From the moment I first learned about glaciers during my undergraduate studies, they captured my imagination. By my third year, I was fully drawn to studying these icy giants, and this passion guided me to pursue my post-graduation in Remote Sensing and GIS, which is a prime tool to delve into the remote ice reserves. My major internship focused on glacier dynamics in the Western Himalayas, where I explored glaciers using remote sensing techniques. This work only deepened my interest in glaciology, and my official journey towards the glaciology began on August 17, 2023, when I joined the Govind Ballabh Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Ladakh Regional Centre, as a Junior Project Fellow.

The Mission

Our project, "Assessment of Glacier-Climate Functional Relationships Across the Indian Himalayan Region Through Long-Term Network Observations," tasked my team with assessing the glaciers of the Ladakh region, specifically in the Indus Basin. Interestingly, out of over tens of thousands of glaciers in the Indian Himalaya Region, so far only 18 have been studied with in-situ glaciological measurements. Our goal was to add to that a number by identifying a suitable glacier for the long-term monitoring. After careful considerations, my project supervisor, Dr. P.K. Garg, and the Head of our Ladakh Regional Centre, Dr. Sandeepan Mukherjee, selected Rulung Glacier for this purpose. The last time this glacier was studied during 1979-1981 by the Geological Survey of India, which conducted in-situ mass balance measurements for the two hydrological years.

Selecting Rulung Glacier

Choosing the right glacier for in-situ glaciological measurements requires a set of stringent criteria. The glacier must have a sufficient area (ideally around 5 km²) for comprehensive data collection, a significant altitude range (over 500 m) to detect Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) variability, a well-defined catchment area, simple geometry with minimal tributaries, and well-defined accumulation and ablation zones for mass balance studies. Debris-free glaciers are preferred, as debris can complicate energy balance assessments. Additionally, minimal non-climatic influences, such as mechanical processes, are ideal for studying climate-driven changes. Accessibility is also crucial for safe and effective fieldwork.

Rulung Glacier almost fulfils all these criteria. With an area of approximately 4 km^², a significant altitude range, and a simple, debris-free structure, it can be considered a suitable candidate for long-term in-situ glaciological studies.

First Glimpse of Rulung Glacier

These both images mark a significant milestone for our team—the first-ever photo of the Rulung Glacier captured by our camera. Standing at around 5700 meters above sea level (masl), this moment symbolizes the culmination of a challenging trek and the beginning of our scientific journey to understand the glacier dynamics.

Mohd. Taqui at the Glacier Snout In this shot, Mohd. Taqui, Junior Project Fellow, LRC-NIHE stands at the glacier’s snout, located at ~5700 m asl. This point represents the end of the glacier and the start of our in-depth study. It is a place few have reached, and this moment was a key highlight of our expedition.

The Team: A Moment of Accomplishment From left to right: Mohd. Taqui, Ezaj Hussain, myself (Mohit Prajapati), and Thinle Gyatso, our incredible team that braved the harsh conditions to explore Rulung Glacier. This photo captures not only our successful ascent but also the collective effort, dedication, and camaraderie that made this expedition possible.

The Night Sky Over Sumdo Village Sumdo village, our basecamp for this journey, offered more than just a starting point for the trek. One unforgettable moment was witnessing the breathtaking view of the galaxy, a beautiful reminder of the remoteness and serenity of this high-altitude region.

Proglacial Lake and Me (Mohit Prajapati) Here, I am standing by the proglacial lake, a serene body of water located near the Rulung Glacier. This spot, provided a moment of reflection amidst the grandeur of the surrounding landscape—a place where the forces of nature felt both peaceful and immense.