AC Peak Lecture - Paul Ramsden - First Ascent of Surma-Sarovar

Paul joins us for the next Alpine Club Peak District Winter Lecture, sharing the story of the first ascent of Surma-Sarovar in Nepal. Paul Ramsden: First Ascent of Surma-SarovarA journey into one of Nepal’s most isolated mountain regions—and the first ascent of a remote 6,605-metre peak by its immense north face. Alpine Club Peak District Winter Lecture Date: Thursday 19 November 2026 Doors open: 7.00pm Lecture starts: 7.30pm Venue: Outside Café, Hathersage Tickets: Free for Alpine Club members | £5 for non-members Paul Ramsden joins us for the next Alpine Club Peak District Winter Lecture of the season, sharing the story of the first ascent of Surma-Sarovar in the far west of Nepal. In 2023, Paul travelled to the remote Salimor Khola valley with Tim Miller, Matt Glenn and Hamish Frost. The team set out with limited information and a deliberately open objective: to explore one of Nepal’s least-visited mountain regions and find something worth climbing. Simply reaching and exploring the valley proved an expedition in itself. Difficult river crossings, earthquakes, complex terrain and a long approach all stood between the team and the unclimbed mountains beyond. After exploring the area, Paul and Tim committed to the north face of Surma-Sarovar, a 6,605-metre peak rising above the valley. They climbed the highly committing 2,100-metre face over four days, completing a new route graded ED. Reaching the summit was only part of the challenge: worsening weather, deep snow, avalanche danger and difficult route-finding made the long and complex descent the crux of the climb. They eventually returned to base camp eight days after setting out. Paul’s lecture will tell the complete story of the expedition—from finding an objective in a barely explored valley to the judgement, uncertainty and endurance involved in making a major first ascent in lightweight alpine style. About Paul Paul Ramsden is one of Britain’s most accomplished exploratory mountaineers. He is the first climber to have received five Piolets d’Or, awarded for a series of significant alpine-style first ascents in the Himalaya and Tibet. Climbing with partners including Mick Fowler, Nick Bullock and Tim Miller, Paul has built a remarkable record of committing new routes on remote and technically demanding mountains. Tickets The lecture is open to Alpine Club members and non-members. Alpine Club members can reserve a free ticket using the code available on the Member Discounts page. Following the members’ priority-booking period, remaining tickets will be available to non-members for £5 through Eventbrite. Advance booking is recommended, as capacity is limited. Doors open at 7.00pm and the lecture begins at 7.30pm. The talk will last approximately one hour, followed by audience questions.