KOLKATA: Months before Chhanda Gayen attempted her double climb at Kanchenjungha, a team of mountaineers from the city quietly accomplished a daring feat that is no less stunning. Eleven blind climbers scaled 16,000 feet at the Yunam peak in Himachal Pradesh last September, arguably the tallest climb by a group of individuals with disability in India. While four of these climbers have partial vision, the rest are totally blind. The team plans to improve upon the feat by summiting the Nandaja peak in Garhwal later this year. 

Even though they don't have the power of vision, which could be a crippling disadvantage in any climbing expedition, each of the team members are trained in mountaineering. A few of them had even trekked in the eastern Himalayas before embarking on the daring adventure. They took the assistance of guides and were led by a large group of climbers, but made the journey on their own steam, putting their climbing skills to the sternest test. 

Unfortunately, the expedition had to end 4,000 feet short of the Yunam peak as the last leg was considered too risky for the group. "We were progressing steadily, though it was getting tougher. Eventually, the weather came in the way and we had to give up. We were all very disappointed for we believed we could make it," said Dolly Dutta, one of the blind climbers. The expedition started from Chandigarh, with the team reaching Rohtang Pass via Manali. It then made its way to Tandi and then Kelong and Jispa, where a training session was held for the members. The team then reached Bara-lacha la Pass. "We had our base camp in Bharatpur and were ready to travel the last lap. But it was snowing heavily and the tracks got treacherous. So, the seniors advised us against making an attempt to summit. We had to travel back, but it was still a breathtaking experience," recalled 31-year-old Dolly, who lost her vision 15 years ago. While the challenged climbers - four of whom were women - were not allowed to proceed, three of the rest made it to the Yunam summit. 

 

Lack of experience and difficulty in acclimatizing to the extremely low temperature prevented the group from making the attempt, said Raja Abhimannyu, a member of Voice of World, an NGO that organized the expedition. "It's not easy to get used to the snowfall and the inclement weather. Without the aid of vision, you need experience and skill to negotiate the treacherous climb to the top. Even though very brave and skillful, the team lacked experience. So, we thought it wise to advise them against it," said Abhimannyu. 

But the climbers are itching to return to the Himalayas and summit a peak. Piyali Hansda, another climber, said she was ready for the dash to the top. "It wasn't easy but every minute was a thrill. Our adrenalin was pumped up and we were raring to go. But the snow made it a little difficult. This experience has toughened us and prepared us for more difficult terrain," she said. The other challenged members of the team were Bilwa Mangal Sardar, Pappu Das, Tutu Bera and Ritika Khan.

Source: Times Of India