Hamdeli 2025 Expedition press release

On October 7th at 7:45am, ten members of the Hamdeli 2025 Expedition team reached the summit of Yalung Ri (5630m) in the remote Rolwaling valley, Dolakha District Nepal. The team of international climbers from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan were part of an effort to  provide opportunities for young, aspiring female climbers to build advanced skills, gain experience, and connect with a community of like-minded women from diverse backgrounds and countries. Supported by Hamdeli, a US based non-profit organization, this example setting expedition brought together young women from across the Himalayas to not only to summit a high peak, but also to foster skills in mountaineering, rock climbing, first aid, and create life long bonds across cultures. All of the female team members are leaders in their own countries, pursuing careers in the mountains and breaking barriers and changing mindsets in their own ways. This expedition brought them together for the first time, to share in an adventure together and learn about each other's cultures and challenges. We hope this expedition will empower future female guides in the Himalayas, opening pathways for leadership, mentorship, connection and growth. 

The team members included Maryam Sharipova and Furough Shakarmamadova from Tajikistan, Tsetan Dolma from Leh Ladakh, India, Amina Hanif and Saddiqa Hanif from Hushe Gilget Baltistan Pakistan, Neki Haidari from Bamiyan Afghanistan (living in Berlin Germany as a refugee), Srijana Tamang from Kavre Palanchowk, Nepal. Guide team for the expedition was led by Pasang Kidar Sherpa, IFMGA guide (Rolwaling Dolakha Nepal) and Danika Gilbert (Colorado, USA) and included Mingma Chhiri Sherpa, IFMGA guide (Rolwaling Dolakha Nepal), and Luckme Tamang, NNMGA Aspirant Guide (Dhulikhel, Kavre Palanchowk Nepal). Partnership between Pasang Kidar Sherpa and Danika Gilbert have brought other international female climbers to Nepal in the past, which fostered the seeds of this expedition. 

Porter assistance for the Hamdeli 2025 Expedition team was provided from Suresh Rai and Harka Rai (Cheskam, Solo), Dawa Sherpa (Tapling, Solu Khumbu) and Sukra Tamang and Danbar Tamang (Tashinam, Dolakha). Without their help, the successes of the team would not have been possible. Logistics and permits for the team were provided by Khangri Trek P LTD, based in Kathmandu. Expedition planning and fundraising was done by Hamdeli, based in Ridgway, Colorado.

The expedition originally planned to climb Ramdung peak (5930m), however the big snowstorm on Oct 4th deposited more than 1m of snow at elevations above 5000m in the Rolwaling peaks, making approach to Ramdung high camp impossible. The team rerouted to climb the lower, but more technical Yalung Ri. The challenges to reach the peak with fresh snow from below basecamp added to the deep sense of camaraderie as well as accomplishment. While others in Nepal had to abandon their summit attempt or be rescued, our team found a way to reach a summit, but more importantly, forge bonds that will last a lifetime.