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Ralam Dhurra Pass Expedition expedition
Summit Peak

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12 Days18,471ft maxUttarakhandChallenging

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About Ralam Dhurra Pass Expedition

12 Days
18,471 FT
Challenging

The Ralam Dhurra Pass Expedition is a remote glacier traverse linking the Johar and Darma valleys in Kumaon. Crossing Ralam Dhurra at approximately 18,471 ft, the expedition combines long glaciated approaches, technical alpine terrain, and expedition-style logistics suitable for experienced mountaineers.

Expedition Highlights

Ralam Dhurra Pass (5,645m)

Sweeping 360-degree views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chiring We, and the Panchachuli range.

Kalabaland & Ralam Glaciers

Dramatic exploration of vast ice basins surrounded by towering mountain walls.

Ancient Kumaoni Villages

Encountering traditional high-altitude settlements in remote villages like Ralam, Sipu, and Dantu.

Rhododendron to Alpine Desert

Dense oak and rhododendron forests transitioning into rugged boulder-strewn terrain.

View Complete Guide

Common Questions

Is Ralam Dhurra the same as the Ralam Glacier trek?
No. The Ralam Glacier trek stops near the glacier snout. The Ralam Dhurra expedition goes entirely over the technical icefalls to cross the 18,471 ft pass into the Darma valley.
Do I need ice climbing experience?
Yes. You must know how to use crampons on steep blue ice and how to jumar up fixed static lines.
Can this be done in summer (July/August)?
Absolutely not. The monsoon makes the approach routes wash away and turns the glacier into a death trap of collapsing seracs.
Why is double footwear necessary?
Temperatures at 18,000+ ft during an alpine 1:00 AM start will plunge to -20°C. Single boots will result in frostbite.
Is there a trail on the glacier?
No. The route is entirely unmapped and changes every season based on crevasse formations. Expert guide navigation is mandatory.
How do you descend into the Darma Valley?
The eastern face of Ralam Dhurra is terrifyingly steep. It typically requires rappelling down fixed lines into the heavily broken Darma glacier system.
What happens if someone gets AMS?
They must be immediately evacuated down. If caught on the pass day, it requires a highly complex stretcher lowering by the Sherpa team.
Are permits easy to get?
No. The Johar and Darma valleys border Tibet. Inner Line Permits and IMF expedition clearances are strictly enforced and take weeks to process.
Is Ralam Dhurra the same as the Ralam Glacier trek?
No. The Ralam Glacier trek stops near the glacier snout. The Ralam Dhurra expedition goes entirely over the technical icefalls to cross the 18,471 ft pass into the Darma valley.
Do I need ice climbing experience?
Yes. You must know how to use crampons on steep blue ice and how to jumar up fixed static lines.
Can this be done in summer (July/August)?
Absolutely not. The monsoon makes the approach routes wash away and turns the glacier into a death trap of collapsing seracs.
Why is double footwear necessary?
Temperatures at 18,000+ ft during an alpine 1:00 AM start will plunge to -20°C. Single boots will result in frostbite.
Is there a trail on the glacier?
No. The route is entirely unmapped and changes every season based on crevasse formations. Expert guide navigation is mandatory.
How do you descend into the Darma Valley?
The eastern face of Ralam Dhurra is terrifyingly steep. It typically requires rappelling down fixed lines into the heavily broken Darma glacier system.
What happens if someone gets AMS?
They must be immediately evacuated down. If caught on the pass day, it requires a highly complex stretcher lowering by the Sherpa team.
Are permits easy to get?
No. The Johar and Darma valleys border Tibet. Inner Line Permits and IMF expedition clearances are strictly enforced and take weeks to process.

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