Situated south of Na in the upper Rolwaling area, Ramdung,
also called Ramdung Go, is one of acluster of peaks around
the Yalung La (5,310m/17,421ft), a pass giving access to the
upper Rolwaling from the south, via the Khare Khola. 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/18,471ft), Chhugyima Go (6,259m/20,534ft),
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
(16,000ft) 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/18,537ft). From here it takes
is about a 4 hour climb to the top depending on snow conditions.
The Rolwaling 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/18,875ft) 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.
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