On June 16, 2014, Peking University’s Mountain Eagle Society officially announced that the summer climbing target of the 2014 Peking University Camel Mountaineering Team had been changed from Mount Sandan Kangsang to Geladandong Peak, located in Qinghai Province.
After this decision was made public, the outdoor community expressed widespread confusion, as switching mountains requires not only formulating different climbing, equipment, and logistics plans, but also conducting specific training tailored to the unique characteristics of the new peak. The team had previously organized six weeks of physical training and technical instruction specifically for Mount Sandan Kangsang, and all logistical preparations were already in place. So why did the Mountain Eagle Society decide to change the climbing target under these fully prepared circumstances?
Peking University Camel Mountaineering Team trains on Haituo Mountain for the climb to Sandan Kangsang
In recent years, global warming has become an increasingly prominent topic in ecological and environmental research. Therefore, while the climbing application for Mount Sandan Kangsang was still awaiting approval from the relevant authorities, the Peking University Camel Mountaineering Team chose Geladandong Peak — a site of greater ecological and environmental research value located at the source of the Yangtze River — as its climbing objective for this year. With an elevation of 6,621 meters, Geladandong Peak is situated within Tanggula Township, Golmud City, Qinghai Province, and is the main peak of the Tanggula Mountain Range. The Jianggudiru Glacier on its southern side is the primary source of the Yangtze River. Meltwater from the glacier forms streams that converge with other tributaries to create the Tuotuo River.
In August 1994, 11 members of the Peking University Mountain Eagle Society mountaineering team successfully summited Geladandong Peak, marking the first time that Chinese people reached the snow-capped peak at the source of the Yangtze River — a feat of great significance. The upcoming climb by the Peking University Camel Mountaineering Team to Geladandong Peak is also highly meaningful. In addition to following in the footsteps of their predecessors from two decades ago, the team also bears a significant mission: to study the geomorphological and environmental changes in the Yangtze River source region caused by global climate change. To this end, the team visited Professor Cui Zhijiu, an eminent geologist and pioneer in modern glacial research in China from the Department of Geography at Peking University, as well as Professor Liu Gengnian from the College of Urban and Environmental Sciences at Peking University, who is a council member of both the Glaciology and Geocryology Branch of the Geographical Society of China and the Quaternary Geology and Glaciology Branch of the Geological Society of China. The team sought detailed advice and insights on related issues, gaining valuable guidance that will be applied during this climbing expedition.
As a strategic partner of the Mountain Eagle Society, Camel’s General Manager Wan Jingang expressed strong support for the society’s adjustment of its climbing objectives: “The Peking University Camel Mountaineering Team not only dares to challenge itself, but also pays close attention to ecological and environmental changes. This reflects an evolution from self to a greater purpose, showcasing the inclusiveness and openness of outdoor sports. Camel also pays close attention to and cares about the environment.” It is reported that Camel will provide full equipment sponsorship for the Mountain Eagle Society’s climbing and research activities this time.