakes like Tso Rolpa.
After the ascent of Ramdung trekkers can cross the Tesi Lapcha pass
(5,755m/18,875ft) to Namche Bazaar on the Everest Base Camp route.
From Namche one can take a side trip to Everest Base Camp or trek
directly to Lukla and catch a plane for Kathmandu.
|
|
|