Navy team completes Mt Saser- Kangri expedition

Visakhapatnam: The 14-member team from Indian Navy, which took off from Visakhapatnam on August 4, concluded an expedition to Mount Saser- Kangri in the Nubra valley region of Ladakh. Standing high at 7672 meters, it is also known as the mountain of the Yellow Goddess and considered as one of the most technically and physically demanding peak of the country.

The expedition had three distinct phases.The first phase involved transit from Visakhapatnam to Leh, Ladakh and the second phase included acclimatisation and trekking to Phokpoche from August 10 to August 16. The ascent phase commenced on August 20 with a climb to summit camp. Five Camps were set up progressively at increasing altitude enroute to the summit.

Hostile weather was encountered by the team during entire route with local disturbances resulting in winds of over 30 kmph except for three clear days during the whole expedition. Braving the inclement weather, the team pushed through to reach camp 5 at an altitude of 6900 meters on September 4. The team had to pitch tents on thin ledges with a slope of over 60 degrees. The extreme conditions had a telling affect on the team members and due to various reasons only 4 members could reach the summit camp.