Kangyatse - Learning the Ropes - 2

I had other commitments- packing my rucksack, collecting the technical equipment from IMF, coordinating logistics, wrapping things at home for 15 days off, getting the approval for leave, and preparing mentally for the expedition.

I was able to complete most of the tasks but it took a toll physically and mentally which bothered me later in my expedition.

Somehow I had the feeling beforehand that the climb was not going to be easy. However, I was excited to have the company of experienced mountaineer Anshu Jamsenpa (5 times Everest climber), Instructors from HMI, and other experienced mountaineers from Assam and Bengal who had good climbing experience. It was a fairly strong team and the task now was to form a bond to take on the challenge.

From Left to Right: Aroop, Ninja, Priya, Disha, Manmeet and myself at Leh market

The team reached Leh in parts. Some flew to the Leh airport and others took the route via road. The journey via road is a long winding one starting from Delhi to Manali and then onwards the barren mountainous terrain till Leh. The plus side of taking this route is that it gives you a good time for acclimatization. Also, one gets to enjoy the amazing landscapes that change every 50-odd km. You also traverse high passes such as Baralacha La and Tanglang La which prepare you for the upcoming high-altitude exposure.

The majority of the team stayed in a homestay cum lodge at Leh. The lodge provided breakfast and meals prepared from the vegetables grown organically in the backyard. The team assembled here and the logistics team did the shopping for the expedition. Their rooms had no place to step into and the other rooms too were busy preparing their rucksacks and central equipment.

The load was to be carried in a camper van to Chokh Doh from where the porters were to carry the load to the Kang Yatse Base Camp.

Team member at the homestay in Leh before the start of the expedition.

The team camp at Leh had a discomforting vibe as there was an element of unease among different groups. People were aloof from each other and по concrete discussions or planning about the approach to the mountain happened. Each group was busy on its own and seldom interacted with others. This created uncertainty and unease in us as this was our first expedition after BMC and we had a lot of expectations from the team.

On left: Anshu Jamsempa, 5 times Everester and Padma Shri awardee

The team did not act like a singular unit. Rather, it seemed like a combination of multiple sub-teams based on regions. Only a select few were open and welcoming. On the contrary, the expedition organizers i.e. the Instructors from HMI were mired by their own problems. Both the instructors had an ensuing tacit tussle and tried to cover up much as possible but it was becoming evident with each passing hour.