A 16-member mountaineering team from Devbhoomi Adventure has abandoned its attempt to establish a route linking Pindari Glacier with Johar Valley after heavy snowfall and a prolonged storm made the higher section unsafe.
The entire team returned safely after facing approximately 52 hours of continuous snowfall and strong winds. Much of the expedition equipment was left buried beneath 10 feet of snow.
Expedition halted at high altitude
The group departed from Khati on 21 September and reached its advance base camp on 24 September. Snowfall and strong winds began at about 8:00 PM on 25 September and continued for nearly 52 hours.
As conditions deteriorated, the climbers turned back towards Vachham-Dau-Jakuni. The decision was taken after the team assessed that continuing at roughly 16,500 feet would expose members to significant risk.
Expedition leader Dinesh Singh Danu said the attempt was his seventh trail-pass expedition. The team had also prepared a route across a rock wall about 200 metres high, using ropes to support movement over the difficult section.
However, continued snowfall covered almost the entire set of expedition supplies. With the equipment inaccessible under the snow and the weather remaining hazardous, the team stopped the mission and prioritised a safe return.
Plans for another attempt
Danu said efforts would be made in the future to complete the trail. The expedition’s stated objective was to connect the Pindari Glacier route with Johar Valley, but the latest attempt could not proceed beyond the section affected by the storm.
The team included Arun Joshi from Bengaluru, Mrigang from Patna, Nand Kishore from Delhi, and Ajoy Chakraborty, Sandeep and Prashant from Kolkata, among others. All 16 members returned safely after the retreat.
Conclusion
The expedition was suspended because of a 52-hour snowstorm, dangerous conditions at about 16,500 feet and equipment buried under 10 feet of snow. The team plans to try completing the trail in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many people were in the expedition?
The Devbhoomi Adventure team had 16 members.
Q. What route was the team trying to develop?
The expedition aimed to link the Pindari Glacier with Johar Valley.
Q. When did the team leave Khati?
The group departed from Khati on 21 September.
Q. How long did the storm continue?
Snowfall and strong winds continued for nearly 52 hours after beginning at about 8:00 PM on 25 September.
Q. Why did the climbers turn back?
At roughly 16,500 feet, the weather made further progress dangerous, while heavy snow buried much of the expedition equipment.
Q. Did all the team members return safely?
Yes, all 16 members returned safely after the expedition was halted.
Q. How deep was the snow covering the equipment?
The equipment was buried under 10 feet of snow.
Q. Will the team attempt the route again?
Dinesh Singh Danu said the team would make future efforts to complete the trail.
