The team from the 2024 Himalayan Expedition of the Peradeniya University Explorers’ Association successfully reached the 6,189 meter high Island peak on Saturday (27) at 8.27 am, accomplishing the primary objective of their arduous journey. This is the first time a team of students from a Sri Lankan University has traversed this location.
They had traversed the arduous section of the Himalayas situated above 3,500 meters and arrived at the base camp.
Crossing the three passes in the Himalayas, namely Kongma La pass (5,550m), Chola pass (5,420m) and Renjola pass (5360m), which all exceed 3,500m in altitude, poses a significant challenge for trekkers.
The elevated altitude, frigid temperatures, and swiftly fluctuating environmental conditions along this route contribute to its formidable nature.
This Himalayan expedition team consisting of six from the Peradeniya University was expecting to climb the Island peak. The team comprised five male students and a female student representing the University’s Engineering Faculty.
Nihal Jayawardene