Kolhoi Peak – Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering information

Expedition Leader: Colonel Hem Chandra Singh, Principal JIM and WS
Expedition Start Date: 3rd September 2023
Summit Date: 6th September 2023, 10:15 hours
Base Camp: Satlanjan
Team Composition:
Total Team Members: 16
Expedition Leader : Colonel Hem Chandra Singh, (Principal JIM&WS)
Members:
Showkat Ahmad Mir (JIM&WS)
Mohamad Iqbal (JIM&WS)
Ajay Kumar Chauhan (JIM&WS)
Mr. Waseem Hassan Rather (All Jammu Kashmir Mountaineering Foundation)
Mr. Danish Showkat Dhar (All Jammu Kashmir Mountaineering Foundation)
Mr. Aamir Lateef Dhar ( All Jammu Kashmir Mountaineering Foundation)
Mr. Mudasir Ahmad Malik (All Jammu Kashmir Mountaineering Foundation)
Mr. Faik Aijaz Pattoo (All Jammu Kashmir Mountaineering Foundation)
Mr. Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh (All Jammu Kashmir Mountaineering Foundation)
Mr. Chandan Pal Singh (All Jammu Kashmir Mountaineering Foundation)
Mr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat (All Jammu Kashmir Mountaineering Foundation)
Mr. Muazzan Ahsan (All Jammu Kashmir Mountaineering Foundation)
Mr. Akeel Dar ( All Jammu Kashmir Mountaineering Foundation)
Expedition Objectives:
Promote adventure tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Divert the energy of youth towards nation-building and adventure sports.

Expedition Itinerary:
3rd September: Flag-off at JIM and WS reached Satlanjan, campfire and merry-making.

4th September:Moved to Camp 1 near Lake Dudhsaran.

5th September: Crossed Kolahoi glacier and reached Summit Camp.

6th September: Summit at 10:15 hours, descent, and return to Camp 2100 (Dudhsaran).

Summit Description:
Mt. Kolahoi is the highest peak in the Kashmir Valley, standing at 5425 meters.

The summit route was challenging, with a narrow ridge, loose rocks, and steep sections.

The top provided a picturesque view of the Kashmir region, including Mount Harmu, Mount Tulian, and other peaks.

Challenges Faced:
Hazardous conditions due to loose rocks, Dabri cliffs, and narrow ridge.

Adverse weather with heavy snowfall during descent.

Lightning strikes due to the peak's conical structure.

Cautious descent due to lightning risk and conical structure.

Medical support provided to locals in need.

Role of Hav Instructor Iqbal:
Route opening party commander.

Responsible for rope fixing and equipment management.

Achievements:
Successful summit of Mt. Kolahoi on 6th September 2023.

Boosted motivation among locals for adventure sports and mountaineering.

Potential to enhance adventure tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Conclusion:
The Mt. Kolahoi Expedition 2023 led by Colonel Hem Chandra Singh and featuring a team of dedicated climbers from JIM and WS and All Jammu Kashmir Mountaineering Foundation, proved to be a remarkable success. Despite the challenges posed by the peak's hazardous terrain and adverse weather, the team's determination and careful planning ensured a safe summit. This achievement is expected to inspire and attract more youth towards adventure tourism and mountaineering in Jammu and Kashmir, contributing positively to the region's development.