A 19-member trekking team has successfully crossed the formidable Traill's Pass (5,312 meters) in the Kumaon Himalayas, overcoming blizzard conditions, deep crevasses, and a narrowly avoided avalanche. The historic high-altitude pass, recognized as one of Uttarakhand's most challenging trekking routes, connects the Pindari Glacier region in Bageshwar with Munsiyari in Pithoragarh district.
Journey and Challenges
Team members reported that the expedition required immense endurance, technical skill, and constant vigilance as adverse weather repeatedly threatened to derail their progress. The trek commenced from Khati village in Bageshwar on May 30, but persistent rain forced a one-day delay in the team's move from Dwali to Pindari Base Camp.
Upon reaching the base camp on June 1, climbers discovered that nearly two feet of fresh snow had accumulated near the Advance Base Camp, rendering the route highly perilous. A support group attempting to transport supplies there the next day had to retreat due to slippery, snow-covered slopes.
Critical Ascent
On June 3, the full team made another attempt but was compelled to halt and set up a temporary camp due to adverse weather. The following day, after fixing approximately 200 meters of rope across difficult terrain, the trekkers reached the Advance Base Camp, where fresh snowfall overnight added to the challenges ahead. The team then crossed a vast ice field between Nandakhat and the Pindari Glacier, negotiating deep crevasses before establishing Camp II. From there, members fixed nearly 600 meters of rope toward Traill's Pass and eventually reached the summit during a brief spell of clear weather.
Avalanche Narrowly Avoided
The most critical phase occurred during the descent. As temperatures rose and snow softened, avalanche danger increased sharply. While traversing a steep slope, the team spotted an avalanche moving down the mountainside and immediately shifted to safer ground. "The avalanche passed right beside us. Had we reacted five seconds later, the outcome could have been very different," a team member recounted.
Team's Perspective
Expedition leader Dinesh Singh Danu described it as the toughest expedition of his 15-year mountaineering career. "Continuous snowfall, difficult terrain, a rope slipping into a crevasse, and the avalanche threat made this one of the most demanding expeditions I have undertaken. But the team remained disciplined and united throughout," he said.
Sucharita Dhara, a participant from Kolkata, noted that the avalanche incident was the most frightening part of the trek. "For a few seconds, it felt impossible to survive. The team's experience and quick response helped us escape safely," she stated.
Local guide Tara Singh emphasized that patience and respect for mountain conditions played a key role in the team's safe return.
