Lingana Pinnacle-1000ft Climb & rappling experience

19th 20th Dec. 2014 - Lingana - 1000 ft rock climbing & Rappeling

Lingana, the name always attracted me for dual reason – 1000ft hard rock climb & rappelling down in a dead drop valley. This pinnacle is situated in Raigadh district right in front of Kille Raigadh. It was being used for keepings the captives serving lifer during the rule of Raja Shiv Chattrapati. The whole idea of Lingana Climb reminds you of the movie ‘Where Eagles dare’.

I was excited enough to jump in & book my seat in no time when ‘Explorers’ declared this event. We were a group of 8 people & I was again the only lady. We all were completely unknown to each other. We started from Explorer’s office sometimes in the afternoon in a TT. Soon as the rubber hit the road, the facilitator in me got into the introduction session & many common connects were discovered including the trekking experiences. We reached Village Mohori, a base village by evening. 

Golden sun was setting behind the peak of Lingana that was visible from the vast plateau covered with golden grass. A small hut kind of place was right in the middle of this pasture where we were put up for the night. The evening was spent in dim lights, playing cards, chatting, sitting around chullha and trying hand on ‘Bajra Bhakri’ with the local women. After having sumptuous countryside dinner with Pithla-Bhakri, Mirchi cha kharda, Papad etc. we hit the sack & tried to grab some sleep.

At 2am we got ready to march towards Lingana with our head lamps on. After a walk of half an hour in pitch dark jungle, we reached a narrow descend called ‘Nali chi vaat’. Descending down this gorge was a challenge in itself due to almost 70 degrees slope, lose soil, small boulders which would be fatal for the one descending ahead of you if it slips because of your foot thump, the need of holding the body weight towards hill side and to top it all, only 10% visibility due to torch lights. One had to be very careful & alert. Finally by the break of dawn we were at the foothills of Lingana.

Lingana- the name is derived very aptly from its resemblance to ‘Shiv ling’. Made of solid rocks, standing 1000ft erect, this wonder of nature nearly looks impossible. Only hope was the centre rope which had been laid by team Explorers & would pass through the D -hooks bolted at distances right till the top of this mighty hump. We started scaling the vertical limits almost immediately. Adrenaline was at its best when we were climbing on the bare chest of this absolute ruthless Maddie keeping a deep, merciless valley behind our back.

The climb was absolutely fantastic for those who enjoy the feel of life at each moment on the background of death. Continuous ascent of 80 – 90 degrees where the rocks are standing right touching your nose tip, you are using your fingertips & toes for taking the hold in the crevices before you push your body up either pulling the centre rope or using your triceps. Explorers had arranged for 2 tier safety,1. through the belay rope attached to the carabiner of my harness 2. A tape sling with carabiner for self- anchoring with the centre rope dangling next to me. This rope would also help me pull myself up during no-hold times. Anand & his team were extremely alert & constantly motivating us to go higher n higher. When we reached half way, we all halted in a small cave where we got some refreshment & little rest. 

From there the second stretch started. At one point while waiting for the belay rope to come down, I was sitting facing the valley. The stress of tough climb, the ambiguity of what is next challenge had got me into mental tiredness. I was cursing myself for leaving those comforts & safety in my life back there and coming here to take all this stress & stretch. Soon I was again back on track, chin up (literally) & moving upward in inches & feet.

Finally, I was there, on the summit of Lingana. I was the second person to reach. All I did was laid down on the soil, looked at the stark open deep blue sky & offered my gratitude to the supreme. In next 2 min. I had slipped into deep sleep. After 20 min I woke up feeling much fresh & back in my elements. By then 4 others had reached the top. It was an amazing view from the top plateau which is not more than 100sq ft of flat space. Lovely morning Sunlight was warming the body, Kille Raigad was standing gracefully at some distance, Kille Torna showing up from far away distance near horizon & many known unknown mountains surrounding us in a protective manner. Thanks to the clear skies 

After good round of photo session, we rappelled downhill in 2 stages which hardly took any time. As I reached the foothills, I knelt down facing Lingana & bowed down with a great pleasure in my heart. He had been kind enough to let us negotiate with him & enjoy our pick of adventure safely. I promised him to come back again.

I have understood that I love that peculiar taste of fear in my mouth when it looks nearly  impossible. However the bug of adventure has bitten so badly  that after every certain period, the challenge keeps calling & pulling me to identify new fears & push my limits only to be left with  one feeling .......
Yes, I am alive.

I have also learnt that even if the group is unknown to each other, it still becomes very easy to connect & become one team  because everyone has same goal, same objective to achieve. I met new friends Amol, Prasad, Srikant, Kishor, Sachin and we continued being together on many treks then after.