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Janhukot is a mountain buried deep in the heart of the Indian Garwhal Himalaya, at the end of the long Gangotri glacier and the head of the sacred source of the Ganges River. Surrounded by some of the jewels of the Himalayan mountains – Shivling, Meru, Kedar Dome – Janhukot has an allure all of its own; mountaineers have strived in vain on this far flung summit as far back as the 1980s.
In May 2018, three British climbers Malcolm Bass, Paul Figg and Guy Buckingham set out to attempt the first ascent of Janhukot. They filmed their experiences along the way, in the hope that by sharing their mental and physical struggles to camera, they can encourage others to attempt similar adventures, and prove that with some sacrifice and training, ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
This six-part video series takes us step-by-step through the process of what it takes to plan and go on an expedition to the Greater Ranges.Based on their extensive combined experience of climbing and mountaineering, Malcolm, Paul and Guy take us through their processes, from picking the right climbing partners and training, through to the travel, the acclimatisation, the climb itself, making serious decisions on route, and then re-adjusting to normal life back at home.
In part one Malcolm, Paul and Guy talk about the importance of finding the right climbing partners for committing expeditions such as Janhukot, and what makes for a successful and strong team dynamic.
In part two, Malcolm explains why Janhukot came to be their main objective, the history of the mountain and his previous attempt in 2014. The team discuss the other options that were on the cards and the trials and tribulations of Himalayan climbing bureaucracy.
In part three, Malcolm, Paul and Guy discuss the very real struggle of getting fit for a Himalayan expedition, and the inevitable struggle of balancing work and home life with training and preparation. They explain their different approaches to honing their physical and mental strengths and improving their weaknesses.
In part four, we follow the team as they head to India and begin the journey to Janhukot. They explain the process of acclimatisation and what it involves, as well as how to manage sickness and boost morale when things get tough.
In part five, we follow the team on their attempt to climb Janhukot. Through pre-trip interviews and footage shot on the climb, Malcolm, Paul and Guy give us a unique insight into life on a Greater Ranges climb, dealing with kit admin, route finding, dodgy cornices and uncomfortable sleeping arrangements.
In the final part of this series, Malcolm, Paul and Guy reflect on the successes and failures of the expedition, lessons they have learnt and what it means to come home and re-adjust to normal life after such an intense shared experience.
