Noted mountaineer from the city Ali Razvi (43), has made it to the expedition team of professional climbers from Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), which is attempting to scale Mt. Bhagirath-II (6,512 metres), the second highest peak in the Gangothri range, between May 25 and June 15.
The Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), the apex regulatory body for mountain climbing in India, has allotted May 25 to June 15 for the expedition team to complete the climb. Razvi will attempt to scale the peak along with 14 other mountaineers drawn from NIM.
Tough test
“Of the three mountains in the Bhagirathi range, climbing Bhagirathi-II is the toughest and will test the technical acumen of climbers. The mythical peaks are named after King Bhagirath, who is believed to have brought the river Ganges to earth,” says Razvi.
The climber from Hyderabad is not new to scaling peaks. In 2012, Razvi successfully climbed Europe’s highest peak Mt. Elbrus, which is 5,642 metres above sea level. In 2011, he had successfully led a team of amateur climbers from the city to the Everest Base Camp, which is 5,364 metres above sea level.
“Bhagirath-II is among the highest peaks of Garhwal, Himalaya and is located across Gangothri glacier. It is a well-known destination for mountaineers from across the world. Climbers should be physically in shape before attempting such an ascent. Already preparation to improve endurance levels is on,” Razvi said.
According to the mountaineer, the ascent of Bhagirath-II consists of 1,000 metres of vertical granite followed by another 200 metres section of rock and steep ice.
“The peak will test the technical prowess of the climbers and a lot will also depend on the climate, which is usually rough out there,” he says.
