Two Kolkata mountaineers set out for high-risk winter climb – Times of India

KOLKATA: Two mountaineers from Kolkata — Rudraprasad Haldar and Rudraprasad Chakraborty — have set out to scale Deo Tibba — a mountain in the Pir Panjal range. The climb to an altitude of 6,000 metres is a rare feat in winter when the weather becomes extremely unpredictable.
Named after local myths of congregation of gods on the hill top, Deo Tibba has an extensive ice cap. While the climb appears easier than many other mountains, the descent is especially difficult due to a steep slope. At many places, the ice cliffs are quite unstable.
“Winter compounds the challenge as the weather becomes erratic. Every anticipation goes for a toss as conditions change suddenly. That is why there are very few expeditions during the winter in India,” Haldar said. On Saturday morning, Haldar and Chakraborty set out for the base camp after a delay of two days due to unfavourable conditions. They will cross Chika, Pandurupa, Seri and Tenta to reach the base camp.
“The primary challenge for us will be the loose snow that makes it difficult for climbers. This also increases the probability of avalanches,” Haldar said.
The duo, accompanied by a Sherpa, will take the Jagat Sukh Nala route. Haldar, a West Bengal Police officer, had scaled Mount Everest in 2016.
“Rarely have people summited during the winter in India. Deo Tibba can be deadly during the winter,” said Satyarup Siddhanta, a mountaineer who has scaled seven mountains and seven volcanic peaks.