Deo Tibba Mountaineering Expedition — 13 Days

Alpine climbing in Himachal Pradesh with glacier and ice training

Deo Tibba, an alpine peak in the Himalayas above Manali, requires technical mountaineering skill: glacier travel, ice climbing, rope work, and crevasse rescue. This 13-day expedition begins and ends in Manali and is designed for mountaineers with prior trekking and high-altitude climbing experience. The itinerary includes five days of acclimatization and skills training at base camp, two days of load ferries establishing intermediate camps, and a summit attempt from Camp 2. Participants receive instruction in snow, ice, and rock techniques and learn to manage exposure at altitude. Fixed rope is established on steep sections; crampon work, ice axe technique, and rope-team dynamics are practiced before the summit push. Success depends on fitness, acclimatization, and stable weather.

Best time to go: May, June, September, October

Highlights

Trek from Baraah Hazaari water station through oak and deodar forest to Chikka pasture (10,200 feet) over 18 kilometers
Ascend to Seri meadow (12,800 feet) and view Mount Deo Tibba with its glaciers from Tenta ridge
Cross Chota Chandratal, a high-altitude emerald lake, during acclimatization walks from base camp
Conduct load ferries across ice fields and negotiated crevasses between base camp and Camp 1 (13,775 feet)
Practice winter skills training including crampon technique, ice axe use, and glacier rescue procedures
Summit Mount Deo Tibba with views of neighboring Indrasan peak, then descend to Camp 1

Day by day

1Manali to Chikka — Forest Trek to Pasture (10,200 ft)Manali · Chikka · Jagatsukh village · Baraah Hazaari Hydro water station · oak and deodar forest

The expedition begins with a morning pickup at Manali and a drive to Jagatsukh village, where the trek starts at Baraah Hazaari Hydro water station. The 18-kilometer route ascends gradually through dense oak and deodar forest, passing lush meadows and wild flowers. The trail meanders without technical difficulty, requiring approximately 6 to 7 hours to reach Chikka, a flat pasture land suitable for establishing a base camp. Accommodation is provided in tents, allowing acclimatization to altitude before the higher reaches.

2Chikka to Seri — Meadow and Mountain Base (12,800 ft)Chikka to Seri · Seri · Seri meadow

The route from Chikka to Seri involves a steady climb The trail becomes progressively steeper as it approaches Seri, a large flat meadow where the Jagatsukh Nallah stream levels out. The meadow is surrounded by mountain peaks on all sides and provides a natural amphitheater for the next two nights. A campfire marks the evening gathering point.

3Base Camp Establishment — Tenta Ridge and Chota Chandratalbase camp · Tenta ridge · Chota Chandratal · three shallow stream crossings

Members trek to base camp (13,775 feet) and the ridge called Tenta, which offers direct views of Mount Deo Tibba and its glaciers. Three shallow stream crossings, without bridges, must be navigated on the route. Weather permitting, participants can extend the day to Chota Chandratal, a small alpine lake with emerald-colored water set in a rocky basin. The surrounding terrain consists of bare rock, scree, and patches of snow depending on season. All members return to base camp for dinner and overnight accommodation in tents.

4Base Camp Rest and Equipment DistributionBase Camp

This day is reserved for rest and acclimatization at 13,775 feet. Mountaineering equipment—ice axes, crampons, harnesses, helmets, and technical rope—is distributed and fitted. Members undertake short acclimatization walks in the immediate camp area to gauge their response to altitude and begin learning rope-handling basics before technical climbing begins.

5Load Ferry to Camp 1 with Snow and Ice TrainingCamp 1 · mixed terrain between base camp and Camp 1

Climbers conduct the first load ferry, ascending with equipment and supplies to Camp 1, then returning to base camp. This round trip allows members to walk on mixed terrain: rock, snow, and ice simultaneously, simulating the conditions of the higher route. Fixed ropes are placed on sections where steepness or snow coverage warrants them. The exercise builds confidence and provides opportunity to practice crampon technique and rope handling in real conditions.

6Winter and Outdoor Skills Training at Base CampBase Camp

Members participate in winter skills and outdoor skills training, practicing essential mountaineering techniques.

7Establish Camp 1 — Glacier and Gully TerrainCamp 1 · steep glacial terrain, deep crevasses, and gullies

The full ascent to Camp 1 requires navigating steep glacial terrain, deep crevasses, and gullies. Fixed ropes assist on the most exposed and technical sections. The climbing is continuous and demands concentration and stamina. Members camp overnight at approximately 13,775 feet elevation before the push toward higher camps.

8Load Ferry to Camp 2 — Ice Field TraverseCamp 2 · Camp 1 to Camp 2 · Camp 1

Members conduct a load ferry from Camp 1 to Camp 2, ascending through expanses of ice field and snow-covered slopes. Equipment and supplies are deposited at the higher camp, then climbers return to Camp 1 for the night.

