"IT'S MORE THAN JUST A CLIMB"

“Today is hard, tomorrow will be harder, but the day after tomorrow will be sunshine." Rock climbing is an exhilarating and challenging outdoor activity that pushes you to your limits and rewards you with breathtaking views. The team of Wongchhu Peak Promotion had the opportunity to go rock climbing at Pharping, a home for several ancient monasteries and temples. Surrounded by hills, Pharping is a popular choice among rock climbers since 2005 as it has diverse terrain and levels of climbing. Whether it be beginners, advanced climbers, or hikers, Pharping welcomes you with its panoramic view. In this blog, we will share our experience of this amazing outdoor adventure.

We started our journey from Crimpanzee Adventure Hub, early in the morning, around 7:30 am. Then we headed straight to the Pharping via Balkhu road. The ride to Pharping was around an hour long and as we reached, we were welcomed by the beautiful landscape and the fresh mountain air. We then hiked towards the spot where we would be rock climbing.

Mr. Tendi Sherpa, an experienced IFMGA climbing guide was leading a group of 9 aspirant climbers for a day. He gave us a brief orientation about rock climbing and the safety measures we needed to follow. The safety gears required for rock climbing are listed below. If you are interested in rock climbing and you are in a dilemma about where to find these gears, worry not. You can get these gears from Makalu-e-Traders or you can simply rent them.

• Helmet

• Glass/Goggles

• Sunscreen

• Safety harness & ropes

• Quickdraw & Carabiner

• Belay devices

• Climbing shoes

• Water bottle and hydrating snacks

As we started climbing, we soon realized that rock climbing is not just about physical strength, but also about mental endurance and focus. Every move we made had to be calculated and precise. The climb was exhausting, but the feeling of accomplishment we got after each successful climb made it all worth it. The climb was a mix of both easy and difficult routes, which made it challenging yet enjoyable for all skill levels.

Throughout the climb, Mr. Tendi Sherpa guided us and provided us with tips on how to climb efficiently and safely. He also shared with us his experiences of climbing which was truly inspiring. Mr. Gyan Tamang, one of the members of the climbing crew, was also very motivating and kept cheering us on. His enthusiasm and encouragement made us feel like we could conquer any climb. One of the most memorable moments of the climb was reaching the top and looking out at the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The feeling of being on top of the world, even if it was just for a brief moment, was indescribable. We also learned a lot about outdoor climbing during this experience. While indoor climbing is a great way to practice and build your skills, outdoor climbing is a whole different experience. The natural terrain and unpredictable weather conditions add to the challenge and excitement of the climb.

As we made our way back down, we were tired but also invigorated. The climb pushed us to our limits, but we also achieved something that we never thought was possible. We are grateful for the experience and guidance of our skilled coach. We learned a lot about climbing, and we were reminded that sometimes, pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. We highly recommend anyone who loves adventure and a good challenge to try rock climbing at Pharping with a professional guide. Pharping is just an hour away from the city and gives a variety of challenges. So this will be a good idea to hang out at Pharping. And lastly, we would like to express our gracious thanks to Mr. Tendi Sherpa for his skilled guidance, Mr. Gyan Tamang for unbreakable motivation, and the whole climber fellow for cheering up.

Ang Diku Sherpa

General Manager

Wongchhu Peak Promotion