Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Changabang is part of a group of peaks that form the northeast wall of the Nanda Devi sanctuary. Although the peak doesn’t have a high topographical prominence and is lower than many other peaks in the immediate area, but its steep rocky profile has made it a more attractive destination. It lies in the Nanda Devi region of peaks.
HISTORY
In 1974, Changabang was first ascended by an expedition led by Lt. Col Balwant Sandhu and Chris Bonington, via the Southeast Face, leading to the East Ridge.In 1976, Naoki Toda, Akira Kobayashi, Masahide Aida, Harumi Ohno, Yukio Asano and Teruyoshi Karino (Japanese Alpine Club) all reached the summit after 33 days of effort via Southwest Ridge.Peter Boardman and Joe Tasker, summit reached in 1976.
The West Wall route took over 25 days to ascend, and their use of big wall climbing techniques to overcome the serious, sustained difficulties was revolutionary in the field of mountaineering.
CLIMBING ROUTES
- Southwest Ridge
- Southeast Face/East Ridge
- South Ridge
- North Face
Out of all these routes, Southeast Face/East Ridge is the easiest route on the mountain.
HOW TO REACH
The trek to Changabang commences from Joshimath in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The route follows: Joshimath -- Juma – Ruing – Dronagiri -- Bagni Glacier Base Camp.
- ROAD: Joshimath has good connectivity of roads from cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. One can reach to these places from Delhi and get a bus or shared taxi to Joshimath. The buses usually leave early morning from places like Haridwar and Rishikesh.
- RAIL: Joshimath doesn’t have a railhead. Nearest railway station to Joshimath is situated in Haridwar. Haridwar is connected with major cities like Delhi, Ahmadabad and Dehradun.
- AIR: The nearest airport to Joshimath is Jolly Grant situated in Dehradun. From there, one can opt for a bus or a taxi to reach Joshimath.