Chances are, when you think of the Himalayan mountains, you see sharp, snow-capped peaks, desolate valleys, and peaceful yaks.
Or, maybe this.
This was my favorite ride as a teen at the Jersey Shore. At night, all lit up, it was truly spectacular. Even then, however, I knew people didn’t ski or stay at ski resorts in the Himalayas. The mountains had a far more serious purpose: mountaineering. The highest peaks in the world are there, and the greatest challenges. With those challenges, comes defeat — and the price is your life. Mt Everest is one of the world’s highest graveyards. When climbers die there, their bodies remain, as it is far too risky for others to retrieve them and bring them down. If they can be reached, they might be buried under a cairn. If not, they are slowly freeze-dried and remain in the position they kept at death, the bright colors of their clothing calling them to attention when they aren’t covered by the snow.
Morbidity aside, if you’re writing about mountaineers, and want to throw some HImalayan placenames around, here are some ideas.
Himalayan Mountaineering
| Alpha Rajma
Tsang Tsang Crags Suj Jomol Changpaghari Rajasum Amakanslu Devmuchuli Scarp Mangtirche Ridge Arwapulam Pass Lhatmandh Dangtirche Anabutse Gurlau Pinnacle Mukujungtok Ama Bain Mohan Chandra Mana Nan Peak Jomol Cham Chambakari Base Camp Nuptmand Sujtang Peak Pradu Peak Thallongchen Valley Lamp Namcha Cliffs |
Kula Gya
Saif Nande Gorge Balakhat Thal Noj Kalbutsebhu Massif Deviguch Plateau Amajangpang Gyalatang Amalung Thontok Basin Dhaula Thark Shiwa Mukhangila Fall Rajmalong Icefield Andaragi Ridge Kathpar Bai Kardha Tara Gurla Gyalaam Monastery Pradbuang Glacier Chomo Thark Bidhse Snowfield Ganeshu Wall Labuche Lan |
