Rilong Day 3

We were more energetic on Day 3 at Rilong, probably because we had acclimatized better. Before we set off for our new ice climbing location, we took a group photo outside the lodge. It was as cold; -10 C in the morning.

As we moved to a new climbing location, we were treated to an equally astonishing view of the Shuanqiao Valley. The clear blue sky and the snow covered mountaintop.

We hiked up to the frozen waterfall and soon after, began our ice-climbing again. This time we were more knowledgeable and able to scale the waterfall better, and faster too. More confidence in using ice-axes and crampons.

This was our former MIR Chairman working his way up the steep wall. At each time, only three climbers allowed since there were only three ropes available. Each track was different so we took turns to try out all three.

The height of each climb was about 15-20 meters up the wall. The climbers looked so small compared to the size of the waterfall. Can’t imagine how this place would look like in spring/summer.

This is the view of the valley from where the climbers are. You could see the where the water would flow down.

And to take this shot, I had to properly secure myself first before I brought out my camera. There were three anchor points securing the rope and a karabiner to my safety harness. The ice axes were also placed properly on the anchors. Even my camera bag was secured to my safety harness and my camera secured to my bag.

A self portrait shot before I made the descent.

This was the group photo of our instructor and his team of local guides who helped to set up the rope. They were very nice and amazing bunch of people!

After a long day, we went back to the village to get ready for dinner. Opposite our lodge, we could see someone scaling the waterfall. The magnificient size of the waterfall from afar compared to the size of a man made us appreciated our climbs even more.

A smile on the face after a good climb! Smile and the whole world smiles with you. Peace.