SHIVLING 2005
Area: Gangotri Glacier
Height: 6543 m
Team 1: Belgian
Team Size: 7 members
Leader: Nicky Merciny
Period: April to May
Result: Unsuccessful
Summary
The team attempted the west ridge on Shivling and established two camps up to 5600m by late April. However on the mountain they found adverse snow conditions, as they were early in the season. There was a huge serac, which threatened the route, they found some loose ice towers about 30 m from Camp I and there was constant loose powder snow. The weather also did not remain favourable and hence by 7th May, in 14 days of setting up base camp they retreated.
Team 2: Czech
Team Size: 10 members
Leader: Petr Sindel
Period: September
Result: Unsuccessful
Summary
A large Czech expedition with 10 members attempted the west pillar route on Shivling. From the days of establishing their base camp on 15th September at Tapovan they faced intermittent bad weather, which left deep snow on the pillar. They could reach up to 5880m and had to give up their attempt.
Team 3: Polish
Team Size: 4 members
Leader: Witold Szylderowicz
Period: October
Result: Unsuccessful
Summary
The team established base camp at Tapovan at 4400m on 2nd October and were to attempt the west ridge of this mountain. Camp 2 was set up at 5600 m. They waited few days even as the weather was good, as they felt that the snow conditions were poor and the slope was made of very hard ice, which would have made their climb unsafe. Hence the attempt was given up and the team returned back by middle of October.
Team 4: Czech
Team Size: 14 members
Leader: Michal Banes
Period: September
Result: Unsuccessful
Summary
A Czech expedition led by Michal Banes with 14 members established base camp at Tapovan (4300m) to attempt the west ridge of Shivling. However, during middle of September like all other expeditions they found constant rain and snow and were confined mostly to base camp. After making two attempts they found the conditions too dangerous to proceed and the attempt was given up.