Peak overview
Nestled amidst the rugged terrain of Lahoul and Spiti lies a majestic peak known as the Lady of Keylong, named after the British Lady Elashaingh day who explored the region.
The mountain, with its perpetually snow-covered peaks, is a delight for general / ski- mountaineers.
Its rocky outcrops form a striking figure resembling a woman carrying a load on her back, visible from the town of Keylong.
The approach
Embarking on this expedition begins with a journey to the quaint Tinoo village near Keylong. Surrounded by lush vegetation and picturesque landscapes, Tinoo sets the stage for our adventure. We'll trek through vegetable farms and juniper trees, crossing rivers and ascending the northern face of Tinoo settlement to reach our base camp. This camp, nestled on a steep hill amidst highland flora and stones, serves as our starting point for the arduous climb ahead.
Loaded with gear and provisions, we push onward to higher camps, acclimatizing to the altitude as we go. The ascent starts steep, with loose rocks and hard snow, leading to a high-exposure gully demanding swift progress. Further challenges await, including navigating moraine glacier waterfalls and confronting steep ice walls embedded with scree.
The climb
As we near the summit camp, the terrain becomes increasingly treacherous, with perilous climbs up rocky slopes and icy walls. Finally, at the summit camp, situated on a vast glacier at 5200 meters, we catch our first glimpse of the awe-inspiring Lady of Keylong in all her glory.
The moment of truth arrives as we prepare for the final push to the summit. Under the cover of night, we set out, navigating steep snowy slopes and avoiding gaping crevasses. After a challenging ascent, we stand triumphant atop the 6061-meter peak, rewarded with breathtaking views of surrounding peaks and valleys.
Descending from our conquest, we pack up camp and make our way back to Keylong, filled with a sense of accomplishment and awe at the wonders of nature. Our expedition to the Lady of Keylong may be challenging, but the reward of summiting this majestic peak is unparalleled.