Exploration of Nanda Devi

Abstract

NANDA DEVI, with an altitude of 25,645 ft., in the Kumaun Himalayas, is supposed to be the highest mountain entirely within British territory. The area in which it lies is so rugged and unapproachable that even the base of the main peak defied assault until this year, though in 1907 Dr. T. G. Longstaff made an attempt via the Rishiganga gorge. In a letter to the Times of November 2, Mr. H. Ruttledge gives a preliminary account of an expedition to Nanda Devi led by Mr. E. E. Shipton this year. In June, with Mr. Tilman and a few native carriers, Mr. Shipton forced a way up the precipices of the Rishiganga gorge to the source of the river and explored the northern flank of Nanda Devi. Before the monsoon broke, they retreated northward and during July and August explored the Arwa, Bhagat-Kharak, and Satopanth glaciers before returning to their main task. Once more they ascended the Rishiganga gorge, mapped the southern basin of Nanda Devi, climbed a considerable distance up the peak and discovered a way that in the proper season would no doubt lead to the top. Finally, in September they crossed the difficult Sonadunga col and descended to the south. Mr. Shipton is returning to Great Britain next month.