A solo ascent of an unnamed peak (5905m) and exploration of Kyam Lungpa valley in Ladakh

Dream Wanderlust | Aug 22 , 2023

Anindya Mukherjee, an Indian climber and explorer climbed solo an unnamed peak (5905m) in Ladakh on 21st August, 2023. The unnamed peak is located northwest of the UT Kangri Peak in Kyam Lungpa Valley. He has also explored and documented the hidden and unexplored parts of the Kyam Lungpa Valley

Peak 5905m (33°35'01.1"N 77°39'40.2"E)

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"It's a very satisfactory climb for me. As it was a solo ascent and definitely a new line. I am not yet sure whether it is a first ascent as many of Ladakh's climbs have not been recorded, but it is a first documented ascent for sure, " said Anindya after summiting the peak.

His original plan was to climb an unnamed peak (6050m) in the same valley. However, after observing the potential route he decided not to proceed mainly because of a number of gendarmes consisting of loose slaty rocks typical of Ladakh. He then decided to attempt Peak 5905. He reached the summit at 10:30 am on 21st August from his camp at 5150m.

The approach line (GPS traces)

"The Summit is a flat top. Initially, the climb was like a steep hike. Climbing the summit pyramid was like scrambling in grade 3 to 4. At this point I don't want to claim it as a first ascent. Because many of the Ladakh summits are not recorded properly. However, I did not find any record of climbing this peak or of any other mountains in this valley. I will consult the experts on this. But definitely, it's a new line and a solo ascent, " he added.

Approaching the peak from the camp

View of Kyam Chho/lake on the way down from the summit

Brief timeline:

20 Aug: He left Leh on 20 Aug with a porter Abdul Latif. They drove 2km beyond Rumtse and reached 4300m, the road head. They walked upstream for about 10km following the Kyam lungpa and camped at 5150m.

21 Aug: Anindya directly approached the summit. He reached the summit at 10:30 am. Then descended back to the camp via col (5650m) connecting to the peak in the south.

22 Aug: Back to Leh.