Mountaineering- for Bangladesh it is a new concept. To hold a dream of getting higher and higher, to have a look at the world below from a place where very few people have ever been is something very tough here in Bangladesh. Geographically, we are inhabbitants of a mostly flat alluvial region. The highest altitude you can gain in Bangladesh is just 3172 ft. And the most important thing is,our average yearly income is only 336.7 USD. So, one can easily understand how hard it is for someone to find a way to accomplish his dream of being higher than anyone. But the exception is, a few people here dares to stick to their illusive dream against all the odds. And sometimes, it pays off.
Bangladesh India Joint Expedition for Peace to Mt. Rubal Kang was something first of its kind for Bangladesh. Mt. Rubal Kang (6187m); geographically located In Parvatee Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India, obliges contemporary mountaineering. And when it comes down to peace and partnership, every single moment of this expedition period says it all when climbers of two different nationalities share the experience of their lifetime.
From the very beginning of the expedition, members had to come face to face with the hardest of challenges; ruthless weather & merciless terrain. Whatever element someone could ever ask for a mountaineering expedition; it was all there. But the real deal started after base camp at 140, 00 ft. The temperature fell to sub zero level and the climbers had to face rock, ice and snow altogether along with blinding blizzard. Three camps were set after the base camp. The members were closing in on Mt. Rubal Kang climbing up through the Rotiruni Glacier. |
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Camp II was just at the gully of Mt. Rubal Kang. Expedition members had their first close view of their destination or destiny shall I say; the towering Rubal Kang with rock, ice and snow. Waiting to take on whatever challenge the climbers could offer. 5 member Team -A was about to attempt their summit on the 29 may.
The push for summit started at 0345 hrs Local time. As the team climbed higher, the gradient grew to a staggering 65-70 degrees. There was loose snow, slick hard ice and the feared of all; rock faces. After an agonizing 8 hr push, Team Kewkradong was just a few meters from the summit. At 1128 hrs local time, it was done. Team Kewkradong along with MAK have finally summited Mt. Rubal Kang. It was majestic up there. Tears of joy brought the prayers and promises together. Team Kewkradong carried the red and green Bangladesh flag up to a height very few of us had ever been.
This expedition was much more than a 5 men effort. Team Kewkradong had to keep the promise of their family, friends and most importantly of their motherland. It was a climb for peace, cooperation and partnership between two significant nations in south Asia. And Kewkradong Bangladesh hopes this will sustain a lifetime and enhance the regional cooperation internationally.
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