AOA everyone
I am taking a different approach this time, I am starting this thread even before I am going on the trip. I will depart from Lahore on Monday 23rd April, 2018 and be back on 2nd May, 2018. I will provide updates and details after I come back.
I would like to thank @asifcae for encouraging me to go on this trip which I did not find interesting earlier. But as I read the amazing facts about this Malangutti Glacier, my interest is now at peak.
** Here is little introduction of the Trip
#Malangutti2018
I had no plans for my usual May trip this year. One I calculated my annual leave plan and I realized it would be unprofessional to apply for that many days in 30 days span. This revelation made me consider my options and as usual I had none.
One option was to go to Batura Glacier (7th longest glacier outside polar region) but it did not workout. I wanted to take leaves in early May, before Ramadan so that enough snow had melted. Just out of nowhere came this opportunity where "Ice Climbing" training was being provided on Malangutti glaier, which is close to #Shimshal (highest human settlement in Pakistan).
Malangutti is 23 Km long glacier flowing northwards right into Shimshal Valley and bounds the human settlement from moving down along with Shimshal river. Historically Malangutti has been both challenge and threat to Shimshal. Crossing Malangutti was a dangerous task up till recent times as this active glacier prevented building proper pathway. As a threat, it might dam Shimshal river cause water to reach the settlement. Which it has done before according to the surveys.
Shimshal valley - Aerial View All glaciers in view are flowing northwards in Shimshal river. Disteghil Sar (The highest mountain of Hispar Muztagh),is also visible. On extreme right, Attabad lake and some villages of Hunza Valley are also visible.
Surface of Malangutti is very scenic as it's dissected in 5-10 meter flanks and resembles whale's back. On right side of the glacier, moraine raises upto 250 meters in height and 1,000 meters in length. In dry weather, it could cause huge land/rock slide.
Tongue of Malangutti Glacier reaches across valley while Shimshal river edges it's way out. Moraine of glacier are visible too.
In fact very interesting paper published came to my possession which I will read perhaps on the way. Since this was not my 4th year going towards the north, I had gathered up some items already but most important I had the sheets Which I always refer to estimate cost and items which I need to buy. This trip was no different, I had to buy a few items. Here is my sheet.
I have only mentioned Price of Items which I had to by for #Malangutti2018 .
We are told we will be doing something like this...