Ramdung Peak Climb

Situated south of Na in the upper Rolwaling area, Ramdung Peak, also called Ramdung Go, is one of a cluster of peaks around the Yalung La (5,310m), a pass giving access to the upper Rolwaling from the south, via the Khare Khola. The elevation of this peak is 5925m.

 

The peaks in the area were first explored by Scottish Himalayan expedition, led by Bill Murray in 1952, when three of the peaks near the pass, Yalung Ri (5,630m), Chhugyima Go (6,259m), and Ramdung were climbed. In 1955 the peak had its second ascent by members of the Merseyside expedition. Since then Ramdung has been climbed numerous times is an ideal summit for groups wanting to trek and climb in the still little visited Rolwaling Himal area. 

 

Although the mountain, by it normal route of ascent, is straightforward, its virtues lie in its magnificent position and splendid summit panorama that ranges from Langtang to Everest and provides a splendid view of Gauri Shankar and Menlungtse. 

 

The Climb: Northeast Face from the Yalung La

Despite the fact that the peak is not very high the approach from Na covers a good distance and most parties require two high camps for the ascent. Camp 1 is set up around 4,900 meters below the Yalung La. Climbing towards the pass and the snow Camp 2 is placed on the broad glacier slopes east of the pass. Ascend the slopes of the Ramdung Glacier south-west of the subsidiary peak onto a saddle at the junction with the Yalung Glacier (5,650m). From here it takes about 4 hour climb to the top depending on snow conditions. 

 

The Rolwalling Trek 

The trek through Rolwaling has everything that trekking in the Himalayas has to offer. The trek starts from Lamusangu or Charikot and initially goes through the lower valleys flanked by terraced fields, farm houses and forested slopes. The Higher valleys of Rolwaling are inhabited by the Sherpa people who cultivate maize, barley, potatoes and graze their yaks herds in the higher valleys below the snow capped peaks. Above the villages of Beding and Na the route comes to the glaciated valleys where lines glacial lakes like Tso Rolpa. After the ascent of Ramdung trekkers can cross the Tesi Lapcha pass (5,755m) to Namche Bazaar on the Everest Base Camp route. From Namche one can take a side trip to Everest Base Camp or trek directly to Lukla and catch a plane for Kathmandu.