9Establish Summit Camp — Final Preparation at Camp 2Camp 2

Reach Camp 2 and prepare supplies and equipment for the summit climb ahead.

10Deo Tibba Summit Attempt and DescentCamp 2 · Mount Deo Tibba · Camp 1

Members depart Camp 2 for the final summit push on Mount Deo Tibba. From the summit, clear views of Deo Tibba's glaciers and the neighboring Indrasan peak are visible when weather permits. The descent follows the ascent route back to Camp 1, a full day of climbing and descending.

11Camp 1 to Base Camp — DescentCamp 1

The team descends from Camp 1 to base camp, retracing the route and managing fatigue after the summit day.

12Base Camp to ChikkaBase Camp to Chikka

Retrace the trail back through forest and meadow to Chikka.

13Chikka to Manali — Return JourneyChikka to Manali

The expedition concludes with a drive from Chikka back to Manali, ending the 13-day mountaineering journey.

Included

1. Transportation - Manali to Khanol (12000Ft) and return Manali by Temp traveler or TATA Sumo
2. Accommodation during Expedition - All high altitude tents during trek and camp I and summit camp
3. Other Ground Arrangements - 1 Cook, 3 Kitchen Helpers, 1 Mountain Guide, 3 High Altitude Porter, Mules
Note:
I. The above-mentioned number of mules has been calculated inclusive of kitchen eequipment, mess tents, food, vegetables, kitchen utensils, kerosene oil, etc. and luggage of team members
II. Each mule will carry 40 kg. of weight only
III. If due to excess weight requirement of mules increases / exceeds the above stated number of mules, the extra cost for the same has to be paid by the team members
4. Food for 10 members + 1 Liaison officer + 1 Mountain Guide + 3 High Altitude Porters, all camps and higher camps (CAMP 1 AND SUMMIT CAMP)- Normal food will be serve
5. Staff Insurance (covers only accidental insurance)
6. Mess Equipment - 1 Kitchen Tent, 1 Mess Tent, 2 Toilet tent, 10 Camp stools, 3 Camp Tables
7. Fuel, Kerosene, Butane Cylinder and Stove
8. Climbing Equipment, fix Rope ? 300 mtr, Snow Stag- 10, Ice Piton- 10, Rock Piton- 10, carabiner ? 20
9. Personal Gear - 10 Sleeping Bags, 10 Sleeping Mats, 10 Ice axe, 8 High Altitude Tents
10. Kitchen Utensils
11. Govt. Service Tax (3.09%)

Not included

1. Airport taxes at international airport
2. GST @ 5.0%
3. Peak booking charges and IMF Liaison officer charges
4. Expenses of personal nature such as tips, alcohol, laundry etc.
5. Company will not be responsible for any sort of unforeseen expenses incurred due unavoidable circumstances i.e. flight delay, road block, strike, mechanical fault, technical fault in the mode of transport, natural calamities, etc.
6. Medical / accident insurance / expenses for the trip group
7. Personal equipment for the members i.e. personal medical kit, trekking gear, clothes, climbing gear, climbing shoes etc.
8. Camera / Video Camera fee etc. if any during the trip (Group can pay directly on the spot)
9. High altitude energy chocolates /bars and any high nutrition food
10. En-route food
11. Any tax/entry fee imposed by the Govt. budget or new policy, if any, after the date of above e-mail
12. Any increase in porter / transport rates for Year 2015 will affect the package cost and if there is any increase in the same, we will let you know the difference of amount
13. Charges for extra services, if any
14. Sightseeing trips etc.
15. Services/Charges, if any, not mentioned in the final cost quoted above
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Peak Booking Charges for 10 Member: - USD 1125 + USD 500 LO with equipment charges
(Charges applicable extra and not included in the above costing)
A foreign expedition team desirous of climbing a peak shall apply to the Indian Mountaineering foundation (IMF). It is an apex body of Indian government.
Liaison Officer: - Every foreign expedition will be required to be accompanied by an Indian LO appointed by the IMF irrespective of whether the peak lies in the "restricted" area or in the "open" area
1. The above-mentioned package cost has been calculated considering normal weather conditions. If any extra expenses are incurred due to snowfall, heavy rainfall etc. or due to any unavoidable circumstances then the same has to be paid by the expedition team
2. In regards with High altitude energy chocolates /bars and any high nutrition food, you may send us the list of items required by you. If you wish, the same can be purchased by us. All kind of high altitude food items are available in Delhi. The cost for the same will be at actual cost basis and will let you know once we purchase the food items requested by you.

Activities: Mountaineering